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The Awakening #2
Liam
Shifter, Liam Doyle knows Hell. At least he believed he did. The night he feels his mate die, he learns how very wrong he was. Nothing he’d struggled with since Ava’s rejection compares to the emptiness that fills his soul by her death. Lost in his grief, he’s taken by surprise and drugged. When he wakes, everything changes. Nothing is what it seems, and someone is dead set on making him pay.
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
209 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2013
2 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Abby Niles
15 books690 followersEver since Abby Niles picked up her first Sweet Valley High book in sixth grade and fell in love with Elizabeth and Todd, she’s been hooked on romance. By the time she reached high school, she was devouring meatier romances with pirates, cowboys and knights. She never imagined that those years of reading would one day lead to her becoming a published author.
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold.
Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love is scheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidan and the The Awakening: Liam and The Awakening: Britton. Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.
She is represented by Maureen Walters at Curtis Brown, LTD.
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold.
Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love is scheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidan and the The Awakening: Liam and The Awakening: Britton. Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.
She is represented by Maureen Walters at Curtis Brown, LTD.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 15, 2014
I liked Liam much better than Aidan, but it's still not great. We already met Liam in the previous book, so we know what he's going through. One night, he's hit with this overwhelming emptiness which can only mean one thing: Ava is dead. He rushes to her home to see if she's there, and she is. Covered in blood and not breathing. Before he can comprehend what's happening, he's drugged and wakes up in some kind of lab, with Ava on the other side of a partition. She's not dead, but someone plans on torturing her in order to torture him.
The beginning of Liam reminded me of the first Saw movie. It's really nothing like that except for two people being kidnapped and messed with, but still, the imagery was there. Plus the guy behind it was a total psycho. It was a bit disturbing, but I did kind of wish the entire story had taken place there. Lots of tension! But, soon enough they escape, but the kidnapper isn't giving up so easily. The end was rushed, but it was pretty satisfying. Unlike the sex scenes.
I do have to complain about the sex in Liam. Liam mentions that Ava likes things a bit kinky, noting a few specifics, like tying her up with her work apron and some dirty talking. However, when it comes time for them to have sex, it's a total bore! There is none of that going on! There is one "close call" scene where he talks about doing the things that she likes, but they never do it! I felt robbed! Why bring up the good stuff, if they aren't going to do it!?
There's not much I want to say about Liam. I thought it was a good shifter romance. I really like the mating system used, and how we've gotten to see many different scenarios in just two books. I do feel like I should mention that there are quite a few typos, very noticeable ones.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
The beginning of Liam reminded me of the first Saw movie. It's really nothing like that except for two people being kidnapped and messed with, but still, the imagery was there. Plus the guy behind it was a total psycho. It was a bit disturbing, but I did kind of wish the entire story had taken place there. Lots of tension! But, soon enough they escape, but the kidnapper isn't giving up so easily. The end was rushed, but it was pretty satisfying. Unlike the sex scenes.
I do have to complain about the sex in Liam. Liam mentions that Ava likes things a bit kinky, noting a few specifics, like tying her up with her work apron and some dirty talking. However, when it comes time for them to have sex, it's a total bore! There is none of that going on! There is one "close call" scene where he talks about doing the things that she likes, but they never do it! I felt robbed! Why bring up the good stuff, if they aren't going to do it!?
There's not much I want to say about Liam. I thought it was a good shifter romance. I really like the mating system used, and how we've gotten to see many different scenarios in just two books. I do feel like I should mention that there are quite a few typos, very noticeable ones.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
July 24, 2017
This was ok. It had a really strong exciting start then dwindled into nothing but to characters thinking about their feelings (cos they won't even talk to each other about it either). Lacked chemistry or any real flow but I got through it.
September 2, 2013
I was provided a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Awakening series by Abby Niles. This book features Liam and his mate, Ava. Liam was in the first book, Aidan's book, but this book was written to be a stand alone if necessary. I knew there was a first book but did not read it before I read this. While there were some things that obviously arose from the first book it was an easy read and I do not feel like I was missing anything - other than questions about another of the men but I have a feeling we won't get any of those answers till his book (which I hope we get someday....) This was the first Abby Niles book I have had the pleasure of reading and will definitely be backtracking to read the first book in this series - The Awakening: Aidan.
I enjoyed the pace of this book - the action was fast and interesting but the people and the love scenes were slower and you had enough time to savor the emotional intensity she created. This was quite an intense book as Liam, whose mate Ava deserted him after he had bonded to her. This left him suffering and alone and tortures him for 8 months - until the night he feels her die. He FEELS her die - her emotions and struggle and then nothing. Talk about intense and powerful. In fact he is so overpowered by this emptiness that he is taken by surprise and kidnapped. By a madman. An absolute whack-a-doodle that I very easily began to hate as much as I liked and enjoyed the others! Did I mention it was intense?
In this book Liam and Ava try and figure out who is doing this, why they are doing it and most important how to KILL HIM so he stops doing it and they can somehow be together. (yes it is my suggestion to kill the whack-a-doodle not necessarily the whole intention of the book) I adore Liam (he is a shifter for goodness sake) and Ava is someone I would like to have as a friend. Strong, loyal, resilient, smart-mouthed when necessary (and plain sassy when not) - she is a true match for Liam in every way.
Enjoy this book as you watch Liam and Ava struggle to overcome one crazy and his whack-a-doodle plans, bent on revenge. I certainly did and give it 4**** stars.
Now go - you have a whack-a-doodle to help find!
This is the second book in the Awakening series by Abby Niles. This book features Liam and his mate, Ava. Liam was in the first book, Aidan's book, but this book was written to be a stand alone if necessary. I knew there was a first book but did not read it before I read this. While there were some things that obviously arose from the first book it was an easy read and I do not feel like I was missing anything - other than questions about another of the men but I have a feeling we won't get any of those answers till his book (which I hope we get someday....) This was the first Abby Niles book I have had the pleasure of reading and will definitely be backtracking to read the first book in this series - The Awakening: Aidan.
I enjoyed the pace of this book - the action was fast and interesting but the people and the love scenes were slower and you had enough time to savor the emotional intensity she created. This was quite an intense book as Liam, whose mate Ava deserted him after he had bonded to her. This left him suffering and alone and tortures him for 8 months - until the night he feels her die. He FEELS her die - her emotions and struggle and then nothing. Talk about intense and powerful. In fact he is so overpowered by this emptiness that he is taken by surprise and kidnapped. By a madman. An absolute whack-a-doodle that I very easily began to hate as much as I liked and enjoyed the others! Did I mention it was intense?
In this book Liam and Ava try and figure out who is doing this, why they are doing it and most important how to KILL HIM so he stops doing it and they can somehow be together. (yes it is my suggestion to kill the whack-a-doodle not necessarily the whole intention of the book) I adore Liam (he is a shifter for goodness sake) and Ava is someone I would like to have as a friend. Strong, loyal, resilient, smart-mouthed when necessary (and plain sassy when not) - she is a true match for Liam in every way.
Enjoy this book as you watch Liam and Ava struggle to overcome one crazy and his whack-a-doodle plans, bent on revenge. I certainly did and give it 4**** stars.
Now go - you have a whack-a-doodle to help find!
August 27, 2013
I am a fan of Abby Niles and her unique shifter world. After reading the first book of the series, Aidan, I knew I wanted to follow up with book two.
Liam was seen in the first book and has been rejected by the woman that he loves--his mate--Ava. Most men would typically mutter a "Screw you" and go on their merry way. But Liam is different. He's not human, but a shifter. And when a shifter finds his mate, only to be dserted, that shifter loses his connection to the beast that lives inside.
Unable to completely bond with Ava when she rejects him, Liam has been falling into a coma-like state called bahrraj. The more frequent these episodes occur, the higher the risk that Liam will not be able to return to his normal state. It is ultimately a death sentence for the dserted shifter.
At the beginning of Liam's story, Liam senses that Ava is being threatened and in serious trouble. But before he can reach her, he feels her life force slip away. When he rushes to her home, he finds her lifeless body on the bedroom floor covered in blood. Cradling her, rocking her back and forth, totally distraught, an unseen enemy approaches and knocks Liam out.
When Liam awakens, he finds himself a prisoner of a mad man. And this mad man's evil plan starts to unfold with a shocker--a two-way glass revealing his precious Ava strapped down and alive.
And Ava and Liam are his pawns in a very deadly game.
I loved Liam the shifter and Liam the man. His alpha instincts, the caring gestures he has toward Ava, make a sexy package that Ava has a hard time resisting. And Ava has her altruistic reasons for rejecting Liam, even though she has continued to love him. Their story is beautifully told with heart breaking emotions and sizzling chemistry.
Niles starts out Liam's story with nail-biting intensity and I couldn't put it down. A must read for fans of shifter romance readers out there who love a protective hero who will do anything for his mate.
Liam was seen in the first book and has been rejected by the woman that he loves--his mate--Ava. Most men would typically mutter a "Screw you" and go on their merry way. But Liam is different. He's not human, but a shifter. And when a shifter finds his mate, only to be dserted, that shifter loses his connection to the beast that lives inside.
Unable to completely bond with Ava when she rejects him, Liam has been falling into a coma-like state called bahrraj. The more frequent these episodes occur, the higher the risk that Liam will not be able to return to his normal state. It is ultimately a death sentence for the dserted shifter.
At the beginning of Liam's story, Liam senses that Ava is being threatened and in serious trouble. But before he can reach her, he feels her life force slip away. When he rushes to her home, he finds her lifeless body on the bedroom floor covered in blood. Cradling her, rocking her back and forth, totally distraught, an unseen enemy approaches and knocks Liam out.
When Liam awakens, he finds himself a prisoner of a mad man. And this mad man's evil plan starts to unfold with a shocker--a two-way glass revealing his precious Ava strapped down and alive.
And Ava and Liam are his pawns in a very deadly game.
I loved Liam the shifter and Liam the man. His alpha instincts, the caring gestures he has toward Ava, make a sexy package that Ava has a hard time resisting. And Ava has her altruistic reasons for rejecting Liam, even though she has continued to love him. Their story is beautifully told with heart breaking emotions and sizzling chemistry.
Niles starts out Liam's story with nail-biting intensity and I couldn't put it down. A must read for fans of shifter romance readers out there who love a protective hero who will do anything for his mate.
August 27, 2013
FAIRY THOUGHTS
Favorite Line(s) “Glorious warmth spread to his extremities, burning away the darkness, until the lightness that was Ava reclaimed every recess of his body and soul”
“I tried to explain that to you last night. She gives me peace,”
“All we have is right now. I can’t promise more.”
“I love you, Ava Michaels. From now, for eternity, you are mine, even if I can’t be yours.”
“We only have the future. And a hope chest to fi ll with memories.”
What an emotional book! When I read the first book I was heartbroken by Liam's story! I hated his mate Ava! Then I find out why she left him and was heartbroken for her too! A madman is keeping them apart! Now he wants to kill Ava and its all to make Liam suffer!
This was such a heartbreaking book to read! I cried so much! To know the pain Liam felt was truly a heartbreaking experience! The author did an AMAZING job of getting those feelings across! I felt like it was me going through those feelings. It really is a beautiful book!
I'm hoping we have Brit's story next!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (Bewitching)
FIVE HEARTBREAKING FAIRIES
Favorite Line(s) “Glorious warmth spread to his extremities, burning away the darkness, until the lightness that was Ava reclaimed every recess of his body and soul”
“I tried to explain that to you last night. She gives me peace,”
“All we have is right now. I can’t promise more.”
“I love you, Ava Michaels. From now, for eternity, you are mine, even if I can’t be yours.”
“We only have the future. And a hope chest to fi ll with memories.”
What an emotional book! When I read the first book I was heartbroken by Liam's story! I hated his mate Ava! Then I find out why she left him and was heartbroken for her too! A madman is keeping them apart! Now he wants to kill Ava and its all to make Liam suffer!
This was such a heartbreaking book to read! I cried so much! To know the pain Liam felt was truly a heartbreaking experience! The author did an AMAZING job of getting those feelings across! I felt like it was me going through those feelings. It really is a beautiful book!
I'm hoping we have Brit's story next!
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review (Bewitching)
FIVE HEARTBREAKING FAIRIES
January 19, 2020
I enjoyed this story as many questions from Aidan’s book were answered. This story was full of drama, angst and love.
It was also full of bad edits...grammatical and spelling errors which always spoils it when I’m reading. Definitely not edited!
It was also full of bad edits...grammatical and spelling errors which always spoils it when I’m reading. Definitely not edited!
August 31, 2013
Please note that there may be some Book 1 spoilers in this review. Proceed with caution!
When Liam Doyle's unbonded mate rejects him (we first learned this in Book 1 - it set the stage for Aidan to meet his mate), the rejection tosses him into and unhappiness like no other. He is in Hell and no amount of therapy from psychiatrists privy to the shifter ways is going to help. The best they can do is help him prevent the mind benders known as Bahrraj that he will continue to suffer through as long as his unbonded mate continues to turn her back on him.
Ava Michaels harbors a secret - a Huge secret. One that, if revealed, will kill her, Emma, and Liam. In order to save everyone she does the hardest thing she has ever had to do - she chooses between Emma and Liam....guess who she picked?! The man behind the eerie phone calls and stalker-type behavior is relentless in his control over Ava. But when he goes to far??
Liam feels almost everything that Ava does, including her heartbeat. After eight months of walking around like a zombie, Liam tries to face Ava and get her to change her mind about them, when he sees her with another man. Trying again to pick up the pieces, Liam is shocked to feel her slow death in his veins. The last thing he remembers is her bloodied, dead body before waking in a room separated by glass through which he can see, and now feel, his formerly dead mate, Ava. He also gets to watch while their kidnapper tortures Ava, in turn, torturing Liam.
What ensues is the wildest ride full of twists, turns, and psychotic needs for revenge. The emotional war that rages on within Ava is intense, fully immersing the reader in her thoughts and feelings. Ava is very strong heroine, dealing with some serious issues. Her love for those in her life knows no bounds and that love is what is being tested, ultimately causing the distress and agony thrust upon Liam. Her inability to ask for help at her most crucial times, all while having to lie and be deceitful, just about breaks her. Fortunately, she has a pretty great alpha male in her corner.
Liam is a very strong hero but he's not without flaws. He brought Ava into a world she only read about in fairytales and horror stories then freaked when he was rejected. The uniting of a shifter and his mate is supposed to instant, mutual, and above all else....easy. Liam doesn't get any of those traits when he marks Ava. Her refusal sends him over the edge; an edge that he may not be able to be rescued from. The harrowing experience of Ava's death, life, and traumatic experience at the hands of the kidnapper exposes the feral side of Liam; the side that is totally devoted to Ava and willing to risk it all in order to protect her.
I fell in love with both Liam and Ava - the author did an excellent job writing their story!!
I found The Awakening: Liam to be a more action filled, engaging story that isn't just about a shifter and his mate. There is substance in the novel that brings forth mystery and suspense along with shocking turns of events. I was completely drawn into this novel, almost unwilling to stop reading at any point. I needed to know who the kidnapper was, what was behind his/her reasoning(s) to mess with a shifter and his unbonded mate, and if, indeed, Liam and Ava truly received their happily ever after.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing (Covet Imprint) directly and through NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for and honest review.
When Liam Doyle's unbonded mate rejects him (we first learned this in Book 1 - it set the stage for Aidan to meet his mate), the rejection tosses him into and unhappiness like no other. He is in Hell and no amount of therapy from psychiatrists privy to the shifter ways is going to help. The best they can do is help him prevent the mind benders known as Bahrraj that he will continue to suffer through as long as his unbonded mate continues to turn her back on him.
Ava Michaels harbors a secret - a Huge secret. One that, if revealed, will kill her, Emma, and Liam. In order to save everyone she does the hardest thing she has ever had to do - she chooses between Emma and Liam....guess who she picked?! The man behind the eerie phone calls and stalker-type behavior is relentless in his control over Ava. But when he goes to far??
Liam feels almost everything that Ava does, including her heartbeat. After eight months of walking around like a zombie, Liam tries to face Ava and get her to change her mind about them, when he sees her with another man. Trying again to pick up the pieces, Liam is shocked to feel her slow death in his veins. The last thing he remembers is her bloodied, dead body before waking in a room separated by glass through which he can see, and now feel, his formerly dead mate, Ava. He also gets to watch while their kidnapper tortures Ava, in turn, torturing Liam.
What ensues is the wildest ride full of twists, turns, and psychotic needs for revenge. The emotional war that rages on within Ava is intense, fully immersing the reader in her thoughts and feelings. Ava is very strong heroine, dealing with some serious issues. Her love for those in her life knows no bounds and that love is what is being tested, ultimately causing the distress and agony thrust upon Liam. Her inability to ask for help at her most crucial times, all while having to lie and be deceitful, just about breaks her. Fortunately, she has a pretty great alpha male in her corner.
Liam is a very strong hero but he's not without flaws. He brought Ava into a world she only read about in fairytales and horror stories then freaked when he was rejected. The uniting of a shifter and his mate is supposed to instant, mutual, and above all else....easy. Liam doesn't get any of those traits when he marks Ava. Her refusal sends him over the edge; an edge that he may not be able to be rescued from. The harrowing experience of Ava's death, life, and traumatic experience at the hands of the kidnapper exposes the feral side of Liam; the side that is totally devoted to Ava and willing to risk it all in order to protect her.
I fell in love with both Liam and Ava - the author did an excellent job writing their story!!
I found The Awakening: Liam to be a more action filled, engaging story that isn't just about a shifter and his mate. There is substance in the novel that brings forth mystery and suspense along with shocking turns of events. I was completely drawn into this novel, almost unwilling to stop reading at any point. I needed to know who the kidnapper was, what was behind his/her reasoning(s) to mess with a shifter and his unbonded mate, and if, indeed, Liam and Ava truly received their happily ever after.
Review Copy Courtesy Of: Entangled Publishing (Covet Imprint) directly and through NetGalley, at no cost in exchange for and honest review.
September 7, 2013
This is my second Abby Niles book and let me tell you I am seriously in LOVE.. The Awakening Series is just what a shifter series should be, Dark, Deadly, Dangerous, (I know again with the alliteration). This book literally seethes.. it pulses with Desire..
In Awakening Aidan, we discover what happens when a shifter looses his mate.. or worse is rejected or as known in the shifter world Dserted.
Liam Doyle was left by the woman who should have been his mate. He had no reason why, he thought they were in love.. but no matter what life goes on. Sort of.. For the past 9 months Liam had been in this black hole of depression. Not quite suicidal but totally unable to function. Unable to do the job he loved best. Not able to appreciate his friends.. shoot he couldn't even live on his own. He needed constant monitoring. Life seriously couldn't get any worse.. yeah right.. Because of the Dsertion, Liam felt all of Ava's emotions so when suddenly he felt her terror, then nothing, he knew she was dead.. and the darkness grew.. Rushing to her house to make sure, hoping against hope he could save her..
Ava Michaels knew what love was. After all she had had five perfect months with the man she adored. But when she got a series of phone calls telling her to give him up or risk the life of her sister she had no choice. She walked away from him. Life goes on.. Ava was human and had no clue as to the damage she had done Liam. No idea that while yes she was grieving and missed him, he was destroyed. But her sister was safe and no longer being threatened.. until..
Ava and Liam are captured.. some whack job who knew about the shifters had a grudge against Liam and had found a way to make Liam think Ava was dead.. But he has more evil plans for them. Forcing Liam to watch Ava be tortured was almost too much.. and somehow forced Liam to be able to once again connect with his beast. To find that other part of himself.. If for no other reason than to protect Ava. His, very heart.
Ava is totally confused. She has absolutely no idea what Dserted means.. sure she broke up with the guy, get over it already.. but now that they are locked together in the house of terrors.. Ava realizes that Liam is the only man she is ever going to be happy with and together they just might work it out.. Ava's reversal manages to stop Liam's reactions to the Dsertion.. and if they work together to escape all should be well, right? If only life was that easy..
Together they must battle, said whack job, and work out who and what Liam is and just what Ava really is to Liam. They have to find a way to escape the constant threats and find a true path back to each other.. And yet is that what is really best for them. Or will Liam walk away.. accepting Dsertion because Ava has to protect her family??
A great follow up to Aidan.. Can't wait to hear who Ms Niles is going to write about next. This series has all the passion you could dream of. And not just the let's hop in the sack passion. But passion for family, for friends.. for doing what is right.. and even some of the darker passions like revenge. Seriously people.. this book truly ensnared me and made me angry when it was over.. I wanted MORE..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Awakening: Liam provided by netgalley
November 19, 2013
Ava and Liams story. This story was really well written and had me hooked very quickly.
We start off with Liam waking up gasping realising that he is feeling Ava's panic and clawing at himself not to go into her emotions and being stuck. It is only when he wins that he notices that something is wrong. He can no longer feel her. She has died. He gets in his car and drives, finding himself at her house where he finds her in blood. He hears a mans voice before it goes dark.
He wakes in a padded cell but cant get out. There is a wall with a curtain which comes back to show Ava strapped to a table. A man walks into her cell and sticks her with a needle where she wakes and he can then feel her again.
Many games are played on Ava, another where she dead dead to him. She is giving porridge to eat where he has been given steak, he goes nuts any time the man is in the room with her and bangs against the glass. It is only when the man uses a knife on the marks he put on her that he finally breaks through the glass and the man runs.
This is where Liam and Ava kiss for the first time healing him where he knows he is now longer knows he's going to get lost. He suddenly knows he can change.
The man returns with a gun and shoots Liam three times and Ava with another gun. When he wakes up, he is inside a cage he cannot get out of and Ava is still on the ground. The man wakes up Ava and hurts her in front of him, trying to get Liam to change but he fights no to.
Liam taunts the man and grabs him through the cage and tells Ava to run. She runs but the man gets free. She gets out of the building where his friend Brit finds her. Both are saved but the man escapes.
Once awake Ava is told little but watches as Liam changes to his Lion and licks her cuts better and healed. But she knows for her sisters safety she has to push him away. However Liam is persistent even as she tries to push him away.
The man calls and she pretends is her friend and it only when the friend comes round and hugs Ava he loses it and goes into a trance. Ava calls Brit who in turn calls the doc, however Ava fixes it by kissing him. Stalking off after his embarrassment it is the doc that tells her a few truths. She also finds out what would happen with death and bonding.
Finding herself alone she goes upstairs only to find the man in her bedroom. She screams and runs falling down the stairs and twisting her ankle. He catches her and they end up in the kitchen with her on the floor under him. He slowly sinks a knife in her side, killing her slowly. Liam crashes through the window and the man takes out the knife and a fight ensues. The man dies and Liam licks her wound closed.
She dies twice on the way to hospital where Liam saves her. When she wakes up she has a weeks rest before they bond for their happily ever after in life as well as the ever after.
We start off with Liam waking up gasping realising that he is feeling Ava's panic and clawing at himself not to go into her emotions and being stuck. It is only when he wins that he notices that something is wrong. He can no longer feel her. She has died. He gets in his car and drives, finding himself at her house where he finds her in blood. He hears a mans voice before it goes dark.
He wakes in a padded cell but cant get out. There is a wall with a curtain which comes back to show Ava strapped to a table. A man walks into her cell and sticks her with a needle where she wakes and he can then feel her again.
Many games are played on Ava, another where she dead dead to him. She is giving porridge to eat where he has been given steak, he goes nuts any time the man is in the room with her and bangs against the glass. It is only when the man uses a knife on the marks he put on her that he finally breaks through the glass and the man runs.
This is where Liam and Ava kiss for the first time healing him where he knows he is now longer knows he's going to get lost. He suddenly knows he can change.
The man returns with a gun and shoots Liam three times and Ava with another gun. When he wakes up, he is inside a cage he cannot get out of and Ava is still on the ground. The man wakes up Ava and hurts her in front of him, trying to get Liam to change but he fights no to.
Liam taunts the man and grabs him through the cage and tells Ava to run. She runs but the man gets free. She gets out of the building where his friend Brit finds her. Both are saved but the man escapes.
Once awake Ava is told little but watches as Liam changes to his Lion and licks her cuts better and healed. But she knows for her sisters safety she has to push him away. However Liam is persistent even as she tries to push him away.
The man calls and she pretends is her friend and it only when the friend comes round and hugs Ava he loses it and goes into a trance. Ava calls Brit who in turn calls the doc, however Ava fixes it by kissing him. Stalking off after his embarrassment it is the doc that tells her a few truths. She also finds out what would happen with death and bonding.
Finding herself alone she goes upstairs only to find the man in her bedroom. She screams and runs falling down the stairs and twisting her ankle. He catches her and they end up in the kitchen with her on the floor under him. He slowly sinks a knife in her side, killing her slowly. Liam crashes through the window and the man takes out the knife and a fight ensues. The man dies and Liam licks her wound closed.
She dies twice on the way to hospital where Liam saves her. When she wakes up she has a weeks rest before they bond for their happily ever after in life as well as the ever after.
September 3, 2013
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher via Netgalley
TA:L is the second book in The Awakening series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, fortunately for me who didn’t know it was a series! Apparently the heroes are present in the first book, but not having read it does not hinder the understanding of their history.
Liam is a shifter who was rejected by his mate. Since then he’s closer to a zombie than to anything else. When he feels the loss of the residual bond, he believes she’s dead and his grief prevents him to defend himself against a kidnapper. He wakes up by Ava’s side, who’s alive, but they are in the hands of a psychopath. The need to protect her will awaken the sleeping beast inside him.
I must say that I read the first chapters wide-eyed and with my eyebrows raised, thinking again and again “wow”. The villain, determined to make Liam pay for a crime of which he has no idea, torture both of them with delight (if these scenes are not unbearable, they are pretty intense for the beginning of a book). The rhythm subsides when they escape, and stay quieter for the rest of the novel. In fact thereafter the suspense is not very brisk, but I think it must suffer from the difference with the beginning.
Soon we learn the very logical reason that Ava rejected Liam, and we learn too the consequences for him. The problem is each doesn’t want the other to know, and this lack of communication is extremely frustrating. I think it’s probably why I didn’t really connect with these characters, even though they are logical and believable. In the other hand there would be far fewer pages if they had talked directly to each other LOL.
The villain is a completely twisted psychopath, even chilling, who might have deserved more space. Not to mention that I thought his end a bit too rushed, as are the explanations about his motives. The other secondary characters are few and not very present, just enough for some to intrigue.
The world built by the author is interesting without being complicated: different kinds of shifters hide their existence to the humans, under the supervision of a kind of special police. The specific terminology is quite clear and sparse, so one understands quite quickly what it is. The only thing that made me wince is the healing power in the licking of Liam’s beast: the nurse in me is willing to believe he can heal minor injuries, but for deep wounds it’s not possible.
All in all this is a pleasant novel that is worth reading, and not just because it’s about a heroine who refuses (even if briefly) the male that Fate wants to impose, face with tons of stories with irresistible mating.
Reviewed by Rinou
Review Copy from the Publisher via Netgalley
TA:L is the second book in The Awakening series, but it can easily be read as a standalone, fortunately for me who didn’t know it was a series! Apparently the heroes are present in the first book, but not having read it does not hinder the understanding of their history.
Liam is a shifter who was rejected by his mate. Since then he’s closer to a zombie than to anything else. When he feels the loss of the residual bond, he believes she’s dead and his grief prevents him to defend himself against a kidnapper. He wakes up by Ava’s side, who’s alive, but they are in the hands of a psychopath. The need to protect her will awaken the sleeping beast inside him.
I must say that I read the first chapters wide-eyed and with my eyebrows raised, thinking again and again “wow”. The villain, determined to make Liam pay for a crime of which he has no idea, torture both of them with delight (if these scenes are not unbearable, they are pretty intense for the beginning of a book). The rhythm subsides when they escape, and stay quieter for the rest of the novel. In fact thereafter the suspense is not very brisk, but I think it must suffer from the difference with the beginning.
Soon we learn the very logical reason that Ava rejected Liam, and we learn too the consequences for him. The problem is each doesn’t want the other to know, and this lack of communication is extremely frustrating. I think it’s probably why I didn’t really connect with these characters, even though they are logical and believable. In the other hand there would be far fewer pages if they had talked directly to each other LOL.
The villain is a completely twisted psychopath, even chilling, who might have deserved more space. Not to mention that I thought his end a bit too rushed, as are the explanations about his motives. The other secondary characters are few and not very present, just enough for some to intrigue.
The world built by the author is interesting without being complicated: different kinds of shifters hide their existence to the humans, under the supervision of a kind of special police. The specific terminology is quite clear and sparse, so one understands quite quickly what it is. The only thing that made me wince is the healing power in the licking of Liam’s beast: the nurse in me is willing to believe he can heal minor injuries, but for deep wounds it’s not possible.
All in all this is a pleasant novel that is worth reading, and not just because it’s about a heroine who refuses (even if briefly) the male that Fate wants to impose, face with tons of stories with irresistible mating.
August 20, 2013
ARC provided for an honest review
4 Stars!
I didn’t read the first book in the series so I didn’t know what to expect of this. I was actually not expecting much to be honest.
But… I was wrong!!
This book was so much better than I thought it would be. You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s going on but I guess it would be helpful. There were a lot of terms that I didn’t have a clue what it meant. However you get into it pretty quickly and everyone with a brain will know what those shifter terms are supposed to be.
Okay, let’s start the actual review. I have to apologize because I think I won’t be able to write this review without spoilers. It’s just not possible with this book.
So from here on expect spoilers or quit reading.
There was actually not sooo much going on in the whole book. If I had to narrow it down to the major events I would say there were three parts to this book. However this book did not lack anything. From the first page on I was hooked. There was so much action and angst and more action going on in the first part. I couldn’t put the book down. And it was not just action. Abby Niles was able to bring every emotion across so well, it was awesome. I felt what I was supposed to feel in every scene. The characters got to me and I could totally relate to why they were acting the way they were.
Normally when this typical storyline occurs were one of the heroes is like “I love you so much but in order to protect you I can’t tell you and we have to separate” I feel like this: come on. Everyone knows ones you tell him / her the problem will solve itself.. blablabla…
This was one of those storylines. However it worked!!The author was so good at describing the situations and bringing across the feelings I got goose bumps.
I really felt Liam’s pain when being rejected by Ava.
And I loved the scene when Ava returns to her room the first time after the kidnapping. It was not a major scene but I loved how the author described how hard it was for Ava to enter that room and how she did it anyway. It was great!
To come back to those major three parts of the book. That was good! The book was fast paced and there was no dull moment even when there wasn’t any action going on at the moment.
I can’t give the book five stars though because I had the feeling it was not super original. It was a very nice paranormal romance and I enjoyed reading it a lot. The author is very talented. But the storyline was not extraordinary and didn’t blow me away.
If you enjoy a good shifter story this is your book to get your fix :)
4 Stars!
I didn’t read the first book in the series so I didn’t know what to expect of this. I was actually not expecting much to be honest.
But… I was wrong!!
This book was so much better than I thought it would be. You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s going on but I guess it would be helpful. There were a lot of terms that I didn’t have a clue what it meant. However you get into it pretty quickly and everyone with a brain will know what those shifter terms are supposed to be.
Okay, let’s start the actual review. I have to apologize because I think I won’t be able to write this review without spoilers. It’s just not possible with this book.
So from here on expect spoilers or quit reading.
There was actually not sooo much going on in the whole book. If I had to narrow it down to the major events I would say there were three parts to this book. However this book did not lack anything. From the first page on I was hooked. There was so much action and angst and more action going on in the first part. I couldn’t put the book down. And it was not just action. Abby Niles was able to bring every emotion across so well, it was awesome. I felt what I was supposed to feel in every scene. The characters got to me and I could totally relate to why they were acting the way they were.
Normally when this typical storyline occurs were one of the heroes is like “I love you so much but in order to protect you I can’t tell you and we have to separate” I feel like this: come on. Everyone knows ones you tell him / her the problem will solve itself.. blablabla…
This was one of those storylines. However it worked!!The author was so good at describing the situations and bringing across the feelings I got goose bumps.
I really felt Liam’s pain when being rejected by Ava.
And I loved the scene when Ava returns to her room the first time after the kidnapping. It was not a major scene but I loved how the author described how hard it was for Ava to enter that room and how she did it anyway. It was great!
To come back to those major three parts of the book. That was good! The book was fast paced and there was no dull moment even when there wasn’t any action going on at the moment.
I can’t give the book five stars though because I had the feeling it was not super original. It was a very nice paranormal romance and I enjoyed reading it a lot. The author is very talented. But the storyline was not extraordinary and didn’t blow me away.
If you enjoy a good shifter story this is your book to get your fix :)
September 25, 2013
A few months ago I read book one in this series (The Awakening: Aidan) and I really enjoyed it, finding the world Niles created for her shifters to be very interesting. I was anxious to see Liam's story, as his pain was shown again and again. But upon picking up Liam's story this week, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. I still liked this book, but it fell short of my expectations.
My problem with Liam's story was a combination of small things. I felt like the pace was too fast, and major issues were resolved much too quickly. I didn't quiet get a chance to connect with the characters, and felt that Emma, the sister to the heroine, was simply a blank character taking up space in the story; I had hoped that she would have played a bigger role, especially considering how important Emma's safety was to Ava. And what I really missed in The Awakening: Liam was when Liam and Ava fell in love. The story starts months after they broke up, but I didn't feel like we were ever shown why they fell in love, and how. Yes, the fact that they were mates instantly puts them together, but as Ava had to choose Liam for the bond to be complete, she would have to love him in return--right? But I didn't see why she loved him, and I need to see that for me to believe in the HEA.
While this has nothing to do with why I liked or didn't like the book, I have to say--I found Liam's hope chest for Ava to be a very sweet gesture. I want a man who will make me a hope chest like that, and then say all the right things (such as "I want to make so many memories with you that I have to build another chest for you. And another.") *sigh*
Despite the flaws I found, I did like Liam and Ava's story, and read it very quickly. I will no doubt continue the series in the future. Liam's book may not have been my favorite, but that doesn't mean I won't still recommend it to some readers. However, I will point out that having read Aidan's book will help you to understand this world better (plus, Aidan's book was great). If you are looking for a new kind of shifter romance, one with a new twist on the theme and rules, this is the series to try. Niles writes sexy shifters, with a good dose of dirty talk and smexy action, and who doesn't love that?
3 STARS!
~ * ~ * ~
For my full review, including favorite book quotes, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via a blog tour, in exchange for my honest opinion.
TheBookQueen
August 28, 2013
Liam Doyle is a shifter. He found his mate in Ava Michaels, but after six months of dating, she abruptly breaks up with him. She offers no reason.
Once a shifter finds his mate, he becomes bonded with her. Liam can feel all of Ava's emotions. When Ava left him, Liam became debilitated with a condition called Dsershon. Forced to live the "dismal life of a bonded shifter...after being abandoned by his unbonded mate". He was disconnected with the beast inside him. If his beast actually believed that Ava Dserted him, Liam would fall into Bahrraj, "completely lost in his mate's emotions". Frozen in a trance - feeling nothing but pain.
Eight months after their break-up, Liam can still strongly feel Ava's emotions. He feels her fear. Completely submersed by her fear. She needs help, but Liam does not know where she is. Slowly he feels Ava die. He drives to her house to find Ava dead in her bedroom; so much blood everywhere. As he holds Ava out of anguish, someone creeps up behind him and sticks a needle into his neck and everything goes black.
When Liam wakes up, he finds himself in a padded room, like in a mental hospital. There is no way to escape. One wall is covered by a curtain. It opens and Liam is staring at Ave through a window, dead and strapped to a board that stands straight up, facing Liam. A door opens and a figure wearing a wolf mask enters the room. He injects a syringe into Ava. Liam watches and feels Ava come back to life.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars
I usually like to start my reviews with a simple word or sentence that illustrates my initial response after reading a book. Recently, especially from this publishing company, my first thought has been wow. To stop being redundant, I need another word for wow. In this case, I decided on two words - bewilderingly surprised.
I say bewildering because there are some paranormal terms used that I did not quite understand. Luckily, I found the first book, The Awakening: Aidan, on Scribed.com and got a better sense of the shifter vocabulary in this book. What you may believe is a spelling error is in fact not. It is how shifters in this book spell things in their world.
When Liam woke up in that padded room and saw Ava come back to life (I am not giving away anything here), I was shocked! From that dramatic moment on, the surprises kept on coming.
This book is a quick read, partly because it is really good. I read it in one evening. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
Once a shifter finds his mate, he becomes bonded with her. Liam can feel all of Ava's emotions. When Ava left him, Liam became debilitated with a condition called Dsershon. Forced to live the "dismal life of a bonded shifter...after being abandoned by his unbonded mate". He was disconnected with the beast inside him. If his beast actually believed that Ava Dserted him, Liam would fall into Bahrraj, "completely lost in his mate's emotions". Frozen in a trance - feeling nothing but pain.
Eight months after their break-up, Liam can still strongly feel Ava's emotions. He feels her fear. Completely submersed by her fear. She needs help, but Liam does not know where she is. Slowly he feels Ava die. He drives to her house to find Ava dead in her bedroom; so much blood everywhere. As he holds Ava out of anguish, someone creeps up behind him and sticks a needle into his neck and everything goes black.
When Liam wakes up, he finds himself in a padded room, like in a mental hospital. There is no way to escape. One wall is covered by a curtain. It opens and Liam is staring at Ave through a window, dead and strapped to a board that stands straight up, facing Liam. A door opens and a figure wearing a wolf mask enters the room. He injects a syringe into Ava. Liam watches and feels Ava come back to life.
I GIVE THIS BOOK: 5 Stars
I usually like to start my reviews with a simple word or sentence that illustrates my initial response after reading a book. Recently, especially from this publishing company, my first thought has been wow. To stop being redundant, I need another word for wow. In this case, I decided on two words - bewilderingly surprised.
I say bewildering because there are some paranormal terms used that I did not quite understand. Luckily, I found the first book, The Awakening: Aidan, on Scribed.com and got a better sense of the shifter vocabulary in this book. What you may believe is a spelling error is in fact not. It is how shifters in this book spell things in their world.
When Liam woke up in that padded room and saw Ava come back to life (I am not giving away anything here), I was shocked! From that dramatic moment on, the surprises kept on coming.
This book is a quick read, partly because it is really good. I read it in one evening. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Until next time, live life one page at a time!
August 26, 2013
Shifter, Liam Doyle knows Hell. At least he believed he did. The night he feels his mate die, he learns how very wrong he was. Nothing he’d struggled with since Ava’s rejection compares to the emptiness that fills his soul by her death. Lost in his grief, he’s taken by surprise and drugged. When he wakes, everything changes. Nothing is what it seems, and someone is dead set on making him pay.
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
Review:
I have to say right off, the first book in this series was not great for me, but this second book was very good! Maybe because it is the second book I don't feel as lost as with the first one. I liked the flow of story and the terminology did not overwhelm me this time. Now, you do not have to read this stories in order but I would recommend it just so you see some of Liam's fight with Dsershon.
The story starts off with a bang! Someone attacks Ava and Liam feeling Ava dying rushes off to get to her. He finds Ava bloody and lifeless and then he his injected with a sedative and taken away to a prison. Ava is not dead just given a drug to make her look like it. What their captive does not them is just pure evil and the villain is very well written. Because of the circumstances Liam's beast is brought back to him and in a very knuckle biting scene Ava escapes and help gets Liam out. This is not the end of the villain though, he seems to be watching Ava and Liam's every move and is threatening Ava's sisters life if Ava does not push Liam away. And I do not want to give away the end, but it is good.
I have to say in the first book I did not like Ava, she seemed self centered and cruel to Liam. Now, that we get the back story, you can understand her motivation and the forces that were against her and Liam. I like the Liam of this book strong, has faith in Ava and him and he is very determined. Now, I really enjoyed the banter between the side characters of Britton and Val, you can just feel the chemistry sparking between these two.
This was a entertaining read and cannot wait to read the next in the series.
3.5 stars
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
Review:
I have to say right off, the first book in this series was not great for me, but this second book was very good! Maybe because it is the second book I don't feel as lost as with the first one. I liked the flow of story and the terminology did not overwhelm me this time. Now, you do not have to read this stories in order but I would recommend it just so you see some of Liam's fight with Dsershon.
The story starts off with a bang! Someone attacks Ava and Liam feeling Ava dying rushes off to get to her. He finds Ava bloody and lifeless and then he his injected with a sedative and taken away to a prison. Ava is not dead just given a drug to make her look like it. What their captive does not them is just pure evil and the villain is very well written. Because of the circumstances Liam's beast is brought back to him and in a very knuckle biting scene Ava escapes and help gets Liam out. This is not the end of the villain though, he seems to be watching Ava and Liam's every move and is threatening Ava's sisters life if Ava does not push Liam away. And I do not want to give away the end, but it is good.
I have to say in the first book I did not like Ava, she seemed self centered and cruel to Liam. Now, that we get the back story, you can understand her motivation and the forces that were against her and Liam. I like the Liam of this book strong, has faith in Ava and him and he is very determined. Now, I really enjoyed the banter between the side characters of Britton and Val, you can just feel the chemistry sparking between these two.
This was a entertaining read and cannot wait to read the next in the series.
3.5 stars
August 27, 2013
The Awakening: Liam. Abby Niles.
ARC supplied by publisher.
I'd read and enjoyed the first in this series, Aiden's story so was keen to review this one. We met Liam in the first book, where he was deep in a state of grief as his Mate had rejected him. It's a lot to take on though as a human, being told your lover is really a shifter. Although we saw brief clips of Ava it was really just as part of the scene setting for Aidens story. This time Ava comes to the fore, and we learn more about her rejection of Liam. There's kidnapping, escape and lots of very real danger to Ava, her young sister and to Liam, and the conundrum of how much the shifter officials can cover up from the human police as they strive to protect the secrets of their world.
As more is revealed to Ava about shifters and the Mating bonds it also allows the reader to learn more about the world, the reason for some of the decisions and how difficult it is to integrate while keeping the secrecy so necessary. I really liked Ava once we knew her reasons, she loves Liam but needs to keep away from him. The more that is revealed the more she knows she needs to stay away, and she finds it a struggle having to lie to the police, her friends and family about the kidnapping in order to protect the shifters, and yet if she and her sister are ever to be out of danger she has to let them take control. Its a dead end so far though, tracing who is responsible, he clearly has a hatred of Liam and blames him for something, and yet no-one seems to know what it is he thinks Liam did. Ava can't help wondering what happened, especially when she can see that the shifters, and Liam, are still keeping secrets from her.
Its a great read, not too dark or deep but enough to keep the reader engrossed for a couple of hours.( I am a quick reader though, s may take others longer) It links well with the first book, and I feel it's the sort of series I will enjoy reading back to back in a “paranormal-fest” day. I love to read my way through different series once they're all out, I can immerse myself into another world. Its easy to follow, you won't need to read the first book, though of course that gives a deeper insight into the history. The biggest problem I had again, as with the first book, is the terms used, remembering exactly what each stage was. A glossary explaining that would be useful, as apart from a couple of obvious ones such as dserted they are such strange words. Priced at £1.89 for around 158 pages/253kb its good value.
Stars: excellent read, five stars.
ARC supplied by publisher.
I'd read and enjoyed the first in this series, Aiden's story so was keen to review this one. We met Liam in the first book, where he was deep in a state of grief as his Mate had rejected him. It's a lot to take on though as a human, being told your lover is really a shifter. Although we saw brief clips of Ava it was really just as part of the scene setting for Aidens story. This time Ava comes to the fore, and we learn more about her rejection of Liam. There's kidnapping, escape and lots of very real danger to Ava, her young sister and to Liam, and the conundrum of how much the shifter officials can cover up from the human police as they strive to protect the secrets of their world.
As more is revealed to Ava about shifters and the Mating bonds it also allows the reader to learn more about the world, the reason for some of the decisions and how difficult it is to integrate while keeping the secrecy so necessary. I really liked Ava once we knew her reasons, she loves Liam but needs to keep away from him. The more that is revealed the more she knows she needs to stay away, and she finds it a struggle having to lie to the police, her friends and family about the kidnapping in order to protect the shifters, and yet if she and her sister are ever to be out of danger she has to let them take control. Its a dead end so far though, tracing who is responsible, he clearly has a hatred of Liam and blames him for something, and yet no-one seems to know what it is he thinks Liam did. Ava can't help wondering what happened, especially when she can see that the shifters, and Liam, are still keeping secrets from her.
Its a great read, not too dark or deep but enough to keep the reader engrossed for a couple of hours.( I am a quick reader though, s may take others longer) It links well with the first book, and I feel it's the sort of series I will enjoy reading back to back in a “paranormal-fest” day. I love to read my way through different series once they're all out, I can immerse myself into another world. Its easy to follow, you won't need to read the first book, though of course that gives a deeper insight into the history. The biggest problem I had again, as with the first book, is the terms used, remembering exactly what each stage was. A glossary explaining that would be useful, as apart from a couple of obvious ones such as dserted they are such strange words. Priced at £1.89 for around 158 pages/253kb its good value.
Stars: excellent read, five stars.
September 2, 2013
For the most part, I liked this book. Let me get out what I didn’t like and then I’ll go into the many reasons I did like this book. First: the villain behind it. Up until they found out who was responsible, there was almost no clue as to his identity. Yes, in retrospect, the incident is mentioned, but truly there are no other hints as to his identity. They simply catch the guy, realize who he is, and poof. No real lead-up to the big reveal. Second: I really didn’t like the slight change in spelling on certain words to give them a mystical feeling. A few of them (Dsert and Dsertion were clear, and there are others that I never did quite figure out what the letter should have been). It largely feels like the author expected everyone had read the first book, so she didn’t need to reintroduce the overall world very much for those coming into the series on the second book. I feel like the book didn’t have as much meaning for me because I’d missed something from the first book.
Now, on to the good stuff. Ava is strong, despite being horrifically tortured in the early pages of this book. Yes, I wanted to smack her upside the head for being an idiot and keeping a particular secret for faaaaar too long from Liam about why she’d dumped him. I get why she might have considered it, but seriously, the shifters clearly had access to resources humans didn’t, and maybe if she’d trusted him with the truth, her reasons could have been worked around. Heck, they might have found the psycho a lot sooner, for that matter. But, she plays the hand she’s dealt and absolutely devoted to her little sister Emma.
Liam – now there is a shifter I’d love to take home and curl up with. His alternate form is that of a lion, which is something I haven’t seen much of in the shifter genre. He’s passionate and I ultimately understand why he was so desperate to come together with Ava after his initial marking of her.
I found the idea of what Liam and/or Ava could do with the marks on Ava’s thighs awesome. I also giggled a lot when Ava was forced to ‘fess up how/when she discovered just what she could do by touching the marks. No, I’m not going to go into further details. Read the book.
Overall, good book. Not spectacular, but still really good. I’ll probably look up others in the series as they come out. I’m not sure I’m hooked enough to go back and find the first one though. We shall see. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4-star for ease of rating on Amazon, etc.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now, on to the good stuff. Ava is strong, despite being horrifically tortured in the early pages of this book. Yes, I wanted to smack her upside the head for being an idiot and keeping a particular secret for faaaaar too long from Liam about why she’d dumped him. I get why she might have considered it, but seriously, the shifters clearly had access to resources humans didn’t, and maybe if she’d trusted him with the truth, her reasons could have been worked around. Heck, they might have found the psycho a lot sooner, for that matter. But, she plays the hand she’s dealt and absolutely devoted to her little sister Emma.
Liam – now there is a shifter I’d love to take home and curl up with. His alternate form is that of a lion, which is something I haven’t seen much of in the shifter genre. He’s passionate and I ultimately understand why he was so desperate to come together with Ava after his initial marking of her.
I found the idea of what Liam and/or Ava could do with the marks on Ava’s thighs awesome. I also giggled a lot when Ava was forced to ‘fess up how/when she discovered just what she could do by touching the marks. No, I’m not going to go into further details. Read the book.
Overall, good book. Not spectacular, but still really good. I’ll probably look up others in the series as they come out. I’m not sure I’m hooked enough to go back and find the first one though. We shall see. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4-star for ease of rating on Amazon, etc.
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2013
Sympathy for the devil...
In the previous installment in The Awakening series, Liam's mate refusing the bond was what brought the hero and heroine together. As they worked to help him get his life to a manageable place they fell in love. When Ava rejected Liam it was much more complicated than he knew and when he suddenly feels her die his world is flipped upside down.
Liam and Ava find themselves at the mercy of a masked mad-man who claims that he owes Liam the torment he puts them through. But with no clue as to whom he has made an enemy there's only so much he can do to protect his mate. As they struggle with their deep secrets and the unlost feelings between them they'll have to find some way to unmask the predator without anyone else getting hurt. Especially avoiding more heartbreak of their own.
Hmmm, I'm finding this one a tough one to review. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of fated mates but Niles has given it a fresh and interesting twist that makes the world intriguing. The plot of this one wasn't very original, yet managed to be a tense read. I think most readers will find the villain's plot twist to be a surprise and that's always good. One thing that really killed it for me though was the lack of sympathy shown to the villain. I honestly felt like everything he had been doing was a little too understandable once it was revealed why he was doing it. It all felt very brushed under the rug and discounted when I'm pretty sure Liam and most heroes would have done the same thing.
As much as I wanted to really like Ava and Liam—and I did to a point—their lack of communication and secret keeping was just plain stupid. Sure, without it there wouldn't have been much of a story, but if you get frustrated when characters are very stubborn about something this important you might find yourself disliking them for it. That said, if you love steamy scenes, they might make up for it there. ;)
Overall, I was just very meh on this one. Didn't dislike it but wasn't super thrilled with it either. I think a lot of fated mates fans will absolutely love it if they can get past the frustrating 'just tell him already' moments. I said it with the previous installment and it bears noting again... I'm not loving this series but I think I'll keep giving it a read because it's a different take on a trope I don't usually enjoy.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
In the previous installment in The Awakening series, Liam's mate refusing the bond was what brought the hero and heroine together. As they worked to help him get his life to a manageable place they fell in love. When Ava rejected Liam it was much more complicated than he knew and when he suddenly feels her die his world is flipped upside down.
Liam and Ava find themselves at the mercy of a masked mad-man who claims that he owes Liam the torment he puts them through. But with no clue as to whom he has made an enemy there's only so much he can do to protect his mate. As they struggle with their deep secrets and the unlost feelings between them they'll have to find some way to unmask the predator without anyone else getting hurt. Especially avoiding more heartbreak of their own.
Hmmm, I'm finding this one a tough one to review. Generally, I'm not a huge fan of fated mates but Niles has given it a fresh and interesting twist that makes the world intriguing. The plot of this one wasn't very original, yet managed to be a tense read. I think most readers will find the villain's plot twist to be a surprise and that's always good. One thing that really killed it for me though was the lack of sympathy shown to the villain. I honestly felt like everything he had been doing was a little too understandable once it was revealed why he was doing it. It all felt very brushed under the rug and discounted when I'm pretty sure Liam and most heroes would have done the same thing.
As much as I wanted to really like Ava and Liam—and I did to a point—their lack of communication and secret keeping was just plain stupid. Sure, without it there wouldn't have been much of a story, but if you get frustrated when characters are very stubborn about something this important you might find yourself disliking them for it. That said, if you love steamy scenes, they might make up for it there. ;)
Overall, I was just very meh on this one. Didn't dislike it but wasn't super thrilled with it either. I think a lot of fated mates fans will absolutely love it if they can get past the frustrating 'just tell him already' moments. I said it with the previous installment and it bears noting again... I'm not loving this series but I think I'll keep giving it a read because it's a different take on a trope I don't usually enjoy.
Notes: ARC received via publisher.
September 24, 2013
4 out of 5 Stars
Description~
Shifter, Liam Doyle knows Hell. At least he believed he did. The night he feels his mate die, he learns how very wrong he was. Nothing he’d struggled with since Ava’s rejection compares to the emptiness that fills his soul by her death. Lost in his grief, he’s taken by surprise and drugged. When he wakes, everything changes. Nothing is what it seems, and someone is dead set on making him pay.
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
My Review~
This is the second book in The Awakening series, and I dove right into this book! I should have read the first one, since they do reference things that happen in that book a few times. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the book. I really did like it.
Our hero Liam is fiercely protective, and a seriously Alpha sexy. He's also hiding quite a bit from Ava. Which ends up hurting not just Ava but him as well. The shifter mythology is a little different in this book and series but it's a good different. I'd tell you more but it would give away a good part of the plot.
The heroine is definitely not a shrinking violet either. She's forced herself to leave the hero to protect her little sister. Even though she's completely in love with him and doesn't want to leave him, she does it and tries to live with that decision. Even when she's kidnapped and the villain uses her to torment Liam, she braves through it as best as she can. Ava is utterly strong, and kind, and even though she pushes Liam away, she still worries about him.
I definitely want to go back and read the first in this series, and will read any further books. She really made each shifter unique enough that they each stood out. I'd recommend this book for anyone that enjoys Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves, or Dana Marie Bell's Halle Pumas. ~ Reviewed by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
Description~
Shifter, Liam Doyle knows Hell. At least he believed he did. The night he feels his mate die, he learns how very wrong he was. Nothing he’d struggled with since Ava’s rejection compares to the emptiness that fills his soul by her death. Lost in his grief, he’s taken by surprise and drugged. When he wakes, everything changes. Nothing is what it seems, and someone is dead set on making him pay.
When Ava Michaels is taken captive, she’s thrust into a dark and terrifying world along with the man she was forced to leave behind. While being near Liam again is heartbreaking, the motive behind her kidnapping is gradually revealed. The more she learns, the more she worries Liam isn’t the man she believed him to be. He has enemies willing to do anything to extract their revenge. Can their love survive a crazy man’s vengeance?
My Review~
This is the second book in The Awakening series, and I dove right into this book! I should have read the first one, since they do reference things that happen in that book a few times. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy the book. I really did like it.
Our hero Liam is fiercely protective, and a seriously Alpha sexy. He's also hiding quite a bit from Ava. Which ends up hurting not just Ava but him as well. The shifter mythology is a little different in this book and series but it's a good different. I'd tell you more but it would give away a good part of the plot.
The heroine is definitely not a shrinking violet either. She's forced herself to leave the hero to protect her little sister. Even though she's completely in love with him and doesn't want to leave him, she does it and tries to live with that decision. Even when she's kidnapped and the villain uses her to torment Liam, she braves through it as best as she can. Ava is utterly strong, and kind, and even though she pushes Liam away, she still worries about him.
I definitely want to go back and read the first in this series, and will read any further books. She really made each shifter unique enough that they each stood out. I'd recommend this book for anyone that enjoys Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves, or Dana Marie Bell's Halle Pumas. ~ Reviewed by Chris
This review is the property of Chris and not be shared or copied unless by the Publisher or Author or unless credit is given.
September 1, 2013
This was the second book in The Awakening series. However, it is not necessary to read them in order. They are each their own complete stories. Also if you hold a grudge against a character, reading Aidan's story first might make it harder for you to like Ava in this one. I really had my doubts about her at the beginning based on the little I knew from book 1. But as you read her and Liam's story you get a very different perspective.
Liam is a broken soul, he has mated to a woman who has rejected him. As a result he cant shift and keeps getting lost in her emotions. He has a one way bond that returns nothing to him but pain and suffering. When he feels his mate die he cant help run to her. While distraught and distracted he is easily overcome and taken captive.
Ava had refused Liam when he tried to explain what he was to her. Her rejection has all but destroyed him. When she is drugged and taken captive, she has no idea what is going on. Only to find herself trapped with the one man she left behind and the one man she can never forget.
From the moment they are captured the story takes you on a roller coaster ride of danger and excitement. It is near impossible to wait to see what happens next. Who is this mysterious stranger that has kidnapped them? Will Ava tell Liam why she really left him? Will Liam survive her leaving again or will he even let her go? Can they overcome the odds stacked against them and be together forever the way they are meant too?
Once I started I could not stop reading and finished this book rather quickly. Both Liam and Ava are fascinating characters with such levels that really come out in this story. Watching them interact is pure enjoyment. You cant help but hope they can work it out to be together. As I said you do not have to read these in order, but once you read one you will have to read the other so be prepared! I am looking forward to more from this author as she creates a well developed world and intriguing characters.
Liam is a broken soul, he has mated to a woman who has rejected him. As a result he cant shift and keeps getting lost in her emotions. He has a one way bond that returns nothing to him but pain and suffering. When he feels his mate die he cant help run to her. While distraught and distracted he is easily overcome and taken captive.
Ava had refused Liam when he tried to explain what he was to her. Her rejection has all but destroyed him. When she is drugged and taken captive, she has no idea what is going on. Only to find herself trapped with the one man she left behind and the one man she can never forget.
From the moment they are captured the story takes you on a roller coaster ride of danger and excitement. It is near impossible to wait to see what happens next. Who is this mysterious stranger that has kidnapped them? Will Ava tell Liam why she really left him? Will Liam survive her leaving again or will he even let her go? Can they overcome the odds stacked against them and be together forever the way they are meant too?
Once I started I could not stop reading and finished this book rather quickly. Both Liam and Ava are fascinating characters with such levels that really come out in this story. Watching them interact is pure enjoyment. You cant help but hope they can work it out to be together. As I said you do not have to read these in order, but once you read one you will have to read the other so be prepared! I am looking forward to more from this author as she creates a well developed world and intriguing characters.
September 19, 2013
My Review:
This is the second book in the series and it was just as good as the first. Liam is a shifter that we met in the first book who was Dserted by his mate. In this world, for shifter males, this is a fate pretty much worse than death. It leads to depression, complete separation from their animal, and eventual complete mental breakdown. Liam is 8 months into the torture when he feels his mate, Ava, die, but she isn't actually dead. There's someone out there determined to torture Liam and knows that for a shifter, that torturing Ava is the perfect way to do it.
Ava has very good reasons for why she left Liam, but it was definitely not because she didn't love him. She doesn't understand his shifter side, but that wouldn't have been enough to drive her away. BUT she does have to stay away. Her torturer has left her no choice.
This book is super-emotional as Liam and Ava work through exactly what is happening. Ava has no idea what it means to a shifter male to do what she did to Liam and as she learns about it, she is horrified. For his part, Liam has no idea why Ava has been doing what she is doing and with the knowledge that he is probably going to sink back into that dark place lurking, he's trying to figure out how to convince Ava to give them another try....at the same time, trying to keep her safe from this guy who has the mysterious vendetta against him.
The book was good. The world is really interesting. I love Abby Niles' take on shifter mates and the biological vs. mental response to it all.
My one disappointment with this book was there seemed to be a much higher than normal number of typos and editing issues within the book. I expect better quality from a professionally published book. A handful of issues, I can see slipping by, but there had to have been close to twenty and that's just not right. I hope this doesn't mean that quality at Entangled Publishing is sliding....
I do look forward to the next book in the series....Brit maybe???
This is the second book in the series and it was just as good as the first. Liam is a shifter that we met in the first book who was Dserted by his mate. In this world, for shifter males, this is a fate pretty much worse than death. It leads to depression, complete separation from their animal, and eventual complete mental breakdown. Liam is 8 months into the torture when he feels his mate, Ava, die, but she isn't actually dead. There's someone out there determined to torture Liam and knows that for a shifter, that torturing Ava is the perfect way to do it.
Ava has very good reasons for why she left Liam, but it was definitely not because she didn't love him. She doesn't understand his shifter side, but that wouldn't have been enough to drive her away. BUT she does have to stay away. Her torturer has left her no choice.
This book is super-emotional as Liam and Ava work through exactly what is happening. Ava has no idea what it means to a shifter male to do what she did to Liam and as she learns about it, she is horrified. For his part, Liam has no idea why Ava has been doing what she is doing and with the knowledge that he is probably going to sink back into that dark place lurking, he's trying to figure out how to convince Ava to give them another try....at the same time, trying to keep her safe from this guy who has the mysterious vendetta against him.
The book was good. The world is really interesting. I love Abby Niles' take on shifter mates and the biological vs. mental response to it all.
My one disappointment with this book was there seemed to be a much higher than normal number of typos and editing issues within the book. I expect better quality from a professionally published book. A handful of issues, I can see slipping by, but there had to have been close to twenty and that's just not right. I hope this doesn't mean that quality at Entangled Publishing is sliding....
I do look forward to the next book in the series....Brit maybe???
September 1, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Today I was able to read The Awakening: Liam by Abby Niles. We all know I'm not very good at figuring out I'm in a middle of a series till it's too late. Hey that's how I roll (snickers to self). Fortunately, I wasn't too lost with this story.
So, The Awakening: Liam is about Liam Doyle who has marked his mate, but she has rejected him. WOW, tough break for him. Now he's doom to live in hell without the love of his life. Ava Michaels actually loves Liam, but had to sacrifice the relationship to save her sister. Sucks for her too. Since Liam is tied to Ava, he can feel most of her emotions. So, when she's in danger he can feel it and has the need to save her.
All right, so Ava and Liam ended getting capture by this madman and we don't find out the reason why until the end. However, he tortures the two through most of the book. Plus, Liam and Ava have a lot of issues that they just don't want to solve. Surprise, surprise communication would have saved a lot of problems in their relationship, but if they had communicated with one another the complication that made story wouldn't have been there. Therefore, there would not be story, so the lack of communication was kind of important to the story. At the same time drove me nuts.
I really felt bad for Liam, because he just seem like he was thrown into the pity of despair. Ava drove me nuts, because she just wasn't willing to talk to Liam and kept pushing him away. Overall, not a bad story, but I don't think it was for me. I like towards the end when they found out the madman twist plot to extract revenge on something Liam didn't have a clue what was going on. Basically, if you like stories with shifters finding their mates and finding a way to keep their mate, you might enjoy The Awakening: Liam.
Copy provided by the publisher
Today I was able to read The Awakening: Liam by Abby Niles. We all know I'm not very good at figuring out I'm in a middle of a series till it's too late. Hey that's how I roll (snickers to self). Fortunately, I wasn't too lost with this story.
So, The Awakening: Liam is about Liam Doyle who has marked his mate, but she has rejected him. WOW, tough break for him. Now he's doom to live in hell without the love of his life. Ava Michaels actually loves Liam, but had to sacrifice the relationship to save her sister. Sucks for her too. Since Liam is tied to Ava, he can feel most of her emotions. So, when she's in danger he can feel it and has the need to save her.
All right, so Ava and Liam ended getting capture by this madman and we don't find out the reason why until the end. However, he tortures the two through most of the book. Plus, Liam and Ava have a lot of issues that they just don't want to solve. Surprise, surprise communication would have saved a lot of problems in their relationship, but if they had communicated with one another the complication that made story wouldn't have been there. Therefore, there would not be story, so the lack of communication was kind of important to the story. At the same time drove me nuts.
I really felt bad for Liam, because he just seem like he was thrown into the pity of despair. Ava drove me nuts, because she just wasn't willing to talk to Liam and kept pushing him away. Overall, not a bad story, but I don't think it was for me. I like towards the end when they found out the madman twist plot to extract revenge on something Liam didn't have a clue what was going on. Basically, if you like stories with shifters finding their mates and finding a way to keep their mate, you might enjoy The Awakening: Liam.
Copy provided by the publisher
September 3, 2013
Liam was rejected by his mate and thought nothing could top that low. He is wrong when he feels her die he feels like he has as well. He goes to her and in his grief is caught unaware and drugged. When he wakes he is in a whole new kind of hell. His mate is still alive but he finds himself trying to save them both all along with trying to figure out who wants revenge on him. Ava had to leave Liam before for her own reasons and now being near him is tearing her apart. She has to deal with her feelings, try to keep him away from her, say alive and discover why she is a target. What kind of past does Liam have if they will go after her to get even.
Liam is a broken Shifter. He has been rejected and doesn't think anything good can happen now. Being a shifter having his mate want nothing to do wit him is doubly hard. He wants to keep her safe no matter what even if it cost him life. Ava is scared and really doesn't know what is going on. She has her moments where you really get to see her backbone show. She will fight to protect those she loves. You may think at times she is weak but she is far from it. She had to be strong to do what she did and to survive what she is going through now.
I haven't read the first book in the series but you get right away what all that has happened. It doesn't effect your reading one bit. I love a story with shifters and this one is great as you really get to see the emotional side and the effects shifters have if they are broken down. No fear the sexy side we all love is still there. This book starts right off with action as the two are taken and tortured but no clue why. You along with them struggle to see who is behind it. I will say I was surprised as I wouldn't have guessed it. This book is full of hope, longing, heartache and so much more. You really get invested in learning more about these two and what will become of them. If you love shifters or paranormal books I will say pick this up and try it.
Liam is a broken Shifter. He has been rejected and doesn't think anything good can happen now. Being a shifter having his mate want nothing to do wit him is doubly hard. He wants to keep her safe no matter what even if it cost him life. Ava is scared and really doesn't know what is going on. She has her moments where you really get to see her backbone show. She will fight to protect those she loves. You may think at times she is weak but she is far from it. She had to be strong to do what she did and to survive what she is going through now.
I haven't read the first book in the series but you get right away what all that has happened. It doesn't effect your reading one bit. I love a story with shifters and this one is great as you really get to see the emotional side and the effects shifters have if they are broken down. No fear the sexy side we all love is still there. This book starts right off with action as the two are taken and tortured but no clue why. You along with them struggle to see who is behind it. I will say I was surprised as I wouldn't have guessed it. This book is full of hope, longing, heartache and so much more. You really get invested in learning more about these two and what will become of them. If you love shifters or paranormal books I will say pick this up and try it.
September 18, 2013
The Awakening: Liam by Abby Niles is the second in her exciting Awakening series. If her first book (Aidan) was a great look at the interesting phenomenon of shifter mating, this was the book that told us all how utterly awful it could really be. Liam is introduced in Aidan’s book as a shifter who has been rejected by his mate before the bond is fully in place. His issues with this rejection continue here in his own book.
Liam is a fairly typical shifter, with the requisite looks, beast, protective instincts, etc. Unfortunately for Liam, his mate Ava isn’t exactly the best person in the world. Oh, she’s not evil, not really, she’s just stupid – very, very stupid. For Liam, Ava’s stupidity leads to torture, heartbreak, and a whole lot of shifter police action that was utterly unnecessary. Ava isn’t painted in a good light in Aidan’s book and nothing she does here makes her look any better. Even her own internal monologues make Ava less and less of a sympathetic character.
Other than Ava, there are a couple of issues with the book. First, Jaylin actually commits a grave faux pas as a counselor by revealing details of Liam’s issues to Ava. Second, the villain was pretty obvious from the moment a list was made of people who might be suspects.
The plot; however, was strong with more information about the shifters coming out. The return of Aidan, Jaylin, and Britton was good to see and they fit seamlessly into this story. The new characters and their interactions made for some zingers, especially involving Britton. There was a lot of foreshadowing of Britton’s book. This actually helped to save Liam’s book, because if this book is anything to go by, Britton’s book is going to be amazing.
RATING: 3
Heat Rating: Hot
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Liam is a fairly typical shifter, with the requisite looks, beast, protective instincts, etc. Unfortunately for Liam, his mate Ava isn’t exactly the best person in the world. Oh, she’s not evil, not really, she’s just stupid – very, very stupid. For Liam, Ava’s stupidity leads to torture, heartbreak, and a whole lot of shifter police action that was utterly unnecessary. Ava isn’t painted in a good light in Aidan’s book and nothing she does here makes her look any better. Even her own internal monologues make Ava less and less of a sympathetic character.
Other than Ava, there are a couple of issues with the book. First, Jaylin actually commits a grave faux pas as a counselor by revealing details of Liam’s issues to Ava. Second, the villain was pretty obvious from the moment a list was made of people who might be suspects.
The plot; however, was strong with more information about the shifters coming out. The return of Aidan, Jaylin, and Britton was good to see and they fit seamlessly into this story. The new characters and their interactions made for some zingers, especially involving Britton. There was a lot of foreshadowing of Britton’s book. This actually helped to save Liam’s book, because if this book is anything to go by, Britton’s book is going to be amazing.
RATING: 3
Heat Rating: Hot
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 26, 2013
The second book in The Awakening series is an intriguing and entertaining read full of suspense, love, and discovery.
The author’s version of a shifter genre is a well thought out and engaging world that will keep the reader coming back for more. It has all the elements of a great series; love and romance, bonding and eternity, suspense and secrets, discovery and self awareness. The characters are strong and bewitching and are easily related to.
The heroine is a strong character that has to deal with her family problems while discovering that the love of her life is from a whole other world that she didn’t believe existed. The hero is a strong character that has to overcome his aversion to telling the woman he loves the truth about the secrets of his world. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, but they have a few communication problems. The sex in the story was proportionate to what was happening in the plot and very well written.
Liam sets out to protect Ava whether she likes it or not and the suspense builds as they the couple try to win against an enemy that has manipulated them in a very sick game to exact a revenge only he understands. The action ensues as they investigate and try to stop the insane madman before he destroys everything the couple has to live for.
I was completely entertained by this shifter world and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I have not read the first book in this series but the author gives intriguing hints about the first book and its characters but doesn’t overload with too much information, this catches the reader up with what’s going on in this world, so that this book can be read without reading the first one first.
The author’s version of a shifter genre is a well thought out and engaging world that will keep the reader coming back for more. It has all the elements of a great series; love and romance, bonding and eternity, suspense and secrets, discovery and self awareness. The characters are strong and bewitching and are easily related to.
The heroine is a strong character that has to deal with her family problems while discovering that the love of her life is from a whole other world that she didn’t believe existed. The hero is a strong character that has to overcome his aversion to telling the woman he loves the truth about the secrets of his world. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, but they have a few communication problems. The sex in the story was proportionate to what was happening in the plot and very well written.
Liam sets out to protect Ava whether she likes it or not and the suspense builds as they the couple try to win against an enemy that has manipulated them in a very sick game to exact a revenge only he understands. The action ensues as they investigate and try to stop the insane madman before he destroys everything the couple has to live for.
I was completely entertained by this shifter world and I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. I have not read the first book in this series but the author gives intriguing hints about the first book and its characters but doesn’t overload with too much information, this catches the reader up with what’s going on in this world, so that this book can be read without reading the first one first.
September 1, 2013
The Awakening: Liam by Abby Niles got my attention right away with her dedication. I knew I would like the book if for no other reason than her sense of humor - "to Rum and Coke".. Even if those were her pet ferrets, I was in! Turns out the book was FANTASTIC. I didn't need her cutesy dedication, she had me at the first chapter.
I do not want to give any spoilers, but a tiny bit is needed to make the review right. It's a love story between two people who were torn apart by other outside forces. The bummer is only one side of the couple understands and makes that decision. The second party is undercut and crushed by the breakup.
These characters made me love them from the start - Liam is a strong, loving man who is trying to build his life. Ana is a caring woman who is trying to hold onto a sister who has gone through some tough decisions.
From the onset, you know their love is real and true. The series of events lead back to actions from years ago. I loved that part of the book - how every action in our lives leads us further down the path we walk. It's true for each characters back story and for their story together.
This author made me fall in love with Ana and Liam. I teared up, gasped, and got really big smiles as I read this. I stayed up all night to finish this one, did not even put it down once I started. I usually will drag a book out over a few nights, but not this one.
I am excited to read more by Abby. I want to see more into this world she has woven.
I do not want to give any spoilers, but a tiny bit is needed to make the review right. It's a love story between two people who were torn apart by other outside forces. The bummer is only one side of the couple understands and makes that decision. The second party is undercut and crushed by the breakup.
These characters made me love them from the start - Liam is a strong, loving man who is trying to build his life. Ana is a caring woman who is trying to hold onto a sister who has gone through some tough decisions.
From the onset, you know their love is real and true. The series of events lead back to actions from years ago. I loved that part of the book - how every action in our lives leads us further down the path we walk. It's true for each characters back story and for their story together.
This author made me fall in love with Ana and Liam. I teared up, gasped, and got really big smiles as I read this. I stayed up all night to finish this one, did not even put it down once I started. I usually will drag a book out over a few nights, but not this one.
I am excited to read more by Abby. I want to see more into this world she has woven.
September 15, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did not read The Awakening, Book 1 prior to picking this book up, but I don't think it really hindered my enjoyment of this one. We jump right into the action from the start and get enough information along the way to properly acclimate. There is a whole unique world of shifters, complete with government, enforcers, and new language that exist for Liam and his estranged mate, Ava. We join the story after a lot of drama has happened between Ava and Liam. Unfortunately, they are no longer together and Liam is suffering on a whole different level than Ava. Having bonded, this puts him in a sort of eternal torture.
At some point in the past, Liam made a huge enemy. This enemy drives the overall plot of this book by kidnapping Ava and somehow making her appear dead to Liam (in that magic mated shifter place inside). Here's where the dark part of the story hit. I'm not usually a fan of books that include torture or the sort of terror that is inflicted in this book, but it was done in such a way that it was necessary.
The love story between Liam and Ava was heartbreaking and moving. I was rooting for them every step of the way. There was also a lot of sizzle between the two, even when they were supposed to be apart. Yummy shifter goodness and lots of smut to keep the smut readers happy. This is a unique shifter series that I'll be keeping my eye on for future installments!
I did not read The Awakening, Book 1 prior to picking this book up, but I don't think it really hindered my enjoyment of this one. We jump right into the action from the start and get enough information along the way to properly acclimate. There is a whole unique world of shifters, complete with government, enforcers, and new language that exist for Liam and his estranged mate, Ava. We join the story after a lot of drama has happened between Ava and Liam. Unfortunately, they are no longer together and Liam is suffering on a whole different level than Ava. Having bonded, this puts him in a sort of eternal torture.
At some point in the past, Liam made a huge enemy. This enemy drives the overall plot of this book by kidnapping Ava and somehow making her appear dead to Liam (in that magic mated shifter place inside). Here's where the dark part of the story hit. I'm not usually a fan of books that include torture or the sort of terror that is inflicted in this book, but it was done in such a way that it was necessary.
The love story between Liam and Ava was heartbreaking and moving. I was rooting for them every step of the way. There was also a lot of sizzle between the two, even when they were supposed to be apart. Yummy shifter goodness and lots of smut to keep the smut readers happy. This is a unique shifter series that I'll be keeping my eye on for future installments!
September 17, 2013
This is my first Abby Niles book and let me tell you I am seriously loving it! The Awakening Series is Dark, Deadly, Dangerous, and full of sexy desire, its highly romantic. Even though there are previous books in this series i didnt feel like i had missed the meaning of this book having not read the others, this book can be read easily as a stand alone.
I dont read many books about shifters, i must confess vampire’s are my paranormal weakness but this book really pulled me in right from the start.
This book pulses with a lush pairing of Liam and Ava the bond they have is wonderful, the story starts off with the heart wrenching pull of what Liam thinks is Ava’s death, this scene is full of pain and its pulls at your insides to read what Liam goes through because of the bond he has formed with Ava.
Ava is a bit in the dark about how the whole bonding thing works between shifters and humans, Liam keeps some things from her to make sure she really loves him for him and not out of obligation, you have to admire him for that eternity is a long time after all.
The story unfolds beautifully and has a great cast of characters who have a fantastic chemistry, this makes the story flow for easy reading.
This book will keep you engrossed for a good couple of hours, you wont even notice the time passing, it is a great paranormal romance that’s easy to follow not too much paranormal mumbo jumbo. You feel like your stepping into another world, and what a great world it is.
I dont read many books about shifters, i must confess vampire’s are my paranormal weakness but this book really pulled me in right from the start.
This book pulses with a lush pairing of Liam and Ava the bond they have is wonderful, the story starts off with the heart wrenching pull of what Liam thinks is Ava’s death, this scene is full of pain and its pulls at your insides to read what Liam goes through because of the bond he has formed with Ava.
Ava is a bit in the dark about how the whole bonding thing works between shifters and humans, Liam keeps some things from her to make sure she really loves him for him and not out of obligation, you have to admire him for that eternity is a long time after all.
The story unfolds beautifully and has a great cast of characters who have a fantastic chemistry, this makes the story flow for easy reading.
This book will keep you engrossed for a good couple of hours, you wont even notice the time passing, it is a great paranormal romance that’s easy to follow not too much paranormal mumbo jumbo. You feel like your stepping into another world, and what a great world it is.
July 29, 2016
This is the first book that I’ve read by Abby Niles and it will not be the last. It’s a great paranormal romance that includes a very interesting mystery that kept me consumed until the very end.
Liam lost the love of his life, and as a shifter, his mate eight months ago, and life has meant nothing to him since. But his mate’s rejection is nothing compared to the moment he feels her death like it was his own. Determined to get proof that she is dead he goes to her home and his world turns black as he passes out. When he wakes he has no idea where he is, but he also knows that things are not what they seem. But he cannot figure out why someone is set on making him pay with the things that mean the most to him.
Ava broke up with Liam after she found out about his secret life, but it was just an excuse because she was forced to leave him. When they are kidnapped and locked up together she knows she still wants to be with him more than anything. As the reason for their kidnapping start being revealed, Ava finds out many things that she didn’t know about Liam. Can they work together to escape the madman who seeks vengeance? Can Liam prove that the best thing for both of them is to be together, or is it too late for both of them?
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Liam lost the love of his life, and as a shifter, his mate eight months ago, and life has meant nothing to him since. But his mate’s rejection is nothing compared to the moment he feels her death like it was his own. Determined to get proof that she is dead he goes to her home and his world turns black as he passes out. When he wakes he has no idea where he is, but he also knows that things are not what they seem. But he cannot figure out why someone is set on making him pay with the things that mean the most to him.
Ava broke up with Liam after she found out about his secret life, but it was just an excuse because she was forced to leave him. When they are kidnapped and locked up together she knows she still wants to be with him more than anything. As the reason for their kidnapping start being revealed, Ava finds out many things that she didn’t know about Liam. Can they work together to escape the madman who seeks vengeance? Can Liam prove that the best thing for both of them is to be together, or is it too late for both of them?
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2013
I read the first book in this series and I had to read this one when I got the chance.
You get a little taste of Liam Doyle in the first book. What you read about Ava Michaels makes her sound really cruel to put Liam through what she does. I wondered how in the world she could love him but make him go through what she did. Well reading this book opened my eyes and let me see more of what is going on.
Liam never told Ava what would happen to him if she told him to leave and never wanted to see her again. We also find out why Ava did what she did. She did it for the love of her sister and keeping her safe. Makes you think what would you do if you were in this same situation.
When I started reading this book I thought why would Ava get killed but it was all a kidnapping to get back at Liam. Even though Liam really didn't know what he had done to this guy to cause him to feel such resentment towards him.
The author really had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what all was going on and who could be causing all of this mess. I knew that Ava and Liam had to find a way to be together. I was wanting a happy ending and I got it. Makes me wonder who the story will be about next time.
You get a little taste of Liam Doyle in the first book. What you read about Ava Michaels makes her sound really cruel to put Liam through what she does. I wondered how in the world she could love him but make him go through what she did. Well reading this book opened my eyes and let me see more of what is going on.
Liam never told Ava what would happen to him if she told him to leave and never wanted to see her again. We also find out why Ava did what she did. She did it for the love of her sister and keeping her safe. Makes you think what would you do if you were in this same situation.
When I started reading this book I thought why would Ava get killed but it was all a kidnapping to get back at Liam. Even though Liam really didn't know what he had done to this guy to cause him to feel such resentment towards him.
The author really had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what all was going on and who could be causing all of this mess. I knew that Ava and Liam had to find a way to be together. I was wanting a happy ending and I got it. Makes me wonder who the story will be about next time.
August 26, 2013
Liam Doyle lost everything when his mate Ava left him 8 months ago. He was left with nothing but emptiness and despair. Now the madman behind this has struck again, he has kidnapped Liam and Ava. He wants Liam to suffer as he has. He knows that hurting Ava is the way to accomplish his goal. Their story is filled with so much danger and drama that it leaves you breathless. You see how the desire for revenge can consume a person. It also shows what the power of true love can accomplish. Liam is so loving and passionate. He will do anything to protect his mate even give her up. His vulnerability makes him appealing. I loved this shifter. Ava is his other half. She is caught between a rock and a hard place. Liam is her heart's desire but she needs to protect her younger sister. Can these two stubborn people find their way back to each other? I couldn't put this book down. The action was never ending. I felt emotionally drained after reading this book. If you enjoy reading a hot romance about shifters, you will love this book.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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