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The Awakening #3
Britton
I would lick that man up one side and down the other.
Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.
When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human - that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains - together, and alone.
Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse... fall in love.
Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.
When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human - that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains - together, and alone.
Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse... fall in love.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
5 people are currently reading
381 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 58 reviews
January 20, 2020
By far this was my favourite of this trilogy. I loved Britton and Val the most even though the other couples were great too! Sorry it’s now over because I think Dr Miles should have a story!
November 23, 2013
This was my first read from The Awakening series, and I was definitely impressed. I do so love getting lost in a great shifter paranormal story, and Abby Niles had me completely gone over the sexy angry beast that was Britton Townsend! The tension (both good and bad) between him and the understandably baffled victim of his anger, Val Calhoun, was thick enough to swipe a jaguar claw through; with an intriguing plot and twists that had my heart racing tossed in the mix, I was hooked!
Right off the bat, it was clear that Britton’s anger towards Val was not just some simple office battle of wills. Whereas she disliked his attitude and his flagrant flirting/bedding with women, his reaction was something on a whole new level of bitterness. Yes, she’d taken his job as head of the SPAC when he’d made a split-second decision that cost him greatly years ago, but she hadn’t gone out of her way to oust him. So, when the tables were turned and Britton was called back in to help with a high-stakes ransom case, there was all kinds of scowling and growling going on between these two. But they had to shove all of that aside to work the case, especially since it required them to spend several days in close quarters!
I loved Niles’ concept of the shifter gene being suppressed or brought to the surface with a simple shot of serum; it was a unique twist, and Britton’s jaguar struggling and clawing against its fate was awesome. Britton had been forced to spend 20 years without his beast, and at four years into his sentence they were going to bring it back as if nothing happened. After being torn and left half the man he used to be, he was suddenly getting back the part of him that made him who he was, made him complete. He was ready to deal with his beast resurfacing and more than ready to have his superhuman abilities back, but neither he nor Val were prepared for the massive shift in his reactions to her presence.
As Britton’s shifter side began to settle in and he found himself less and less disgusted by the woman who used to make his skin crawl, the reason behind his dramatic turn-around began to reveal itself. It was such an awesome plot development and it had my heart racing from the anticipation of what was to come for these two! Val was understandably confused by Britton’s change of heart, but she softened toward him when she realized he was being genuine for once. It was a sweet side to counter all of the bitterness they had between them, and I really enjoyed seeing both of them view each other in such a different light. By that point I was drooling repeatedly over sex-on-legs Britton anyway, and Val’s strength and feisty personality had won me over easily!
With all of the pent-up aggression on Britton’s end and sexual tension from both sides, there was bound to be some epic angry sex when the dust settled…and oh, was it ever! Britton was just as much a beast pleasing his woman as he was in shifter form, and good lord I loved every moment! But things weren’t going to be easy for them, between figuring out who was behind the kidnapping and facing the fact that Britton’s status as a shifter was still in question. He and Val dealt with some gut-wrenching blows as they came to grips with their fate, and right up to the end it was uncertain what lay ahead for them. Theirs was a thrilling love story with all of the passion you’d expect from a paranormal romance and some great twists that make this one to remember, and I can’t wait to grab up the first two books in this series to see what I missed out on!
Quotes:
Pushing away the sensation, she met and held those mesmerizing ice-blue eyes made all the brighter by his olive complexion and jet-black hair and brows. His eyelashes were way too long for a man and only magnified the color of the irises. All those good looks wasted on a douche bag. ~p. 7
In the car on the way up here, the moments in front of the clerk had replayed over and over in his mind like some horrific movie loop, and the same reaction came over him every time. It was weird. Unnatural. Visceral. And always immediate. ~p. 44
How he got that last sentence out was beyond him, but he was mighty proud of his damn self, especially with that red lace bra teasing the hell out of him as the water lapped over the swell of her breasts. ~p. 115
Because if she got too close, he feared he wouldn't be able to stop himself from kissing her. And once that happened, he'd be lost. One single kiss, and there'd be no turning back. ~p. 123
Watch for this and other of my reviews at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
Right off the bat, it was clear that Britton’s anger towards Val was not just some simple office battle of wills. Whereas she disliked his attitude and his flagrant flirting/bedding with women, his reaction was something on a whole new level of bitterness. Yes, she’d taken his job as head of the SPAC when he’d made a split-second decision that cost him greatly years ago, but she hadn’t gone out of her way to oust him. So, when the tables were turned and Britton was called back in to help with a high-stakes ransom case, there was all kinds of scowling and growling going on between these two. But they had to shove all of that aside to work the case, especially since it required them to spend several days in close quarters!
I loved Niles’ concept of the shifter gene being suppressed or brought to the surface with a simple shot of serum; it was a unique twist, and Britton’s jaguar struggling and clawing against its fate was awesome. Britton had been forced to spend 20 years without his beast, and at four years into his sentence they were going to bring it back as if nothing happened. After being torn and left half the man he used to be, he was suddenly getting back the part of him that made him who he was, made him complete. He was ready to deal with his beast resurfacing and more than ready to have his superhuman abilities back, but neither he nor Val were prepared for the massive shift in his reactions to her presence.
As Britton’s shifter side began to settle in and he found himself less and less disgusted by the woman who used to make his skin crawl, the reason behind his dramatic turn-around began to reveal itself. It was such an awesome plot development and it had my heart racing from the anticipation of what was to come for these two! Val was understandably confused by Britton’s change of heart, but she softened toward him when she realized he was being genuine for once. It was a sweet side to counter all of the bitterness they had between them, and I really enjoyed seeing both of them view each other in such a different light. By that point I was drooling repeatedly over sex-on-legs Britton anyway, and Val’s strength and feisty personality had won me over easily!
With all of the pent-up aggression on Britton’s end and sexual tension from both sides, there was bound to be some epic angry sex when the dust settled…and oh, was it ever! Britton was just as much a beast pleasing his woman as he was in shifter form, and good lord I loved every moment! But things weren’t going to be easy for them, between figuring out who was behind the kidnapping and facing the fact that Britton’s status as a shifter was still in question. He and Val dealt with some gut-wrenching blows as they came to grips with their fate, and right up to the end it was uncertain what lay ahead for them. Theirs was a thrilling love story with all of the passion you’d expect from a paranormal romance and some great twists that make this one to remember, and I can’t wait to grab up the first two books in this series to see what I missed out on!
Quotes:
Pushing away the sensation, she met and held those mesmerizing ice-blue eyes made all the brighter by his olive complexion and jet-black hair and brows. His eyelashes were way too long for a man and only magnified the color of the irises. All those good looks wasted on a douche bag. ~p. 7
In the car on the way up here, the moments in front of the clerk had replayed over and over in his mind like some horrific movie loop, and the same reaction came over him every time. It was weird. Unnatural. Visceral. And always immediate. ~p. 44
How he got that last sentence out was beyond him, but he was mighty proud of his damn self, especially with that red lace bra teasing the hell out of him as the water lapped over the swell of her breasts. ~p. 115
Because if she got too close, he feared he wouldn't be able to stop himself from kissing her. And once that happened, he'd be lost. One single kiss, and there'd be no turning back. ~p. 123
Watch for this and other of my reviews at: http://www.autumnreview.com/search/la...
November 17, 2013
Reviewed Originally For: Tea and Book
Each book in Abby Niles' Awakening Series just gets better and better. The Awakening is when a when a male shifter meets his mate he is of course instantly attracted to her and by marking her, he literally becomes hers. If she fails to mark him in return, she still has a chance at a different life. But if she should reject him? Life is just not worth living.. We saw in Book Two The Awakening: Aidan. But what happens if your animal is suppressed? If that one person was meant for you, would you still feel it, even if your animal was suppressed? Would you know? Or would you lose it all?
Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun is second to none when it comes to scents. She can find a scent even if it is lost in a concealer. There is nothing she can't find. Val is secure in her talents until a small child is kidnapped and suddenly her talents aren't enough. They need someone better.. The only person who could even possibly be better is the disgraced FORMER head of SPAC. The one man every woman wants.. the man who loves every woman.. well except Val. For some reason, Britton hates her. So Val being Val retaliates.. causing a four year bitter rivalry. And this is who the council wants to bring back. The only reason Val can even begin to accept it is that there is a missing child out there. One who just wants his mom.
Britton was tried and convicted for breaking shifter law. It didn't matter that he saved a child, it didn't matter that he was the absolute best at what he did.. Nothing mattered except he broke the law.. He has struggled for four long years (and has 16 to go) without the use of his animal. He had to literally learn to walk again. He had to learn how to be human rather than shifter and he had to give up doing what he loved. Yes, life has been difficult. But now the council wants him back.. at least temporarily. They aren't giving him a reprieve.. just fix our mess and then bam back to your sentence. And of course do it while working with the one person on the face of the earth that makes your skin crawl. Do it with the one person that every time you get withing scent distance you are instantly and completely revolted. True and complete hate.. for a woman you have no reason why you hate.
As soon as Britton is given an antidote to the shifter suppression serum he and Val are sent off on a secret mission. Find the missing child, don't tell anyone and oh yeah do it in a week. But things start getting weird right off the bat. Suddenly Britton doesn't hate Val, he looks at his behavior of the fast four years and sees what a jerk he was. How he started the war and the more time he spends with her the more he wonders why? Huh, maybe proximity was all it took.. but things just keep getting more and more interesting. The more they are together, the more his shifter senses come back in line, the more he likes her and when like turns to attraction, things really heat up.
Dealing with instant desire makes working a case incredibly hard but Val and Britton are determined to find the missing child. A mutant child who can shift from birth.. The council is not filled with evil individuals, just people who respect the old ways and refuse to comprehend that times have changed. Yes some laws need to stand firm, there are reasons for them, reasons that ensure their survival but some laws.. well they need to be updated.
For all that this is a shifter book a PNR.. it is a romance, a story about two people who find each other and aren't willing to let the other go. Two people who face insurmountable odds and well surmount them. It's about standing up for what's right.. and standing beside the one you love. It's a wonderful book! Another great book in Ms Niles' Awakening Series! Can not wait for more!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Awakening: Britton, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on November 25, 2013
Each book in Abby Niles' Awakening Series just gets better and better. The Awakening is when a when a male shifter meets his mate he is of course instantly attracted to her and by marking her, he literally becomes hers. If she fails to mark him in return, she still has a chance at a different life. But if she should reject him? Life is just not worth living.. We saw in Book Two The Awakening: Aidan. But what happens if your animal is suppressed? If that one person was meant for you, would you still feel it, even if your animal was suppressed? Would you know? Or would you lose it all?
Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun is second to none when it comes to scents. She can find a scent even if it is lost in a concealer. There is nothing she can't find. Val is secure in her talents until a small child is kidnapped and suddenly her talents aren't enough. They need someone better.. The only person who could even possibly be better is the disgraced FORMER head of SPAC. The one man every woman wants.. the man who loves every woman.. well except Val. For some reason, Britton hates her. So Val being Val retaliates.. causing a four year bitter rivalry. And this is who the council wants to bring back. The only reason Val can even begin to accept it is that there is a missing child out there. One who just wants his mom.
Britton was tried and convicted for breaking shifter law. It didn't matter that he saved a child, it didn't matter that he was the absolute best at what he did.. Nothing mattered except he broke the law.. He has struggled for four long years (and has 16 to go) without the use of his animal. He had to literally learn to walk again. He had to learn how to be human rather than shifter and he had to give up doing what he loved. Yes, life has been difficult. But now the council wants him back.. at least temporarily. They aren't giving him a reprieve.. just fix our mess and then bam back to your sentence. And of course do it while working with the one person on the face of the earth that makes your skin crawl. Do it with the one person that every time you get withing scent distance you are instantly and completely revolted. True and complete hate.. for a woman you have no reason why you hate.
As soon as Britton is given an antidote to the shifter suppression serum he and Val are sent off on a secret mission. Find the missing child, don't tell anyone and oh yeah do it in a week. But things start getting weird right off the bat. Suddenly Britton doesn't hate Val, he looks at his behavior of the fast four years and sees what a jerk he was. How he started the war and the more time he spends with her the more he wonders why? Huh, maybe proximity was all it took.. but things just keep getting more and more interesting. The more they are together, the more his shifter senses come back in line, the more he likes her and when like turns to attraction, things really heat up.
Dealing with instant desire makes working a case incredibly hard but Val and Britton are determined to find the missing child. A mutant child who can shift from birth.. The council is not filled with evil individuals, just people who respect the old ways and refuse to comprehend that times have changed. Yes some laws need to stand firm, there are reasons for them, reasons that ensure their survival but some laws.. well they need to be updated.
For all that this is a shifter book a PNR.. it is a romance, a story about two people who find each other and aren't willing to let the other go. Two people who face insurmountable odds and well surmount them. It's about standing up for what's right.. and standing beside the one you love. It's a wonderful book! Another great book in Ms Niles' Awakening Series! Can not wait for more!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Awakening: Britton, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on November 25, 2013
December 13, 2013
Sapphyria's Review:
Review of Book 1, The Awakening: Aidan
http://saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com/...
Review of Book 2, The Awakening: Liam
http://saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com/...
Four years ago, Britton Townsend broke sacred shifter law by almost revealing their kind to the human world. He then faced one of the harshest punishments. His shifter powers were removed and he was stripped of his job as head of Shifter Protection and Concealment (SPAC). He now must live as a human for a 20 year sentence. Britton's replacement at SPAC is Val Calhoun. She's one of the best trackers in the game. Unfortunately, Val and Britton don't get along - AT ALL.
When World Shifters, a facility for children who have a genetic defect in their shifting gene, is breached and the son of a woman spending life in prison, is kidnapped, the Council goes directly to Val for recon and clean up. The children in World Shifters can change at will from the time they are born, instead of at the age of 18, making the beasts they become most uncontrollable. The little boy, named Charlie, that is kidnapped is being used as a weapon against the council in the form of blackmail in order to get the release of his mother, Samantha Mills, from jail, and to get current shifter laws regarding the mutated shifters revised.
After Val is unsuccessful at her first attempt to track down Charlie, the Council does something harsh and demotes her. They also do the unthinkable - they request a meeting with Britton, and discuss with him temporary clemency and promote him to lead investigator of this case...much to the disgust of both Val and Britton.
Will Britton and Val move beyond their mutual hatred of one another and rescue Charlie before his untamed wolf is exposed for the world to see?
Britton's story in The Awakening Series is just as fabulous as Aidan and Liam's story. The tension between Val and Britton is not new to readers of the series. We've seen them both in action in previous books. I truly believe that there is a fine line between the intensity of love and hate. Both Val and Britton tap dance along this line from the very start. Both Val and Britton are both eventually able to put themselves in the other's shoes and quickly discover that there are similarities they share.
The mystery behind the kidnapping and the person, person, group, or groups (see how I keep you guessing?) is well played. The dialogue between the characters is smooth and the plot flows along very well. Britton's story is another chapter of the series that just completely grasps the reader and keeps them engaged in every part of the book - from the character interaction, the race to save an innocent little boy, the importance to revise extremely rigid rules that are not supported by all shifters, and all the way to the romance that blossoms. There are real emotions written into this book. Those emotions bubbled within me as I read the passages concerning his temporary shifter status and what that could mean or will mean concerning his newly discovered mate. Be prepared to have some tissues with you as you read this novel.
This novel has a strong plot and has substance. Each part of the book is important. There is no need to skim, browse, or skip because everything about it is in all of the right doses. Bravo!
Review Copy Courtesy Of: The Publishing Company, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of Book 1, The Awakening: Aidan
http://saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com/...
Review of Book 2, The Awakening: Liam
http://saphssteamybooks.blogspot.com/...
Four years ago, Britton Townsend broke sacred shifter law by almost revealing their kind to the human world. He then faced one of the harshest punishments. His shifter powers were removed and he was stripped of his job as head of Shifter Protection and Concealment (SPAC). He now must live as a human for a 20 year sentence. Britton's replacement at SPAC is Val Calhoun. She's one of the best trackers in the game. Unfortunately, Val and Britton don't get along - AT ALL.
When World Shifters, a facility for children who have a genetic defect in their shifting gene, is breached and the son of a woman spending life in prison, is kidnapped, the Council goes directly to Val for recon and clean up. The children in World Shifters can change at will from the time they are born, instead of at the age of 18, making the beasts they become most uncontrollable. The little boy, named Charlie, that is kidnapped is being used as a weapon against the council in the form of blackmail in order to get the release of his mother, Samantha Mills, from jail, and to get current shifter laws regarding the mutated shifters revised.
After Val is unsuccessful at her first attempt to track down Charlie, the Council does something harsh and demotes her. They also do the unthinkable - they request a meeting with Britton, and discuss with him temporary clemency and promote him to lead investigator of this case...much to the disgust of both Val and Britton.
Will Britton and Val move beyond their mutual hatred of one another and rescue Charlie before his untamed wolf is exposed for the world to see?
Britton's story in The Awakening Series is just as fabulous as Aidan and Liam's story. The tension between Val and Britton is not new to readers of the series. We've seen them both in action in previous books. I truly believe that there is a fine line between the intensity of love and hate. Both Val and Britton tap dance along this line from the very start. Both Val and Britton are both eventually able to put themselves in the other's shoes and quickly discover that there are similarities they share.
The mystery behind the kidnapping and the person, person, group, or groups (see how I keep you guessing?) is well played. The dialogue between the characters is smooth and the plot flows along very well. Britton's story is another chapter of the series that just completely grasps the reader and keeps them engaged in every part of the book - from the character interaction, the race to save an innocent little boy, the importance to revise extremely rigid rules that are not supported by all shifters, and all the way to the romance that blossoms. There are real emotions written into this book. Those emotions bubbled within me as I read the passages concerning his temporary shifter status and what that could mean or will mean concerning his newly discovered mate. Be prepared to have some tissues with you as you read this novel.
This novel has a strong plot and has substance. Each part of the book is important. There is no need to skim, browse, or skip because everything about it is in all of the right doses. Bravo!
Review Copy Courtesy Of: The Publishing Company, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2013
The Awakening: Britton by Abby Niles is the third book in her Awakening series. The hallmark of the series is taking a hard look at the mating concept in paranormal romance and all the ways it can go wrong. This book is set up very well in the second book, where it promised quite a story. Britton delivers in every way. While many aspects of the plot are centered around more traditional paranormal concepts, this is without question the best of the three.
Britton loathes Val. Not only has she been given his job after he was unfairly sentenced to 20 years as a human, but just being around her makes him physically ill. He gets the cold shakes around her and that physical loathing makes him treat her with an unparalleled contempt. Val can’t stand the innate cruelty Brit saves just for her. His love ‘em and leave ‘em ways don’t exactly endear him to her either. Their hatred of each other is legendary. But the Council doesn’t care. They have a problem and only Val and Brit can solve it. So, they give Brit his beast back, temporarily, so that he can do their bidding and send them out together to save a kidnapped child.
Unlike both Aidan’s and Liam’s books, Britton’s has very little interaction among the three of them. The focus is on Brit, Val, and their desperate race to stop the kidnappers before they unmask shifters to the world. That focus is important because this book is about a journey to love that is filled with intense emotion. It doesn’t take long after Britton is allowed his beast back (via a serum to counteract the one he was given before to take the beast away) before he starts wanting to be with Val, to touch her, care for her, protect her, love her. And Val responds, wanting him just as much. But they have a job to do and there is a very real fear that they might destroy both the mission and each other. By the time the mission is over, they are deeply in love. But a single act puts them right back to the beginning.
The kidnappers, once unmasked, are less sympathetic than they were set up to be. Ultimately, they seemed to be there more to provide a reason to bring Val and Brit together than as characters in their own right. That’s unfortunate because good villains are hard to find. Despite that, the ideas behind the kidnapping were solid and add to the layered world of this series.
The mystery of the kidnappers, the intractable foolishness from the head of the Council, the rollercoaster ride of emotions all combine into an immensely satisfying read. The singularity of place and the stark lack of other characters ramp up the tension. Overall, this was such a deeply emotional book with characters that are both real (and flawed) and with such powerful arcs that it is hard to have to say good bye. This isn’t just a great read, this is a keeper.
RATING: 4.5
Heat Rating: Hot
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Britton loathes Val. Not only has she been given his job after he was unfairly sentenced to 20 years as a human, but just being around her makes him physically ill. He gets the cold shakes around her and that physical loathing makes him treat her with an unparalleled contempt. Val can’t stand the innate cruelty Brit saves just for her. His love ‘em and leave ‘em ways don’t exactly endear him to her either. Their hatred of each other is legendary. But the Council doesn’t care. They have a problem and only Val and Brit can solve it. So, they give Brit his beast back, temporarily, so that he can do their bidding and send them out together to save a kidnapped child.
Unlike both Aidan’s and Liam’s books, Britton’s has very little interaction among the three of them. The focus is on Brit, Val, and their desperate race to stop the kidnappers before they unmask shifters to the world. That focus is important because this book is about a journey to love that is filled with intense emotion. It doesn’t take long after Britton is allowed his beast back (via a serum to counteract the one he was given before to take the beast away) before he starts wanting to be with Val, to touch her, care for her, protect her, love her. And Val responds, wanting him just as much. But they have a job to do and there is a very real fear that they might destroy both the mission and each other. By the time the mission is over, they are deeply in love. But a single act puts them right back to the beginning.
The kidnappers, once unmasked, are less sympathetic than they were set up to be. Ultimately, they seemed to be there more to provide a reason to bring Val and Brit together than as characters in their own right. That’s unfortunate because good villains are hard to find. Despite that, the ideas behind the kidnapping were solid and add to the layered world of this series.
The mystery of the kidnappers, the intractable foolishness from the head of the Council, the rollercoaster ride of emotions all combine into an immensely satisfying read. The singularity of place and the stark lack of other characters ramp up the tension. Overall, this was such a deeply emotional book with characters that are both real (and flawed) and with such powerful arcs that it is hard to have to say good bye. This isn’t just a great read, this is a keeper.
RATING: 4.5
Heat Rating: Hot
REVIEWED BY: Monique Neaves
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
November 23, 2013
**ARC Provided by Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review**
This is the best book in the series and really grabbed me from the beginning.
We have met Britton is all the other books and Val in Liam's story. This is the story of the two finding their mate, each other.
Val has always liked what Brit looked like, she just didn't know why he was the one who started the hate between them.
Brit was given serum years ago to keep his animal and other senses locked away since just before Val took over his job. He has a physical repulsion to Val that hurts. Not that he knows why as he is nice to everyone else.
When Val fails on a case Brit is given another serum to release him and brought in and given temporary use of his abilities again. Know one has a sense of smell like him. He is put on the case with Val and they have to work closely together in cramped confines. They start being nice to each other.
However it is not long that Brit finds he has a need to kiss her. She ends up kissing him and he knows he has to fight the urge to claim her as his abilities are only temporary.
However Val has an accident as a doctor is called out who flirts with Val. Not happy, Brit chases the doctor off and goes out saying he has a date with Val not realising he is in the throughs of the Drall. She invites the doctor back for dinner and they get ready to use the hot tub.
However Val has feeling for Brit, but before she can say anything an enraged Brit storms in saying she's his mate. They don't claim each other as they are unsure of the future and Val says she will wait the sixteen years until he is free if needed.
They solve the kidnapping case and go back only to have Brit immediately injected with serum to withdraw him to his sentence again. It works stronger than last time and now he can barely look at her.
Miserable days go past and all the woman notice a change in Brit. He no longer flirts and just looks sad. Eventually Val goes to the high council and has words, but as they don't listen she tells them she is no longer proud to work for them and resigns saying it was Brit that solved the case not her.
The council a few days later rings Brit, but he no longer wants to work if Val is not there. His friends talk him into going to the meeting with the council where they overturn his verdict and give him the reversing serum again. Val also has a new job as advisor to the council.
They are waiting a few days to see each other but something goes wrong and Brit is rushed to the hospital where he is in great pain, she is told it is possible he might die and goes nuts. They have to tranquillise her.
Val wakes up back home and finds Brit in her lounge. He survived and now they can have their happy ending.
This is the best book in the series and really grabbed me from the beginning.
We have met Britton is all the other books and Val in Liam's story. This is the story of the two finding their mate, each other.
Val has always liked what Brit looked like, she just didn't know why he was the one who started the hate between them.
Brit was given serum years ago to keep his animal and other senses locked away since just before Val took over his job. He has a physical repulsion to Val that hurts. Not that he knows why as he is nice to everyone else.
When Val fails on a case Brit is given another serum to release him and brought in and given temporary use of his abilities again. Know one has a sense of smell like him. He is put on the case with Val and they have to work closely together in cramped confines. They start being nice to each other.
However it is not long that Brit finds he has a need to kiss her. She ends up kissing him and he knows he has to fight the urge to claim her as his abilities are only temporary.
However Val has an accident as a doctor is called out who flirts with Val. Not happy, Brit chases the doctor off and goes out saying he has a date with Val not realising he is in the throughs of the Drall. She invites the doctor back for dinner and they get ready to use the hot tub.
However Val has feeling for Brit, but before she can say anything an enraged Brit storms in saying she's his mate. They don't claim each other as they are unsure of the future and Val says she will wait the sixteen years until he is free if needed.
They solve the kidnapping case and go back only to have Brit immediately injected with serum to withdraw him to his sentence again. It works stronger than last time and now he can barely look at her.
Miserable days go past and all the woman notice a change in Brit. He no longer flirts and just looks sad. Eventually Val goes to the high council and has words, but as they don't listen she tells them she is no longer proud to work for them and resigns saying it was Brit that solved the case not her.
The council a few days later rings Brit, but he no longer wants to work if Val is not there. His friends talk him into going to the meeting with the council where they overturn his verdict and give him the reversing serum again. Val also has a new job as advisor to the council.
They are waiting a few days to see each other but something goes wrong and Brit is rushed to the hospital where he is in great pain, she is told it is possible he might die and goes nuts. They have to tranquillise her.
Val wakes up back home and finds Brit in her lounge. He survived and now they can have their happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2013
I'm a big fan of relationships that start with the hero/heroine hating each other. There's just something to be said for watching them fight it out until those feelings turn into lust and eventually love. This book fit the bill for me. The change-over happened a little faster than expected, but there was a valid reason for that and I was able to accept it. Val and Britton just had that kind of chemistry together that once it started, it couldn't be stopped.
The thing that sets it off is they have to work on a case together where they must find a child who was abducted. It was good to see them learn to act as a team. They had some problems at first, but they quickly learned to put their animosity aside for the sake of getting the job done. Their looking for the child and the criminals who took him kept me in suspense. It helped me to learn about their world and the problems shifters face trying to live in it. I hadn't read the previous books in the series so this helped me a lot in understanding how things worked.
The big thing for shifters is that they have a great ability to sniff things out. This is especially true for Britton, who is considered the best, with Val coming in a close second. They have to use their sense of smell in order to track the bad guys. My only hang-up here is I couldn't figure out why the kidnappers went traversing the woods for days trying to throw off their scents from Val and Britton when they could have just hopped in a car and lost them so much easier. The only explanation given is they wanted to play games with the detectives, but it seemed like the stakes were a bit too high to make it worth it. Still, it did give the reader a chance to see how shifters can use their noses to track others down. Plus plenty of criminals in the real world have proven to be rather stupid so it's not out of the realm of possibilities these guys would rather lead their trackers on a merry chase than take the easy way. Even if it did increase their chances of getting caught.
I must say the ending for this book really had me going. It's emotional and you wonder how things are going to work out. I was definitely rooting for Val and Britton to get their happy ending. How it happens, I won't say, but I'm definitely glad I chose to read this book. The author has me wanting to go back and read the previous books because I'm sure they'll be as exciting as this one. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal romance fans. It's a great addition to the genre!
Note- I was given a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The thing that sets it off is they have to work on a case together where they must find a child who was abducted. It was good to see them learn to act as a team. They had some problems at first, but they quickly learned to put their animosity aside for the sake of getting the job done. Their looking for the child and the criminals who took him kept me in suspense. It helped me to learn about their world and the problems shifters face trying to live in it. I hadn't read the previous books in the series so this helped me a lot in understanding how things worked.
The big thing for shifters is that they have a great ability to sniff things out. This is especially true for Britton, who is considered the best, with Val coming in a close second. They have to use their sense of smell in order to track the bad guys. My only hang-up here is I couldn't figure out why the kidnappers went traversing the woods for days trying to throw off their scents from Val and Britton when they could have just hopped in a car and lost them so much easier. The only explanation given is they wanted to play games with the detectives, but it seemed like the stakes were a bit too high to make it worth it. Still, it did give the reader a chance to see how shifters can use their noses to track others down. Plus plenty of criminals in the real world have proven to be rather stupid so it's not out of the realm of possibilities these guys would rather lead their trackers on a merry chase than take the easy way. Even if it did increase their chances of getting caught.
I must say the ending for this book really had me going. It's emotional and you wonder how things are going to work out. I was definitely rooting for Val and Britton to get their happy ending. How it happens, I won't say, but I'm definitely glad I chose to read this book. The author has me wanting to go back and read the previous books because I'm sure they'll be as exciting as this one. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal romance fans. It's a great addition to the genre!
Note- I was given a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2013
Val couldn't stand Britton and his womanizing ways even if he was drop dead gorgeous. Britton can't stand to be around Val no matter what, just being near her cause physical pain. Val was giving a case for a boy who was kidnapped and they threaten to expose the shifter to the human world, if they didn't get what they wanted. Val was running circles and hitting dead ends. The counsel took the lead from her and put Britton on the case with her and she wasn't happy about it. Britton couldn't believe they were going to give him the serum to get his beast back to work the case and had to work with Val. He didn't know how he was going to work with her and not feel physical pain. They had to go to a cabin in the woods and stay, til the case was solved. Out in the woods follow a scent trial, Britton was started to notice Val as a woman and not an enemy. Val has notice a change in Britton and was speechless. Britton finally one with his beast realized that Val was his mate and he couldn't mate with Val because he couldn't give a happy ever after with him having to go dormant again after the case was over. Out camping at night a bear come on there path and was going after Val to protect her cubs. Britton shifted and chased the bear and her cubs away. Val was so happy that Britton didn't he hurt that she ran to him and kissed him. That take him by surprise and he gave in and they had there wicked way with each other that night. Finally getting the lead on the case, they went and got the boy back and arrested the people who took him. Britton knew that they loved each other but now there was nothing he can do about it nor could she. They gave him the serum again and almost instantly when Val came into view he hated her all over again but still loved her. The physical pain was back from her presents and he didn't want to hurt her anymore, so he left. Val couldn't live this way anymore knowing she had a mate and couldn't have. She went to the counsel and gave them a of her mind. They wouldn't change their minds, so she quit her job. The counsel seen the error of there ways and changed their minds. Britton was giving the serum again but didn't go well. Val got a call saying the Britton was in the hospital and was battling with his human and shifter DNA. They gave Val a sedative and knocked her out. When she woke up she thought she was seeing a ghost and started bawling her eyes out. A warm strong hand touched her and it took her a minute to realize it was really him and he was healthy and fine. They wasted no time to become one and mated to have the eternity together.
November 27, 2013
Really enjoy when there is cops and or detectives and a case. You get a suspenseful, intriguing read. Then to go a step further she adds paranormal to it and you have one different harrowing adventure. She also put some heat under it with romance only the hot and heavy kind will do and you have a dynamite read ahead. Detective Val she is with the SPAC-the Shifter Protection and Concealment side of Carnal Ridge police station. Would not want Johnnie Q public to know about those who are alittle different than them but still have the right to live a life. Then there is Officer Britton, heart throb of the station. Description made my heart pitter patter even. Even though she does not put herself out there like some of the other females she finds him also not bad on the eyes. Also their verbal matches are legendary and entertaining. He does not like her and she gives it right back and I would say good at it. The cases she works she has a nose that knows and when one comes up that stumps her he is called in to help. Roles use to be reversed but one difference a shifter nose he had. Violation of a law and wham no more shifter thanks to a shot. Remember though he physically hates her. Pretty intense description on how she affects him liked that. Not the usual instant I want you and you want me. Those council are a piece of work also. I suppose kidnapped shifter child and threats of exposure will do that cause a different tune. Man I would say threats or not they are lucky to get him to help and her to work with him. Another shot and wham shifter coming home johnny. Anyways so the case and them together working on picking up scents, tracking and also interesting scenes between two people who don't like each other.Come to find out they are and have been both in the wrong about each other. Intrigue and danger mix it up and you have one gripping story going on. A nice thing about paranormal is the mate stories and this one has a good story line on it. They soon won't be singing that old tune but a new one. Adventure big time and sensual warm scenes reveal sides to the two of them you won't get enough of and hope they have a future when everything said and done. Will the council change their tune and some archaic laws too? Part of the good storyline that these questions get answered. Fall in love with these two like I did and you will enjoy every minute of it. Received a arc for a honest review.
November 25, 2013
My Review:
OMG, I loved this book. Hands down, this is the best in the series so far and I really didn't expect that. We had glimpses of Brit and Val together in the last book so knew that their relationship is really contentious, but I had no idea just how deep it went.
This is a deeply emotional book. Britton was a shifter, but while on the job at the SPAC, he broke the law....to save a child's life. But according to the council, a law is a law and they are there for a reason. So he was punished with 20 years of separation from his Jaguar. They took away his shifter side so now he's a human. This book takes place four years after that time and Brit has learned to adjust. He used to be the head of SPAC, now he just works for the normal PD and Val has his job. That doesn't change the fact that he originally had the SPAC job because he was the most expert tracker...until the Council took away his shifter abilities. But now there is a job too big for Val to handle and they need Brit back on the job...but he only gets his abilities back temporarily.
This book is heartbreaking because Brit's shifter status is only temporary. After the case is over, he loses his Jaguar again. As if the punishment wasn't cruel enough to begin with. To tease him with it like this truly is above and beyond cruel and when he realizes what this means for him and Val...well, let's just say I spent a lot of the end of the book with tears in my eyes.
Abby Niles did such a brilliant job of writing this book. I was 110% invested emotionally with these characters and what was happening to them. The other books in this series have both been good and emotional too, but something about this one just went above and beyond. So freaking good!!!
If you like to read Shifter books, I recommend this entire series, but especially this novel. You absolutely could read this one without having read the other two. The Hero and the heroine in this one are both police detectives so both of them are absolutely badass. I haven't talked about Val, but OMG, I loved her and what she did at the end. She is definitely a heroine that you can love because of her convictions and passions.
Finally, just BUY THIS BOOK. I don't think you'll regret it. If it comes available in print, I plan to buy it for my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
OMG, I loved this book. Hands down, this is the best in the series so far and I really didn't expect that. We had glimpses of Brit and Val together in the last book so knew that their relationship is really contentious, but I had no idea just how deep it went.
This is a deeply emotional book. Britton was a shifter, but while on the job at the SPAC, he broke the law....to save a child's life. But according to the council, a law is a law and they are there for a reason. So he was punished with 20 years of separation from his Jaguar. They took away his shifter side so now he's a human. This book takes place four years after that time and Brit has learned to adjust. He used to be the head of SPAC, now he just works for the normal PD and Val has his job. That doesn't change the fact that he originally had the SPAC job because he was the most expert tracker...until the Council took away his shifter abilities. But now there is a job too big for Val to handle and they need Brit back on the job...but he only gets his abilities back temporarily.
This book is heartbreaking because Brit's shifter status is only temporary. After the case is over, he loses his Jaguar again. As if the punishment wasn't cruel enough to begin with. To tease him with it like this truly is above and beyond cruel and when he realizes what this means for him and Val...well, let's just say I spent a lot of the end of the book with tears in my eyes.
Abby Niles did such a brilliant job of writing this book. I was 110% invested emotionally with these characters and what was happening to them. The other books in this series have both been good and emotional too, but something about this one just went above and beyond. So freaking good!!!
If you like to read Shifter books, I recommend this entire series, but especially this novel. You absolutely could read this one without having read the other two. The Hero and the heroine in this one are both police detectives so both of them are absolutely badass. I haven't talked about Val, but OMG, I loved her and what she did at the end. She is definitely a heroine that you can love because of her convictions and passions.
Finally, just BUY THIS BOOK. I don't think you'll regret it. If it comes available in print, I plan to buy it for my keeper shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 10, 2013
3.75 stars
BRITTON is the third instalment in Abby Niles contemporary, paranormal romance series-The Awakening. The series should be read in order as some of the current timeline references history and premises from the previously storylines. This is jaguar shifter Britton Townsend and half-shifter Val Calhoun’s story.
The focus of the story is the search for a missing child-a mutant shifter-one who has shifted before his time; a shifter with uncontrolled shifts that has the capability of exposing the species to the human population. With the child’s mother in prison for hiding her child from the authorities, the young child goes missing from a shifter compound where he is ordered to stay until his eighteenth year. Britton and Val are called in by the High Council for a search and rescue mission but Britton’s dislike for Val is palpable and over the top. Without any explanation, Britton has had a hate-on for Val since the moment they met and spending several days together will only make things worse.
The relationship between Val and Britton is an enemy to lovers story. Britton’s internal jaguar had been quelled by the High Council for breaking shifter law and when the animal is freed, the beast wants only one thing-his mate-and his mate is Val. While Val is keenly aware of her attraction to Britton, it is Britton’s animal that let’s the human side know that Val is their mate.
Abby Niles pulls together a storyline with several references to the previous storyline characters and the ‘drall’ of the shifter in need of its’ mate. We watch as two people with a history of rude and condescending behavior towards one another learn that perhaps Britton’s hatred is not under his control.
The world building continues from the previous storylines as more is revealed about the High Council and the laws that govern shifter society.
BRITTON is a storyline where two people will learn to work together to rescue a young child and discover that there is more to their relationship than the push and pull. As Val fights to save the man that she loves there will be more questions that need to be answered when the High Council reconsiders the rules and regulations for a species unto itself.
www.thereadingcafe.com
BRITTON is the third instalment in Abby Niles contemporary, paranormal romance series-The Awakening. The series should be read in order as some of the current timeline references history and premises from the previously storylines. This is jaguar shifter Britton Townsend and half-shifter Val Calhoun’s story.
The focus of the story is the search for a missing child-a mutant shifter-one who has shifted before his time; a shifter with uncontrolled shifts that has the capability of exposing the species to the human population. With the child’s mother in prison for hiding her child from the authorities, the young child goes missing from a shifter compound where he is ordered to stay until his eighteenth year. Britton and Val are called in by the High Council for a search and rescue mission but Britton’s dislike for Val is palpable and over the top. Without any explanation, Britton has had a hate-on for Val since the moment they met and spending several days together will only make things worse.
The relationship between Val and Britton is an enemy to lovers story. Britton’s internal jaguar had been quelled by the High Council for breaking shifter law and when the animal is freed, the beast wants only one thing-his mate-and his mate is Val. While Val is keenly aware of her attraction to Britton, it is Britton’s animal that let’s the human side know that Val is their mate.
Abby Niles pulls together a storyline with several references to the previous storyline characters and the ‘drall’ of the shifter in need of its’ mate. We watch as two people with a history of rude and condescending behavior towards one another learn that perhaps Britton’s hatred is not under his control.
The world building continues from the previous storylines as more is revealed about the High Council and the laws that govern shifter society.
BRITTON is a storyline where two people will learn to work together to rescue a young child and discover that there is more to their relationship than the push and pull. As Val fights to save the man that she loves there will be more questions that need to be answered when the High Council reconsiders the rules and regulations for a species unto itself.
www.thereadingcafe.com
December 14, 2013
A lovely paranormal romance, The Awakening: Britton was a fantastic read. It had sweet and steamy romance, surprises, and a mystery. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book.
Val was a good heroine. At first, she was a bit shrewish because, whenever she was with Britton and his insults, the claws came out. But, as the book went on and they began to resolve their issues, we see the nicer side of her and she became very likable. She was strong, fiercely protective of those she loved, and determined to get what she wanted. I really liked her.
Britton was also great. Like Val, we don't get the best first impression of him because, as soon as he saw Val, his sneer would come out and an insult would be at the ready. But, when I found out the truth of why he was so repelled by Val, I couldn't fault him because it really wasn't his fault. And, again, as the book went on, we saw more of his nicer side and it was a VERY nice side. He was sweet and determined to protect his loved ones. He was just wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was great. There was years worth of passionate hatred between these two, and you know what they say about passion and the thin line between love and hate. With these two, they jumped right over that line and all that passion came right along with it. There was some serious chemistry and some steamy scenes. But, they also actually got to know each other as they resolved the issues between them and they truly fell for each other. They were very sweet together. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through, but I wasn't totally hooked. The mystery of who had kidnapped the shifter child should have added thrills that really drew me in, but it seemed like it was put on the back burner and only occasionally returned to in between the relationship stuff. So, I didn't get totally drawn in. Regardless, I still enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was great. Despite any issues, I still really liked this book.
The Awakening: Britton was a wonderful paranormal romance. I really enjoyed reading this lovely book. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Val was a good heroine. At first, she was a bit shrewish because, whenever she was with Britton and his insults, the claws came out. But, as the book went on and they began to resolve their issues, we see the nicer side of her and she became very likable. She was strong, fiercely protective of those she loved, and determined to get what she wanted. I really liked her.
Britton was also great. Like Val, we don't get the best first impression of him because, as soon as he saw Val, his sneer would come out and an insult would be at the ready. But, when I found out the truth of why he was so repelled by Val, I couldn't fault him because it really wasn't his fault. And, again, as the book went on, we saw more of his nicer side and it was a VERY nice side. He was sweet and determined to protect his loved ones. He was just wonderful and I adored him.
The romance was great. There was years worth of passionate hatred between these two, and you know what they say about passion and the thin line between love and hate. With these two, they jumped right over that line and all that passion came right along with it. There was some serious chemistry and some steamy scenes. But, they also actually got to know each other as they resolved the issues between them and they truly fell for each other. They were very sweet together. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through, but I wasn't totally hooked. The mystery of who had kidnapped the shifter child should have added thrills that really drew me in, but it seemed like it was put on the back burner and only occasionally returned to in between the relationship stuff. So, I didn't get totally drawn in. Regardless, I still enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was great. Despite any issues, I still really liked this book.
The Awakening: Britton was a wonderful paranormal romance. I really enjoyed reading this lovely book. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 3, 2017
Title: The Awakening: Britton
Series: The Awakening Series Book #3
Author: Abby Niles
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Blurb: I would lick that man up one side and down the other….Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.
When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human - that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains - together, and alone.
Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse... fall in love.
Thoughts: I absolutely love Abby Niles – and if you are already a fan of this series, then you know there is already a tension and lots and lots of chemistry between Val and Britton. While it has been somewhat hidden behind a love-hate relationship, it is clear that there is more to the story between these two headstrong characters. And what a story! I loved the creativity behind Britton’s story and how something like the mating bond could became so twisted. Abby Niles, as always, did a superb job with engaging the reader’s emotions and really pulling you into the story. This is another one well worth the read, and if you haven’t read this series, I definitely recommend it for readers who love shifter books!
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: The Awakening Series Book #3
Author: Abby Niles
Genre: Romance, Paranormal
Blurb: I would lick that man up one side and down the other….Half-shifter and lead SPAC agent, Val Calhoun, has listened to women gush over the Don Juan of the precinct for the last four years. Yeah, Detective Britton Townsend is hot and has stunning blue eyes, but that foul mouth he saves only for her? What a waste of good looks. And no way does Val want that mouth anywhere near hers.
When the shifter community is threatened, Val is assigned to the case…and fails. So the High Council turns to the rogue shifter they'd sentenced to twenty years as a human - that same obnoxiously sexy Detective Townsend. And sends the two arch-enemies deep into the North Carolina Mountains - together, and alone.
Being stuck in a tiny honeymoon cabin with Miss Castration and only one bed is definitely not Britton's idea of a good time. But the High Council doesn’t take no for an answer. After his shifter abilities are restored, Brit is once again susceptible to the dreaded, irreversible bonding instinct, the Drall. Thankfully, all he’s ever felt for Val is intense loathing, no reason to worry. Right? All he has to do is solve this case pronto, and he can go back to his footloose Casanova ways. That is, if they don’t kill each other first. Or worse... fall in love.
Thoughts: I absolutely love Abby Niles – and if you are already a fan of this series, then you know there is already a tension and lots and lots of chemistry between Val and Britton. While it has been somewhat hidden behind a love-hate relationship, it is clear that there is more to the story between these two headstrong characters. And what a story! I loved the creativity behind Britton’s story and how something like the mating bond could became so twisted. Abby Niles, as always, did a superb job with engaging the reader’s emotions and really pulling you into the story. This is another one well worth the read, and if you haven’t read this series, I definitely recommend it for readers who love shifter books!
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
December 4, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the third book in The Awakening series by Abby Niles. These books are centered around three male shifter friends as their beasts are "awakened" when they meet their mate. Each friends experience is completely different, as are their mates, and it has been a real treat to watch the way their lives are changed - tossed upside down then twisted sideways - as two individuals come together to become a couple.
I have been waiting for this book since I read Liam's book a few months ago. I described Liam's book as "Intense!" and in some ways Britton's was as well. Abby has a very smooth, fast style of writing that gives the reader information in perfect-sized pieces that allows you to move along with the characters. Just as Britton and Val say grasp some idea that leads them closer or find a clue to the kidnappers or their location, the reader is there beside them coming to the same conclusions with the information.
When we first meet Britton in Aidan's book we know of his past and his punishment but we don't know why. In Liam's book we spend more time with Val and get to know her. We also see first hand the total animosity that sits between these two almost like a mean old lady chaperone with a wooden spoon who slaps their hand if they try to reach for the other. Now, finally, in his book we see the layers peel back and learn what happened to Britton. What he did and didn't do and why he was punished. We also learn more about the society that they live within, the culture of the shifter community and how it is led and policed.
I was so excited to learn this book was coming and was so very very NOT disappointed. This book delivered. It answered all the questions I had about Britton and who he was and what happened. It explains the issues between him and Val while giving us a peek into each of them and how they think and who they truly are.
Each book keeps getting better. I didn't think she could top Liam but here she did. Cannot wait to see and read who is next.
This is the third book in The Awakening series by Abby Niles. These books are centered around three male shifter friends as their beasts are "awakened" when they meet their mate. Each friends experience is completely different, as are their mates, and it has been a real treat to watch the way their lives are changed - tossed upside down then twisted sideways - as two individuals come together to become a couple.
I have been waiting for this book since I read Liam's book a few months ago. I described Liam's book as "Intense!" and in some ways Britton's was as well. Abby has a very smooth, fast style of writing that gives the reader information in perfect-sized pieces that allows you to move along with the characters. Just as Britton and Val say grasp some idea that leads them closer or find a clue to the kidnappers or their location, the reader is there beside them coming to the same conclusions with the information.
When we first meet Britton in Aidan's book we know of his past and his punishment but we don't know why. In Liam's book we spend more time with Val and get to know her. We also see first hand the total animosity that sits between these two almost like a mean old lady chaperone with a wooden spoon who slaps their hand if they try to reach for the other. Now, finally, in his book we see the layers peel back and learn what happened to Britton. What he did and didn't do and why he was punished. We also learn more about the society that they live within, the culture of the shifter community and how it is led and policed.
I was so excited to learn this book was coming and was so very very NOT disappointed. This book delivered. It answered all the questions I had about Britton and who he was and what happened. It explains the issues between him and Val while giving us a peek into each of them and how they think and who they truly are.
Each book keeps getting better. I didn't think she could top Liam but here she did. Cannot wait to see and read who is next.
September 11, 2016
Val is the lead SPAC agent and good at her job. She has to take a case, solve it and keep it from the shifter community. When she isn't able to do so the High Council calls in rogue shifter Detective Britton to take lead in the case and help Val find the answers. That doesn't set well with Val as she took his job years ago and they can't stand each other. Every woman wants him but her and Britton can't stand her. That all changes when Britton get his shifting abilities back and realizes Val is his mate. They have to work together as the clock is ticking on the case. They may not get along the best but their hearts can't be denied until something new comes between them.
Val is the type of woman who won't back down. She does good at her job but she has limits to what she will do. She is very tough and doesn't give up when she wants something.. She won't jump in bed with Britton like everyone else. Britton is sexy and charming with everyone but Val. He is a jerk to her most of the time but there is a reason for that. When they have to be alone things change and while he is still a jerk at times he does his best to help Val. I love the banter between these two.
I like this book better than the others in the series and that is saying something because they are very good. Val and Britton don't seem like they will ever be together and reading about those two is funny at times and hot at others. They work well together even if they can't get along. I was surprised at what the author added to effect Britton and I was worried a few times how it would turn out. while this is the third book in the series you can read it as a stand alone even if I do suggest reading the others because they are just as good. I don't like some of the laws the High Council has for these shifters and You see how old fashioned they are at times. I love how Val takes a stand for what she believes in. This is a wonderful book with shifters, action, lots of sizzle and more that is a favorite of mine. If you love paranormal romance this is a great book to read.
Val is the type of woman who won't back down. She does good at her job but she has limits to what she will do. She is very tough and doesn't give up when she wants something.. She won't jump in bed with Britton like everyone else. Britton is sexy and charming with everyone but Val. He is a jerk to her most of the time but there is a reason for that. When they have to be alone things change and while he is still a jerk at times he does his best to help Val. I love the banter between these two.
I like this book better than the others in the series and that is saying something because they are very good. Val and Britton don't seem like they will ever be together and reading about those two is funny at times and hot at others. They work well together even if they can't get along. I was surprised at what the author added to effect Britton and I was worried a few times how it would turn out. while this is the third book in the series you can read it as a stand alone even if I do suggest reading the others because they are just as good. I don't like some of the laws the High Council has for these shifters and You see how old fashioned they are at times. I love how Val takes a stand for what she believes in. This is a wonderful book with shifters, action, lots of sizzle and more that is a favorite of mine. If you love paranormal romance this is a great book to read.
December 14, 2013
“As far as he was concerned there was nothing a bottle of liquor and a good woman couldn’t cure–but somehow, he didn’t think Val would appreciate those suggestions.”–Britton’s thoughts
There are rivals, enemies, arch-enemies, and then there’s Britton and Val, two detectives who utterly despise each other. When shifter politics bring the two of them to solve a case together, they uncover a shocking secret–turns out, they don’t despise each other as much as they thought…
“One single kiss and there’d be no turning back.”–Britton’s thoughts
I loved this book! This has two of my favorite elements that I love in paranormal romance novel. First off, we have a tortured alpha hero that is super possessive and crazy in love with his woman, and second, we have mates chosen by destiny as their key to eternal happiness. I loved the twist that the author put in this book as to why Britton didn’t know who his mate was at first. I also loved all the angst and realistic barriers put in place as to why their relationship might not work. Finally, I super loved the fact that despite all the challenges and huge barriers, our heroine Val is feisty and optimistic to make it work and fight for what’s hers. For heat level, I’d say it’s about about medium-high.
This book flew by fast since I didn’t want to put it down. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I didn’t feel like I missed much since it seems that the previous books had the antagonistic parts of their relationship while this one was the start of something new. The shifter politics and mythology were explained well, and I thought there were unique elements to the usual shifter mythology that made the book even more entertaining. I especially loved the fact that shifters don’t mate for life–they mate for eternity, which is oh-so much more romantic!
Overall, if you enjoy shifter paranormal romances, don’t let this one slip by! This is a solid 5 out of 5 for me.
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest an unbiased review.)
There are rivals, enemies, arch-enemies, and then there’s Britton and Val, two detectives who utterly despise each other. When shifter politics bring the two of them to solve a case together, they uncover a shocking secret–turns out, they don’t despise each other as much as they thought…
“One single kiss and there’d be no turning back.”–Britton’s thoughts
I loved this book! This has two of my favorite elements that I love in paranormal romance novel. First off, we have a tortured alpha hero that is super possessive and crazy in love with his woman, and second, we have mates chosen by destiny as their key to eternal happiness. I loved the twist that the author put in this book as to why Britton didn’t know who his mate was at first. I also loved all the angst and realistic barriers put in place as to why their relationship might not work. Finally, I super loved the fact that despite all the challenges and huge barriers, our heroine Val is feisty and optimistic to make it work and fight for what’s hers. For heat level, I’d say it’s about about medium-high.
This book flew by fast since I didn’t want to put it down. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I didn’t feel like I missed much since it seems that the previous books had the antagonistic parts of their relationship while this one was the start of something new. The shifter politics and mythology were explained well, and I thought there were unique elements to the usual shifter mythology that made the book even more entertaining. I especially loved the fact that shifters don’t mate for life–they mate for eternity, which is oh-so much more romantic!
Overall, if you enjoy shifter paranormal romances, don’t let this one slip by! This is a solid 5 out of 5 for me.
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest an unbiased review.)
March 29, 2017
***Received from Entangled Publishing for an honest review***
I was incredibly surprised by the balance of romance, suspense, and paranormal in this book. Ms. Niles writes about two shifters--Val, a half-shifter, and Britton, a shifter who's been stripped of his shifter abilities as punishment for twenty years--who have this deep and intense dislike for each other yet are stuck working together to find a missing boy.
In the beginning, I wondered how any kind of relationship was possible between Britton and Val due to the constant jabs they made at each other. When they weren't arguing over something stupid, they weren't talking at all. When they weren't talking, they were stewing over how much they couldn't stand each other. When they were ordered to work together, I chuckled at how well that was going to go. When they found out they were stuck in a cabin together, I nearly died laughing as I wondered who would kill who first.
I didn't laugh for long though as I watched their relationship change. It didn't happen overnight (thank you, Ms. Niles, for taking your time with this part of the story!) but slowly. As Britton's shifter abilities returned, a short reprieve approved by the High Council so he could work the case, his perspective of and feelings toward Val changed as well. Emotions he'd never felt for Val caught him, and her, off guard. But it made the discovery of how he really felt for her that much sweeter for me to read about.
The story isn't without a few twists pertaining to the kidnapped boy, the High Council, and Britton's crime that cost him the loss of his abilities. But the most outstanding and unique twist in this story was how Britton lost his shifter abilities. Not the crime itself or his reasons for going against shifter law, but what was done to him to suppress his shifter abilities and instincts.
A superbly written story that Ms. Niles filled with enough suspense, romance, hate, love, forgiveness and reconciliation that kept me reading and hoping for the happily ever after Britton and Val deserved.
I was incredibly surprised by the balance of romance, suspense, and paranormal in this book. Ms. Niles writes about two shifters--Val, a half-shifter, and Britton, a shifter who's been stripped of his shifter abilities as punishment for twenty years--who have this deep and intense dislike for each other yet are stuck working together to find a missing boy.
In the beginning, I wondered how any kind of relationship was possible between Britton and Val due to the constant jabs they made at each other. When they weren't arguing over something stupid, they weren't talking at all. When they weren't talking, they were stewing over how much they couldn't stand each other. When they were ordered to work together, I chuckled at how well that was going to go. When they found out they were stuck in a cabin together, I nearly died laughing as I wondered who would kill who first.
I didn't laugh for long though as I watched their relationship change. It didn't happen overnight (thank you, Ms. Niles, for taking your time with this part of the story!) but slowly. As Britton's shifter abilities returned, a short reprieve approved by the High Council so he could work the case, his perspective of and feelings toward Val changed as well. Emotions he'd never felt for Val caught him, and her, off guard. But it made the discovery of how he really felt for her that much sweeter for me to read about.
The story isn't without a few twists pertaining to the kidnapped boy, the High Council, and Britton's crime that cost him the loss of his abilities. But the most outstanding and unique twist in this story was how Britton lost his shifter abilities. Not the crime itself or his reasons for going against shifter law, but what was done to him to suppress his shifter abilities and instincts.
A superbly written story that Ms. Niles filled with enough suspense, romance, hate, love, forgiveness and reconciliation that kept me reading and hoping for the happily ever after Britton and Val deserved.
November 4, 2015
Val and Britton. I've not read the previous books, but I didn't find that it interfered with my enjoyment of this book. Britton and Val work for the police. Britton used to be a homicide detective until he ran a-fowl of the shifter council and was sentenced to temporary 'human' status by way of a serum, for the next 20 years. Val was lucky enough to get his job after he was demoted, but Britton can't seem to treat her fairly. From day one he can't stand to be in the same room as her and treats her like doggy doo. Val, being a strong independent woman, doesn't just put up with his disrespect, but aims for his jugular in their verbal back and forth. Four years have passed and a case comes up that Val just can't seem to solve on her own. The shifter council makes Britton a Shifter again, but only for as long as it takes to solve the case of a kidnapped child. The plot of the missing child was actually a pretty interesting mystery, and the chemistry between Britton and Val was very compelling. Now that Britton is regaining his Shifter senses, he slowly comes to realize that there were dire side effects to the 'humanizing' serum that nobody new off. Val finds that spending time with Britton, who had previously avoided her like the plague, was leading her to better appreciate him. He's more than just the precinct's resident arrogant gigolo. I bought this ages ago on a whim, and wasn't expecting the story to be anything special. But the plot was well thought out and the characters had depth and the flow was smooth. It was more bitter sweet than I was expecting too. I just wish there had been more of a peek into their HEA in an epilogue. This is the last one in this short series too, so no hope of a glimpse of them in the next book either.
December 2, 2013
ARC provided for an honest review
This book was really great! I didn’t get a lot of sleep the day I read it because I just couldn’t put it down.
The two protagonists had me from the first page. I loved them. Most of all I loved that they couldn’t stand each other in the beginning. It was so funny to watch those two interact and also a bit painful once you realized how much hatred Britton actually felt towards Val.
It got even better when they began being friendlier towards each other. It was so sweet! When one apologized or complimented the other it was so great how it affected the other one. I can’t really tell why but I loved Britton and Val. Maybe because they are both strong characters and are proud of what they do.
Until the moment [spoiler] they were made to stop working on the case and it kind of solved itself [spoiler] I would have given the book 5 stars. I didn’t like that the case was so easily solved in the end and it wasn’t even their doing. Because of this I had to remove one star from my rating. After the case the story picked up again. The end was fabulous but I won’t say more about it because it would ruin the book for you. All I can say is that there is a lot of tension in the end. Again I couldn’t put the book down.
This was the second book I read in the Awakening series by Abby Niles and in my opinion it was the best so far. The series is really worth picking up. If you like shifters in a modern “real” world setting you should read this series! Abby Niles is great with fast paced stories and interaction of characters. You feel like you are part of the story and can really connect with the characters. With some authors I just can’t feel what the characters are feeling. I’m somehow detached. Abby Niles stories are the exact opposite!
So if you haven’t read the first book in the series go grab that! If you know the series already this third book is definitely a great one and a must read!
This book was really great! I didn’t get a lot of sleep the day I read it because I just couldn’t put it down.
The two protagonists had me from the first page. I loved them. Most of all I loved that they couldn’t stand each other in the beginning. It was so funny to watch those two interact and also a bit painful once you realized how much hatred Britton actually felt towards Val.
It got even better when they began being friendlier towards each other. It was so sweet! When one apologized or complimented the other it was so great how it affected the other one. I can’t really tell why but I loved Britton and Val. Maybe because they are both strong characters and are proud of what they do.
Until the moment [spoiler] they were made to stop working on the case and it kind of solved itself [spoiler] I would have given the book 5 stars. I didn’t like that the case was so easily solved in the end and it wasn’t even their doing. Because of this I had to remove one star from my rating. After the case the story picked up again. The end was fabulous but I won’t say more about it because it would ruin the book for you. All I can say is that there is a lot of tension in the end. Again I couldn’t put the book down.
This was the second book I read in the Awakening series by Abby Niles and in my opinion it was the best so far. The series is really worth picking up. If you like shifters in a modern “real” world setting you should read this series! Abby Niles is great with fast paced stories and interaction of characters. You feel like you are part of the story and can really connect with the characters. With some authors I just can’t feel what the characters are feeling. I’m somehow detached. Abby Niles stories are the exact opposite!
So if you haven’t read the first book in the series go grab that! If you know the series already this third book is definitely a great one and a must read!
January 26, 2014
Okay, so I’ve said before how the whole ‘soul mate’ thing in shifter books can be a bit of an easy option for authors – I mean, there’s no real hard graft to get your two main characters together – they’re instantly in love. And to be fair the ‘Awakening’ series is all about when a shifter finds their true love and what happens, so I was briefed on this before reading the book. What I didn’t expect though was for it to really work! There are so many twists and turns that the author has you guessing and I was just blown away by the way it came together.
To begin with the characters hate one another – although deep down they have that animal pull going on. To me, I adore a snarky love connection. To be all soppy with one another is not only unbelievable but also incredibly boring. To have a few verbal battles makes for a much more interesting dynamic for destined lovers.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot behind the romance was just as engaging as the romance itself. I often read a paranormal romance where the plot line drawing the lovers in is insipid and often quickly forgotten in favour of spicy scenes and a relationship that seems to develop out of nowhere – this wasn’t the case here. To be fair, the plot could have easily been seen in an urban fantasy style book where it’s that very facet that has to hook the reader – rather than the relationship in romance books.
The front cover is okay, to be honest it doesn’t really help to sell the book and does look vaguely similar to Abby Niles’ other books. I can see that there’s a certain branding going on and can certainly appreciate that (just like the parade of six packs!) but I’d have liked more of a shifter vibe from them and perhaps the female leads taking their turn in the spotlight.
Overall I’d Give The Awakening: Britton 5 out 5 stars – An intriguing plot wrapped in a passionate romance, what more could you want?
To begin with the characters hate one another – although deep down they have that animal pull going on. To me, I adore a snarky love connection. To be all soppy with one another is not only unbelievable but also incredibly boring. To have a few verbal battles makes for a much more interesting dynamic for destined lovers.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot behind the romance was just as engaging as the romance itself. I often read a paranormal romance where the plot line drawing the lovers in is insipid and often quickly forgotten in favour of spicy scenes and a relationship that seems to develop out of nowhere – this wasn’t the case here. To be fair, the plot could have easily been seen in an urban fantasy style book where it’s that very facet that has to hook the reader – rather than the relationship in romance books.
The front cover is okay, to be honest it doesn’t really help to sell the book and does look vaguely similar to Abby Niles’ other books. I can see that there’s a certain branding going on and can certainly appreciate that (just like the parade of six packs!) but I’d have liked more of a shifter vibe from them and perhaps the female leads taking their turn in the spotlight.
Overall I’d Give The Awakening: Britton 5 out 5 stars – An intriguing plot wrapped in a passionate romance, what more could you want?
August 12, 2016
This is the third story in the Awakening series and it’s one that I really wanted to read. There are many emotions that are brought out in the characters throughout this story. I do recommend that you read Liam’s story first so that you can see some of their previous interactions with one another and get a taste of why they treat one another the way they do when they are forced to work together in this story. It’s a great paranormal romance about shifters.
Val Calhoun is a half-shifter and the lead agent for SPAC. She takes her job very seriously, and she has had quite enough of the way most of the women flaunt all over the ex-lead agent, even if he is sexy as sin. He flirts with every female he sees, except for her. The case she is working is going nowhere, and the shifters that are threatening to expose the entire shifter community gave the High Council a time frame to take care of some matters or they would tell the humans about their kind, and she cannot get it done by the deadline. So they have decided to bring Britton back temporarily to help.
Britton Townsend was the lead agent of SPAC until he was fired and Val replaced him four years ago. Since then, he’s been a detective with the local police department, and he still does not like her after all this time. When the High Council brings him in for a sensitive case and gives him back his ability to shift he’s not really happy to be there, but he cannot refuse them, so he will do this job, then deal with the Council taking back his abilities, as long as he and Val do not kill each other first. They must share a cabin in the mountains to work the case secretly, so they agree to get through the case and when it’s complete everything can go back to normal. Right?
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Val Calhoun is a half-shifter and the lead agent for SPAC. She takes her job very seriously, and she has had quite enough of the way most of the women flaunt all over the ex-lead agent, even if he is sexy as sin. He flirts with every female he sees, except for her. The case she is working is going nowhere, and the shifters that are threatening to expose the entire shifter community gave the High Council a time frame to take care of some matters or they would tell the humans about their kind, and she cannot get it done by the deadline. So they have decided to bring Britton back temporarily to help.
Britton Townsend was the lead agent of SPAC until he was fired and Val replaced him four years ago. Since then, he’s been a detective with the local police department, and he still does not like her after all this time. When the High Council brings him in for a sensitive case and gives him back his ability to shift he’s not really happy to be there, but he cannot refuse them, so he will do this job, then deal with the Council taking back his abilities, as long as he and Val do not kill each other first. They must share a cabin in the mountains to work the case secretly, so they agree to get through the case and when it’s complete everything can go back to normal. Right?
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2013
I was very unsure of this book when I started reading it. The blurb sounded good but with paranormal being my least favorite genre, I was cautious.
In Carnal Ridge, yes that's the name of the town, they have a shifter police department. Val is a half-shifter, meaning she can't shift. That power is only for the males of the species. She inherited the position of being in charge after the leader at that time was demoted. His name is Britton and he is a full shifter. Oh, and they hate each other. While he flirts with every woman in the department, he saves his hatefulness for Val. That's okay with Val because she can't stand him but wonders what she has done to make him hate her. I know hate is a strong word but his reactions to seeing her are described with words like cringing and revulsion.
These two are assigned a case together when things are needed that go beyond what Val's abilities are. This is where it gets interesting. See, Britton has had his beast forced into dormancy because of a decision he made that allowed him to be seen as a shifter in front of humans. A twenty year sentence without his beast. But for this case he will get a serum injection that allows his beast to come forth so he can track a child shifter that has been kidnapped by a possible extremist group. With his full capabilities, he is able to track down leads to this case. He also notices that Val isn't as bad as he thought. She's even attractive he notices as he checks out her ass one day.
This was an interesting read after the reason he was repulsed by her was explained. The kidnapping plot made sense but was overall kind of weak in my opinion. I may catch up on this series later but not right now. Abby Niles has a good voice and I would like to read her again but preferably in a non-paranormal genre.
In Carnal Ridge, yes that's the name of the town, they have a shifter police department. Val is a half-shifter, meaning she can't shift. That power is only for the males of the species. She inherited the position of being in charge after the leader at that time was demoted. His name is Britton and he is a full shifter. Oh, and they hate each other. While he flirts with every woman in the department, he saves his hatefulness for Val. That's okay with Val because she can't stand him but wonders what she has done to make him hate her. I know hate is a strong word but his reactions to seeing her are described with words like cringing and revulsion.
These two are assigned a case together when things are needed that go beyond what Val's abilities are. This is where it gets interesting. See, Britton has had his beast forced into dormancy because of a decision he made that allowed him to be seen as a shifter in front of humans. A twenty year sentence without his beast. But for this case he will get a serum injection that allows his beast to come forth so he can track a child shifter that has been kidnapped by a possible extremist group. With his full capabilities, he is able to track down leads to this case. He also notices that Val isn't as bad as he thought. She's even attractive he notices as he checks out her ass one day.
This was an interesting read after the reason he was repulsed by her was explained. The kidnapping plot made sense but was overall kind of weak in my opinion. I may catch up on this series later but not right now. Abby Niles has a good voice and I would like to read her again but preferably in a non-paranormal genre.
November 14, 2013
I will freely admit that when Katie at Entangled offered me a review copy of this book I turned into a total spaz. I highly suggest reading the previous books in the series first! At the very least read Liam's story because you get a glimpse of what's to come with Britton and Val.
Britton, a shifter who was once the head of SPAC (shifter protection and concealment) until he violated shifter law and was not only removed from his job, but was also sentenced to living for 20 years as a human. The only bright side he sees to his sentence is the fact that he's not susceptible to the Drall. After watching Liam, and Aiden, he doesn't want any part of the bonding instinct.
Val, a half shifter (like all female shifters) was a detective, and now has Britton's job as the head of SPAC. She hates the way all the women around her drool over Britton and the attention he gives in return to everyone, except her. He's hated her from day 1. He's always antagonizing her until she finally snaps and hits him where it hurts.
When a case goes bad, and Val suffers her first failure, the council decides to bring Britton back temporarily as the head of SPAC. They restore his shifter abilities, and expect Britton and Val to work together. They must set aside their preconceived notions, resentment, and hurt feelings and call a truce in order to solve the case and keep the shifter community from being outed to the humans.
I have to say, I totally cried like a little girl at one part. There's a moment in the hallway outside the council's room in chapter 12. I don't want to ruin it, and anyone who's read this will know the part I'm talking about. So heartbreaking. I just hope this isn't the end of the series!
Britton, a shifter who was once the head of SPAC (shifter protection and concealment) until he violated shifter law and was not only removed from his job, but was also sentenced to living for 20 years as a human. The only bright side he sees to his sentence is the fact that he's not susceptible to the Drall. After watching Liam, and Aiden, he doesn't want any part of the bonding instinct.
Val, a half shifter (like all female shifters) was a detective, and now has Britton's job as the head of SPAC. She hates the way all the women around her drool over Britton and the attention he gives in return to everyone, except her. He's hated her from day 1. He's always antagonizing her until she finally snaps and hits him where it hurts.
When a case goes bad, and Val suffers her first failure, the council decides to bring Britton back temporarily as the head of SPAC. They restore his shifter abilities, and expect Britton and Val to work together. They must set aside their preconceived notions, resentment, and hurt feelings and call a truce in order to solve the case and keep the shifter community from being outed to the humans.
I have to say, I totally cried like a little girl at one part. There's a moment in the hallway outside the council's room in chapter 12. I don't want to ruin it, and anyone who's read this will know the part I'm talking about. So heartbreaking. I just hope this isn't the end of the series!
November 24, 2013
I was given a copy of this book in place of an honest review.
This is the third book that I have read in this series and I love every single one of them. We got to see a little of Britton and Val in the other stories. In the last one they were working on the case together. We really never knew why Britton had his shifting abilities taken away but in this book we finally get to the bottom of things.
Val Calhoun is a half-shifter who is the lead in the SPAC. She took the job over four years ago when Britton was no longer a shifter and couldn't use his nose anymore. We also get to see why Britton can't stand Val. It is really sad the way things happen in this book so that the council will finally realize that they are living by old rules that need to be changed.
Britton seems like a ladies man and he is until he gets his shifter abilities back and we find out that he is a jaguar. He eyes change from a deep blue to violet when his beast comes out to play. I don't know of any woman that would give a guy up like that. He also learns that Val is his mate and he needs to stop the Drall before he mates with her. He knows there is only a matter of time before he becomes a full human again.
I love watching these male shifters find the mates they are destined to be with. As in real life nothing ever come easy. It seems that with every book they have to fight harder for the women that they love. It wouldn't be a great story if you didn't have to make the men work for it. Makes me wish for my very own shifter. I can't wait to see if there will be another book in this series. I would really hate it if this was the last book.
This is the third book that I have read in this series and I love every single one of them. We got to see a little of Britton and Val in the other stories. In the last one they were working on the case together. We really never knew why Britton had his shifting abilities taken away but in this book we finally get to the bottom of things.
Val Calhoun is a half-shifter who is the lead in the SPAC. She took the job over four years ago when Britton was no longer a shifter and couldn't use his nose anymore. We also get to see why Britton can't stand Val. It is really sad the way things happen in this book so that the council will finally realize that they are living by old rules that need to be changed.
Britton seems like a ladies man and he is until he gets his shifter abilities back and we find out that he is a jaguar. He eyes change from a deep blue to violet when his beast comes out to play. I don't know of any woman that would give a guy up like that. He also learns that Val is his mate and he needs to stop the Drall before he mates with her. He knows there is only a matter of time before he becomes a full human again.
I love watching these male shifters find the mates they are destined to be with. As in real life nothing ever come easy. It seems that with every book they have to fight harder for the women that they love. It wouldn't be a great story if you didn't have to make the men work for it. Makes me wish for my very own shifter. I can't wait to see if there will be another book in this series. I would really hate it if this was the last book.
December 16, 2013
ARC for an honest opinion
orginally on ramblingsfromthischick.com
Detective Britton Townsend is a sexy lead detective for Shifter Protection and Concealment (SPAC) of the Carnal Ridge police station. He is used to having all the women surrounding him drool over him. Val Calhoun could care less for all the steamy comments made about Britton.
Although the members of the High Council do not associate with the SPAC, a situation occurs where Val and Britton are forced to work together. Val replaced Britton in Carnal Ridge. Her job was to ensure that there would be no news of shifters involved in human cases. She essentially has to keep the existence of shifters a secret. When World Shifters is breached Val is called in to help and work with Britton.
As part of the investigation to protect the shifters, Val and Britton have to spend time together in order to protect the identity of shifters. Britton was a shifter but he broke the rules to save the life of a child. His punishment will be lifted if he is able to keep the shifters secret and help Val solve the case. During the course of the investigation and Britton’s temporary reprieve they fall in love. But the author is not ready to let them have a happy- ever- after story. When Britton is given a serum to change him back to his human form he forgets the past they shared together. How can these two shifters find their way back together and do they? I won’t spoil the ending but I will say this there are a lot of twists and turns! Very emotional and a must read! ( I just might have to add other books written by this author to my list!)
orginally on ramblingsfromthischick.com
Detective Britton Townsend is a sexy lead detective for Shifter Protection and Concealment (SPAC) of the Carnal Ridge police station. He is used to having all the women surrounding him drool over him. Val Calhoun could care less for all the steamy comments made about Britton.
Although the members of the High Council do not associate with the SPAC, a situation occurs where Val and Britton are forced to work together. Val replaced Britton in Carnal Ridge. Her job was to ensure that there would be no news of shifters involved in human cases. She essentially has to keep the existence of shifters a secret. When World Shifters is breached Val is called in to help and work with Britton.
As part of the investigation to protect the shifters, Val and Britton have to spend time together in order to protect the identity of shifters. Britton was a shifter but he broke the rules to save the life of a child. His punishment will be lifted if he is able to keep the shifters secret and help Val solve the case. During the course of the investigation and Britton’s temporary reprieve they fall in love. But the author is not ready to let them have a happy- ever- after story. When Britton is given a serum to change him back to his human form he forgets the past they shared together. How can these two shifters find their way back together and do they? I won’t spoil the ending but I will say this there are a lot of twists and turns! Very emotional and a must read! ( I just might have to add other books written by this author to my list!)
November 25, 2013
The third book in The Awakening series is an intriguing shifter world with unique and surprising elements.
Britton Townsend was sentenced to 20 years as a human by the council and now works as a human detective in the police department. The half shifter Val Calhoun replaced as the lead SPAC detective and the loathe each other, but when Val fails the case she is assigned by the Council, they send the two arch enemies deep into the mountains- together- alone.
The author brings this intriguing story to life with vivid imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The fast paced smooth flowing plot grabs the reader’s attention and keeps it to the very end. All of the characters in this unique world are bewitching with strong personalities that the reader finds easy to relate to.
The rocky romance between is an intense roller coaster of emotion, drama and red hot chemistry. Their emotional turmoil is conveyed with such intensity that the reader can clearly understand where each character is coming from.
The well developed plot has lots of interesting concepts that make for a refreshing look at shifters, lots of suspense with some surprising twists and enchanting characters that leave the reader wanting more. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down until I had read the very last word. The first two books in the series were very entertaining, but I think this one is my favorite so far. I enjoyed reading Britton and Val’s story it brought laughter, edge of my seat tension and even tears to my eyes. I can’t wait to read the next one as this series has definitely became a must read.
Britton Townsend was sentenced to 20 years as a human by the council and now works as a human detective in the police department. The half shifter Val Calhoun replaced as the lead SPAC detective and the loathe each other, but when Val fails the case she is assigned by the Council, they send the two arch enemies deep into the mountains- together- alone.
The author brings this intriguing story to life with vivid imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are part of the story. The fast paced smooth flowing plot grabs the reader’s attention and keeps it to the very end. All of the characters in this unique world are bewitching with strong personalities that the reader finds easy to relate to.
The rocky romance between is an intense roller coaster of emotion, drama and red hot chemistry. Their emotional turmoil is conveyed with such intensity that the reader can clearly understand where each character is coming from.
The well developed plot has lots of interesting concepts that make for a refreshing look at shifters, lots of suspense with some surprising twists and enchanting characters that leave the reader wanting more. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down until I had read the very last word. The first two books in the series were very entertaining, but I think this one is my favorite so far. I enjoyed reading Britton and Val’s story it brought laughter, edge of my seat tension and even tears to my eyes. I can’t wait to read the next one as this series has definitely became a must read.
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.
Britton was my favorite of this series. It has a true enemies-to-lovers romance which I adored! Britton is literally repulsed by Val. He cannot stand to be around her or talk to her. Whenever they're in close proximity, he can't get away from her fast enough. It's actually quite obvious why this is the case, even if it takes him most of the book to figure it out. Anyway. The two are assigned to find a missing shifter child, and spend a lot of time in close proximity with Britton unable to run away.
It was hinted at in the previous books that Britton is under some kind of punishment. Now we learn what that is. He had nearly broken the shifters most sacred law, so he was given an injection of a serum that makes his shifter DNA dormant for the next twenty years. Well, he kind of needs his beast's abilities for this case, so he gets the antidote. Then his feelings become less aggressive toward Val, and of course, she's attracted to him, so there's some sexy times that happen. The sex is a vast improvement over the last book! There should have been more!
I like Britton a lot. It was a great way to end this series. It was extremely predictable though, and followed the exact same basic formula as the other books, which made it less exciting.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Britton was my favorite of this series. It has a true enemies-to-lovers romance which I adored! Britton is literally repulsed by Val. He cannot stand to be around her or talk to her. Whenever they're in close proximity, he can't get away from her fast enough. It's actually quite obvious why this is the case, even if it takes him most of the book to figure it out. Anyway. The two are assigned to find a missing shifter child, and spend a lot of time in close proximity with Britton unable to run away.
It was hinted at in the previous books that Britton is under some kind of punishment. Now we learn what that is. He had nearly broken the shifters most sacred law, so he was given an injection of a serum that makes his shifter DNA dormant for the next twenty years. Well, he kind of needs his beast's abilities for this case, so he gets the antidote. Then his feelings become less aggressive toward Val, and of course, she's attracted to him, so there's some sexy times that happen. The sex is a vast improvement over the last book! There should have been more!
I like Britton a lot. It was a great way to end this series. It was extremely predictable though, and followed the exact same basic formula as the other books, which made it less exciting.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 30, 2014
The first book I've read by Abby Niles and I have to say one of the best paranormal/mysteries I've read in a long while. Good chemistry and good story. Although it's the third in the series I did not feel lost and everything was perfectly explained so it can be read as a stand alone.
Detective Shifter Britton Townsend was punished by SPAC, the agency that overseas all shifters rules and regulations, and has to live 20 years as a human. However, as fate would have it, they have to give him his shifter powers back in order to solve a crime. Agent Val Calhoun is set as his partner but they have always seen each other as enemies, that is, until he becomes a shifter again.
The idea of finding a predestined mate in PNR may seem too obvious for some but it's if played correctly it's extremely romantic for me. And the author does a terrifically great job here. The way each other realize how much they care for each other. And the fact they can't even kiss, that raises the tension a thousand percent! So many mountains to climb to get to their HEA! Also, once the first issues are resolved, and Britton has to go back, you felt Val's pain. How do you resolve their situation. Agh!
Britton is one of my favorites charming rakes. He's so loving and charming and has intense blue eyes *swoon* One complain about this series is that I wish it was each was longer because I want to know more about their world.
Detective Shifter Britton Townsend was punished by SPAC, the agency that overseas all shifters rules and regulations, and has to live 20 years as a human. However, as fate would have it, they have to give him his shifter powers back in order to solve a crime. Agent Val Calhoun is set as his partner but they have always seen each other as enemies, that is, until he becomes a shifter again.
The idea of finding a predestined mate in PNR may seem too obvious for some but it's if played correctly it's extremely romantic for me. And the author does a terrifically great job here. The way each other realize how much they care for each other. And the fact they can't even kiss, that raises the tension a thousand percent! So many mountains to climb to get to their HEA! Also, once the first issues are resolved, and Britton has to go back, you felt Val's pain. How do you resolve their situation. Agh!
Britton is one of my favorites charming rakes. He's so loving and charming and has intense blue eyes *swoon* One complain about this series is that I wish it was each was longer because I want to know more about their world.
December 8, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've been eager to read this one ever since being introduced to Val and Britton. I knew there was a great story between them and this book proved me right. Something about the love/hate dynamic twisting to a lustful romp made for a wonderful read.
Val is a by the book, strict leader of SPAC, who never misses a chance to rub that fact in Britton's face. Britton is a shifter who has been forced to remain in human form for 20 years as punishment for endangering the shifter community while he was the leader of SPAC. This love/hate thing that they have going was bound to explode, but nothing could really prepare them for how it did. In order to re-enable Britton's masterful tracking abilities to solve a critical case, they have to give him back his beast (or stop silencing it). As with all shifters who fight too hard against any sort of mating instinct, Britton is almost brought down by it in the form on his previous enemy -- Val.
Val is equally dumbstruck by this whole mate thing, although she's at least knows what's going on. It was really great to watch the chemistry sizzle between those two, even as they fought it every step of the way. These books are little yummy delights and I can't wait to see where the story heads next!
I've been eager to read this one ever since being introduced to Val and Britton. I knew there was a great story between them and this book proved me right. Something about the love/hate dynamic twisting to a lustful romp made for a wonderful read.
Val is a by the book, strict leader of SPAC, who never misses a chance to rub that fact in Britton's face. Britton is a shifter who has been forced to remain in human form for 20 years as punishment for endangering the shifter community while he was the leader of SPAC. This love/hate thing that they have going was bound to explode, but nothing could really prepare them for how it did. In order to re-enable Britton's masterful tracking abilities to solve a critical case, they have to give him back his beast (or stop silencing it). As with all shifters who fight too hard against any sort of mating instinct, Britton is almost brought down by it in the form on his previous enemy -- Val.
Val is equally dumbstruck by this whole mate thing, although she's at least knows what's going on. It was really great to watch the chemistry sizzle between those two, even as they fought it every step of the way. These books are little yummy delights and I can't wait to see where the story heads next!
November 25, 2013
This was an original story about the world of shifters living among the human's. The police department has two groups of policemen working for them; Humans & Shifters. Working separately on different types of crimes, side by side, but humans are unaware...
In the shifter world, a small child is abducted from a group home for mutated shifters (kids shifting without control of their wolf). These kids are separated from their parents until late teenage years...
The shifter community is angry over the recent mother convicted of hiding her baby's mutation so she would not be separated from her baby. She was sentenced to life in prison. It is her son who is kidnapped.
Val & Britton hate each other. Val took Britton's job as head of the SPAC after he was sentenced to live without his wolf side for 25 years, for almost being caught shifting by a human. Now they have to work together to find the boy & his abductors. Britton is given his wolf back temporarily...
This series has a good plot... I missed a lot not reading the last book over the reason Britton & Val didn't get along & it took a while to get it, but it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed it and will read more of this series...
In the shifter world, a small child is abducted from a group home for mutated shifters (kids shifting without control of their wolf). These kids are separated from their parents until late teenage years...
The shifter community is angry over the recent mother convicted of hiding her baby's mutation so she would not be separated from her baby. She was sentenced to life in prison. It is her son who is kidnapped.
Val & Britton hate each other. Val took Britton's job as head of the SPAC after he was sentenced to live without his wolf side for 25 years, for almost being caught shifting by a human. Now they have to work together to find the boy & his abductors. Britton is given his wolf back temporarily...
This series has a good plot... I missed a lot not reading the last book over the reason Britton & Val didn't get along & it took a while to get it, but it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed it and will read more of this series...
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