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Renegade Queen
I never thought I’d come back to this place. The place where I lost everything, and yet the only one I ever called home. Then they came to me for help. Three desperate men on a journey to rescue their brother. I was the only one who could get them through the portal, and as much as I wanted to turn them away, I couldn't. Something about these men called to me. I could sense a whisper of Nymeria inside of them, but that didn’t make sense. They were only human. For now, at least. To find their brother, they’d need to change. No human had ever survived stepping foot in Nymeria. In a world filled with magic and treachery, it’s more than just the monsters we had to worry about. Everything has changed since I was last here. The people are afraid, and they should be. A madman was on a mission to seize the land, and they had no one left to fight for them. Because I ran. But now I’m coming back.
399 pages, Paperback
Published July 26, 2023
436 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 23, 2023
Occasionally an author manages to write a book that makes me immediately sit up straight and go: “Oh yeah, this is going to be awesome”. And it truly and absolutely is! This start to a new series has it all. It has some amazing characters; some side, some main and some I have no clue about what they will ultimately be. There are a lot of emotions involved, some very interesting developments, great world building and so… much… more.
I adore the fmc from the very first page; her wit, her sarcasm, her inner strength. Honestly, I wish I could be her when I grow up. She’s over a hundred years old, so I am going to believe it’s still possible somehow… Her harem can’t be too big, so I’m curious to see if she will start collecting more along the way? Even though she already managed to snatch some great ones! I rarely fall for the cute puppy-type guy, but I admit Ryder really does something to me.
So yeah, I absolutely loved this start to a new fae RH series; there is so much to unravel and I can’t wait to find out where the story will lead us to. Even though there is a bit of a cliffy, I don’t think it’s a brutal one. Only an exciting one. Definitely recommend!
I adore the fmc from the very first page; her wit, her sarcasm, her inner strength. Honestly, I wish I could be her when I grow up. She’s over a hundred years old, so I am going to believe it’s still possible somehow… Her harem can’t be too big, so I’m curious to see if she will start collecting more along the way? Even though she already managed to snatch some great ones! I rarely fall for the cute puppy-type guy, but I admit Ryder really does something to me.
So yeah, I absolutely loved this start to a new fae RH series; there is so much to unravel and I can’t wait to find out where the story will lead us to. Even though there is a bit of a cliffy, I don’t think it’s a brutal one. Only an exciting one. Definitely recommend!
October 13, 2023
DNF at 13%
Maybe I didn’t really give enough of a chance.
There’s something a little stale, maybe robotic, about their conversations. It doesn’t feel very natural.
Also, I don’t really like the Tank character. I always find it weird when they say in books he ‘growled’ and this character has major angry management issues.
No for me, but again I don’t think I gave it a reallll chance.
Maybe I didn’t really give enough of a chance.
There’s something a little stale, maybe robotic, about their conversations. It doesn’t feel very natural.
Also, I don’t really like the Tank character. I always find it weird when they say in books he ‘growled’ and this character has major angry management issues.
No for me, but again I don’t think I gave it a reallll chance.
July 27, 2023
The wait for book 2 is going to be brutal! This book was so good, I couldn’t put it down. The FMC Alyssa has so much depth to her. She’s a magical bada** but also has a caring heart. The men are all unique and fit in perfectly with her. I think this may be C.J.’s best work yet!
August 8, 2024
Step into a new world that shows the beauty of Nymeria and what she would do to keep the world alive. Ms. Cooke has captivated me into this first book and has me wanting more.
It has been 70 years since Jessica has lost her family and she was never going to go back. That is until 3 men barge into her life wanting her to find their brother. Now she must step into the world of Nymeria and traverse the lands of broken fae and a crazy king.
This is a why choose PNR where the leading lady does not have to pick one man.
It has been 70 years since Jessica has lost her family and she was never going to go back. That is until 3 men barge into her life wanting her to find their brother. Now she must step into the world of Nymeria and traverse the lands of broken fae and a crazy king.
This is a why choose PNR where the leading lady does not have to pick one man.
July 30, 2023
3.5 stars
Some parts were a bit too fast, but for the most part it was good.
It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read but it was fun and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Some parts were a bit too fast, but for the most part it was good.
It wasn’t the best thing I’ve ever read but it was fun and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the sequel.
September 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait for book two to come out next year. I do think there could have been more worldbuilding in this book, with it being the first book in the series.
July 29, 2023
dnf @50% - I was surprised to find out this wasn‘t a debut novel. The story line is intriguing and certainly has potential but the writing was… not good. Choppy timeline, random unwelcome internal ramblings, instalove, etc. Not sure what book everyone else read but the one I had my hands on was not worth my time
July 20, 2023
The humor interjected was perfectly timed! I also found that whenever I would ask myself a question [example: what do you mean by the Summer court?] it would be answered just a few sentences later which is fantastic because I hate not knowing what's going on. If I could do a half star, it would get 4.5 stars, and that is only because I'm a smut slut and there wasn't enough spice for me. I hear reverse harem trope, I assume all parties will be *involved* (eyebrow wiggle). I will absolutely read the sequel when it comes out, and I hope I can get rid of the mental picture of the brain burrowing that is occupying my imagination currently, bahaha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2023
This book was flipping amazing! It is a fun and brilliant world that the author has created and it takes you for a ride. The FMC Alyssa is snarky, fun and a total bada**.You will fall in love with her immediately. The men that she comes to be involved with are all broody but sweet too. Especially Tank. I claim him lol. All the characters in this series are great. This book is intense, suspenseful, funny, and will have you on the edge of your seat. That ending is just wow and brilliantly done. I cannot wait for the next book in this series! Highly recommend you to run, not walk to dive into this great world and wonderful characters!
August 1, 2023
Awesome new series
I think it was the blurb that caught my attention with this new series, but it was the seriously awesome fmc that immediately captured me, followed pretty quickly by an intriguing plot, a handful of beautiful men, desperate for her help, a trip to a different realm filled with magic danger. I flew through this book and now I'm eagerly awaiting book two. Great start to this series!
I think it was the blurb that caught my attention with this new series, but it was the seriously awesome fmc that immediately captured me, followed pretty quickly by an intriguing plot, a handful of beautiful men, desperate for her help, a trip to a different realm filled with magic danger. I flew through this book and now I'm eagerly awaiting book two. Great start to this series!
August 2, 2023
It Had Potential
The story idea was intriguing.
But idk it was a breakneck pace yet slow and slightly boring all at the same time. I found myself skipping sections out of pure boredom.
The “twist” of this book and info of the epilogue was beyond obvious it followed kidnapped, rescue, fail plots to a T.
I can imagine where book two is headed and I can see the end game in my head. Maybe not the precise steps to the final conclusion but enough to know it won’t sadden me if I never read book two or any after it.
The story idea was intriguing.
But idk it was a breakneck pace yet slow and slightly boring all at the same time. I found myself skipping sections out of pure boredom.
The “twist” of this book and info of the epilogue was beyond obvious it followed kidnapped, rescue, fail plots to a T.
I can imagine where book two is headed and I can see the end game in my head. Maybe not the precise steps to the final conclusion but enough to know it won’t sadden me if I never read book two or any after it.
August 25, 2024
This book was difficult to get into. The characters were somewhat 2D, and the plot has been done many times before. There wasn't really anything about this book that stood out, nor stood apart from the many like it.
October 2, 2023
This book was such a fun surprise! I shouldn’t have been surprised though, because Cooke also penned one of my favorite RH series of all time. I really enjoyed this - the adventure, the humor, the romance. All building up slowly, but it doesn’t drag at all. Also, I love Alyssa. I love that our FMC is the knowledgeable one, and she’s coming to this jailbreak adventure with a century of experience, but with her time away from Nymeria, just slightly less than a century (idk if we’re told exactly how long she has been gone, but if we are, I don’t recall) of catching up to do.
Another thing I appreciate is that no one feels like a spare MC. That’s something I feel Cooke does really well, so it’s no surprise, but I still feel like it’s worth mentioning. Every character is so distinct and individual that it helps you understand the dynamic and roles every character will play, and it’s done in a way that is just seamless.
The one thing I will say is that I wish the MCs weren’t all so equal yet? Tank has been in Alyssa’s life for years, and she just met the other three. I kind of wish it took a bit longer to forge the connection between Alyssa and the three “brothers”, but honestly if that’s the only thing I have to say about it, than that’s not much of a complaint.
True to form, I am disappointed only in myself, that I would read this book before book two has been released. Alas, here I wait.
Another thing I appreciate is that no one feels like a spare MC. That’s something I feel Cooke does really well, so it’s no surprise, but I still feel like it’s worth mentioning. Every character is so distinct and individual that it helps you understand the dynamic and roles every character will play, and it’s done in a way that is just seamless.
The one thing I will say is that I wish the MCs weren’t all so equal yet? Tank has been in Alyssa’s life for years, and she just met the other three. I kind of wish it took a bit longer to forge the connection between Alyssa and the three “brothers”, but honestly if that’s the only thing I have to say about it, than that’s not much of a complaint.
True to form, I am disappointed only in myself, that I would read this book before book two has been released. Alas, here I wait.
July 26, 2023
Wow! This was an excellent beginning to a new fantasy why choose romance! This book hit the ground running, and it didn’t stop until the very end! Alyssa is a powerful Fae that was forced to leave her home when she was young due to horrible events that took place and a very bad, power hungry villain. Fast forward, and she’s approached by 3 very delicious men, whose brother has been lost to the Fae realm, asking her for help in retrieving him. But this mission is going to require sacrifices to be made on every one involved, especially Alyssa who knows it’s time to go home. I love how immediately you can see the roles that each individual is going to play and fill in this group. Also, the way the men just seamlessly step in to protect and support Alyssa. Alyssa is strong magically, but weak emotionally and in her confidence to accomplish what she needs to in Nymeria. But her men rally around her to help her in anyway they can. My heart is absolutely shattered for Damon, and I can’t wait to see how Ms Cooke reveals that little tidbit to our heroes, and what they’re going to do to save him. This book definitely leaves you wanting more, and I’m going to need book 2 tomorrow!
August 8, 2023
I was hooked straight away! I really enjoyed the world building in this and how unique the premise was. This spin on a returning hero story is so good and having the MMC's being the ones in the dark is such a refreshing change. I love the dynamic in the group too; Dean itching to take control, Ryder wearing his heart on his sleeve, Maddox's absolute belief in his family and Tank being Alyssa's rock. Alyssa is a fantastic central character; she has a huge heart and her snark is on point; this could easily be a one dimensional character but we've already seen so much growth from her already. I love a revenge story and I am so ready for Alyssa to go all warrior mode in Nymeria!
This is a stealth mission so we don't meet too many other characters but I'm hoping we see Rhidian again and I am heavily invested in Ryder and Fizzle's relationship. I hope Fizzle cracks soon!
My review system;
3 stars - I liked it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I need the next book now and have added all the authors works to my TBR
This is a stealth mission so we don't meet too many other characters but I'm hoping we see Rhidian again and I am heavily invested in Ryder and Fizzle's relationship. I hope Fizzle cracks soon!
My review system;
3 stars - I liked it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I need the next book now and have added all the authors works to my TBR
May 15, 2024
good book
I enjoyed this book.
I really like Alyssa. I wish we got to see more of her power, and also got to see her sword fight though. Otherwise her inner monologue was pretty funny.
I liked the shifters, and fizzler too, though fizzler was my favourite.
We also only seen the “3” shift once and a couple times from Tank but I did hope for more.
I really disliked how none of them knew about Nymeria, how to survive, use a sword etc and thought they knew better in a world they didn’t know existed. That REALLY!!!! Frustrated me.
To the point I made notes arguing with them 😂
It was worse from Dean.
You did see the twist coming in my opinion but it was still a good twist.
Oh also - loved the ratio of all characters povs. Usually in RH you get 2:3 of the book the fmc pov and then a 1:3 the guys which frustrates me. This book it was pretty even spread and I was super chuffed with that.
Otherwise - enjoyable book, different, tog/acotar vibes but without being similar. ❤️
I enjoyed this book.
I really like Alyssa. I wish we got to see more of her power, and also got to see her sword fight though. Otherwise her inner monologue was pretty funny.
I liked the shifters, and fizzler too, though fizzler was my favourite.
We also only seen the “3” shift once and a couple times from Tank but I did hope for more.
I really disliked how none of them knew about Nymeria, how to survive, use a sword etc and thought they knew better in a world they didn’t know existed. That REALLY!!!! Frustrated me.
To the point I made notes arguing with them 😂
It was worse from Dean.
You did see the twist coming in my opinion but it was still a good twist.
Oh also - loved the ratio of all characters povs. Usually in RH you get 2:3 of the book the fmc pov and then a 1:3 the guys which frustrates me. This book it was pretty even spread and I was super chuffed with that.
Otherwise - enjoyable book, different, tog/acotar vibes but without being similar. ❤️
December 20, 2024
3.8 rounded to 4. I liked it. I wished the author made Aly explain things a little more to the guys. She knows that the guys are from
July 4, 2023
Why choose? New world? New out look on Fae and shifters? Badass abilities? Long lost hidden Queen? FML that doesn’t take your crap? Men that will be anything to keep her safe? Inner turmoil? Smoking hot alpha males? Snarky and funny characters? What’s more to love.
Cate had done it again in this new series that kept me hooked and dying for more. I loved how the characters grew to be less selfish and more concerned about each other. How they began to open up to one another. How they start to work through their feelings to understand what they all want. Tank and his alpha fuzzy bear butt is to die for. He is so caring and adorable. Ryder is this hilarious person that brings the joy and laughter to the group. Maddox and Dean are the strong aloha males that wants everyone to be safe and they always need to have a plan to insure that.
I can’t wait to see how they all grow in the next book!
Cate had done it again in this new series that kept me hooked and dying for more. I loved how the characters grew to be less selfish and more concerned about each other. How they began to open up to one another. How they start to work through their feelings to understand what they all want. Tank and his alpha fuzzy bear butt is to die for. He is so caring and adorable. Ryder is this hilarious person that brings the joy and laughter to the group. Maddox and Dean are the strong aloha males that wants everyone to be safe and they always need to have a plan to insure that.
I can’t wait to see how they all grow in the next book!
September 25, 2023
This book is surprisingly well written. The way the author describe see things that us -Fantasy readers- are well use to know like shifter instincts or fae powers is so new and refreshing for me. The book ends in a cliff hanger, and that is the only thing annoying me. I saw the plot twist coming from a mile away, but that didn’t change anything.
This book….was so good that constantly I had to stop just to appreciate the writing or the story. The voices of the characters are well differentiated, and because is a multi pov first person book that is one of the most important things for me. Can’t wait to see what is going to happen next!! And also, I can’t believe that this author doesn’t have more books or the whole story, because is so well written (sorry that I’m keep saying that but is true) that I though that there were going to be several books al ready.
Well, I’m in love. Take your 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book….was so good that constantly I had to stop just to appreciate the writing or the story. The voices of the characters are well differentiated, and because is a multi pov first person book that is one of the most important things for me. Can’t wait to see what is going to happen next!! And also, I can’t believe that this author doesn’t have more books or the whole story, because is so well written (sorry that I’m keep saying that but is true) that I though that there were going to be several books al ready.
Well, I’m in love. Take your 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2024
This is one I don't recommend the audiobook for. I almost didn't finish it due to the male reader's voice and intonation. Maybe my rating would be higher otherwise, but here were my honest thoughts.
- I do like the rough storyline. It's not often that you get Fae, shifters, and current day military together (or at least not that I've read yet)
- I felt like this was a fast paced book, but sometimes that wasn't a good thing. I felt like they would make a plan then jump to the action with very little pending or transition scenes.
- The Fae doen't seem like Fae. They don't think that differently than humans nor act it - other than some powers. So basically they are beautiful humans with powers.
- The men, other than Tank, are really immature and shallow characters (shallow in the lack of depth and not the conceded kind of way). I had really high hopes, but they seemed like a big band of man children. Especially Ryder - I get that he's the comic relief, but he is my least favorite.
- I do like the rough storyline. It's not often that you get Fae, shifters, and current day military together (or at least not that I've read yet)
- I felt like this was a fast paced book, but sometimes that wasn't a good thing. I felt like they would make a plan then jump to the action with very little pending or transition scenes.
- The Fae doen't seem like Fae. They don't think that differently than humans nor act it - other than some powers. So basically they are beautiful humans with powers.
- The men, other than Tank, are really immature and shallow characters (shallow in the lack of depth and not the conceded kind of way). I had really high hopes, but they seemed like a big band of man children. Especially Ryder - I get that he's the comic relief, but he is my least favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2023
Renegade Queen is the first in a new paranormal romance series, Nymerian Rebels, by Cate J Cooke, and its a whirlwind of a fast-paced story.
Alyssa is badass, powerful, and doesn't take shit from anyone. After a building a life in the human world, her existence is turned upside down by the return of a questionable general, and a request from three human dudes to take them to the fae realm.
The story is fast, full of danger, and a lot of fun world building - and doesn't forget the spice!
🗡️ Badass FMC
🐻 Why Choose RH
🗡️ Fast Paced read
🐺 Spicy
🗡️ Magic & drama
The story has no lack of twists and turns, and leave off with a juicy cliffhanger. This series has potential, and I'm eager to see what happens with the brother, the general and the usurper - bring on book 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Alyssa is badass, powerful, and doesn't take shit from anyone. After a building a life in the human world, her existence is turned upside down by the return of a questionable general, and a request from three human dudes to take them to the fae realm.
The story is fast, full of danger, and a lot of fun world building - and doesn't forget the spice!
🗡️ Badass FMC
🐻 Why Choose RH
🗡️ Fast Paced read
🐺 Spicy
🗡️ Magic & drama
The story has no lack of twists and turns, and leave off with a juicy cliffhanger. This series has potential, and I'm eager to see what happens with the brother, the general and the usurper - bring on book 2!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 6, 2023
absolutely amazing!
I love otherworld stories fae ones are the best. This one delivered in story building. The storyline was great. Alyssa a fae hiding from an evil person in the human world, just so happened to be dragged back to where she once was where her family was decimated. All for looking for a brother of shifters. I loved the snark from Alyssa and the steamy scenes with Tank the bear shifter. Once they got to where they needed to be they were slammed with betrayal and a huge army. The ending was an eye opener and the cliffhanger has me begging for the next book in this fantastic series !
I love otherworld stories fae ones are the best. This one delivered in story building. The storyline was great. Alyssa a fae hiding from an evil person in the human world, just so happened to be dragged back to where she once was where her family was decimated. All for looking for a brother of shifters. I loved the snark from Alyssa and the steamy scenes with Tank the bear shifter. Once they got to where they needed to be they were slammed with betrayal and a huge army. The ending was an eye opener and the cliffhanger has me begging for the next book in this fantastic series !
November 4, 2024
I love Alyssa!
What happens when a Fae princess, hiding in the earth realm, is asked to go back to the realm she fled to find a missing soldier? Oh so many things is what happens. Three men, Maddox, Ryder and Dean talk Alyssa into going back to rescue Damon, hoping beyond hope that he still lives. Brothers by choice, the 3 realize they can’t travel to the Fae realm as humans…so the mayhem begins. With 4 new found mates in tow, Alyssa is off to meet her destiny.
If you like a good supernatural story, if you love the underdog, even when that underdog is Fae royalty, then you’ll love this one!
What happens when a Fae princess, hiding in the earth realm, is asked to go back to the realm she fled to find a missing soldier? Oh so many things is what happens. Three men, Maddox, Ryder and Dean talk Alyssa into going back to rescue Damon, hoping beyond hope that he still lives. Brothers by choice, the 3 realize they can’t travel to the Fae realm as humans…so the mayhem begins. With 4 new found mates in tow, Alyssa is off to meet her destiny.
If you like a good supernatural story, if you love the underdog, even when that underdog is Fae royalty, then you’ll love this one!
July 28, 2023
Absolutely devoured this book! Alyssa is just a sassy, badass girl whose been hiding within the human world wanting to avoid her past. With the introduction of 3 of her guys, Maddox, Dean and Ryder, she makes the decision to go back along with her other lover, Tank.
I adore Tank and Maddox out of all her guys but they are still great! They each have their own personalities fleshed out and no one feels one dimensional which is wonderful.
The world of Nymeria sounds intriguing from what we've been told so far and I can't wait to find out more of what happens next in book 2!
I adore Tank and Maddox out of all her guys but they are still great! They each have their own personalities fleshed out and no one feels one dimensional which is wonderful.
The world of Nymeria sounds intriguing from what we've been told so far and I can't wait to find out more of what happens next in book 2!
August 6, 2023
Picked up this new series because it promised shifters, magic and why choose - some of my favorite tropes.
I immediately fell in love with the FMC - a fierce, independent fae who has been alone for most of her life, stuck on earth and mostly cut off from her magic. Her path intersects with several soldiers looking for their lost brother stuck in her home world, and we quickly see how much she has needed additional love and support in her life, she no longer has to fight alone.
I cannot wait to see what happens next in the duet/series.
I immediately fell in love with the FMC - a fierce, independent fae who has been alone for most of her life, stuck on earth and mostly cut off from her magic. Her path intersects with several soldiers looking for their lost brother stuck in her home world, and we quickly see how much she has needed additional love and support in her life, she no longer has to fight alone.
I cannot wait to see what happens next in the duet/series.
August 10, 2023
This isn't a genre that I normally read but it sounded intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I loved the world that the author created and there are so many interesting and complex characters. There are faes, shifters, and other magical creatures along with the humans. The four "brothers" had a very close relationship and distinct personalities, and it was obvious as the story progressed. While Alyssa is the lead in the story, she also realizes when to let the guys lead due to their training. I can't wait to see what happens next.
August 7, 2024
Nicole T.
I almost did Not finish this book. The sample hooked me in with the bear! Fae realms I despise! Alyssa is cool, cocktail, works well w others. If they woukd have stayed on earth and the story went a different direction I would have loved! This fae realm stuff I just don't like! 4 hot guys who like and love Alyssa! Why does the false king want Alyssa I'm sure for her power...but this is a slow burn and I am nit wanting to continue on w the series. No thank you! Drive all the way thru!
I almost did Not finish this book. The sample hooked me in with the bear! Fae realms I despise! Alyssa is cool, cocktail, works well w others. If they woukd have stayed on earth and the story went a different direction I would have loved! This fae realm stuff I just don't like! 4 hot guys who like and love Alyssa! Why does the false king want Alyssa I'm sure for her power...but this is a slow burn and I am nit wanting to continue on w the series. No thank you! Drive all the way thru!
September 3, 2023
This book was so good!!! I absolutely loved it! The story is interesting and you keep getting little pieces to keep you reading. Then the whole adventure/rescue mission was so crazy. It doesn’t surprise me that Damon was being controlled by Arik and the centipede thing. I hope that they can save home before any more damage is done. Did Alyssa push them all in the water and then stay for the endless to take or did she also go into the water? I need to know!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
This author, no matter which name she uses, never fails to amaze me on what she comes up with. This is a new series with a new start. There is always extremely well developed characters, will develop lot, and storyline. Her characters are lifelike and easy to imagine, as is the world. Highly recommend.
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