*insert slow clap* Congratulations, Ariel Renner, you literally forgot your own darn plot. Not sure how one manages to do that in such a short book, but I definitely flipped back and forth several times just to marvel at the ridiculousness. [hint: what is Raphael's villain origin story?]
I'm not sure if this was -the- worst book I've read this year, but it's up there (down there?). It was so deeply contrived and artificial that reading it felt like a punishment. Originality? No. World Building? No. Well-fleshed out, interesting and/or relatable characters? Not on your life. An unambiguous timeline and story continuity? Nope. People acting in a way that makes sense? Hahahaha... what? And make the author actually have to think things through? Psshhh.
Every single over-done romantacy trope executed very poorly? ALL YOU CAN HANDLE, BABY!
DNF’ing at page 43. This is dragging and writing style is not my jam. Needs more diverse sentence structure, as it too frequently starts with “I” then inserts what the character is doing. Definitely not a mentally stimulating read so far, so I must pass.
I found immense pleasure in delving into the narrative of a girl who, despite an initial aversion to her rescuer following a harrowing attack, discovers an undeniable attraction between them. This tale unfolds as a classic enemies-to-lovers story, and it captivated me from the very first chapter. The author's eloquent descriptions painted a vivid picture in my mind, immersing me effortlessly in the story. The narrative is rich with action, adventure, and intrigue, particularly as Crystal navigates the challenges of adapting to a new, unfamiliar world.
The supporting cast of characters added depth to the story, each one endearing and likable in their own right. The pacing of the plot was so engrossing that I found myself unable to resist finishing the book within two days – a testament to its gripping nature. The evolution from initial adversaries to realizing they were fated mates added a layer of depth to the narrative that I truly appreciated.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who relish excitement, adventure, and a touch of romance in their reading. It seamlessly blends action and passion, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts of this genre. As a reader, I yearn for the series or an extension within the same world to continue, as I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and eagerly anticipate where Crystal's new life may lead us.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alpha King Leon has been hunting his rogue brother for years but despite Clarion’s best mages working on it, Raphael remains elusive. Until one night he attacks a human, deliberately leaving his scent behind. When Leon shows up there, he decides to take Crystal to Clarion. No human has set foot there for centuries.
While all signs point to Crystal being Leon’s second-chance mate, he stubbornly refuses to see or consider it. Meanwhile. Crystal, who knows nothing about mates but finds herself drawn to and lusting for Leon, is busy getting whiplash from Leon constantly changing his mind about whether he spend any time with her. Then during the Blood Moon when wolves find their mate, he finds out the mystery has been solved: Crystal is not human and is in fact, an exceedingly rare creature. Leon finally admits she is his mate and the two claim each other. Raphael is planning to use Crystal to destroy Leon and take his seat on the throne. Can Crystal save Leon from Raphael’s trap?
I devoured this book in a couple of hours. I was so drawn in that I ate my dinner with one and held my kindle in the other! It packs in adventure, the supernatural and romance in relatively few pages. Highly recommend!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of an orphaned woman who is attacked by a paranormal monster and left for dead. She is rescued by none other than the Alpha King himself and thus her whole world and life changes just as quickly!
Later on after getting kidnapped by the same person twice after he viciously attacked her at the start of this book, she is able to draw on the newfound powers she now has within herself because she only recently discovered she is not really a human after all but possesses powers not seen in centuries.
I really enjoyed this story of a girl who initially hated the person who came to her rescue after she was attacked but finds herself drawn to him and he to her. An enemies to lovers story for sure!
There’s really a lot of action, adventure and intrigue as Crystal tries to settle in to this new world she finds herself in. I recommend this book for the excitement and adventure you’re going to love as you read this book! It’s perfect for those who love action/adventure and romance in the books they read!
Alpha King's Captive is a steamy, fated mate, paranormal shifter romance. Leon is the Alpha King of Clarion. He was blessed by the Moon Goddess and is a triad shifter, able to shift into a bear, lion, or wolf. Crystal is a human nurse. When she is attacked by Rafael, Leon's evil twin brother, Leon finds her and brings her back to Clarion. Humans are forbidden to enter, but he feels compelled to protect her. Is Crystal more than human? Is she Leon's second chance fated mate? And why did Rafael attack her? What does he want from Leon? This paranormal story was different than others in a good way. It had drama, action, laughs, love, and betrayal. The chemistry was hot, and after all the issues were resolved, we got a very happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who was the beast in the night that had attacked her leaving her for dead?
Left on the steps of a nunnery as a babe, Crystal had only ever had herself. Crying for help as the beast came out of the night, no one came to her aid. She would die as she’d lived alone and unloved.
What she didn’t know was that there was one who find her, bring her to a world of enchantment, save her and watch as she became what she was always meant to be… Clarion a world hidden from humans for supernatural beings, Leon, Alpha King, ruled. For decades he’d hunted for his brother, Rafael. Vengeful, murderous he’d taken the life of his father and Leon’s mate the night his brother was named the Alpha King. He waged war killing humans and supernaturals alike, daring his brother to find him. Until, the night he found the one weapon that could be used against the Alpha King, destroy him. Crystal wasn’t what she thought she was, and now she would be the weapon of destruction for any who would not follow Rafael when he became Alpha. Brother against brother, jealousy and hate warred inside Rafael. With Crystal trapped in the middle. Pulled into a world of shifters and other supernaturals it became a mystery of.. “why her?” What would her be role in all of this? After all she was only human. Or was she? A paranormal romance, with a bitter war at center of the conflict between brothers that caught humans and supernaturals in the cross hairs of a demon. I enjoyed the story, the interaction between the secondary characters, the love that Crystal and Leon struggled to understand at first. Sadly Rafael was truly unhinged, seeing his role as the Alpha King being stolen from him. Feeding into his need for revenge and power was a woman who believed she belonged on the throne by his side. Most of the answers to questions I had were answered in the end with a loose string or two left hanging. There were some spicy romantic scenes, while emotions ran high on both sides, along with a few nail biting moments. If you enjoy paranormal romance that rides out a few bumps, a touch of mystery and a bit of angst check this one out.
Alpha King’s Captive ~~ I read this book on Kindle and also listened to it on Audible. This story dives deep into the world of powerful shifters, pack politics, and intense fated-mate romance. The story centers around the Alpha King of Clarion, a powerful ruler who can shift into multiple forms including a wolf, bear, or lion. While pursuing his treacherous twin brother, he discovers a human woman named Crystal who has been attacked and left for dead. He takes her back to his kingdom to heal, but from the moment she wakes up the chemistry between them is undeniable. Even though she demands her freedom, the Alpha King refuses to let her go because he feels an overwhelming pull toward her. As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens. Crystal may not be an ordinary human at all, and enemies begin targeting her. The Alpha King becomes fiercely protective, willing to risk everything even his throne to protect his fated mate. The book is filled with pack politics, enemies, intense attraction, and dangerous power struggles, which made it hard to stop reading. Listening on Audible helped bring the Alpha King’s commanding personality to life, while reading on Kindle allowed me to really appreciate the world-building and the developing connection between him and Crystal. This story is perfect if you enjoy dominant Alpha heroes, fated mates, and powerful supernatural kingdoms. I would definitely recommend this book and series and can’t wait to start on the next book. If you want to know what happens next, you’ll just have to read this series yourself ~ you won’t regret it
Crystal is a pediatric nursing. She chose that car because of how she was an orphan who no one wanted. She missed hugs and we'll find for doing what she did. She wanted these children to have a little of what she didn't. On her way to work one night she is attacked. Meanwhile Leon the alpha king, had been trying to find his brother. His cohorts attack on humans need to be stored. But so far no luck. He has three forms bear, lion, and wolf forms and when he finds Crystal all forms grow protective. When he sniffs her he knows she's his mate but he refuses to accept that and sends her away. He leaves to go talk to another and while gone Crystal is over again attacked. He finds her unconscious and bleeding. Then his brother Raphael died up demanding his own kingdom. We in brewing. Nite he had to figure what is it about Crystal that has his brother attacking her again. Will he find the answer? Will Leon accept the truth? A fast paced adventure that will enthralled the reader.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐⭐⭐ This one was a mixed bag for me. I went in expecting a possessive alpha, forced proximity, and some spicy werewolf drama… and it definitely delivered some of that. 🐺🔥
Crystal just wants to go home, but the Alpha King basically decides she’s staying whether she likes it or not (sir… that’s not how consent works 🙄). The grumpy alpha energy was STRONG in this one.
I had questions the whole time though… like why didn’t Crystal die from the bite? And who the hell was Jessica when she suddenly appeared? 🤔 Also Natasha… girl… please make better decisions.
There was definitely a bit of insta-love, which isn’t usually my thing, but I’ll admit the mating scene was HOT. 🔥 I just wish there had been… more spice overall.
Overall: entertaining, a little chaotic, and fun if you’re in the mood for a dramatic wolf romance — but I wanted a bit more depth (and honestly… more spice). 🌶️
DUAL POV! I absolutely love when a book has dual POV
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the world building. Everything was described in such a beautiful way I could picture it perfectly in my mind. I was hooked from the first chapter.
The side characters were great and very likeable, I also adore Leslie and her friendship with Crystal
I also love the Triad. I never read something like this in a book before and I personally thought it was a fresh and cool way for determining shifter Alphas.
I would love for the series or same world to continue because I really enjoyed it and would love to see where Crystal's new life takes us.
I also adored Leon I thought he was a great MMC and I would love to see more of him.
I will definitely read more from this author again
Crystal is a nurse. After a long but fruitful day, she is on her way to the comfort of her home. While walking, she feel a sense of tickling and that serves as a warning that maybe something bad is about to happen.
She is not wrong when a caped and hooded person stands in her way and prevents her from passing. He pounces on her and bites her neck. The pain is excruciating and Crystal falls unconscious.
Leon is the Alpha King of Clarion, the Supernatural kingdom separated from the human world by a veil. Dylan, his trusted second, bursts in a meeting to advise the King that his twin brother, the notorious and murderous Raphael has been spotted in the bordering human village. Responsible for the death and murders of so many close to him, Raphael has been the object of an intense search to apprehend and detain for the King.
Leon sets off with Dylan and his last sighting locator, points him to an alley where he finds a woman on the brink of death lying on the sidewalk. He recognizes the gruesome work of Raphael and must take measures to save the young woman even if this strong urge he has, is inexplicable.
He takes her back to Clarion and remands her in the capable hands of Hanna, a Mage.
The author never cease to amaze with a well crafted story filled with supernatural beings, precious friendships, treachery, brothers rivalry, magical feats and a finish that will keep the reader on his or her toes while waiting for a sequel. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 Stars.
Fantastic story. It is a must read book. It was a quick read and fast paced of read.It was a page turner and the suspense was Fantastic! I enjoyed reading this book. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't put it down. It was a spicy paranormal romance between these two there once were enemies and now they are lovers. Crystal was attacked very bad but a nice a handsome human man found her and nurse her back to health. It had adventure, intrigue , and it was a mystery of suspense of romance as to be a steamy and secret romance. Will someone find out about them or will his life be in jeopardized. I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Trina Jones
This book has so much action that I barely realized how much time had passed. I flew through this story!
Crystal, a nurse, has been jumped while walking home from work one night. She is found by Leon, who has been searching for his evil twin Raphael. Leon is drawn to Crystal, but doesn't know why. He brings her back to Clarion, the shifter land where he is Alpha King. There they find out that Crystal is more than meets the eye and she finds herself an unwilling pawn in a high stakes game.
There are a lot of interesting twists in this book and I very much enjoyed it!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Crystal is a Pediatric nurse and she is savagely attacked by a monster on the way home and left for dead. Leon is the Alpha King of Clarion, his twin brother has gone rogue killing humans. Leon finds Crystal in a pool of blood 🩸 and he must save her. He takes her to Clarion for healing, she’s in great danger, why did Raphael not kill her? Leon can’t understand why he’s drawn to Crystal, she’s furious that he won’t take her home or explain anything. They must face a dangerous enemy, betrayal, kidnapping, attacks, death and a surprising destiny. Spellbinding, action packed adventure with a thrilling ending. I love this book, couldn’t stop reading it, awake all night. Totally worth it.🤩.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great story from Ariel Renner, written with Lila Bosch. A shifter romance with action, brother rivalry, magic, friendship, fated mates and love.
Crystal never knew her parents, having been found outside an orphanage as a baby. She's on her way home from work at the hospital when she's attacked.
Leon is the Alpha King and is trying to stop his twin brother and group of outcasts from attacking humans. When he goes looking for Raphael, he finds Crystal and can't take his eyes off her. He takes her back to Clarion to help her heal but then can't bring himself to let her leave again as there's something about her that calls to him and his beasts.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
DNF - quit at 3o% I would suspect the author to still be in high school by the way this is written. The writing is shoddy, no flow, relying on time lapses, and everything just jumps around where it makes no sense. There’s no real world building by the time I quit, or even a real plot flow. And I especially didn’t like the FMC, she came across as abrasive to most of the people she has contact with in the new world, and had no concerns that she might get the youth in trouble by demanding the young mage accompany her when the king summons her. I just couldn’t get into this for all the above reasons.
At my age (63), life is way to short & my time is to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
Alpha King’s Captive is a stunning paranormal love story with some fabulous and unexpected plot twists! Alpha King Leon is a complex and intense character with a twisted past and a lonely existence. Crystal is unexpectedly thrust into his life, and the adventure and chaos begins. This story is so much fun to read! There are lots of different moving parts, and I love how the authors combination of humans, mages, wolf-shifters, and other magical beings are woven together. I couldn’t put this story down, and I hope we’ll be seeing more like this one!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
He’s a lion-wolf-bear hybrid alpha king widower and she’s a human-phoenix-witch hybrid nurse orphan. They are fated mates who must overcome the challenges imposed by the king’s brother the wolf-vampire-demon hybrid and his pregnant girlfriend the wolf-witch hybrid.
These challenges are hard to overcome because Crystal is knocked unconscious a half dozen times and Leon can’t think clearly with three different animals in his head.
They win because of Crystal’s super godly healing powers, and not because she can strike her enemies down with lightning bolts like Zeus. Just saying… both were options in this book.
First of all, thanks to Ariel Renner for a wonderful book. It was simply impossible to put down. The book has everything. Battles, destiny, fate, love, shifters, hot sex under the Blood Moon. The heroine of the story, Chrystal, is stubborn and I can really see her pushing all the king's personal limits. Leon, lost his first love and can't decide if Chrystal are true love or a curse. I really hope there are more books about this world, cause there are threads in the book that were not fully explained. I say no more than; "Take care of my bird"..... I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Crystal, the Phoenix Queen, true Luna of Leon, the Alpha King. The story of this Alpha and Luna focuses mainly on the finding of this Luna and I love that she is one of the main focuses.
He’s possessive. And I love it. He is an alpha. And I love it.
This is my first shifter, alpha king fantasy romance novel, and I love it. It was quick paced, but also left room for growing a story. I would have liked more world building of Clarion, as from the little descriptions the world was beautiful but left so much to the imagination.
Of the two brothers, Leon and Raphael, the younger brother Leon becomes the Alpha King. When the human woman, Crystal, is injured in an attack, she is taken to Leon who is strongly drawn to her. Is she his mate? He is already aware that he will protect her at all costs. What is the mystery that surrounds her? How can she be so powerful? Action-packed and full of suspense and danger, this story line will grab you from the very start though the twists and turns that follow. Hang on and don’t miss a word of this exciting journey!
Crystal lived in an orphanage until she aged out. All she knows is that whoever dropped her off said to take care of "my little bird." Now a nurse in the pediatric ward, she is on her way home when she is attacked by someone with large teeth. When she awakens, she is in a strange place and when a huge man shows up in the doorway, Crystal thinks it's the person who attacked her. The man is Leon, the Alpha King. This story has plenty of action, romance, and steam, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some of the grammar was off, the story reminded me of a rushed hallmark movie, predictable and impossible. The characters have no depth whatsoever or chemistry with each other. The plot was ridiculous. The Alpha King did not act very king like at all. He made bad decisions and spent most of the time worrying. The language was supposed to be sophisticated and yet the usage was in and out. Sometimes it was relevant and other times it wasn’t. Just an overall dumb book, but if you’re that bored, it’s a really short read of wasted time.
Just-no. Okay? No. I'm not going to drag onto this, I'm not gonna write a long ass review about the reason why this book was a dnf for me. I have other books to read and no time for something I didn't like. The writing style was the main problem, but neither the plot or characters were clicking for me, so no thanks. And before you jump for my jugular, yes, I did have expectations to at least relate to the characters even if the book was trash, because I've seen it happen to me, even if the book in question was short.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one by this author.
After being attacked and left for dead, Crystal wakes up to find she is in another realm full of shifters. In fact her rescuer is the King of this realm and the most powerful. Unfortunately his jealous twin brother hates him for being chosen to be the king and he is causing all sorts of havoc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Crystal is attacked on her way home from work. She wakes up and has no clue where she is or how she got there. She has become a pawn in a battle for the rule of the kingdom, Clarion. The current alpha king, Leon, is ruling Clarion but his twin brother, Raphael, wants to be the alpha king. Enter Natasha..she wanted Leon but turned to Raphael when Leon was not interested. Raphael, with Natasha's help. will do all they can to make sure they end up as the rulers of Clarion.
She is attacked by his brothers and he takes her back to the palace for her to heal. He can shift in a bear, wolf and even a lion and it seems the more he takes her the more he wants her. She is attacked again and she survives again. Is she more than a human? What is she? Will he get her forever? See just what is going to happen for them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was immediately intrigued by the story due to the female main character being a pediatric nurse (ultimately, not really part of the storyline) and while parts of the story were slower, I overall liked the story a lot. It held my attention and I really wanted to see how the conflict was resolved. While there are some loose ends that leave room for a sequel, if the author decides to write one, there is a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What an adventure Leon and Crystal's story takes you on. Initially, hurt at the beginning Leon comes to Crystal's rescue but she does not trust him. As their journey continues the connection as fated mates helps them to realize that together they are stronger against those who want to see them harmed. Wonderfully written and full of suspense, danger and action.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.