Below Fated Skies

The Immortal Accords #8

by Anna Hawke

Fear of the flame is what keeps it burning.

An alpha werewolf born of a dark past, Riaz is a ruthless protector, but a caring leader. When the enemy develops a new weapon in his pack’s back yard and werewolves begin to turn rabid, Riaz spares no effort to eliminate the danger. Even if it meant inviting an uptight vampire into their midst.

Cortana is atoning for an unforgivable sin. When she loses the purpose she hid behind for centuries, she accepts a mission in werewolf territory. What began as collaboration quickly shifts to desire, and she is faced with a dilemma. If she opens herself to the charms of the fun-loving alpha, she risks losing control of the monster within her once more.

As they confront enemies and the mistakes of their pasts, will their bond withstand the trials of fire, or will they be consumed by the flames?

Genres: Romantasy, Closed Door Romance, Fantasy

307 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Anna Hawke is a paranormal romance novelist dedicated to bringing to life the voices inside her head. With a degree in Journalism and a vested interest in grammatical perfection, Anna’s written works contain sarcasm, spark, and sexy alpha males too handsome for their own good.

When she isn’t busy wrangling her three young children, gorgeous husband, and an opinionated grey tabby, Anna enjoys reading romance novels, riding horses, and traveling to places where hiking boots are required. Writing, however, is her favorite pastime, and Anna loves nothing more than pouring herself a 24 oz mug of tea, wrapping herself in a blanket, and giving her imaginary friends a voice.

Reviews

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all. I am seriously hooked on this series and I no longer want to be an adult. Who wants to take my place so I can stay home and read? Anyone? Adulting is SO overrated.

To say Cortana and Riaz are complete opposites would be an understatement. Cortana has everything scheduled and organized, while Riaz is more laidback and is more of an organized chaos kind of guy. From their first meeting you knew there story was going to be rollercoaster of a ride, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Their banter and random nicknames will have you giggling out loud. While the more serious moments will have your heart breaking. But you will love every minute of it.

I wasn't every far into the book before I fell head over heels in love with Riaz. Y'all. That man is something special! He's protective, loving, loyal, and he's the one you want by your side always. Cortana on the other hand was a bit stubborn and strong willed. Don't get me wrong, she has the same characteristics as Riaz, but the tragic secrets in their past lead each of them down opposite paths when it came time to face their demons. Their story was another heartachingly beautiful one. Seeing these two finally get their HEA will melt your heart into a big ol' pile of goo.

I am seriously in love with this series! It is such a fun one to get lost in. I literally count down the minutes until I can pick it back up again. I am usually over a fantasy series by book 5 but that's definitely not the case here! I just can't get enough of it! Whether you're a fantasy lover or not, you really need to start this series! It just keeps getting better and better!

Ms. Hawke has definitely cemented herself onto my favorite authors list. Every single book of hers I've read sucks me in from the first page and holds me hostage until the very end. I lose all track of time when immersing myself into this phenomenal world she has created. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

As for my casting. You. Guys! The moment I found these two, I knew they were absolute perfection! I think this is one of my favorite castings so far! What do you think?!

[Ali Alley EscapeThroughABook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very good. I really love how the author makes this series appropriate for all ages. The paranormal genre tends to be spicy. Not all readers want spice in their books. The author filled a need in this genre as well as offering a great pallet cleanser to those who read spice as well. Having adult relationships, with adult situations makes it somewhat more complicated to keep it clean (especially when paranormal aspects are involved). The author does this beautifully. The skill she has while writing her characters, and relationships is astounding.

This Paranormal Romance is Book 8 in the Immortal Accords Series. The book can be read as a stand alone, although it will be much more enjoyable being read in order with the other books in the series.
The Romance in this book is more of a slow burn, with the MCs fighting their bond.
The book as with the rest of the books in this series is fairly clean. The MCs are adults, and the relationships showcase that without a need for spice.
The book moves at a quick pace following the MCs as they fight against the organization that hates their kind. All while doing this they are fighting the pull of a blooming romance.
The characters are written amazing. They have moments that are amusing, heartfelt, and intense. The author gives us backstories to help strengthen their personalities.
The world building is done during contemporary times that’s overflowing with paranormal aspects. This makes the book extremely easy to imagine, all while remaining fascinating, and mystical.

[Megan Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! I haven’t been disappointed in an Anna Hawke book yet! This was my second read from her and she didn’t disappoint. This book can be read as a standalone (which I did) or can blend into her Immortal Accords series as book 8. I was blown away by the amount of emotion portrayed in her characters. This book follows Cortana- a seasoned vamp in need of a life change. She takes up residence in the mountains to start field work with the werewolves. A vamp and werewolves working together? Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Then comes in Riaz- a handsome alpha werewolf. This is their love story and it’s to die for! The tension even had me frustrated. I love how this author keeps her books clean which is greatly appreciated as it can sometimes cheapen the storyline. I will recommend this book to anyone who loves all things supernatural, incredible slow burn that’s almost insufferable and kick ass female characters. Keep it up Anna Hawke!

[Cecilie Karlsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved This book. It’s an easy read that you won’t be able to put Down again.
This Urban fantasy / romantasy is filled with humor and witty banter and is about immortals (raeths, elementals, vampires and werewolves). A steamy But closed Doors romance.
It’s going to warm your heart, break it and Then put it back together .
And again i just love How This Series Can be read as standalone But are interconnected!
Some of the tropes in This one:
- alpha male
- opposites attracts
- fated mates
- “grumpy” vs sunshine
- he/she is MINE
- touch my mate and …
Something I just love about this is that the couple are equals in every sense and complement each other perfectly.

[Heyziee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks again to the ARC team for sending this to me!!!

A close second to my favorite of this series, Upon Shattered Bonds (Nina and Zeke's story - I will never stop mentioning this haha!)

I love how there's always a tragic backstory of why the characters act and why they're the way they are currently. Also love the banters and petnames they call each other, especially Riaz's for Cortana haha! Oh, and Ava's Lady Nosferatu for Cortana as well.

My most favorite part of this story was this line:

"The deadliest poison was the spoken word, spewed from sharp tongue."

And I felt it deep in my bones. How my heart ache for Riaz and Cortana's backstories.

Anyway, a light and fast read but still a very good story, and a guaranteed HEA!

[Cambree McNeiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not usually one for fade to black books, but when given the opportunity to do an ARC read for this author, the story had me captivated.

This book follows a supernatural FMC that needs a change in her life, and goes on a mission to stop the antagonists from killing immortals. She ends up meeting a supernatural MMC of a different breed.

This book was very good. I enjoyed the back stories of each character, and the character development that occurs throughout this book.

I really enjoyed some of the themes shown.
-you’re never to old to start over.
-you’re never to old to find love.
-your past doesn’t define you.

I feel many books in today’s age don’t teach you life lessons anymore, and this book did just that.

Also, paranormal romance is predominately dark and for adults.
I love how this author made a paranormal romance novel for YA and adults to enjoy.

I give it four stars, just because it did drag a little for me, but overall I was thoroughly entertained.

This is book 8 in the series but can be read as a stand alone.

If you like werewolves and vampires, this is a great book for you. ❤️

[Linda7600 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best shape shifter books I have read in a very long time. It’s action packed, fast paced and of course there is romance. The main characters are so well written. The detail given to each character and their role in this series is beautifully done. The vampire, Cortana, and her mate who is a werewolf leave it all on the mat as they work together is eliminate a group of people bent on destroying them. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went through a rollercoaster of emotions while reading this book. The complex relationship between Cortana and Riaz was so well-written that when they finally overcame their past, it was incredibly satisfying. The banter between them made me laugh out loud. Overall, this was an excellent read that was both entertaining and enjoyable.

[Melina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it a lot!

It was a really cute read. It had just the right amount of angst and tension and sexiness. I like both of the characters, and the world that continues growing in these books is compelling to read about. I am looking forward to the next installments. Although, I would have liked to know a little bit more about what was going on with the Raeths. That sounded fun.

[whimsical reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was wondering how this one will be different from the rest of the books. at first I thought should I read book 8? Is it all going to be the same? Am I getting kind of bored? but it didn't disappoint.
I love that it starts in Estes park. I am a Colorado native and this thrilled my soul.
Cortana is the vampire that likes structure and organization so much so she’s prickly and not practical at times. She has brown hair and brown eyes. I hated her most of the book until the end... You'll have to read to see why. I was annoyed by Cortana and her I am jealousy but I won’t be with you etc.

Riaz is an unorganized alpha werewolf that doesn’t care for etiquette or protocols. Hard to think of Riaz being an Alpha that needs his packs touch and needs to sleep around. Her has his own set of issues that he works through. Honestly, he was very sweet and sacrifices himself over and over for a mate that didn't really deserve it. She makes it up to him though.

One concern: The wolves howl loudly of course “Citizens” would find them?!

The banter and name calling was spot on. It was clean, closed door, and only kissing. Only two curse words.

[Kyliegh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Below Fated Skies’ is book number 8 in The Immortal Accords series. It follows Riaz, a wolf, and Cortana, a vampire, as they try to stop the threat of a human faction known as the Citizens. These are considered stand-alones and I had no trouble following the plot even though I’ve only read the first couple of books.
I absolutely loved the banter between Riaz and Cortana. Cortana did not want to fall in love with or be Riaz’s mate. Riaz was all in from the moment he laid eyes on her.
One thing I love most about this series is the found family and the love and loyalty the characters have for each other.
If you love urban paranormal romances with sizzling kisses, snarky banter, action, and puppy snuggles, then you should read this book!

** This book is closed door/fade to black. It contains innuendo and very mild swearing, no “F” word.

***Thanks to Anna for my complimentary eARC. All opinions are my own.

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Below Fated Skies
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Clean Read

ARC REVIEW

Just like another book I’ve read by this author, Below Fated Skies is a simple and straightforward love story between two supernaturals. In this instance we have Cortana, vampire Drake’s second in command, heading to Colorado to help a werewolf pack with some issues they’re dealing with. There she meets the attractive, kind-hearted, and endlessly humored Riaz. But Cortana has deep pain in her past, which can also be said for the flattering Riaz. Will they move beyond their previous heartaches to let the other in? Or is their love doomed from the start?

Parts of this story dragged for me unfortunately but at the end of the day it was a funny and adorable love story. My biggest source of entertainment was the incessant nicknames

[S.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was delightful and I devoured it in one day. I started the series with this one because the author said it could be read as a standalone and had an OCD rep. The world was easy to pick up and fall into. The banter was *perfection* between a sunshine werewolf and the semi-uptight vampire. I will definitely read more from this author.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Cortana and Riaz story. Riaz an alpha wolf that will do anything to protect his pack and Cortana a vampire that is trying to atone for her past. Their chemistry is off the charts. This book is fun and action packed and will have you hooked with another great read.

[Sariel Persis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riaz (or “Road”, according to my phone’s autocorrect) and Cortana are absolutely amazing! I love the theme of how the past doesn’t define someone throughout the book, and they’re super cute! I love the character development of both Riaz and Cortana, too!

[Karin Budke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d like to preface my review by saying I received it as ARC.

I had first book of the series in my TBR when this opportunity came. I was at first worried to read it as standalone even though the description said it was okey to do so. I feel like I might have enjoyed it more if I started the series in correct book order.

Anyway, I loved that it was FTB. It was a fun - feel good book with lot of focus on interactions between various characters, banter and silly fun things.

3 stars for me - I hoped for more action, also personal minus points for insta-atraction and miscomunication/overreacting trope.

***My thoughts on the book (written right after I had finished the book so I have very specific things in mind. Also I am very picky and detail oriented):***

I couldnt help but compare it with other books structured like this - part of series but with each book focused on different couple. Comparing mainly sequence of action, where lay the focus, etc. (Mostly Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR ward (BDB), Lara Adrian (Midnight breed), Gena Showalter and many more. )

Just few % into the book, I loved the idea of werewolf and vampire couple. I was looking for something just like that! I enjoyed Mr. Sunshine chaotic MMC as usually they are all too serious, broody. I liked the idea of setting him up with serious and organised FMC. Reminded me so much of my relationship with my husband. At this point, I was in love with the book.

Then I continued with different expectations. I thought it would be action filled book - that FTb will allow the author to write about that. But I think it was meant to be feel good book, you were supposed to have fun interacting with people and not rely on action to be entertained.

I really hoped for lot of action… The few action sequences were too short in comparison to interaction between the characters, they felt almost insignificant, anticlimactic. No real fight - danger, injury, lenghty fight for life, hiding… Everything came so easy, with the few injuries or some danger, it was immediately resolved.

*And plotwise, the circumstances remained the same - the book ended just as it started. Just small insight. Basically, her comming to them changed nothing in respect to their enemies. They are no closer to destroying them.
(*This is where I think I would benefit from reading the other books, who was this enemy? Were they discussed more in previous books? What did they know about them, how much progress did the other MCs made toward uncovering or destroying them?)

Main plot twist relied on miscommunication - not my favourite trope.

The banter between the MCs was enjoyable. That being said, I did not really feel the development/change in their feelings. Also I felt that some things said (about their feelings) did not match things that actually happened.

It was quite enjoyable read, a feel good book. If you dont mind the focus on characters rather than on action, this is one to go for!

Authors writing style was interesting.

[Meighen Casquenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is a lovely shorter fantasy about a vampire FMC and werewolf MMC. For such a short story with a fast pace, the romance was a sweet, slow-burn that had me giddy when the pair finally stopped fighting the inevitable.

The beginning felt really slow and hard to get into, but once I was in it, I was invested. There were moments my jaw hit the floor HARD. Without giving much away, Benny, and the comb.

I read this book as a stand alone, and at times I felt like I was out of the loop on information (I still don't really know what a Raeth is), and when I finished the book the "big bad" wasn't taken care of (and are the Raeths... Okay ?!😅).