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Judgement of the Six #1
Hope(less)
This is an alternate cover edition of ASINB00BOCVOY4.
Gabby's brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It's lonely being different, but she's adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.
Gabby's brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It's lonely being different, but she's adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.
In her search for answers, she discovers a hidden community of werewolves. She immerses herself in their culture, learning about their world until she meets Clay. He's unkempt, prone to mood swings, intense without saying a word, and he thinks Gabby is his.
It's going to take every trick she knows to convince Clay to go away, and every bit of willpower not to fall for him when she discovers the man beneath the rough exterior.
Judgement has begun...
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2013
2097 people are currently reading
7307 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Haag
47 books1,190 followersI love to write! Sharing the worlds I've created is beyond amazing . Want to read a book for free? Check out my website at:
http://melissahaag.com/free-ebook/
Connect with me on:
https://twitter.com/MelissaHaag
https://www.facebook.com/author.MelissaHaag
I also write adult books under the pen name M.J. Haag. Happy reading!
http://melissahaag.com/free-ebook/
Connect with me on:
https://twitter.com/MelissaHaag
https://www.facebook.com/author.MelissaHaag
I also write adult books under the pen name M.J. Haag. Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 784 reviews
March 30, 2014
I didn’t know what to expect when I started to read this book and I was prepared for another girl-meets-werewolf type story. But this book took me by surprise and knocked me backwards with its different approach to a usually typical love story. It was one of the sweetest, most beautiful love stories I’ve read in a long time. The characters, the voice, the pacing all blended to make this book so captivating for me that I could not put it down.
The beginning was a little weird for me, how easily Gabby accepted the existence of werewolves and how she let herself be pushed into the Introductions (explained in the book) but it did not take long for me to be hooked.
This book won’t be for everyone. If you like the alpha male character who sweeps the girl off her feet against her protests, this is not for you. If you like a strong, silent male who, through his actions and his total devotion, wins the girl’s heart, then read this – you won’t be disappointed.
I can’t wait to start the next book in this series.
The beginning was a little weird for me, how easily Gabby accepted the existence of werewolves and how she let herself be pushed into the Introductions (explained in the book) but it did not take long for me to be hooked.
This book won’t be for everyone. If you like the alpha male character who sweeps the girl off her feet against her protests, this is not for you. If you like a strong, silent male who, through his actions and his total devotion, wins the girl’s heart, then read this – you won’t be disappointed.
I can’t wait to start the next book in this series.
March 3, 2021
2.5 stars
First off, this wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I walked in thinking I was gonna get some hot, maybe a little smutty shifter action. But what I got was the diary of the dullest teenager in existence.
There was no smut, the wasn’t even sex. Hell, the shifter spent more time on four legs than two.
Kinda odd, getting to know the wolf before the man. Plus the human is feral but the wolf is house trained? It’s an interesting take but odd.
Reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver considering the wolf played such a big part over his human counterpart.
All the turmoil just irked me because all of her problems were easily fixed if she wasn’t so stubborn. I’m really not a fan of the h, really the only draw to this book is the H and he doesn’t even talk. Maybe that’s partially why. 🤣
First off, this wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I walked in thinking I was gonna get some hot, maybe a little smutty shifter action. But what I got was the diary of the dullest teenager in existence.
There was no smut, the wasn’t even sex. Hell, the shifter spent more time on four legs than two.
Kinda odd, getting to know the wolf before the man. Plus the human is feral but the wolf is house trained? It’s an interesting take but odd.
Reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver considering the wolf played such a big part over his human counterpart.
All the turmoil just irked me because all of her problems were easily fixed if she wasn’t so stubborn. I’m really not a fan of the h, really the only draw to this book is the H and he doesn’t even talk. Maybe that’s partially why. 🤣
January 5, 2015
What a delightful book this turned out to be! I got it on a whim (it was free on Amazon and the blurb sounded interesting) and really didn’t know what to expect. I decided to read a few pages before going to bed and two hours later, I was still in my chair with Kindle in hand, reading!
HOPE(LESS) is written in first POV from Gabby’s perspective and I loved Gabby’s voice. She is a young woman coming into herself who has the ability to see people in different colors. Because of this second sight and the fact she’s different, she discovers that werewolves are real. This isn’t a typical were/human type of story. In fact, Ms. Haag’s take on the genre is not only unique, but really enjoyable.
Clay is the wolf who is destined to be Gabby’s mate and although she tries to get rid of him, he persists in courting her in a fun (and totally unexpected) way throughout most of the book. I won’t give up any details about their burgeoning relationship, but Ms. Haag did a fabulous job building it.
HOPE(LESS) is a young adult romance that packs a clean punch. I enjoyed it immensely.
HOPE(LESS) is written in first POV from Gabby’s perspective and I loved Gabby’s voice. She is a young woman coming into herself who has the ability to see people in different colors. Because of this second sight and the fact she’s different, she discovers that werewolves are real. This isn’t a typical were/human type of story. In fact, Ms. Haag’s take on the genre is not only unique, but really enjoyable.
Clay is the wolf who is destined to be Gabby’s mate and although she tries to get rid of him, he persists in courting her in a fun (and totally unexpected) way throughout most of the book. I won’t give up any details about their burgeoning relationship, but Ms. Haag did a fabulous job building it.
HOPE(LESS) is a young adult romance that packs a clean punch. I enjoyed it immensely.
July 31, 2015
What I found hard to deal with:
• The main character is a vulnerable 16yo with an unnatural ability and a trend to attract constant unwanted male attention but which appears to manifest itself only when it is convenient for the plot.
• She meets an old man with a hidden agenda who insinuates himself in to her life under a guise of assisting her with her specific characteristic.
• He is a member of a hidden group and her characteristic would help to find a particular member of his group to imprint on and be able to breed with, therefore benefiting the group.
• She moves out of her foster care home to live with him while he continues to deceive her of his true motivations.
• On regular bases over next two years she is taken in to a secret compound where she is exposed to a numerous males.
• Even if she does not want to do it, she complies with this because she feels an obligation toward the old man as he provides her with a place to live.
• She acquires a stoker who is controlling and moves in to her house under false pretence.
• The stalker manipulates the situation by restricting communication pathway.
• Over period of time, she imprints on the stocker.
I have just two questions:
1. Considering we meet our heroine when she was 16yo and in a foster care – WHERE THE HELL WERE CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES????
2. Why does this skeleton of the story feels to me very creepy and not at least romantic?
• The main character is a vulnerable 16yo with an unnatural ability and a trend to attract constant unwanted male attention but which appears to manifest itself only when it is convenient for the plot.
• She meets an old man with a hidden agenda who insinuates himself in to her life under a guise of assisting her with her specific characteristic.
• He is a member of a hidden group and her characteristic would help to find a particular member of his group to imprint on and be able to breed with, therefore benefiting the group.
• She moves out of her foster care home to live with him while he continues to deceive her of his true motivations.
• On regular bases over next two years she is taken in to a secret compound where she is exposed to a numerous males.
• Even if she does not want to do it, she complies with this because she feels an obligation toward the old man as he provides her with a place to live.
• She acquires a stoker who is controlling and moves in to her house under false pretence.
• The stalker manipulates the situation by restricting communication pathway.
• Over period of time, she imprints on the stocker.
I have just two questions:
1. Considering we meet our heroine when she was 16yo and in a foster care – WHERE THE HELL WERE CHILD PROTECTION SERVICES????
2. Why does this skeleton of the story feels to me very creepy and not at least romantic?
February 11, 2015
He cooks. He cleans. He makes sure there's chocolate cake in the fridge.
In short, I love Clay!
Just the name. He's the silent sexy type. And loyal. There were so many cute, humorous parts when Clay is in fur form. Those bits reminded me of the 1959 version of The Shaggy Dog. At least Clay has control over his transformations!
Gabby was sweet and kind. Instantly likeable.
Overall, the story really flowed. I like fast, fun reads so Hope(less) was right up my alley and I look forward to digging into book two in the series!
In short, I love Clay!
Just the name. He's the silent sexy type. And loyal. There were so many cute, humorous parts when Clay is in fur form. Those bits reminded me of the 1959 version of The Shaggy Dog. At least Clay has control over his transformations!
Gabby was sweet and kind. Instantly likeable.
Overall, the story really flowed. I like fast, fun reads so Hope(less) was right up my alley and I look forward to digging into book two in the series!
July 5, 2019
I don't have words to tell you how amazing this book is you guys!!
I loved it so much I'm getting all teary eyed just thinking what an absolute hidden gem this turned out to be.
I don't think I've ever read another slow burn, fated mates, werewolves book. I didn't even think it was possible!
But now that I have, I'm honestly ruined for insta love cause there ain't no one who can compete with Clay.
I'm sold!
I only had one problem and that was how abruptly it ended...
I loved it so much I'm getting all teary eyed just thinking what an absolute hidden gem this turned out to be.
I don't think I've ever read another slow burn, fated mates, werewolves book. I didn't even think it was possible!
But now that I have, I'm honestly ruined for insta love cause there ain't no one who can compete with Clay.
I'm sold!
I only had one problem and that was how abruptly it ended...
August 23, 2013
http://bookbutterflyreviews.blogspot.ca
Now, in exchange for a free copy of her novel, I am to give Melissa Haag's book an honest review. And anyone who reads my reviews knows that I am nothing but brutally honest. Melissa told me that she had read in one of my previous posts on my blog where I had mentioned that there weren't any REALLY good werewolf books anymore, most aren't even decent. She wanted the change to prove me wrong. And it is to my GREAT pleasure to say that not only did she prove me wrong, she blew me out of the water. And I'm not just saying that because I received this book for free. I don't tell people what they want to hear, I tell them how it is... my family and friends know that this has been a long standing problem of mine :p
NOW TO THE REVIEW!
Lets start with the top 4 things I loved: character development, good pace, uniqueness, and most importantly, a slow and subtle romance.
Character development- All of Haag's characters are so well rounded. Especially the main characters, as it should be, with a slight exception Rachel, the best friend. I would have liked more back story on her, but I'm not going to complain with what I did get. All of the characters reactions made sense and were so realistic. What ever you didn't understand was explained... this is what good writing looks like people, if you ever had any doubts, look here.
Uniqueness- This is what drew me in. Right of the bat, the first chapter, I read about something that I had never encountered in another book. A girl who essentially has a 'human' (and I do use this word lightly) radar, a mile radius around her. It's a bit more complicated than that, but I will let you discover that for yourself. To find material that I haven't read before is so rare that I have to take a moment and appreciate it when it happens. This was such a case.
Good pace- Now, I say this with a grain of salt. If I could only voice one complaint, it was that the beginning of the novel was NOT well paced. There were time loops everywhere. And event would happen then it would be 2 weeks later, the a couple months later, then some more weeks, then BAM, two years later. After finishing the novel, I can understand why Haag did this. She needed a lot of time to pass in a very short space. However, I would have loved to see the development between Sam and Gabby. I would have liked to see the first instance where a guy came on too strongly with her (a constant problem for Gabby... for reasons you shall figure out when you read this book!), I would have liked to see the steps she took to be who she was when we had that huge 2 year time jump. Now saying my two-cents, this was the only instance where I disapproved of her time jumps. A lot of authors make the mistake of NOT taking leaps in time so the whole novel plays out in the matters of days or weeks... thats usually so much more unrealistic. Setting the majority of the novel at a constant, and APPROPRIATE pace did wonders for the story itself. Figuring out that timing shows how natural of a writer Melissa Haag is.
LAST, but no least, a slow and steady romance- this is the biggest problem with werewolf novels now a days. With very few exceptions, BAM the love interests are thrown together and with little to no restraint or conflict, they become infatuated with each other. Haag did NOT make this mistake. Gabby and Clay's romance develops slowly and naturally. Shifts in their relationship are so subtle, I had to stop and think, 'Whoa, when did this happen!' And I mean that in the best possible way. I think this may have been the best timed, and played out relationship that I have ever read without driving the reader nuts. How's THAT for a compliment for you.
If I have one last complaint, it would be that Gabby's 'radar ability' was kind of ignored in the middle of the novel. It wasn't talked about much and was only brought up when it was convent for that moment. At the beginning of the novel, Gabby uses it all of the time. That shift was weird for me and I didn't like it much, but Haag rectified herself and brought it back with a very interesting explanation behind this mysterious power at the end, so, I guess I can deal.
I know this was a HUGE review, but I just had so much to say I guess. I definitely didn't think I had that much to say! And I just want to leave on one good note before I leave you: To play the suspense in the novel out so well... I must simply applaud you Melissa! I could not put this book down for a second, it was simply wonderful! A 10/10 for me, and that is not something I give lightly!
Now, in exchange for a free copy of her novel, I am to give Melissa Haag's book an honest review. And anyone who reads my reviews knows that I am nothing but brutally honest. Melissa told me that she had read in one of my previous posts on my blog where I had mentioned that there weren't any REALLY good werewolf books anymore, most aren't even decent. She wanted the change to prove me wrong. And it is to my GREAT pleasure to say that not only did she prove me wrong, she blew me out of the water. And I'm not just saying that because I received this book for free. I don't tell people what they want to hear, I tell them how it is... my family and friends know that this has been a long standing problem of mine :p
NOW TO THE REVIEW!
Lets start with the top 4 things I loved: character development, good pace, uniqueness, and most importantly, a slow and subtle romance.
Character development- All of Haag's characters are so well rounded. Especially the main characters, as it should be, with a slight exception Rachel, the best friend. I would have liked more back story on her, but I'm not going to complain with what I did get. All of the characters reactions made sense and were so realistic. What ever you didn't understand was explained... this is what good writing looks like people, if you ever had any doubts, look here.
Uniqueness- This is what drew me in. Right of the bat, the first chapter, I read about something that I had never encountered in another book. A girl who essentially has a 'human' (and I do use this word lightly) radar, a mile radius around her. It's a bit more complicated than that, but I will let you discover that for yourself. To find material that I haven't read before is so rare that I have to take a moment and appreciate it when it happens. This was such a case.
Good pace- Now, I say this with a grain of salt. If I could only voice one complaint, it was that the beginning of the novel was NOT well paced. There were time loops everywhere. And event would happen then it would be 2 weeks later, the a couple months later, then some more weeks, then BAM, two years later. After finishing the novel, I can understand why Haag did this. She needed a lot of time to pass in a very short space. However, I would have loved to see the development between Sam and Gabby. I would have liked to see the first instance where a guy came on too strongly with her (a constant problem for Gabby... for reasons you shall figure out when you read this book!), I would have liked to see the steps she took to be who she was when we had that huge 2 year time jump. Now saying my two-cents, this was the only instance where I disapproved of her time jumps. A lot of authors make the mistake of NOT taking leaps in time so the whole novel plays out in the matters of days or weeks... thats usually so much more unrealistic. Setting the majority of the novel at a constant, and APPROPRIATE pace did wonders for the story itself. Figuring out that timing shows how natural of a writer Melissa Haag is.
LAST, but no least, a slow and steady romance- this is the biggest problem with werewolf novels now a days. With very few exceptions, BAM the love interests are thrown together and with little to no restraint or conflict, they become infatuated with each other. Haag did NOT make this mistake. Gabby and Clay's romance develops slowly and naturally. Shifts in their relationship are so subtle, I had to stop and think, 'Whoa, when did this happen!' And I mean that in the best possible way. I think this may have been the best timed, and played out relationship that I have ever read without driving the reader nuts. How's THAT for a compliment for you.
If I have one last complaint, it would be that Gabby's 'radar ability' was kind of ignored in the middle of the novel. It wasn't talked about much and was only brought up when it was convent for that moment. At the beginning of the novel, Gabby uses it all of the time. That shift was weird for me and I didn't like it much, but Haag rectified herself and brought it back with a very interesting explanation behind this mysterious power at the end, so, I guess I can deal.
I know this was a HUGE review, but I just had so much to say I guess. I definitely didn't think I had that much to say! And I just want to leave on one good note before I leave you: To play the suspense in the novel out so well... I must simply applaud you Melissa! I could not put this book down for a second, it was simply wonderful! A 10/10 for me, and that is not something I give lightly!
October 31, 2013
Gabby has always had some strange abilities, the ability to sense people as lights in her mind as well as her disturbing attractiveness to men. She has never known what that means – until she met Sam and was introduced to the world of werewolves
While not a werewolf, she is one of the few humans who can be the mate of a werewolf. Not that she wants to – in fact she does her best to have nothing to do with the whole process and focus on her own life and ambitions
The werewolves have other plans
I think, storywise, this book is a very large prologue. At the very end of the book we have a storyline and plot introduced that had only been hinting at earlier in the story – and those hints could easily have been misinterpreted. So while this book is a very very personal story, very character driven and focused, I think the next book is going to be much more meta and much wider. It’s odd, because the first book has set up the second but then left me in doubt as to what the second book is going to be or how it will be written – intriguing but mysterious.
However, I also think the first book didn’t do a great job of setting up the second book because it is missing a considerable amount of world building. Not characterisation, we actually have some excellent character development and portrayal of the protagonist (less so anyone else) clearly defining her in a very complete fashion. But the world, the supernatural, what it means to be a werewolf, pack structure all of this is more hinted at than explored, to say nothing of Gabby’s abilities. I could have used some more exploration and maybe more chance for the secondary characters to stretch themselves a little more to set up the next book for me.
While these were problems, the writing worked well, despite its narrow focus. We got to see Gabby’s world without it being insular or boring, we got to see her daily life and it still remain interesting. Even without lots of action or twists, the writing was engaging and interesting and kept me reading and curious. It was well written and nicely crafted
And now for the problem. The big, awful, horrendous problem. The trope that is semi-challenged but ultimately reinforced and no-one is ever treated as they deserve.
Gabby meets Sam (the Child Groomer as I think of him) when she’s 14. He notices her special woo-woo and is interested and quickly insinuates herself into this lonely, isolated orphan’s life. And Gabby is isolated – she has a special woo-woo that makes her irresistible to men which means she dreads going out anywhere because of the skeevy attention she gets. She has no friends. She has no family. She has been in a series of foster homes and, though they’re good people, they’re also somewhat distant.
So, Sam Child Groomer insinuates himself into this lonely girl’s life, tells her she’s special, tells her about her powers, shows her werewolves and tells her he knows another like her. Gabby, naturally, seizes upon this. In due course, Gabby’s foster family have their own child and Sam the Child Groomer, takes 16 year old Gabby in. Ok, I’m a trifle skeeved that there’s no officials involved in this child trading but I’ll go with it.
And upon moving in with Sam the first thing he does is take her on an 8 hour drive to werewolf compound. When they arrive she gets a quick update on werewolfhood – werewolves have woo-woo bonds! Yet they see each other, smell each other and are INSTACOMPTIBLE SUPER MATES! (Shall we just call it “imprinting” and be dine with it?) They have Introductions where werewolf men (who out number werewolf women several times over for REASONS) are put in a room with a werewolf woman to see if they have the ZING MAGIC WOO-WOO CONNECTION
And bonus news, Gabby’s super special magic power means she’s a compatible werewolf mate as well! And they’ve waited until she’s 8 hours away from everywhere else and surrounded by werewolves to tell her this. But don’t worry, here’s Charlene (another human with special woo-woo) to assure Gabby that she won’t have REAL Introductions because the woo-woo sexual attraction is so strong that it just wouldn’t be safe for her! Instead they will just slowly bring many many werewolf men to meet her (but they’re totally not making her choose, honest) in long lines.
Honestly I nearly through my tablet across the room. This vulnerable child has been manipulated, dragged to an isolated location surrounded by what can be easily seen as a cult and then forced to take part in their sexual rituals from the age of 16 whether she wanted to or not.
And she doesn’t. Not once does Gabby want to go to an Introduction. She resists it over and over again and expresses her dislike of it. She makes it clear she doesn’t want to form a bond, she makes it clear she doesn’t want a werewolf partner, she makes it clear she already
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While not a werewolf, she is one of the few humans who can be the mate of a werewolf. Not that she wants to – in fact she does her best to have nothing to do with the whole process and focus on her own life and ambitions
The werewolves have other plans
I think, storywise, this book is a very large prologue. At the very end of the book we have a storyline and plot introduced that had only been hinting at earlier in the story – and those hints could easily have been misinterpreted. So while this book is a very very personal story, very character driven and focused, I think the next book is going to be much more meta and much wider. It’s odd, because the first book has set up the second but then left me in doubt as to what the second book is going to be or how it will be written – intriguing but mysterious.
However, I also think the first book didn’t do a great job of setting up the second book because it is missing a considerable amount of world building. Not characterisation, we actually have some excellent character development and portrayal of the protagonist (less so anyone else) clearly defining her in a very complete fashion. But the world, the supernatural, what it means to be a werewolf, pack structure all of this is more hinted at than explored, to say nothing of Gabby’s abilities. I could have used some more exploration and maybe more chance for the secondary characters to stretch themselves a little more to set up the next book for me.
While these were problems, the writing worked well, despite its narrow focus. We got to see Gabby’s world without it being insular or boring, we got to see her daily life and it still remain interesting. Even without lots of action or twists, the writing was engaging and interesting and kept me reading and curious. It was well written and nicely crafted
And now for the problem. The big, awful, horrendous problem. The trope that is semi-challenged but ultimately reinforced and no-one is ever treated as they deserve.
Gabby meets Sam (the Child Groomer as I think of him) when she’s 14. He notices her special woo-woo and is interested and quickly insinuates herself into this lonely, isolated orphan’s life. And Gabby is isolated – she has a special woo-woo that makes her irresistible to men which means she dreads going out anywhere because of the skeevy attention she gets. She has no friends. She has no family. She has been in a series of foster homes and, though they’re good people, they’re also somewhat distant.
So, Sam Child Groomer insinuates himself into this lonely girl’s life, tells her she’s special, tells her about her powers, shows her werewolves and tells her he knows another like her. Gabby, naturally, seizes upon this. In due course, Gabby’s foster family have their own child and Sam the Child Groomer, takes 16 year old Gabby in. Ok, I’m a trifle skeeved that there’s no officials involved in this child trading but I’ll go with it.
And upon moving in with Sam the first thing he does is take her on an 8 hour drive to werewolf compound. When they arrive she gets a quick update on werewolfhood – werewolves have woo-woo bonds! Yet they see each other, smell each other and are INSTACOMPTIBLE SUPER MATES! (Shall we just call it “imprinting” and be dine with it?) They have Introductions where werewolf men (who out number werewolf women several times over for REASONS) are put in a room with a werewolf woman to see if they have the ZING MAGIC WOO-WOO CONNECTION
And bonus news, Gabby’s super special magic power means she’s a compatible werewolf mate as well! And they’ve waited until she’s 8 hours away from everywhere else and surrounded by werewolves to tell her this. But don’t worry, here’s Charlene (another human with special woo-woo) to assure Gabby that she won’t have REAL Introductions because the woo-woo sexual attraction is so strong that it just wouldn’t be safe for her! Instead they will just slowly bring many many werewolf men to meet her (but they’re totally not making her choose, honest) in long lines.
Honestly I nearly through my tablet across the room. This vulnerable child has been manipulated, dragged to an isolated location surrounded by what can be easily seen as a cult and then forced to take part in their sexual rituals from the age of 16 whether she wanted to or not.
And she doesn’t. Not once does Gabby want to go to an Introduction. She resists it over and over again and expresses her dislike of it. She makes it clear she doesn’t want to form a bond, she makes it clear she doesn’t want a werewolf partner, she makes it clear she already
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July 25, 2015
Pretty good.
So, I was just reading some other reviews on Amazon and came across this description that made a lot of sense and I think if I had read it before I started the book I would have enjoyed it better. I figured I'd share in my review so others might have a better understanding going in. Anyway, from LSparkles review: "There are basically two paranormal elements in this series. The obvious one is shifter/werewolf aspect. The other is that the six female counterparts to these male shifters have a supernatural ability themselves, each one different and yet their abilities will end up intertwining." Each book focuses on a different couple and I'm guessing each heroine will have a different ability. I don't think that's giving away too much world building, and again I think I would have liked to know that before going in.
Gabby’s always been a little different, being able to see peoples inner light (not sure how to describe it) and for some reason has an unnaturally strong appeal to men. Because of this, and losing her family and having to be raised in foster care, she has built up some pretty think walls. She is about to be kicked out of her latest foster home when she is walking home from the park and runs into a werewolf.
I thought Gabby was a pretty likable character. Considering her background, I could understand her strong desire to live her life and make her own choices. She wants to get out on her own, go to college, start a career and be self reliant. She does not want to be “claimed” by a werewolf at just eighteen and be tied to someone who will prevent her from fulfilling those dreams. I liked that she was always looking for the good in people, especially those close to her, yet was careful not to let people take advantage of her.
Clay was an interesting character. Still not quite sure what to think about him. Mild spoiler, he doesn’t speak for pretty much the entire book. We’re left having to get to know him in a totally different way. Based on his actions and how he treats Gabby we learn that he’s a pretty great guy. I think the book would have been strong if it had switched POV so we could really get to know him better though. And I admit, I was expecting a little more in regards to *why* he never spoke to Gabby. I thought his reasoning was a little anti-climatic. Could just be me though. I still thought they had a good relationship and it does grow throughout the story, which takes place a little over six months. I like that it took place over a longer time frame.
I thought the werewolf mythology was unique, but could have been developed a little more. Same with Gabby’s talents, which I thought could have been explained a little better. I was kind of confused by that. I’m guessing it will be explained a little more in future books, although it’s my understanding that the following books each focus on a different H/h.
I did think it was a little slow in places, but overall an enjoyable read that kept my interest.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing and mild innuendo. Talk about roommate spending the night at her boyfriends house and vice versa.
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild, not overly descriptive fight scene
Religious: None
Series: Book One, Judgment of the Six
*Casting provided by Kathy Jo @ KJ's Book Nook
So, I was just reading some other reviews on Amazon and came across this description that made a lot of sense and I think if I had read it before I started the book I would have enjoyed it better. I figured I'd share in my review so others might have a better understanding going in. Anyway, from LSparkles review: "There are basically two paranormal elements in this series. The obvious one is shifter/werewolf aspect. The other is that the six female counterparts to these male shifters have a supernatural ability themselves, each one different and yet their abilities will end up intertwining." Each book focuses on a different couple and I'm guessing each heroine will have a different ability. I don't think that's giving away too much world building, and again I think I would have liked to know that before going in.
Gabby’s always been a little different, being able to see peoples inner light (not sure how to describe it) and for some reason has an unnaturally strong appeal to men. Because of this, and losing her family and having to be raised in foster care, she has built up some pretty think walls. She is about to be kicked out of her latest foster home when she is walking home from the park and runs into a werewolf.
I thought Gabby was a pretty likable character. Considering her background, I could understand her strong desire to live her life and make her own choices. She wants to get out on her own, go to college, start a career and be self reliant. She does not want to be “claimed” by a werewolf at just eighteen and be tied to someone who will prevent her from fulfilling those dreams. I liked that she was always looking for the good in people, especially those close to her, yet was careful not to let people take advantage of her.
Clay was an interesting character. Still not quite sure what to think about him. Mild spoiler, he doesn’t speak for pretty much the entire book. We’re left having to get to know him in a totally different way. Based on his actions and how he treats Gabby we learn that he’s a pretty great guy. I think the book would have been strong if it had switched POV so we could really get to know him better though. And I admit, I was expecting a little more in regards to *why* he never spoke to Gabby. I thought his reasoning was a little anti-climatic. Could just be me though. I still thought they had a good relationship and it does grow throughout the story, which takes place a little over six months. I like that it took place over a longer time frame.
I thought the werewolf mythology was unique, but could have been developed a little more. Same with Gabby’s talents, which I thought could have been explained a little better. I was kind of confused by that. I’m guessing it will be explained a little more in future books, although it’s my understanding that the following books each focus on a different H/h.
I did think it was a little slow in places, but overall an enjoyable read that kept my interest.
Content
Romance: Clean, just kissing and mild innuendo. Talk about roommate spending the night at her boyfriends house and vice versa.
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild, not overly descriptive fight scene
Religious: None
Series: Book One, Judgment of the Six
*Casting provided by Kathy Jo @ KJ's Book Nook
July 4, 2020
This has been a very pleasant surprise and enjoyed it greatly.
Will continue with the series
Will continue with the series
October 24, 2017
A 2.5 star read.
This was another one of those books that didn‘t live up to their potential. It was an entertaining read, that could have been good with a little bit of work. And it was really slow at times, a little bit of action could have worked wonders.
It was nicely written but everything was a little lacking - the world building, the character building, the plot ... everything.
My highlight for most of the book was the H, a silent, scruffy, crazy looking man-dog, but even he stayed pale and dull. Why he was silent, man that explanation sucked, I couldn‘t believe the author went with something so shitty. This my be YA, but that doesn‘t mean, she can use the most stupid plot revelations ever.
The character building was what bothered me the most. Character building well done can balance a lot of things for me, I don‘t even need much plot or world building. But the heroine was colorless bratty young adult, that only thought of herself. Adding to that that she is another one of those „special snowflakes“ - every man feels drawn to her - and you have the boring wallflower that is Gabby. I did like her other special ability, that gets revealed throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed that although we have the typical mate/insta thing, the romance itself is very slow burn. That was a nice change.
Every other potential interesting character fell flat her new „grandpa“ (I found it ridiculous how she met and befriended him), her roommate Rachel and even the other werewolves. It simply annoyed me, as always when good potential is thrown in the wind.
The time jump from Gabby being 16 to her being 18 wasn‘t well done, there just wasn‘t enough information. I could go on with the lacking, but I will stop here, I guess you got what I am trying to say.
This was an okay story, that disappointed on different levels. It is possible that I am reading the second book, to see were this goes, but I can‘t really recommend this one.
This was another one of those books that didn‘t live up to their potential. It was an entertaining read, that could have been good with a little bit of work. And it was really slow at times, a little bit of action could have worked wonders.
It was nicely written but everything was a little lacking - the world building, the character building, the plot ... everything.
My highlight for most of the book was the H, a silent, scruffy, crazy looking man-dog, but even he stayed pale and dull. Why he was silent, man that explanation sucked, I couldn‘t believe the author went with something so shitty. This my be YA, but that doesn‘t mean, she can use the most stupid plot revelations ever.
The character building was what bothered me the most. Character building well done can balance a lot of things for me, I don‘t even need much plot or world building. But the heroine was colorless bratty young adult, that only thought of herself. Adding to that that she is another one of those „special snowflakes“ - every man feels drawn to her - and you have the boring wallflower that is Gabby. I did like her other special ability, that gets revealed throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed that although we have the typical mate/insta thing, the romance itself is very slow burn. That was a nice change.
Every other potential interesting character fell flat her new „grandpa“ (I found it ridiculous how she met and befriended him), her roommate Rachel and even the other werewolves. It simply annoyed me, as always when good potential is thrown in the wind.
The time jump from Gabby being 16 to her being 18 wasn‘t well done, there just wasn‘t enough information. I could go on with the lacking, but I will stop here, I guess you got what I am trying to say.
This was an okay story, that disappointed on different levels. It is possible that I am reading the second book, to see were this goes, but I can‘t really recommend this one.
July 8, 2015
Hopelessly Devoted
I loved this story! I've never read a couple like Gabby and Clay, but they were amazing. I'm on the edge of my seat, ready for Book 2!
I loved this story! I've never read a couple like Gabby and Clay, but they were amazing. I'm on the edge of my seat, ready for Book 2!
November 7, 2013
Okay so first and foremost I would like to Thank Melissa Haag, a ton a ton, not only for directing me to her book but also because she asked for an honest review. Which i will give. As I always do, and just because i got this book for free does NOT make me sway in any direction, if you don't believe me check out the link at the bottom of this review and you can see other books i have done this for. So with that said, one more time Thank you Melissa that was very kind of you. Lets start this review shall we?
that is how i am feeling right about now. But that is the only gif that i am going to do, sorry that isn't really my style for reviews, i use them in status updates but I like to explain why either a) i love a book - which i loved this book and i will tell you why in a moment b) i want to know what happens, what characters are like, if it is worth my time. And YES, yes this book is worth you time. I will get the gushing in just a few moments let me go pick a song
Song choice: "Heavy In Your Arms" by Florence + the Machine, and i am going to pick another or two i just don't know what to pick... "Always" by Panic! At The Disco and finally "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol.
So while annoying my twin with how much i loved this book, i forgot to mention how even thought i think that this book might say it is YA i didn't get that vibe at all, that is not to say that this book has sex scenes, sorry kids but it does, but it doesn't have that High School vibe where the characters feel juvenile, they are mature, understanding (and actually Gabby our MC is going to college so there is that)....
Alright so be warned for this first little bit i am going to gush. OMGOSH PLEASE READ THIS BOOK because one you will not regret it, both combined with its beautiful sculpted voice, and unbelievably beautiful love story you will have a hard time pulling yourself away from the book to oh i don't know, sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, or you know breath.... well actually you will breathe i can almost guarantee at least one loving sigh. Going into this book i was expecting this really action packed, prophecy book just because of the idea of being judged or what nots but that isn't the story really. And this is coming from a girl who usually gets pretty bored when bad guys aren't popping up at least every chapter, i mean there are a lot of books i love that don't do that but still. Anyways moving on from that thought. Words can't describe how easily i fell in love with everything about this book. I will try to keep the rest of my review not as gushy but be warned.
Okay thoughts on plot: I love all things werewolves, lets put that out there right now. I love them can't help it i just do. The strange thing about this book is that even if you are more of a vampire lover i think that you could handle this book, its not pushing the pack mentality too much, and it doesn't really force you into the soulmate rule, which i think is one of the greatest things about this novel. I know that Soulmate rule is used in most of all types of paranormal now, even if that isn't what is its called that is what i call it, always. Anyways the problem with Soulmate rule is that it happens fast and the characters never really get to do that whole building up to what could be a beautiful, meaningful relationship. While this book has soulmate rule, it doesn't act like it, the two are meant to be together yes, but what you have a character who actually resist it, not that fact resisting where they do it for two chapters than say screw it! No, there is a real build in their relationship, Clay our main man, slowly wiggles his way into our hearts and into Gabby's. I loved LOVED LOVED their relationship, i would have read this book entire for that. But there was more and ANOTHER AWESOME thing about this book (yeah i know i said i would try not to be to gushy but i can't help it, this quickly became a favorite) anyways the other awesome thing is that it does have action in it, there is more to the plot then two people falling in love. There is more to everything than it originally seemed which was amazing. I don't want to talk in depth about the other thing because it is a mystery that you have to figure out ;) but it is worth reading just for that as well.
Characters:
Gabby: She is a foster kid, always been moved around, and on top of being a foster kid she has this problem, she sort of has that siren attraction towards men, they have talk to her, they want to get her go on date, so when she was younger and foster dads, brothers, uncles started to become to unbearable she would have to change houses again, she therefore also her trust in men sort of wavered. When she has a chance meeting with a werewolf named Sam an Elder of a pack she finds a sort of home, she always keeps herself at a distance, i think that the way Melissa handle that was just well for lack of better words either beautiful or awesome. Gabby didn't let i am going to say 10+ years of drifting from home to home change within a two year span of living with Sam though she does get sort of close to Sam you can tell that she still keeps her distance.
And that is one of the main reasons i fell in love this book so much isn't because it had charming romance, or interesting plot line but the writing. there is a line in the book “You don’t need to talk to get to know someone, you just need to listen," and I LOVED IT. i want to marry it really. Anyways it is all about showing its about action, its not about pretty words and pretty promises its real, active, moments and movements. sorry got distracted for a moment back to Gabby
Gabby continued: She is distant yes but its understandable and its not one those cold distances where the reader feels like they can't connect with Gabby. I loved her because yes she was strong and she stuck with what she believed she wanted, she was compassionate, and an amazing MC. I loved her there i don't think was a moment that i hated her. She thought things through, she was smart and considerate.
Clay: New book boyfriend is found. I do want to warn you though he isn't much of a talker. Though I usually like those out going, funny MC guys i found myself loving Clay almost instantly and there is no Soulmate rule needed. Though he is silent he speaks very loudly, that like i put in here from the book is talking about him. Through his actions you realize how smart, funny, and loving he really is. Not to mention possessive without being overbearing, and protective without being annoying about it. He was like the greatest combination of a man and when he does speak he makes it count. I was swooning after him even without words, again it was all about what he didn't say and what he did for her. He is a sneaky little bastard as well because i know i have said this before but he really does crawl into your heart without realizing it. He was silent but not brooding which thank God for that, he did have a sense of humor it took awhile for him to open up completely but i could always see hints of it. As a MC guy he was different from the norm, but loving and amazing all the same.
Sam: I am still debating on how i feel about him. He turns into a sort of Grandfather figure for Gabby and when i first met him and for the first quarter/almost half of the book i loved him as a Grandfather figure as well but i could see that pack came before a lot of other things, and that is not to say he didn't pay attention to Gabby, quite the opposite really, he was forcing her into the pack and forcing her into finding a mate that even i felt like i was being restricted and wanted to be free. I think that in the end yes he wants to the best for Gabby, he cannot turn his back on the pack either, it was his family much longer than she.
Now there were two werewolf boys she met when she first goes to meet the "pack" named Paul and Henry and i liked them and i held out hope that they would make a reappearance, and they were just friends we knew that right off the bat but i still wanted to see them again, that was one of very very few disappointments i had in this book, the second disappointment i had was that it ended to soon, i wanted more, next disappointment is that the next book is not out.
so if you really need me to tell you then yes i will be reading the next one but i think that is a very silly thing to ask because i will be stalking Melissa after i go spread the word about this to find out when the next one comes out.
So if you enjoyed my review, well thank you first off, second off you can check out other reviews for indie authors at my blog but of course read this book first then go check it out to find the book you will want to read next to get your mind of the fact the next one to this one isn't out yet ;), also Melissa asked if Andrea and I (we both do the blog i am about to promote) if we would look at her other book as well, now Andrea said she would but right now i think i might just check it out because i really like Melissa's style but you should check out Melissa's page here on Goodreads if you are interested in her other book called Touch, anyways back to the annoying job of promoting my blog, its not about Andrea and I but about the authors and their stuff so come check it out, after reading this book of course ;) http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Update: Re-read... as good if not better the second time around <3
that is how i am feeling right about now. But that is the only gif that i am going to do, sorry that isn't really my style for reviews, i use them in status updates but I like to explain why either a) i love a book - which i loved this book and i will tell you why in a moment b) i want to know what happens, what characters are like, if it is worth my time. And YES, yes this book is worth you time. I will get the gushing in just a few moments let me go pick a song
Song choice: "Heavy In Your Arms" by Florence + the Machine, and i am going to pick another or two i just don't know what to pick... "Always" by Panic! At The Disco and finally "Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol.
So while annoying my twin with how much i loved this book, i forgot to mention how even thought i think that this book might say it is YA i didn't get that vibe at all, that is not to say that this book has sex scenes, sorry kids but it does, but it doesn't have that High School vibe where the characters feel juvenile, they are mature, understanding (and actually Gabby our MC is going to college so there is that)....
Alright so be warned for this first little bit i am going to gush. OMGOSH PLEASE READ THIS BOOK because one you will not regret it, both combined with its beautiful sculpted voice, and unbelievably beautiful love story you will have a hard time pulling yourself away from the book to oh i don't know, sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, or you know breath.... well actually you will breathe i can almost guarantee at least one loving sigh. Going into this book i was expecting this really action packed, prophecy book just because of the idea of being judged or what nots but that isn't the story really. And this is coming from a girl who usually gets pretty bored when bad guys aren't popping up at least every chapter, i mean there are a lot of books i love that don't do that but still. Anyways moving on from that thought. Words can't describe how easily i fell in love with everything about this book. I will try to keep the rest of my review not as gushy but be warned.
Okay thoughts on plot: I love all things werewolves, lets put that out there right now. I love them can't help it i just do. The strange thing about this book is that even if you are more of a vampire lover i think that you could handle this book, its not pushing the pack mentality too much, and it doesn't really force you into the soulmate rule, which i think is one of the greatest things about this novel. I know that Soulmate rule is used in most of all types of paranormal now, even if that isn't what is its called that is what i call it, always. Anyways the problem with Soulmate rule is that it happens fast and the characters never really get to do that whole building up to what could be a beautiful, meaningful relationship. While this book has soulmate rule, it doesn't act like it, the two are meant to be together yes, but what you have a character who actually resist it, not that fact resisting where they do it for two chapters than say screw it! No, there is a real build in their relationship, Clay our main man, slowly wiggles his way into our hearts and into Gabby's. I loved LOVED LOVED their relationship, i would have read this book entire for that. But there was more and ANOTHER AWESOME thing about this book (yeah i know i said i would try not to be to gushy but i can't help it, this quickly became a favorite) anyways the other awesome thing is that it does have action in it, there is more to the plot then two people falling in love. There is more to everything than it originally seemed which was amazing. I don't want to talk in depth about the other thing because it is a mystery that you have to figure out ;) but it is worth reading just for that as well.
Characters:
Gabby: She is a foster kid, always been moved around, and on top of being a foster kid she has this problem, she sort of has that siren attraction towards men, they have talk to her, they want to get her go on date, so when she was younger and foster dads, brothers, uncles started to become to unbearable she would have to change houses again, she therefore also her trust in men sort of wavered. When she has a chance meeting with a werewolf named Sam an Elder of a pack she finds a sort of home, she always keeps herself at a distance, i think that the way Melissa handle that was just well for lack of better words either beautiful or awesome. Gabby didn't let i am going to say 10+ years of drifting from home to home change within a two year span of living with Sam though she does get sort of close to Sam you can tell that she still keeps her distance.
And that is one of the main reasons i fell in love this book so much isn't because it had charming romance, or interesting plot line but the writing. there is a line in the book “You don’t need to talk to get to know someone, you just need to listen," and I LOVED IT. i want to marry it really. Anyways it is all about showing its about action, its not about pretty words and pretty promises its real, active, moments and movements. sorry got distracted for a moment back to Gabby
Gabby continued: She is distant yes but its understandable and its not one those cold distances where the reader feels like they can't connect with Gabby. I loved her because yes she was strong and she stuck with what she believed she wanted, she was compassionate, and an amazing MC. I loved her there i don't think was a moment that i hated her. She thought things through, she was smart and considerate.
Clay: New book boyfriend is found. I do want to warn you though he isn't much of a talker. Though I usually like those out going, funny MC guys i found myself loving Clay almost instantly and there is no Soulmate rule needed. Though he is silent he speaks very loudly, that like i put in here from the book is talking about him. Through his actions you realize how smart, funny, and loving he really is. Not to mention possessive without being overbearing, and protective without being annoying about it. He was like the greatest combination of a man and when he does speak he makes it count. I was swooning after him even without words, again it was all about what he didn't say and what he did for her. He is a sneaky little bastard as well because i know i have said this before but he really does crawl into your heart without realizing it. He was silent but not brooding which thank God for that, he did have a sense of humor it took awhile for him to open up completely but i could always see hints of it. As a MC guy he was different from the norm, but loving and amazing all the same.
Sam: I am still debating on how i feel about him. He turns into a sort of Grandfather figure for Gabby and when i first met him and for the first quarter/almost half of the book i loved him as a Grandfather figure as well but i could see that pack came before a lot of other things, and that is not to say he didn't pay attention to Gabby, quite the opposite really, he was forcing her into the pack and forcing her into finding a mate that even i felt like i was being restricted and wanted to be free. I think that in the end yes he wants to the best for Gabby, he cannot turn his back on the pack either, it was his family much longer than she.
Now there were two werewolf boys she met when she first goes to meet the "pack" named Paul and Henry and i liked them and i held out hope that they would make a reappearance, and they were just friends we knew that right off the bat but i still wanted to see them again, that was one of very very few disappointments i had in this book, the second disappointment i had was that it ended to soon, i wanted more, next disappointment is that the next book is not out.
so if you really need me to tell you then yes i will be reading the next one but i think that is a very silly thing to ask because i will be stalking Melissa after i go spread the word about this to find out when the next one comes out.
So if you enjoyed my review, well thank you first off, second off you can check out other reviews for indie authors at my blog but of course read this book first then go check it out to find the book you will want to read next to get your mind of the fact the next one to this one isn't out yet ;), also Melissa asked if Andrea and I (we both do the blog i am about to promote) if we would look at her other book as well, now Andrea said she would but right now i think i might just check it out because i really like Melissa's style but you should check out Melissa's page here on Goodreads if you are interested in her other book called Touch, anyways back to the annoying job of promoting my blog, its not about Andrea and I but about the authors and their stuff so come check it out, after reading this book of course ;) http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Update: Re-read... as good if not better the second time around <3
August 26, 2013
Melissa has outdone most othe werewolf writers, in my opinion. She has taken the genre and made it her own. Writing her own world and how she believes things to be in it. I have never learned in such detail, the inner workings of a pack. The deliberateness of protecting the females who are unmated. The entire process just was spectaular to me. I love reading about werewolves - I love paranormal anything. And this was written so beautifully. The pace of the book was steady and measured, always ramping up for more.
Gabby is a human who can be a mate for a werewolf. She's a bit different though. She sees everyone as sparks of different colors, most are the same - those are the humans. Then there are the others. Those are the ones that want her, and some are dangerous. Gabby meets Clay at the last meeting before heading off to college. She feels something for him that she hasn't felt for anyone. He's a bit different too. The many different ways that he shows Gabby that he cares are staggering. All without saying a word to her. I loved reading about how Gabby and Clay got to know each other. His firm, yet gentle, unwavering way of showing her that he cared. This is a love story that is just wonderfully written. With characters who were at different times stubborn, funny, fragile, caring, doubtful, frightened, strong, determined; so many adjectives I could write here. Beautifully done Melissa. I look forward to your next book with anticipation.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review LoP.
Gabby is a human who can be a mate for a werewolf. She's a bit different though. She sees everyone as sparks of different colors, most are the same - those are the humans. Then there are the others. Those are the ones that want her, and some are dangerous. Gabby meets Clay at the last meeting before heading off to college. She feels something for him that she hasn't felt for anyone. He's a bit different too. The many different ways that he shows Gabby that he cares are staggering. All without saying a word to her. I loved reading about how Gabby and Clay got to know each other. His firm, yet gentle, unwavering way of showing her that he cared. This is a love story that is just wonderfully written. With characters who were at different times stubborn, funny, fragile, caring, doubtful, frightened, strong, determined; so many adjectives I could write here. Beautifully done Melissa. I look forward to your next book with anticipation.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review LoP.
January 31, 2021
I would NOT recommend this series to any of my clean romance followers.
4.5 Stars
Have you ever read a book, reviewed it and then years later read the book again and ended up hating your old review? No? Just me? Well, that's where I'm at right now. 😂
Even though this is the second time I've read this book, it felt like I was reading it for the first time. It's been almost six years and I didn't remember much about it at all. Which is probably why I got sucked back into it quickly and fell in love all over again.
Gabby is a very strong, selfless young woman who craves her freedom. She's a little different and her life has never really been her own. She's always going out of her way to help others and make sure they're happy. I don't think she really even notices that she's doing it. It's just natural for her. But no one really focuses on her or her happiness. Until Clay.
Y'all. That man! He may be quiet (as in doesn't talk for almost the entire book), but that did not stop me from falling in love with him and letting out little dreamy sighs. He watched over her, protected her, and loved her in the way that she needed. She never stood a chance when it came to him. I loved watching their relationship develop. Actions really do speak louder than words.
My only complaint would be the ending. Total cliffhanger! Let's just say that I'm really glad the entire series is already out. I'm hoping this is a series that I can binge read... 😉
Content: Mild language. Mild violence. Swoony kisses.
4.5 Stars
Have you ever read a book, reviewed it and then years later read the book again and ended up hating your old review? No? Just me? Well, that's where I'm at right now. 😂
Even though this is the second time I've read this book, it felt like I was reading it for the first time. It's been almost six years and I didn't remember much about it at all. Which is probably why I got sucked back into it quickly and fell in love all over again.
Gabby is a very strong, selfless young woman who craves her freedom. She's a little different and her life has never really been her own. She's always going out of her way to help others and make sure they're happy. I don't think she really even notices that she's doing it. It's just natural for her. But no one really focuses on her or her happiness. Until Clay.
Y'all. That man! He may be quiet (as in doesn't talk for almost the entire book), but that did not stop me from falling in love with him and letting out little dreamy sighs. He watched over her, protected her, and loved her in the way that she needed. She never stood a chance when it came to him. I loved watching their relationship develop. Actions really do speak louder than words.
My only complaint would be the ending. Total cliffhanger! Let's just say that I'm really glad the entire series is already out. I'm hoping this is a series that I can binge read... 😉
Content: Mild language. Mild violence. Swoony kisses.
December 7, 2014
As a general rule I find werewolf based fantasy hard to read. The overall culture is exhausting. With overbearing male characters all but forcing themselves on women and the women submitting with barely a sideways glance, the typical tone goes against everything I learned from a strong and opinionated mother. That being said, Hope(less) has come as a pleasant surprise and changed my opinion of this sub-genre, allowing me to look further than the cover of future books.
To be honest, the plot and lore were somewhat lacking at times, especially in the beginning. It was slow moving at first and there was a brief moment in my reading where I had to pep talk myself into soldiering through. However, if you make it to around the time Gabby makes it to school (which is still early in the book) you won’t be disappointed. I also have a sneaky suspicion that the lore will come full swing after reading the other books from the different characters.
The true beauty of this story revolves around the unique relationship between Gabby and Clay. I have truly never watched a relationship build in this completely uncommon way. It is both surprising and thought provoking. The author has an uncanny ability of taking the truly mundane and making it utterly captivating. She manages to take what seems inconsequential, with the daily routine we all experience, and wrap a beautifully budding relationship into it. The subtleties of a slowly maturing relationship creep in slowly like the transition between winter and spring. At first so slow, one barely notices, then finally one day you wake up and life is bustling and thriving all around you.
The author’s writing style is easy to get used to and she has a way of keeping you interested in the routine that Gabby has, despite how normal it is. She manages to help you love the life that Gabby and Clay are building even though at face value it seems like nothing will come of it. She manages to hide little treasures throughout their routine that keep you enraptured and just when you think you can’t take it anymore she hands you another until finally in the end you are utterly satisfied.
If you are looking for a book that blows your mind with action and fight scene’s, along with unrealistic expectations on how relationships start with heart pounding sexual tension you won’t find it here. However, if you are looking for an honest and beautiful relationship morph and transition within the unique world Melissa Haag has created, you most certainly won’t be dissatisfied.
July 30, 2013
Reviewed by Julie
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
I'm not a big paranormal fan but this book was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised.
Gabby is an orphan who ended up in foster care and is a loner. She doesn't like to be touched and has an ability to see people in colors, almost like seeing their aura. She doesn't tell anyone she has this ability because along with seeing colors, she attracts unwanted attention from every male she encounters so she's always kept her distance and tries to interact with females only if she can. The story closes with her finally understanding and making sense of her strange abilities and what it means.
Clay is a werewolf but doesn't belong to a pack. Gabby meets him during one of her "introduction" weekends and they have a connection that neither can fight. Gabby lays down the ground rules to Clay with how they have to get to know each other but Clay refuses to speak to her even though he has the ability to. She thinks he's mute so she ends up talking to him all the time and he nods or makes facial expressions & she reads his body language as a way of communicating. His way of courting her is to stay in werewolf/dog form so he can live with her and her roommate while she goes to college. She ends up relying on him and feels safe and protected. It's really neat how they learn to talk to each other without Clay actually speaking. She finally "claims" Clay in the end and then he finally starts speaking to her telling her he couldn't speak until she accepted him, or claimed him, otherwise she would have known from the beginning his true feelings for her.
I wasn't sure where the story was going in the beginning with Gabby's "sparks" and then the weird, old guy who is a werewolf. I really thought the book was going in a creepy direction and almost didn't continue reading but then it started getting very intriguing with the werewolf introductions and Gabby finally finding her own connection with a werewolf even though she fought it for two long years. Clay, the werewolf, not speaking but listening is what all men need to do. Gabby really found herself in this wonderfully romantic, strange story of how to learn to trust and fall in love.
I can't wait to read the second book in this series.
Source: Author
for Read Your Writes Book Reviews
I'm not a big paranormal fan but this book was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised.
Gabby is an orphan who ended up in foster care and is a loner. She doesn't like to be touched and has an ability to see people in colors, almost like seeing their aura. She doesn't tell anyone she has this ability because along with seeing colors, she attracts unwanted attention from every male she encounters so she's always kept her distance and tries to interact with females only if she can. The story closes with her finally understanding and making sense of her strange abilities and what it means.
Clay is a werewolf but doesn't belong to a pack. Gabby meets him during one of her "introduction" weekends and they have a connection that neither can fight. Gabby lays down the ground rules to Clay with how they have to get to know each other but Clay refuses to speak to her even though he has the ability to. She thinks he's mute so she ends up talking to him all the time and he nods or makes facial expressions & she reads his body language as a way of communicating. His way of courting her is to stay in werewolf/dog form so he can live with her and her roommate while she goes to college. She ends up relying on him and feels safe and protected. It's really neat how they learn to talk to each other without Clay actually speaking. She finally "claims" Clay in the end and then he finally starts speaking to her telling her he couldn't speak until she accepted him, or claimed him, otherwise she would have known from the beginning his true feelings for her.
I wasn't sure where the story was going in the beginning with Gabby's "sparks" and then the weird, old guy who is a werewolf. I really thought the book was going in a creepy direction and almost didn't continue reading but then it started getting very intriguing with the werewolf introductions and Gabby finally finding her own connection with a werewolf even though she fought it for two long years. Clay, the werewolf, not speaking but listening is what all men need to do. Gabby really found herself in this wonderfully romantic, strange story of how to learn to trust and fall in love.
I can't wait to read the second book in this series.
Source: Author
July 28, 2018
3.75 Stars - Overall, I thought this was a pretty cute book. I listened to the audiobook and was entertained. I loved Clay...especially Clay the dog. I wouldn't typically add a male lead to my animal sidekick shelf, but since he spent most of the book as a pet, I found it fitting. My main complaint is how prudish Gabby was at 18 years old. Since the main focus of the book is a mating it was a little too clean for me, even for a young adult book. Some raging hormones would have helped to feel the romantic connection more. Also, after all the build-up, the ending felt rushed. I will continue listening to the series (definitely safe for work).
October 5, 2023
I find it easy to let myself go when it comes to the paranormal world. I love to get lost in a make believe world of the supernatural, so I did enjoy reading about Gabby and Clay in Hopeless by Melissa Haag. I have to be in the mood for clean, young adult reading, and I read Hopeless at the perfect time. The characters came alive on the pages, and it was fun watching Gabby figure things out, find those who she can relate to, and find a home, a place to belong.
Seeing this is the first book in a series that looks like it will spotlight an individual character in each book, and it is clean, targeted at the younger crowd, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. For those looking for steamy romance, this may not be for you. BUT, if you are like me, allowing the author to take me where they want me to go, you may want to give it a try.
Seeing this is the first book in a series that looks like it will spotlight an individual character in each book, and it is clean, targeted at the younger crowd, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. For those looking for steamy romance, this may not be for you. BUT, if you are like me, allowing the author to take me where they want me to go, you may want to give it a try.
May 26, 2019
3 / 5 stars
reread: 26/05/19
I had a craving to read this book again out of the blue, and while I did enjoy it, that mostly had to do with Clay. I reread this book for Clay, he is a pure and innocently beautiful creature who I will love until my dying day.
Gabby, on the other hand, is a painful character to read about. The whole book she is frustratingly blind and too wrapped up in her own fears to see what's in front of her. I ended up reading the second book but never got further than that, mainly because nothing else interested me much in the series other than Clay.
reread: 26/05/19
I had a craving to read this book again out of the blue, and while I did enjoy it, that mostly had to do with Clay. I reread this book for Clay, he is a pure and innocently beautiful creature who I will love until my dying day.
Gabby, on the other hand, is a painful character to read about. The whole book she is frustratingly blind and too wrapped up in her own fears to see what's in front of her. I ended up reading the second book but never got further than that, mainly because nothing else interested me much in the series other than Clay.
May 25, 2020
2 stars!
DNF about 65% in. This book would have been a decent story if something ACTUALLY happened in the book! It started out okay, then it got a bit better, then it just went downhill. The book dragged soooo much! It was literally the same thing over and over again! School, talk about how guys want her so bad, talk to Clay(who is a wolf disguised as her dog over half the book), eat dinner/watch a movie and then sleep! It would have at least been somewhat more interesting if we had Clays POV or at least a word from him in the whole time I was reading! I didn't even like the h, or feel ANY chemistry between them. Trying not to be mean in this review, but this is probably one of the most boring books EVER, which is sad, because I've been wanting to read this forever! And Clays POV book isnt really any better! Will not be continuing the series!
DNF about 65% in. This book would have been a decent story if something ACTUALLY happened in the book! It started out okay, then it got a bit better, then it just went downhill. The book dragged soooo much! It was literally the same thing over and over again! School, talk about how guys want her so bad, talk to Clay(who is a wolf disguised as her dog over half the book), eat dinner/watch a movie and then sleep! It would have at least been somewhat more interesting if we had Clays POV or at least a word from him in the whole time I was reading! I didn't even like the h, or feel ANY chemistry between them. Trying not to be mean in this review, but this is probably one of the most boring books EVER, which is sad, because I've been wanting to read this forever! And Clays POV book isnt really any better! Will not be continuing the series!
November 23, 2019
That was exactly what I needed. I just stopped in the middle of reading another paranormal werewolf series and it really left a bad taste in my mouth. But this made everything better. This is the perfect paranormal wolfy book. Filled with slow love, mystery, and a little magic. I loved the fact that the lead Clay didn't really talk. I thought I would get annoyed, but I really started to enjoy the way he communicated his love without talking. Great book! But what a cliffhanger. Especially since it seems that each book in the series is about a different character. I wanted more closure with Clay and Hope! Hopefully (haha, see what I did there) we get more of them in the rest of the series.
January 2, 2019
This book is unique but strange.
In the prologue, we learn the heroine can detect people and map them out on her mind. Weird, but fine. She runs into an older man, discovers werewolves exist and moves in with the werewolf, agreeing to participate in mate meeting gatherings.
Old werewolf gramps tells half truths the entire time, and, thankfully, the heroine stops tolerating it around mid book. I don't enjoy when the main character, the heroine, is kept in the dark by secondary characters. In this book, everyone always knows something the heroine doesn't.
Miscommunication, or lack thereof, was also heavy. The hero doesn't talk until the last 10% of the book. I thought there would be a great or at least interesting reason for this.
The ending was abrupt and leads into the next couple.
In the prologue, we learn the heroine can detect people and map them out on her mind. Weird, but fine. She runs into an older man, discovers werewolves exist and moves in with the werewolf, agreeing to participate in mate meeting gatherings.
Old werewolf gramps tells half truths the entire time, and, thankfully, the heroine stops tolerating it around mid book. I don't enjoy when the main character, the heroine, is kept in the dark by secondary characters. In this book, everyone always knows something the heroine doesn't.
Miscommunication, or lack thereof, was also heavy. The hero doesn't talk until the last 10% of the book. I thought there would be a great or at least interesting reason for this.
The ending was abrupt and leads into the next couple.
September 1, 2013
I am admittedly a paranormal romance junkie, no joke..I get totally consumed by this genre. I was about 20% into Hope(Less) last night around 9PM and decided to lay in bed and read one more chapter and then maybe watch a movie. I wasn't that into the book and was having a hard time staying connected. The next thing I knew, it was 2AM and I was at 80%. Clearly, I got over the hump of not being connected. Those 5 hours seriously felt like 30 min.
I felt the beginning of the story was a little slow and I have found this to be basically the norm when it comes to paranormal books. Usually there is whole background and history that has to be told, at least in the first book in the series. In Hope(less) it wasn't the background (since we didn't need a history) it was the slow progress through Gabby meeting Sam entering the fur society.
As you know, it was around probably 25% that I got hooked; this was when Clay entered the story. His interactions with Gabby cracked me up and I really believe I was hooked until 2AM waiting for IT to happen. When you read the story, you will know exactly what IT is...and I'm not talking about the final IT I'm talking about the most frustrating thing that made Gabby look totally insane to those around her and made her 'conversations' with Clay very interesting. You'll have to read the story to know what I'm talking about.
I finally figured out what needed to happen for IT to happen and couldn't wait to finish the story in the morning. This isn't your typical paranormal werewolf story. This is about a girl who has a unique ability that has confused her throughout her entire life. On top of this ability where she sees 'lights' she has found that she eerily attracts men which has made her extremely uncomfortable her whole life.
Once Gabby meets Clay, who believes he is her 'intended', she is determined to live her life the way that she has planned and bolts from the fur society. Little does she know, Clay is not far behind and is determined to make her his. Throughout her first year of college Gabby begins to realize that she enjoys the company of Clay and finds that she actually needs him around to help protect her from other werewolf threats. But is this all enough to change her mind about her future?
This was a nice easy paranormal romance read. It set up the rest of the series nicely, we still don't have all the answers to exactly what Gabby is but by the end of the book you realize that she isn't the only one with her abilities and as the others come together throughout the series we hope to get these answers. Once I got over the 20% hump I really enjoyed the story and really enjoyed the relationship Gabby had with Sam and Clay.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
3.5 Stars!
I felt the beginning of the story was a little slow and I have found this to be basically the norm when it comes to paranormal books. Usually there is whole background and history that has to be told, at least in the first book in the series. In Hope(less) it wasn't the background (since we didn't need a history) it was the slow progress through Gabby meeting Sam entering the fur society.
As you know, it was around probably 25% that I got hooked; this was when Clay entered the story. His interactions with Gabby cracked me up and I really believe I was hooked until 2AM waiting for IT to happen. When you read the story, you will know exactly what IT is...and I'm not talking about the final IT I'm talking about the most frustrating thing that made Gabby look totally insane to those around her and made her 'conversations' with Clay very interesting. You'll have to read the story to know what I'm talking about.
I finally figured out what needed to happen for IT to happen and couldn't wait to finish the story in the morning. This isn't your typical paranormal werewolf story. This is about a girl who has a unique ability that has confused her throughout her entire life. On top of this ability where she sees 'lights' she has found that she eerily attracts men which has made her extremely uncomfortable her whole life.
Once Gabby meets Clay, who believes he is her 'intended', she is determined to live her life the way that she has planned and bolts from the fur society. Little does she know, Clay is not far behind and is determined to make her his. Throughout her first year of college Gabby begins to realize that she enjoys the company of Clay and finds that she actually needs him around to help protect her from other werewolf threats. But is this all enough to change her mind about her future?
This was a nice easy paranormal romance read. It set up the rest of the series nicely, we still don't have all the answers to exactly what Gabby is but by the end of the book you realize that she isn't the only one with her abilities and as the others come together throughout the series we hope to get these answers. Once I got over the 20% hump I really enjoyed the story and really enjoyed the relationship Gabby had with Sam and Clay.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
3.5 Stars!
November 28, 2014
Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book, I really did... And though I love reading about werewolves (they're my favorite paranormal creatures together with vampires), it turned out to be a disappointment.
There were quite a few things that went wrong in this novel for me. I do hope I don't scare too many people off because you never know, it might be a good fit for someone else. But for me it wasn't a good fit at all.
Hope(less) started out with a 16 y/o Gabby meeting werewolf Sam, who eventuelly takes her in. I already had issues with this. Gabby, as a main character wasn't too bad to read about in general, though she seriously annoyed me at times. But I had a huge problem with Sam and his mottives. Even two years later, he kept on lying to her and about the "Introductions". I just... yeah, I didn't like it. Also I didn't get Gabby's powers at all and the fact that men go cray-cray around her. It felt like a totally different story.
And then we have Clay, which is supposed to be Gabby's mate. I don't have a problem with werewolves meeting the one, who's their mate. I read stories where this happened before where I didn't have a problem with but it was Clay himself who I couldn't like. If I have to describe him in word one, it would be: stalker. Seriously, people think Edward Cullen is a stalker but this guy wins the award of it. I'm not going to elaborate too much on this. You'll just have to read about it yourself to get it.
In short, this was not the right book for me. It happens. And I hate giving bad reviews but I want to be honest and say I didn't like it at all. Also the typos were kind of annoying me. That's a big deal for me. But one positive thing I want to say is that because the book is below 300 pages I think, it's a pretty quick read and reading is goes pretty fast. Other than that, I can't find any positive things to say sadly enough. But again, other people might like this book but for me it was definitely a thumbs down.
I really wanted to like this book, I really did... And though I love reading about werewolves (they're my favorite paranormal creatures together with vampires), it turned out to be a disappointment.
There were quite a few things that went wrong in this novel for me. I do hope I don't scare too many people off because you never know, it might be a good fit for someone else. But for me it wasn't a good fit at all.
Hope(less) started out with a 16 y/o Gabby meeting werewolf Sam, who eventuelly takes her in. I already had issues with this. Gabby, as a main character wasn't too bad to read about in general, though she seriously annoyed me at times. But I had a huge problem with Sam and his mottives. Even two years later, he kept on lying to her and about the "Introductions". I just... yeah, I didn't like it. Also I didn't get Gabby's powers at all and the fact that men go cray-cray around her. It felt like a totally different story.
And then we have Clay, which is supposed to be Gabby's mate. I don't have a problem with werewolves meeting the one, who's their mate. I read stories where this happened before where I didn't have a problem with but it was Clay himself who I couldn't like. If I have to describe him in word one, it would be: stalker. Seriously, people think Edward Cullen is a stalker but this guy wins the award of it. I'm not going to elaborate too much on this. You'll just have to read about it yourself to get it.
In short, this was not the right book for me. It happens. And I hate giving bad reviews but I want to be honest and say I didn't like it at all. Also the typos were kind of annoying me. That's a big deal for me. But one positive thing I want to say is that because the book is below 300 pages I think, it's a pretty quick read and reading is goes pretty fast. Other than that, I can't find any positive things to say sadly enough. But again, other people might like this book but for me it was definitely a thumbs down.
July 7, 2013
Review for Hopeless Judgement of the six book1
I agree with many of the reviews written and will not go into storyline detail as many of the reviews already have. I will say, however, I enjoyed this book immensely. This was a different take on PNR shifter romance story but it worked well. The book is well written with a good storyline regarding the changes in the werewolf world and their mating struggles. I am perplexed as to why there would be only six human females and hope this gets answered in the next book. I'm not a huge fan of NA or YA romances so it was admittedly difficult for me to get into when I initially read Gabby was 16. However the book's story isn't about Gabby at 16 but at 18, which for me, is somewhat easier to read about.
Soooo lesson learned about passing judgement on a book because of its Genre.
Overall I thought it was as good book, well written, good storyline and character development. I has to be quite difficult to write an entire story where one of the characters doesnt talk... It make perfect sense in how it allowed Gabby to open up and trust him. When questioned about why she continued to stick around Clay, Gabby says:
Maybe a spoiler*
This books gets 4 stars for being unique and well written, -1 because it gets a little tedious towards the end. I look forward to reading more from this author.
***book provided by the Author through PNR NaUBA group Author/Reader Exchange for an honest review.
I agree with many of the reviews written and will not go into storyline detail as many of the reviews already have. I will say, however, I enjoyed this book immensely. This was a different take on PNR shifter romance story but it worked well. The book is well written with a good storyline regarding the changes in the werewolf world and their mating struggles. I am perplexed as to why there would be only six human females and hope this gets answered in the next book. I'm not a huge fan of NA or YA romances so it was admittedly difficult for me to get into when I initially read Gabby was 16. However the book's story isn't about Gabby at 16 but at 18, which for me, is somewhat easier to read about.
Soooo lesson learned about passing judgement on a book because of its Genre.
Overall I thought it was as good book, well written, good storyline and character development. I has to be quite difficult to write an entire story where one of the characters doesnt talk... It make perfect sense in how it allowed Gabby to open up and trust him. When questioned about why she continued to stick around Clay, Gabby says:
Maybe a spoiler*
This books gets 4 stars for being unique and well written, -1 because it gets a little tedious towards the end. I look forward to reading more from this author.
***book provided by the Author through PNR NaUBA group Author/Reader Exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2018
2.5 stars
I read this one while I was on a paranormal RH jag and had run out of options that I knew were RH. I had hoped this might be, but even if not, I thought it worth a shot as a PNR. And it was okay, but there were numerous things that kind of bothered me.
- the MC was 16 when this began and somehow was allowed to move in with some strange guy she met by accident and agreed to take her in (uh, where was CPS in all this?)
- insta-love was a huge part of this
- though I ended up liking Clay (he was very sweet), there was a real stalkerish quality to him the way it was written
- the strange shifter marriage-mart thing was a bit off-putting somehow
But the characters were sort of sweet and the book was decently written. The series has possibilities, enough that I even picked up the alternate Clay's POV book. But I never finished it because I just sort of lost interest in this series. It was not interesting enough to me to go farther. Perhaps I will return to it some day since I do have the alternate POV and book 2 on my Kindle.
YMMV :)
I read this one while I was on a paranormal RH jag and had run out of options that I knew were RH. I had hoped this might be, but even if not, I thought it worth a shot as a PNR. And it was okay, but there were numerous things that kind of bothered me.
- the MC was 16 when this began and somehow was allowed to move in with some strange guy she met by accident and agreed to take her in (uh, where was CPS in all this?)
- insta-love was a huge part of this
- though I ended up liking Clay (he was very sweet), there was a real stalkerish quality to him the way it was written
- the strange shifter marriage-mart thing was a bit off-putting somehow
But the characters were sort of sweet and the book was decently written. The series has possibilities, enough that I even picked up the alternate Clay's POV book. But I never finished it because I just sort of lost interest in this series. It was not interesting enough to me to go farther. Perhaps I will return to it some day since I do have the alternate POV and book 2 on my Kindle.
YMMV :)
May 18, 2015
I originally saw reviews for a book called "clays hope" and was impressed with the high reviews. After researching this I realized that it was a companion novel so I looked into this series. I was quite pleased to see book 1 was offered as a freebie. I liked it and will continue this series.
It was definitely Young Adult (no sex, no profanity, etc.) but I'm glad to say the characters didn't feel juvenile. I would have personally preferred the heroine had been older. She was 18, but at least was out of high school and in college. For a YA read, this one was well done.
It was definitely Young Adult (no sex, no profanity, etc.) but I'm glad to say the characters didn't feel juvenile. I would have personally preferred the heroine had been older. She was 18, but at least was out of high school and in college. For a YA read, this one was well done.
November 1, 2013
Loved this book! After I read it I read the 2nd book in the series and cant wait until the 3rd book is out. I highly recommend reading this book!
October 28, 2015
Nothing wrong with this I just don't feel like traversing the YA self discovery drama factor.
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