Escaping the Lutha

Lutha Chronicles #1

by M.J. Haag, Ulva Eldridge (editor)

Rogan’s on the run to escape an arranged marriage within the girdack, and he’s running out of places to hide. One boot kick away from the beating of a lifetime, rescue comes in the form of a sexy-as-hell librarian lookalike. Taking refuge in the human community, Rogan begins to realize the cute little package with an eye-twitch might just be his key to escaping the Lutha.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Werewolves

110 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2017

About the author

MJ Haag is the bestselling author of the Beastly Tales and the Resurrection Chronicles. Writing as both MJ Haag and Melissa Haag, she has sold more than three hundred thousand copies worldwide and authored several other series, including the Judgement of the Six and Of Fates and Furies.

She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.

She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.

Connect with the Author:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read that keeps you guessing till the end.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/7/2018)!💝

[Runningrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Escape

KU
This is a entirely new look at the werewolf romance market and I enjoyed just about everything in this novel. Tink is a great character, and I loved that although the voice in her head is a part of her it does not define her. Rogan is in some ways an everyday guy and this is a good way to keep the series grounded in the face of Tink’s extraordinary persona.

I can’t wait to see where this goes next.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Loved the writing as usual for this author and Tink's character but the love aspect felt really rushed towards the end.

[Gena · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a hero named Rogan how can you go wrong :) A fun read. Tink is an unapologetic heroine and it was refreshing to read. She did her thing and was confident in her skills. I rated 4* for her. Rogan was a little flat in development but since he was such a great supporting character I didn't mind.

[Rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping the Lutha is a mysterious and quirky story by my very favorite author, Melissa Haag. It is amazing to me the unique stories that she comes up with. She does though, and her books and novellas are always brilliantly written and captivating. Tink is like no character I have read before (definitely crazy at times, I thought) and Rogan is rebelling against what has been planned for him his whole life. Rogan is drawn to Tink but doesn't know why. This read is mysterious and full of magic. Melissa Haag never disappoints!

[Sarah Quilt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty short, and I finished it in one day. I quite enjoyed this, but from the book description I had no idea it was about werewolves. Heck even after reading it they could be considered not really werewolves. But it's all good. Looking forward to reading the next one!

[Raquel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sad to be doing this because I love me some MJ Haag. I have read almost every book by Melissa and have LOVED them, so what happened here??

First off, I didn't realize this was a short story. I am not a huge fan of short stories because they usually feel very rushed and disconnected.

Second, I don't get the Lutha, more info on her and her situation would have been nice. (Melissa has a great imagination that always makes things feel fresh, even when they aren't, like werewolves)

Third, I didn't buy Tink and Rogan's romance at all. What happened?

I am going to read the second because that is what I do, but I am not enthralled at all.

[Poetic Puppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tink rules the neighbourhood, but to look at her you wouldn’t think it. She looks after those that need protecting and that might just mean Rogan will make it through another night. Running from the Lutha, Rogan’s sanctuary comes in the form of crazy, blonde, librarian-like female.

I really enjoyed this short story, there were just a few minor niggles that had me downgrading it from five to four stars. Firstly, the price. I never pay that much for a short story, and yet this time I did. I knew from reading previous novels by this author that it probably would be worth the price, but still, £2.49 for a novella is a bit steep. My second issue, is the fact that the novella introduces a few new words/ideas/concepts that I don’t feel were fully explained. I’m still a little fuzzy what a girdack is, outside of it being a community of supernaturals. I’m hoping things will become clearer in the next book. (Though the current page count of 56 pages would suggest otherwise). Lastly, there was a conversation that took place at the end of the book that seemed as if it was private, even though six males stood nearby. It didn’t seem realistic to me that the men standing around wouldn’t have heard it, or understood what it might have been about. But then who knows, maybe that’s what prompts book two. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that all my issues will go away with the publication of the next book of this series.

So, despite my issues, I loved the story and the characters. The story is rather unique and I’m hopeful that we get a little more detail in the next one. I want to know more about the community Rogan ran away from. As for the characters, Rogan seems like the perfect male, looking for a mate to treat him like an equal - since he’s from a matriarchal society. He’s a sweet guy that seems to have been chosen by the Lutha for all the wrong reasons. With Tink, I think we’ve only just scratched the surface of who she is and what she’s capable of. I really want to learn more about her and her powers in the sequel. She might be the kick ass heroine, but I think Kye tends to steal the show when she enters the scene. The little girl is so full of confidence and utter faith in Tink that she’s uniquely cocky for an eight year old. I lover the kids in the book, they add colour to the story and help to show just how much control Tink has within her community.

All in all, I really want to continue with this series. I’m just not sure I want to pay – what for me are – novel prices for a novella. Honestly, I’ll probably cave, as I have to know what happens next. I’ll just resent it later.

Suggested Audience: Mature readers of Paranormal Romance
Perspective: First person, as told by the two main characters
Profanity: Infrequent
Sexual content: Infrequent and not overly graphic
Violence: Frequent and descriptive in places

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fast read got right to the point. He runs away from his pack because they are forcing him to marry the leaders daughter but he does not want too. They find him and are beating him up but the FMC throws rocks at them and they stop he then follows her because he knows that they will not pursue him since he is human. Turns out that she is crazy and the whole neighborhood respects her she is kind of like their leader. They are instantly attracted to each other which is why I removed a star I do not like insta love but I get it since this is a short book but still. Then he finds out that she is also a werewolf and they mate. They then tell his pursuers that they are mated and they need to leave. It was good for what it was.

Would read the second one even though I am pretty sure of the story line for that one.

[Bea Turvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something about Melissa's writing that makes me want to lock all the doors, turn off the lights and curl up in a corner of the sofa until I've indulged. It isn't big, bold and brash, nor is it quiet and subdued, but has a powerful, subtle pull that slowly winds you up and winds you up, then lets go with a long, satisfied sigh.
It is comfort reading at its best, drawing on some wonderful ideas. I hope her font of plots is never-ending.

The Lutha is a person, the leader of werewolves, and she wants Rogan to marry her daughter, but Rogan has a mind of his own. Escaping into the human world, werewolves hot on his tail (yes, they're that close), he comes across Tink who offers him shelter in her community.

It's a short read, but very cute.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tink and Rogan. I was so happy with this story. Tink is a like super woman. Thats who she reminds me off. She even wears the librarian clothes.She can hold her own And likes helping out around her neighborhood. We meet Rogan whom she saves from A beating. He enters her life and begins to understand what she is building in a community and wants to be part of that if she lets him. Not everything seems to be what it is and Rogan needs to decide if he is up for the challenge. Loved it from beginning to end.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Haag's writing. There was some real mystery and intriguing characters. Tink is odd. Fanatic about dirt, washes her hands with straight bleach, and has organized the neighborhood to clean all the nearby buildings. Tink takes care of her people. She loves them and protects them when strangers come. One stranger is Rogan, who is on the run from the Lutha, the leader of his were pack, who wants to force him to mate her daughter. Tink eventually protects him also. And then it leads to more....

[Mackisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Melissa. I have yet to find a book that she has written that I don't love. Keep em coming girl friend and I will keep buying and reading. "Tink" by far is now one of my favorites, she kept her community together and she went above and beyond for the people she grew to love as her own. Growing up, my grandmother use to tell us "it takes a village" I seen that in Tink and her community in the book. Thanks Melissa for sharing and writing these amazing books.

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogan and Tink

Interesting and Intense! A different type of shifter story with a setting in an inner city. Rogan is literally fleeing for his life when he comes across Tink. Tink is slowly descending and has developed a community when Rogan appears. The relationship between Rogan and Tink is quick and the mating is fierce. For now Rogan and Tink have their HFN. A good 👍 plot with believable characters.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This book keeps you guessing as to is going to happen and who is Tink. Great writing the book kept me reading and just wanted to know more and more. Rogan is a were who sweet and charming and an out cast and Tink is quirky and odd. Great read MJ Haag created a world that pulls you in from page 1

[Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick tale that engaged from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well thought out. I liked Kye's sassiness. Tink was...weird/creepty... until you got to know her character more and things started clicking in place. I liked Rogan too. Can't wait to read the next one.

My gripes: Pricey for a short story and TOO SHORT!

[Amanda White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Totally different but totally awesome! Tink is such a different character and I enjoyed the way Melissa has spun this tale and the world she has created. Wish it had been longer because it was so good!

[Artistic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly fantastic

The concept of the lutha and the pack hierarchy and terms was original and the pacing was great. Tink's mental commentary is superb. Definitely worth the read.

[Cheshire Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story, it could be read in the series or as a stand alone. This book has a different society and world than the one we live in, yet is based off of ours and very relateable.

[Christine Jeffers busser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad for a short story.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Since it was fairly short and moved along at a quick pace, it only took about a day to read. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Lindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confused

I got about 50% done but couldn't finish it. I really couldn't wrap my head around what was going on in the storyline.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. There were a few entertaining characters, but the book was so short that there wasn’t a lot of time to develop them or the plot. I might read the sequel but not in a huge hurry to do so.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this series maybe a 3.5. It was good, but not a lot of depth. Both of the books are actually novellas.

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody does werewoves like Melissa! I loved Rogan and Tink's story. It's so different from her Judgement of the Six books but just as engrossing. Moving on to book two!

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different and I almost didn’t expect to enjoy it. The title made it sound more fantasy than it was. I will definitely read the next one.

[Tammy Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogan is running from a life he does not want and runs smack dab into Tink . A fast paced story that has you guessing . A mix of mystery and thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for what's to come . A romance buds between the unsuspecting pair as they share a secret with one another .What will happen as there life becomes entwined read and find yourself waiting for book two I recommend this book I think MJ Haag has another hit .A mate a new world and a powerful beginning for him in a city of all places .

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story as part of the shifters and spice collection. This was an amazing story. The author did an amazing job making you feel like you were reading a full length novel when you were really reading a novella. Her writing style is so wonderful that you cant help but fall head first into the characters world. This book had a bit of mystery to it. Who is this character? What is wrong with her? The ending sure surprised me. I had no clue what was going to happen, which is rare for me when reading! 5 stars for this story all the way.

The plot of the story drew readers in from the beginning. We have two characters who both have secrets they are hiding. There is a lot of mystery to this book that intrigues readers to want to gobble up the pages until they know everything. I also love all the secondary characters in this book. I feel they add a huge help to the main plot of the book.

The characters in this book are written quite well. The main female character, Tink, is such a wonderful and empowering female character. It is not often we get to see the female as a main strength in the book. While other female characters have strength, the man is usually there to be a protector of sorts. In this book, I really felt like Tink was the main kick arse character who did not need help from anyone. Rogan was a wonderful character as well. It was interesting to see his motivations and why we was acting the way he was.

Overall, this was a wonderful story. I loved reading all about the characters. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, because this story is far from over. I would recommend this book to others.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.J. Haag’s story, “Escaping the Lutha” is outstanding. M.J. has a talent of drawing you into her worlds that are so imaginative and unique. You truly become invested in the characters. I enjoyed reading about Tink and Rogan’s relationship as it started to build. I can’t wait to read more of Rogan and Tink and their community.