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Ancients Rising #6
Ancient Vengeance
She’s been sheltered her entire life…
Stella is from a fierce and ancient dragon line, but when her kingdom was invaded and half her family slaughtered, everything changed. She’s been taught to fight, to protect herself, but now that one of her sisters is back after being thought dead, she realizes it’s time to make some changes. After years of being smothered, she needs freedom, to spread her dragon wings and experience life. So when her grandmother tasks her with a job in New Orleans, she jumps at the chance to strike out on her own and prove herself.
He's never met anyone like her…
Dragon shifter Rhodes is a killer. An assassin. And he’s been ordered to kidnap the dragon princess Stella as vengeance against her clan. He’s always finished his contracts—until he meets her. Now he’ll do anything to keep her safe. To claim her forever as his mate. But first they’ll have to overcome the danger stalking her—and then he’ll have to figure out how to get her to forgive him for betraying her.
Stella is from a fierce and ancient dragon line, but when her kingdom was invaded and half her family slaughtered, everything changed. She’s been taught to fight, to protect herself, but now that one of her sisters is back after being thought dead, she realizes it’s time to make some changes. After years of being smothered, she needs freedom, to spread her dragon wings and experience life. So when her grandmother tasks her with a job in New Orleans, she jumps at the chance to strike out on her own and prove herself.
He's never met anyone like her…
Dragon shifter Rhodes is a killer. An assassin. And he’s been ordered to kidnap the dragon princess Stella as vengeance against her clan. He’s always finished his contracts—until he meets her. Now he’ll do anything to keep her safe. To claim her forever as his mate. But first they’ll have to overcome the danger stalking her—and then he’ll have to figure out how to get her to forgive him for betraying her.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2024
113 people are currently reading
5040 people want to read
About the author
Katie Reus
164 books3,243 followersKatie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
December 27, 2022
Ancient Vengeance by Katie Reus
Ancients Rising series book 6. Dragon shifter paranormal romance. Best read as part of the series.
Stella is anxious to travel to the human realm to escape her tightly sheltered yet privileged life as the second princess. On her first mission, Stella is shot with poison and almost kidnapped by fae. Fortunately Rhodes has been following the princess and saves her. But as an assassin himself, is she still in danger? His dragon says no, and has claimed her as his own.
Engaging and seemingly fated mates, Stella and Rhodes seem to be made for each other. She’s used to having power but is temporarily disabled. He’s a self proclaimed “powerful and beautiful” dragon and is totally in love, but knows he’s not worthy. These two are a bit bumbling in mission but fully consenting adults that can’t and don’t want to keep hands or lips to themselves.
Returning couples from most of the previous books make appearances and help in some way to investigate, or house, or protect. Short appearance by Hunter who is adorable as usual.
Entertaining, a bit campy in a good way, steamy and delightful.
Ancients Rising series book 6. Dragon shifter paranormal romance. Best read as part of the series.
Stella is anxious to travel to the human realm to escape her tightly sheltered yet privileged life as the second princess. On her first mission, Stella is shot with poison and almost kidnapped by fae. Fortunately Rhodes has been following the princess and saves her. But as an assassin himself, is she still in danger? His dragon says no, and has claimed her as his own.
Engaging and seemingly fated mates, Stella and Rhodes seem to be made for each other. She’s used to having power but is temporarily disabled. He’s a self proclaimed “powerful and beautiful” dragon and is totally in love, but knows he’s not worthy. These two are a bit bumbling in mission but fully consenting adults that can’t and don’t want to keep hands or lips to themselves.
Returning couples from most of the previous books make appearances and help in some way to investigate, or house, or protect. Short appearance by Hunter who is adorable as usual.
Entertaining, a bit campy in a good way, steamy and delightful.
December 12, 2022
It has been a long time since I’ve read a book with an alpha hero like Rhodes. He is EVERYTHING I look for and love. His protectiveness over Stella was extreme but well warranted. His jealousy over the thought of another male looking at her had me smiling widely as this is the stuff I dream about finding in the books I read. The fact that he was a dragon shifter…pure heaven.
Stella was petite and dainty but with a determination that could not be swayed. It didn’t take her long to learn how to handle the obstinate male that was shadowing her. She definitely gave Rhodes a bit of a ride before he found any peace.
This is filled with all kinds of danger and drama. With plenty of action laced throughout the story as well as some amazing scenes with some of my favorite characters, I was instantly swept up into this story. Before I realized it, I was at the end long before I was ready. I loved everything about this couple and this world. This author will never be able to write too many dragon shifter romances for me. Definitely my favorite!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Stella was petite and dainty but with a determination that could not be swayed. It didn’t take her long to learn how to handle the obstinate male that was shadowing her. She definitely gave Rhodes a bit of a ride before he found any peace.
This is filled with all kinds of danger and drama. With plenty of action laced throughout the story as well as some amazing scenes with some of my favorite characters, I was instantly swept up into this story. Before I realized it, I was at the end long before I was ready. I loved everything about this couple and this world. This author will never be able to write too many dragon shifter romances for me. Definitely my favorite!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
December 11, 2022
It must be going on for a year since I read the previous book Ancient Retribution. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy these books and how I’d missed the characters.
Let’s just say it’s good to be back in their world.
This starts in the Nova realm and it’s the turn of Junipers sister Stella. Stella has been sheltered her entire life, she is also small considering she’s a dragon. This is often mistaken for weakness.
Rhodes is an assassin contracted to kidnap the princess. He’s been told she’s evil but immediately he knows this isn’t true. He also knows he’s completely fascinated with her.
I really enjoyed this one and it was great to touch base again with the New Orleans crew. Now I can’t wait for the next book, hopefully I won’t have to wait so long.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Let’s just say it’s good to be back in their world.
This starts in the Nova realm and it’s the turn of Junipers sister Stella. Stella has been sheltered her entire life, she is also small considering she’s a dragon. This is often mistaken for weakness.
Rhodes is an assassin contracted to kidnap the princess. He’s been told she’s evil but immediately he knows this isn’t true. He also knows he’s completely fascinated with her.
I really enjoyed this one and it was great to touch base again with the New Orleans crew. Now I can’t wait for the next book, hopefully I won’t have to wait so long.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 27, 2022
4.5 stars
Ancient Vengeance is book 6 in the Ancients Rising series and another wonderful addition. Rhodes is an assassin with no family or friends who is contracted to kidnap the Princess Stella from the Nova Realm. While watching Stella, Rhodes begins to feel possessive of the princess and when he realizes that he has been lied too it's too late because now he wants to keep the Princess for himself. Stella is the younger sister of Juniper who has been sheltered by her family for so long all she wants is to spread her wings. Stella's immediate attraction to Rhodes is like nothing she has ever experienced. I loved the chemistry between the two but also experiencing all their first together made it even better. I can't wait to find out who the Dragon is that was let out of the dungeon and as always, I can't wait for more in this series.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
Ancient Vengeance is book 6 in the Ancients Rising series and another wonderful addition. Rhodes is an assassin with no family or friends who is contracted to kidnap the Princess Stella from the Nova Realm. While watching Stella, Rhodes begins to feel possessive of the princess and when he realizes that he has been lied too it's too late because now he wants to keep the Princess for himself. Stella is the younger sister of Juniper who has been sheltered by her family for so long all she wants is to spread her wings. Stella's immediate attraction to Rhodes is like nothing she has ever experienced. I loved the chemistry between the two but also experiencing all their first together made it even better. I can't wait to find out who the Dragon is that was let out of the dungeon and as always, I can't wait for more in this series.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own***
January 4, 2023
Loved both Stella and Rhodes, Reus sure knows how to give the dragon goodness.
This would have been a 5 star read but for the total lack of Rhodes' past which was just skipped over and for me was paramout in showing what an awesome hero he is.
This would have been a 5 star read but for the total lack of Rhodes' past which was just skipped over and for me was paramout in showing what an awesome hero he is.
June 9, 2023
After Stella’s kingdom is invaded and most of her family slaughtered, life is not easy for the young dragon princess. Smothered and overprotected, she never has any room to breathe or a chance to experience anything for herself. But when her older sister returns home after being assumed dead, Stella finally has the chance for freedom. A missing royal crown and a clue linking it to the human city of New Orleans prompts Stella to leave her protected kingdom and experience something new. But no one is expecting the trials the young royal will be faced with while in the human world.
Rhodes is an amazing assassin. He’s never once failed to fulfill his contracts – no matter how hard or gruesome they may be. When he’s hired to stalk and kidnap the princess, he expects it to go just as easy as all his other jobs. But there’s just something about Stella that makes him want to protect her and keep her safe. And when secrets are revealed that prompt him to change sides, he doesn’t know where he stands with the princess or if she’ll ever forgive him.
***************
Written in dual third-person POV, “Ancient Vengeance” follows Stella and Rhodes as they attempt to solve the theft of and locate a royal tiara while also fighting against their attraction to each other.
Stella is a force of nature, and absolutely determined to live her life as she wants now that her family’s overprotectiveness is slightly abated. She’s small despite her dragon nature and she’s always considered much weaker than she really is, and she uses that to her advantage. I loved how strong and no-nonsense she was when she interacted with Rhodes and some of her family, but she still had a sweetness to her that made me like her too. Rhodes is overprotective with a darkness to him that sometimes seems too much when it comes to Stella. But given how he grew up among humans as a dragon shifter with no family or close friends, it doesn’t surprise me how overprotective he is with Stella despite not feeling worthy of her attention or love. Especially given the secrets he carries when it comes to their meeting.
I liked the start of their romance and a bit of their friendship that they grew into as they progressed further in Stella’s mission. But it sometimes felt too fast for me. I know the author was leaning heavily into the fated mates aspect of the storyline as well as Stella’s experimenting after finally going off on her own, but it felt so quick for them to be falling into bed together considering Rhodes was meant to be kidnapping her. I do think Stella forgave him just a little too quickly in the end when everything is revealed and she rescues Rhodes from a rival kingdom. I know by that point that she had fallen in love with him and would ignore everything he did given how overprotective he was of her, but it just felt like the whole getting paid to stalk and kidnap thing was glossed over too easily. But that’s my opinion.
The whole plot of the tiara theft and locating it in the human world felt like it was ignored sometimes, while at the same time being the only purpose for the story. It’s hard to explain exactly why I feel like it fell by the wayside when Stella’s presence in the human world wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the tiara being stolen. And while that mystery was solved in the end, it felt like an overthought. I think I probably would have enjoyed it more if the whole enemy kingdom faction would have had more of a hand in that mystery rather than it just being two simultaneously happening problems for Stella and Rhodes to overcome.
But all things considered, this read was still pretty good. It was probably a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. The steamy scenes with Stella and Rhodes were entertaining and the romance was okay, but I just wanted a little more in terms of the conflict and mystery. This is the sixth book in a series, but I think it is mostly detailed and plotted enough to be read as a standalone. I’d certainly recommend this book to readers who love shapeshifter dragon romances with a side of fated mates and other paranormal creatures like vampires and Fae.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rhodes is an amazing assassin. He’s never once failed to fulfill his contracts – no matter how hard or gruesome they may be. When he’s hired to stalk and kidnap the princess, he expects it to go just as easy as all his other jobs. But there’s just something about Stella that makes him want to protect her and keep her safe. And when secrets are revealed that prompt him to change sides, he doesn’t know where he stands with the princess or if she’ll ever forgive him.
***************
Written in dual third-person POV, “Ancient Vengeance” follows Stella and Rhodes as they attempt to solve the theft of and locate a royal tiara while also fighting against their attraction to each other.
Stella is a force of nature, and absolutely determined to live her life as she wants now that her family’s overprotectiveness is slightly abated. She’s small despite her dragon nature and she’s always considered much weaker than she really is, and she uses that to her advantage. I loved how strong and no-nonsense she was when she interacted with Rhodes and some of her family, but she still had a sweetness to her that made me like her too. Rhodes is overprotective with a darkness to him that sometimes seems too much when it comes to Stella. But given how he grew up among humans as a dragon shifter with no family or close friends, it doesn’t surprise me how overprotective he is with Stella despite not feeling worthy of her attention or love. Especially given the secrets he carries when it comes to their meeting.
I liked the start of their romance and a bit of their friendship that they grew into as they progressed further in Stella’s mission. But it sometimes felt too fast for me. I know the author was leaning heavily into the fated mates aspect of the storyline as well as Stella’s experimenting after finally going off on her own, but it felt so quick for them to be falling into bed together considering Rhodes was meant to be kidnapping her. I do think Stella forgave him just a little too quickly in the end when everything is revealed and she rescues Rhodes from a rival kingdom. I know by that point that she had fallen in love with him and would ignore everything he did given how overprotective he was of her, but it just felt like the whole getting paid to stalk and kidnap thing was glossed over too easily. But that’s my opinion.
The whole plot of the tiara theft and locating it in the human world felt like it was ignored sometimes, while at the same time being the only purpose for the story. It’s hard to explain exactly why I feel like it fell by the wayside when Stella’s presence in the human world wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the tiara being stolen. And while that mystery was solved in the end, it felt like an overthought. I think I probably would have enjoyed it more if the whole enemy kingdom faction would have had more of a hand in that mystery rather than it just being two simultaneously happening problems for Stella and Rhodes to overcome.
But all things considered, this read was still pretty good. It was probably a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. The steamy scenes with Stella and Rhodes were entertaining and the romance was okay, but I just wanted a little more in terms of the conflict and mystery. This is the sixth book in a series, but I think it is mostly detailed and plotted enough to be read as a standalone. I’d certainly recommend this book to readers who love shapeshifter dragon romances with a side of fated mates and other paranormal creatures like vampires and Fae.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2022
Stella and Rhodes are dragon shifters and Ancient Vengeance revolves around their story. Rhodes is everything I like to read in a Alpha hero. He's very protective and worships the ground Stella walks on. Stella is a very sweet heroine who can also be fierce when she wants to be. She's come from a very sheltered life and Rhodes protection keeps her safe while allowing her more freedom than she is used too. They travel to New Orleans where King's territory is filled with all kinds of shifters, witches, vampires and humans. This is one of my favorite places to read in this series. I just love how they all come together to help each other out and to protect one another despite their many differences. I always enjoy seeing all the many characters in this world and I don't think I will ever get tired of reading about them all. Another great book in the Ancients Rising series!
July 14, 2025
This was absolutely perfection! I’m such a simp for Virgin Hero, but this was double V, and they were AMAZING! *happy sigh*
December 27, 2022
I was so excited to get to read Stella’s story, after having met her when her long-lost sister and she were reunited in a previous novel because she seemed like an interesting character that needed her own chance to spread her wings. Katie Reus’s amazing series around her shifters, dragons, vampires and all the other creatures that once secretly surrounded us humans just continuous to be compelling, fascinating, and more sensual than even I can handle at times. Stella’s story begins with her finally getting the chance to get out from under the thumb of her overprotective parents as she undertakes a solo mission into the human world, hunting the thief that stole their ancestral crown, but she quickly learns that she might not be cut out for this super-operative stuff her sister is when she is poisoned mid-flight. When she awakens she is in a strange dwelling and finds herself in the company of a sexy and mysterious protector, a Dragon shifter that she immediately trusts with not only her life and protection but soon with her heart and soul. Rhodes however is not what he seems and has a dark secret, which even as they work together and get closer, might ultimately tear them apart. With enemies closing in around them Rhodes and Stella have to decide if the truth is enough to keep them apart or they can find a way to be together despite the way they met and his true identity. I really loved seeing Stella find her way, even if she ultimately stumbles and needs Rhodes to help her find her footing and remind her that she is just as badass as her other female relatives. She is sweet at times and shows Rhodes a softness he’s never experiences, giving her the love she has to offer and at the same time the protection she craves to be able to offer. I wish she had thought to ask a few more questions up front in order to prevent her own heartache, but in the end she gave and earned the ultimate love and learned that Rhodes was the only male for her. Rhodes has had a seriously messed up past, but he has made the best of it and done what he can to protect the innocents of the world from the true bastards out there. I enjoyed watching him offer what gentleness he had to Stella, showing he a side of himself he’d never shared with anyone else, even at the fear of being vulnerable. It was obvious that he knew from the beginning he had no chance with her, but I loved seeing him open himself despite that fear. I have to say the passion between these two was expectedly off the charts, being two sexual beats in their prime that had been kept from being able to share that passion in the past and I loved seeing them be able to share with one another finally. I am dying to find out who comes next in the series and see who finds their perfect match. Katie Reus is magic incarnate and her writing never ceases to draw me in every time.
March 21, 2023
3,5
Some interesting things and other that are not developed enough. Especially I thought there would be some clue at the end about the hero's origins.
Some interesting things and other that are not developed enough. Especially I thought there would be some clue at the end about the hero's origins.
February 11, 2023
3.5 estrellas
Me ha gustado bastante. Tanto los personajes como la historia.
Reus sigue expandiendo este universo que ya conocimos con su serie Darkness.
Como estoy releyéndola, la verdad es que ahora disfruto más de este spin-off que al principio. También hay que tener en cuenta que los cambiantes dragones nunca me han llamado demasiado la atención, así que esta serie no me emocionaba ya que gira alrededor de los dragones de este universo.
En este sexto libro me he llevado una sorpresa pues aparecen ciertos personajes, que no voy a nombrar por si acaso. Ha sido agradable volver a saber de ellos 😍
Me ha gustado bastante. Tanto los personajes como la historia.
Reus sigue expandiendo este universo que ya conocimos con su serie Darkness.
Como estoy releyéndola, la verdad es que ahora disfruto más de este spin-off que al principio. También hay que tener en cuenta que los cambiantes dragones nunca me han llamado demasiado la atención, así que esta serie no me emocionaba ya que gira alrededor de los dragones de este universo.
En este sexto libro me he llevado una sorpresa pues aparecen ciertos personajes, que no voy a nombrar por si acaso. Ha sido agradable volver a saber de ellos 😍
January 1, 2023
Princess Stella’s sheltered upbringing has her longing to explore and spread her dragon wings on her own. Accepting a task in New Orleans on behalf of her family, she’s attacked mid-flight by Fae and shot with poison.
Dragon shifter Rhodes is on his own task-for-hire to kidnap Stella for the Fae. Seeing her unjustly attacked and falling, he feels compelled to help her. As he gets to know her in New Orleans, he realizes he’s been misled about why they want her so, he’s now determined to do anything to keep her safe… and ultimately, claim her!
Ancient Vengeance is filled with action, twists & turns, and mystery. I love this world and anxiously await the next installment. It’s always like visiting old friends!
Highly recommended book and series! Can be read as a standalone.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Dragon shifter Rhodes is on his own task-for-hire to kidnap Stella for the Fae. Seeing her unjustly attacked and falling, he feels compelled to help her. As he gets to know her in New Orleans, he realizes he’s been misled about why they want her so, he’s now determined to do anything to keep her safe… and ultimately, claim her!
Ancient Vengeance is filled with action, twists & turns, and mystery. I love this world and anxiously await the next installment. It’s always like visiting old friends!
Highly recommended book and series! Can be read as a standalone.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2022
Loved this book! We meet Stella, a dragon princess looking to live life a little, and Rhodes, an assassin who decides instead of killing the princess, he wants to mate her. Toss in nutty side characters and the contract holders looking for revenge, you get a great read.
I really had fun reading this one. The characters are all very fun and sweet. Some ties are also put in to make the groundwork for future books. I can’t wait to see which ones Reus works on next! Thank you to Net Galley, Reus and the publisher for my copy of this book.
I really had fun reading this one. The characters are all very fun and sweet. Some ties are also put in to make the groundwork for future books. I can’t wait to see which ones Reus works on next! Thank you to Net Galley, Reus and the publisher for my copy of this book.
January 10, 2023
Well hot damn , that was super sexy and fun! This has been a great series, that can be read as a stand-alone, that I stubbled upon. I love the characters and each storyline has been very different but still on pace with previous stories. I’m excited for the next.
December 31, 2022
3.5 stars. This was pretty good. Stella was a sweetheart and I really liked Rhodes. I feel like I would’ve liked to explore more of Rhodes upbringing. She was a little too naive and sheltered for my liking, but I appreciated her desire to branch out from that.
January 10, 2023
Like I need an excuse to dive in to Reus’s dragon world?! Stella and Rhodes are a cute addition to a very fun world! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
December 18, 2022
I devoured this in 1 day! I hadn’t been back to this world in ages but fell right back in quickly. I enjoyed seeing peeks of some of our favorites from previous books. If you haven’t had a chance to read any of this authors work, go back to the beginning and thank me later!
This was an advanced reader copy provided by Netgalley compliments of the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review!
This was an advanced reader copy provided by Netgalley compliments of the author/publisher in exchange for a honest review!
December 10, 2022
This series just gets better and better! Katie Reus continues to deliver amazing paranormal romance in her Ancients Rising series. Dragon shifters, lion shifters, phoenix, vampires and fae…this series has it all.
In Ancient Vengeance, we get to watch sheltered dragon shifter Stella from the Nova realm fall in love with Rhodes, a lone dragon shifter turned assassin. I definitely had all the feels during this one…great chemistry, deep angst and betrayal, and always a happily ever after. The only thing I might have wished for was for Rhodes to find our more of his heritage, but here’s hoping that will be addressed in a future book.
While it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the Ancients Rising series in order as there is such world building in this and the “prequel” Darkness series. These are definitely some of my favorite PNR books and often get a re-read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
In Ancient Vengeance, we get to watch sheltered dragon shifter Stella from the Nova realm fall in love with Rhodes, a lone dragon shifter turned assassin. I definitely had all the feels during this one…great chemistry, deep angst and betrayal, and always a happily ever after. The only thing I might have wished for was for Rhodes to find our more of his heritage, but here’s hoping that will be addressed in a future book.
While it could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the Ancients Rising series in order as there is such world building in this and the “prequel” Darkness series. These are definitely some of my favorite PNR books and often get a re-read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
December 18, 2022
4.5 stars--ANCIENT VENGEANCE is the sixth instalment in Katie Reus’ contemporary, adult ANCIENT RISINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is dragon shifter and assassin Rhodes, and Nova Princess dragon shifter Stella’s story line. ANCIENT VENGEANCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rhodes and Stella ANCIENT VENGEANCE focuses on the building romance and relationship between is ancient dragon shifter and assassin Rhodes, and Nova Princess dragon shifter Stella. Princess Stella has lived a shelter life in the Nova Realm in the years her beloved sister had gone missing and was presumed dead. Wanting her freedom Stella volunteers to head to the Earth realm to search for a stolen crown, but all does not go according to plan when our heroine is attacked, shot full of poison by the Domincary Fae, left to struggle on her own.Enter her savior and downfall, dragon shifter and hired assassin Rhodes, the man/dragon with whom Stella will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rhodes and Stella, and the potential fall-out when Stella discovers Rhodes has been hired to kidnap and take her to the Dominicary Realm.
Stella never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of ‘rogue’ dragon Rhodes but without our hero Stella may have never survived. Healing in the Earth Realm in New Orleans, Stella has lost her ability to shift but finds her inner dragon wants something more from our story line hero. Rhodes has no intention of taking Stella to be tortured by the Fae but Rhodes never expected to find his fated mate in Princess Stella but disobeying the King of the Fae places Rhodes in the direct line of fire.
The relationship between Rhodes and Stella is one of immediate attraction predicated upon circumstance, a lie, and a poison arrow.Rhodes inner dragon wants to claim Stella as his own but the truth will push Stella out of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Stella’s sister Juniper and her mate Zephyr, their parents Soleil and Ares, as well ancient vampire Christian, and feline shifters Axel, Harlow and Brielle. There is something developing between Axel and Christian. The requisite evil has many faces.
ANCIENT VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desire and acceptance , forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the characters are powerful and energetic; the romance is seductive and provocative.
www.thereadingcafe.cm
SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, several dragons rose from their sleep, and in the aftermath destroyed much of the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in an apocalyptic showdown known as The Fall, but in doing so revealed the existence of the supernatural world to humankind. Ancients Rising focuses on the recovery of the city, and the group of supernaturals and dragons who have come to call New Orleans their home.
Told from several third person perspectives including Rhodes and Stella ANCIENT VENGEANCE focuses on the building romance and relationship between is ancient dragon shifter and assassin Rhodes, and Nova Princess dragon shifter Stella. Princess Stella has lived a shelter life in the Nova Realm in the years her beloved sister had gone missing and was presumed dead. Wanting her freedom Stella volunteers to head to the Earth realm to search for a stolen crown, but all does not go according to plan when our heroine is attacked, shot full of poison by the Domincary Fae, left to struggle on her own.Enter her savior and downfall, dragon shifter and hired assassin Rhodes, the man/dragon with whom Stella will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Rhodes and Stella, and the potential fall-out when Stella discovers Rhodes has been hired to kidnap and take her to the Dominicary Realm.
Stella never expected to come face to face with her future in the guise of ‘rogue’ dragon Rhodes but without our hero Stella may have never survived. Healing in the Earth Realm in New Orleans, Stella has lost her ability to shift but finds her inner dragon wants something more from our story line hero. Rhodes has no intention of taking Stella to be tortured by the Fae but Rhodes never expected to find his fated mate in Princess Stella but disobeying the King of the Fae places Rhodes in the direct line of fire.
The relationship between Rhodes and Stella is one of immediate attraction predicated upon circumstance, a lie, and a poison arrow.Rhodes inner dragon wants to claim Stella as his own but the truth will push Stella out of his life. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Stella’s sister Juniper and her mate Zephyr, their parents Soleil and Ares, as well ancient vampire Christian, and feline shifters Axel, Harlow and Brielle. There is something developing between Axel and Christian. The requisite evil has many faces.
ANCIENT VENGEANCE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, desire and acceptance , forgiveness and love. The premise is captivating and entertaining; the characters are powerful and energetic; the romance is seductive and provocative.
www.thereadingcafe.cm
December 9, 2022
How to start reviewing when there are no more higher praising words than already given before? This is yet again another great story in this series. Every time I start reading the latest I think she can't have done any better, but then she just proves me wrong. I love this series, I think together with Red Stone Security, they are my favorites by this author.
In this book we follow Rhodes, dragon extra ordinaire, an assassin, takes contracts to kidnap or rid the world of horrible beings. When he is tasked by the fae with kidnapping Stella, he starts to follow her every movement to get used to her pattern of the day and to find the easiest way to take her. In doing so however, he finds out she is not the bad person they make her out to be at all. She's kind, fierce and very beautiful. And when he scents her, he immediately knows she's his mate, so he has no intention at all to hand her over. Instead he'll to everything in his power to keep her safe.
Stella is the youngest princess of the Nova Realm. She's overprotected and has only just found out there are other realms. She's set on spreading her wings and going her own way. When at last she gets the chance to prove herself and is sent on a mission to retrieve a crown stolen from her realm, she's more than thrilled. Before reaching the other realm however she's poisened and saved by Rhodes. He takes her to a healer and sticks by her side. Stella is under the impression that he's a bodyguard sent by her parents and because she feels an immediate attraction to him, she lets him stay and they work together to find the crown. Rhodes feels really bad about keeping secrets, but fears that if he tells Stella who he really is and what he's supposed to do, she'll reject him. Needless to say lies never stay hidden.
They grow closer and closer, the tension between them is very high until they give in to their feelings.
I really do love this series, I love how fierce the dragons are, how overprotective both male and female. I love that we get to see characters from previous stories and the small hints as to whom the next MC's might be.
There's only one thing I hope and crave for, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me that Christian and Alex are getting their story!!! The tension between those two!!!!
*I was kindly give a copy of this book by the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review.*
In this book we follow Rhodes, dragon extra ordinaire, an assassin, takes contracts to kidnap or rid the world of horrible beings. When he is tasked by the fae with kidnapping Stella, he starts to follow her every movement to get used to her pattern of the day and to find the easiest way to take her. In doing so however, he finds out she is not the bad person they make her out to be at all. She's kind, fierce and very beautiful. And when he scents her, he immediately knows she's his mate, so he has no intention at all to hand her over. Instead he'll to everything in his power to keep her safe.
Stella is the youngest princess of the Nova Realm. She's overprotected and has only just found out there are other realms. She's set on spreading her wings and going her own way. When at last she gets the chance to prove herself and is sent on a mission to retrieve a crown stolen from her realm, she's more than thrilled. Before reaching the other realm however she's poisened and saved by Rhodes. He takes her to a healer and sticks by her side. Stella is under the impression that he's a bodyguard sent by her parents and because she feels an immediate attraction to him, she lets him stay and they work together to find the crown. Rhodes feels really bad about keeping secrets, but fears that if he tells Stella who he really is and what he's supposed to do, she'll reject him. Needless to say lies never stay hidden.
They grow closer and closer, the tension between them is very high until they give in to their feelings.
I really do love this series, I love how fierce the dragons are, how overprotective both male and female. I love that we get to see characters from previous stories and the small hints as to whom the next MC's might be.
There's only one thing I hope and crave for, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me that Christian and Alex are getting their story!!! The tension between those two!!!!
*I was kindly give a copy of this book by the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review.*
January 23, 2023
I love dragon shifter books. Other than reading Thea Harrison’s Elder Races series, I haven’t really read dragon books. Katie Reus is one of my favorite new-to-me authors & favorite authors in general. She writes such an amazing story & really brings the characters to life. As a reader than has gotten pickier as the years pass, I really appreciate her even more.
Rhodes has been hired by the fae to kidnap Princess Stella of the Nova realm. Except he knows she didn’t do the things that the fae are accusing her of doing. After following her around for weeks (i.e. stalking) her, he decides that he has to protect her. When she heads out of the realm on a mission to New Orleans, Rhodes barely stops her from being taken by the Fae.
Stella wants to prove to herself & her family that she is more than just an ornamental princess. After being sheltered her entire life, Stella is ready to spread her dragon wings. She wants to prove that she can be an asset to her clan & her people. When Rhodes arrives right when she is poisoned by the fae, she immediately (& incorrectly) assumes that he is a bodyguard sent by her family. Rhodes doesn’t correct her. To do so would mean she would be unprotected as she would certainly never forgive him for lying to her.
Stella is on a mission to find a crown that someone stole from her clan. Although she knows that the fae are a problem, she won’t stop looking for the crown. She feels it’s her only chance at proving herself. Both Stella & Rhodes are drawn into the new world in New Orleans where clubs are only open twice a week & payment goods are traded for services. It is quite a post-apocalyptic world that Reus has created here. I love it.
Rhodes knows that Stella is his mate, but her mating manifestation isn’t appearing which is pretty devastating to him. He doesn’t even consider the fact that the poison could have affected her in that way. Which is weird, because even I guessed that is why. Overall, I loved this book. I thought Stella & Rhodes were both amazing characters & a great team. I’m so excited that these books are being released almost back-to-back. Yay for dragons!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.
Rhodes has been hired by the fae to kidnap Princess Stella of the Nova realm. Except he knows she didn’t do the things that the fae are accusing her of doing. After following her around for weeks (i.e. stalking) her, he decides that he has to protect her. When she heads out of the realm on a mission to New Orleans, Rhodes barely stops her from being taken by the Fae.
Stella wants to prove to herself & her family that she is more than just an ornamental princess. After being sheltered her entire life, Stella is ready to spread her dragon wings. She wants to prove that she can be an asset to her clan & her people. When Rhodes arrives right when she is poisoned by the fae, she immediately (& incorrectly) assumes that he is a bodyguard sent by her family. Rhodes doesn’t correct her. To do so would mean she would be unprotected as she would certainly never forgive him for lying to her.
Stella is on a mission to find a crown that someone stole from her clan. Although she knows that the fae are a problem, she won’t stop looking for the crown. She feels it’s her only chance at proving herself. Both Stella & Rhodes are drawn into the new world in New Orleans where clubs are only open twice a week & payment goods are traded for services. It is quite a post-apocalyptic world that Reus has created here. I love it.
Rhodes knows that Stella is his mate, but her mating manifestation isn’t appearing which is pretty devastating to him. He doesn’t even consider the fact that the poison could have affected her in that way. Which is weird, because even I guessed that is why. Overall, I loved this book. I thought Stella & Rhodes were both amazing characters & a great team. I’m so excited that these books are being released almost back-to-back. Yay for dragons!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5.
December 9, 2022
Series: Ancients Rising #6
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Stella is determined to leave her realm and get some freedom from their smothering protectiveness. But her trip to New Orleans doesn’t go as planned and she finds herself with a protective bodyguard who she can’t get enough of, but isn’t telling the whole truth.
I really enjoyed Stella and Rhodes’ story. Stella is Juniper’s (Ancient Retribution) younger sister and is tired of being secluded and protected from the world. She is a smart, capable, and determined woman who just wants to actually experience life. I loved seeing Stella embrace life in New Orleans and learn to stand on her own capabilities.
“...she is my world and I will do anything to keep her safe and protected-not that my female needs it as she is fierce.”
Rhodes is an assassin who was tasked with kidnapping Stella. Instead he realizes she is his mate and does everything he can to protect her. Rhodes was extremely protective of Stella and made that known any time a male was around, but he never felt overbearing because he respected Stella and her ability to keep herself safe. While there is some strife between these two towards the end, I think it all played out perfectly for the situation. These two had a wonderful and very strong bond from the very beginning and I loved seeing them get their HEA.
Overall, this was another wonderful addition to this series. I love that we are getting to know a lot of the main characters that are shaping this new version of New Orleans. But, I really need Christian to admit his feelings for a certain lion and stop killing me with all the wait.
Trigger Warnings: torture, poisoning, brief mention of mass death from a natural disaster;
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Stella is determined to leave her realm and get some freedom from their smothering protectiveness. But her trip to New Orleans doesn’t go as planned and she finds herself with a protective bodyguard who she can’t get enough of, but isn’t telling the whole truth.
I really enjoyed Stella and Rhodes’ story. Stella is Juniper’s (Ancient Retribution) younger sister and is tired of being secluded and protected from the world. She is a smart, capable, and determined woman who just wants to actually experience life. I loved seeing Stella embrace life in New Orleans and learn to stand on her own capabilities.
“...she is my world and I will do anything to keep her safe and protected-not that my female needs it as she is fierce.”
Rhodes is an assassin who was tasked with kidnapping Stella. Instead he realizes she is his mate and does everything he can to protect her. Rhodes was extremely protective of Stella and made that known any time a male was around, but he never felt overbearing because he respected Stella and her ability to keep herself safe. While there is some strife between these two towards the end, I think it all played out perfectly for the situation. These two had a wonderful and very strong bond from the very beginning and I loved seeing them get their HEA.
Overall, this was another wonderful addition to this series. I love that we are getting to know a lot of the main characters that are shaping this new version of New Orleans. But, I really need Christian to admit his feelings for a certain lion and stop killing me with all the wait.
Trigger Warnings: torture, poisoning, brief mention of mass death from a natural disaster;
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
December 27, 2022
Rhodes, an assassin hired to kidnap Princess Stella, sets out on his mission thinking that she's a bad person and he's justified in kidnapping her and taking her back to the Fae. There's only one problem, she's not the villain that they made her out to be and his dragon wants to protect her. The longer Rhodes is around her the more the feelings he has for her deepens and he realizes that he'll never be able to hand her over to the Fae who want to do who knows what with her.
Stella is a dragon shifter from a royal line in the Nova Realm. She's been sheltered ever since her sister was lost to the family but now that her sister has been found and is back, she wants to head out on her own for a little while and experience life for once without her family sending bodyguards with her to keep her safe.
So when Rhodes finds her after she's been poisoned and she mistakenly thinks that he's a bodyguard her grandmother sent to keep her safe, he let's her believe that's who he is so he can be around her and keep her safe from the people who hired him.
Once she is back with her sister's friends, he stays around keeping her safe but not telling her the truth about who he is. They are both dragon shifters and their dragons know they are meant to be mates, they are attracted to each other and after a while they can no longer keep from being together even though he knows he's no good for her. It isn't until her sister and her mate show up that all hell breaks loose. Rhodes seems like he would be a hard guy to fall for but he has a big heart and really cares about Stella. I really liked him. Stella I didn't really like all that much but that might be because she's been so sheltered and isn't worldly and acts like she can take care of herself even though she is a bit naïve.
This was a good addition to the series but not my favorite book.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC via NetGalley but all thought and opinions are my own.
Stella is a dragon shifter from a royal line in the Nova Realm. She's been sheltered ever since her sister was lost to the family but now that her sister has been found and is back, she wants to head out on her own for a little while and experience life for once without her family sending bodyguards with her to keep her safe.
So when Rhodes finds her after she's been poisoned and she mistakenly thinks that he's a bodyguard her grandmother sent to keep her safe, he let's her believe that's who he is so he can be around her and keep her safe from the people who hired him.
Once she is back with her sister's friends, he stays around keeping her safe but not telling her the truth about who he is. They are both dragon shifters and their dragons know they are meant to be mates, they are attracted to each other and after a while they can no longer keep from being together even though he knows he's no good for her. It isn't until her sister and her mate show up that all hell breaks loose. Rhodes seems like he would be a hard guy to fall for but he has a big heart and really cares about Stella. I really liked him. Stella I didn't really like all that much but that might be because she's been so sheltered and isn't worldly and acts like she can take care of herself even though she is a bit naïve.
This was a good addition to the series but not my favorite book.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC via NetGalley but all thought and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
🇫🇷French & English reviews🇬🇧
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance paranormal x dragons x New Orleans & fantasy world x mates x royalty x assassination plot x bodyguard romance x touch her & die x spicy
Une romance paranormale que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir
Deuxième livre de la série que j’avais apparemment oublié de lire … Heureusement que je me suis lancée dans une relecture !
J’avais beaucoup aimé l’histoire de Juniper et j’étais donc curieuse de voir comment sa petite sœur Stella allait s’en sortir … ET j’ai adoré !!
Toute l’intrigue et la tension autour des secrets de Rhodes qui tombe totalement amoureux de Stella (on adore les dragons silencieux et badass qui sont secrètement des marshmallows <3) mais qui doute tellement de ce qui va se passer quand ses secrets seront révélés … J’ai dévoré toute la tension et l’angst autour des malentendus et des non-dits !
Bref, une romance paranormale mignonne que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir !
PS : il FAUT que Christian et Axel finissent ensemble !!
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A paranormal romance that I read with great pleasure
Second book in the series that I had apparently forgotten to read … Luckily, I started a reread !
I really liked Juniper's story, so I was curious to see how her little sister Stella would cope … AND I loved it !!
All the intrigue and tension surrounding Rhodes's secrets, as he falls completely in love with Stella (we love silent, badass dragons who are secretly marshmallows <3) but who has so much doubt about what will happen when his secrets are revealed …
I devoured all the tension and angst surrounding the misunderstandings and unspoken words !
In short, a cute paranormal romance that I read with great pleasure !
PS: Christian and Axel MUST end up together !!
📖Genre & Tropes📖 : romance paranormal x dragons x New Orleans & fantasy world x mates x royalty x assassination plot x bodyguard romance x touch her & die x spicy
Une romance paranormale que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir
Deuxième livre de la série que j’avais apparemment oublié de lire … Heureusement que je me suis lancée dans une relecture !
J’avais beaucoup aimé l’histoire de Juniper et j’étais donc curieuse de voir comment sa petite sœur Stella allait s’en sortir … ET j’ai adoré !!
Toute l’intrigue et la tension autour des secrets de Rhodes qui tombe totalement amoureux de Stella (on adore les dragons silencieux et badass qui sont secrètement des marshmallows <3) mais qui doute tellement de ce qui va se passer quand ses secrets seront révélés … J’ai dévoré toute la tension et l’angst autour des malentendus et des non-dits !
Bref, une romance paranormale mignonne que j’ai lu avec grand plaisir !
PS : il FAUT que Christian et Axel finissent ensemble !!
⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐~⭐
A paranormal romance that I read with great pleasure
Second book in the series that I had apparently forgotten to read … Luckily, I started a reread !
I really liked Juniper's story, so I was curious to see how her little sister Stella would cope … AND I loved it !!
All the intrigue and tension surrounding Rhodes's secrets, as he falls completely in love with Stella (we love silent, badass dragons who are secretly marshmallows <3) but who has so much doubt about what will happen when his secrets are revealed …
I devoured all the tension and angst surrounding the misunderstandings and unspoken words !
In short, a cute paranormal romance that I read with great pleasure !
PS: Christian and Axel MUST end up together !!
December 23, 2022
I'll always pick up a Katie Reus book. Her paranormal world is among the best out there, and revisiting old friends in New Orleans and other post-Fall cities and realms is decidedly reassuring. Here we get Stella and Rhodes' story. We met dragon princess Stella previously in her long-lost older sister Juniper's book (Ancient Retribution). Though this book stands alone quite well, knowing a little about this royal dragon family already did make the story richer.
Rhodes is new. Also a dragon, but a loner assassin one, he's sent to Nova, Stella's realm, to kidnap the princess and bring her to a fae realm. He'd been led to believe she was a horrible person, but by the time this story begins, he already knows she's really sweet and kind, and he's been crushing on her from afar. Instead of taking her, he appoints himself her bodyguard and accompanies her to New Orleans. As the two grow closer, he dreads the moment she finds out the truth about his original intentions.
There is definitely fae attack action throughout the book, though I wouldn't have minded more. Instead, much of the time is spent on sexy times and on getting to know other shifters and vampires in the city. I was okay with the slightly mild pace because I was expecting there to be some kind of reveal about Rhodes' background. All we know is he was found by humans alone in the woods; surely greater truths were coming? But they didn't. The climax of the fae issue is also resolved rather easily, and there were never really any moments that made me fear for our h and H.
All that aside, the story was a fluid, lovely read. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Rhodes is new. Also a dragon, but a loner assassin one, he's sent to Nova, Stella's realm, to kidnap the princess and bring her to a fae realm. He'd been led to believe she was a horrible person, but by the time this story begins, he already knows she's really sweet and kind, and he's been crushing on her from afar. Instead of taking her, he appoints himself her bodyguard and accompanies her to New Orleans. As the two grow closer, he dreads the moment she finds out the truth about his original intentions.
There is definitely fae attack action throughout the book, though I wouldn't have minded more. Instead, much of the time is spent on sexy times and on getting to know other shifters and vampires in the city. I was okay with the slightly mild pace because I was expecting there to be some kind of reveal about Rhodes' background. All we know is he was found by humans alone in the woods; surely greater truths were coming? But they didn't. The climax of the fae issue is also resolved rather easily, and there were never really any moments that made me fear for our h and H.
All that aside, the story was a fluid, lovely read. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
December 31, 2022
This is book 6 in the Ancients Rising series and while it can be read as a standalone, I would read at least the previous book before this one as that one is about her sister. In this one we get Stella's story. Stella has been sheltered ever since most of her family was slaughtered, all while still being trained how to be fierce and fight. But when her sister is found and brought home, she realizes that she can finally explore the world and live her life the way she wants to. And finally gets her chance with an assignment away from home. Rhodes is an assassin. He took a job to kidnap Stella and has always finished any contracts he takes. Until he sees her and realizes that she is an innocent. Now, he will do anything he has to do in order to keep her safe. And once he spends time with her, he knows she is his mate. But will she forgive him for not telling her the whole truth? And can he keep her safe while he ferrets out the beings after her?
I loved most of this story. Stella and Rhodes are perfect for each other. I loved how they both have issues pertaining to their pasts but they still know they have something with each other that they want. Rhodes doesn't think he is good enough for her, whereas Stella thinks she is too inexperienced for him. I love how they take the time learn about how each other ticks and about things that they have never really told anyone. Their interactions with others was funny to read, and the fact that they both had to learn to truly make friends was something I enjoyed. My only drawback-I wish we knew more about where Rhodes truly came from and what happened to his family and such? It kinda left me with questions that I felt like I needed answers to, but that is mainly just my mind not wanting to let it go. Everything else about this story, I absolutely loved!
I loved most of this story. Stella and Rhodes are perfect for each other. I loved how they both have issues pertaining to their pasts but they still know they have something with each other that they want. Rhodes doesn't think he is good enough for her, whereas Stella thinks she is too inexperienced for him. I love how they take the time learn about how each other ticks and about things that they have never really told anyone. Their interactions with others was funny to read, and the fact that they both had to learn to truly make friends was something I enjoyed. My only drawback-I wish we knew more about where Rhodes truly came from and what happened to his family and such? It kinda left me with questions that I felt like I needed answers to, but that is mainly just my mind not wanting to let it go. Everything else about this story, I absolutely loved!
September 21, 2023
Love and healing in the midst of danger
I loved Rhodes and Stella’s fated mates, enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance. This story is filled with all the emotions, the connections, the danger, and the love. Stella is a dragon shifter and a princess in the Nova realm. Due to the disappearance of her older sister, she been extremely sheltered and smothered. Now that her sister has returned, Stella decides to travel to the human realm and is tasked with bringing back a thief. Rhodes is a dragon shifter and an assassin who only kills evil beings. His upbringing was the opposite of Stella’s. He has been hired to kidnap Stella but once he sees her, he realizes he cannot go through with it. Unfortunately, he is not the only danger to Stella. They meet when Rhodes saves Stella from fae assassins. She makes an assumption about who he is to her and he does not correct her. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to stay safe from the fae, learn to trust each other and unpack all the baggage. I have a soft spot for the people, like Rhodes, who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. There are some chapters told from major secondary character’s POVs which are related to their love lives. Generally I do not like this but it was done well in this story. It helped the story flow rather than interrupted it. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline as told through sweet moments, steamy scenes, fighting, dangerous situations, supernatural physiology and cultures, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends, painful pasts, mystical coincidences, fated mates, mystery, secrets, plot twists, and laughs. I will definitely be continuing this series.
I loved Rhodes and Stella’s fated mates, enemies to lovers, opposites attract romance. This story is filled with all the emotions, the connections, the danger, and the love. Stella is a dragon shifter and a princess in the Nova realm. Due to the disappearance of her older sister, she been extremely sheltered and smothered. Now that her sister has returned, Stella decides to travel to the human realm and is tasked with bringing back a thief. Rhodes is a dragon shifter and an assassin who only kills evil beings. His upbringing was the opposite of Stella’s. He has been hired to kidnap Stella but once he sees her, he realizes he cannot go through with it. Unfortunately, he is not the only danger to Stella. They meet when Rhodes saves Stella from fae assassins. She makes an assumption about who he is to her and he does not correct her. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to stay safe from the fae, learn to trust each other and unpack all the baggage. I have a soft spot for the people, like Rhodes, who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. There are some chapters told from major secondary character’s POVs which are related to their love lives. Generally I do not like this but it was done well in this story. It helped the story flow rather than interrupted it. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline as told through sweet moments, steamy scenes, fighting, dangerous situations, supernatural physiology and cultures, evil actors, henchmen, loyal friends, painful pasts, mystical coincidences, fated mates, mystery, secrets, plot twists, and laughs. I will definitely be continuing this series.
October 11, 2023
It was.. ok. more like a 2.5 for me. I didn't read the whole series, just found this book and read it as a stand alone and I do not recommend that lol. It says it can be read as a stand alone, and in theory it can, but the whole story felt like a service to fans of the series- random characters just showing up here and there even though there really was no reason for the main characters to know or care about those characters. Great for fans of the series to see those characters from other books again, not great as a stand alone. As a stand alone the book just didn't feel fully fleshed-out, it read more like a novella.
To add to the 'novella' feel, the main characters suffer from insta-love. Both are apparently virgins, yet they were having sex within 2 days of meeting. Heroine even asks sister how to know if she's ready to have sex, and yet she's doing it with a verifiable stranger days later. She has no idea who he is, what his mission is, and just nods and follows along. 2 seconds after getting her freedom she's poisoned and 2 days after meeting this stranger she's sleeping with him. and yet readers are supposed to believe she's this trained badass dragon warrior? That a sheltered girl would just jump right into anal play? uhh, no. If anything she does a great impression of a TSTL heroine though. At best she's incredibly naïve. I ended up skipping so much of the sex scenes, it was just too much.
I have no thoughts on the Hero. He's a typical gruff broody dragon hero. Suffers from insta-love, but other than that he was fine. It makes sense he's so protective because the heroine is an idiot! lol
overall, if you like this series I'm sure you will love this book. It's definitely not for me though.
To add to the 'novella' feel, the main characters suffer from insta-love. Both are apparently virgins, yet they were having sex within 2 days of meeting. Heroine even asks sister how to know if she's ready to have sex, and yet she's doing it with a verifiable stranger days later. She has no idea who he is, what his mission is, and just nods and follows along. 2 seconds after getting her freedom she's poisoned and 2 days after meeting this stranger she's sleeping with him. and yet readers are supposed to believe she's this trained badass dragon warrior? That a sheltered girl would just jump right into anal play? uhh, no. If anything she does a great impression of a TSTL heroine though. At best she's incredibly naïve. I ended up skipping so much of the sex scenes, it was just too much.
I have no thoughts on the Hero. He's a typical gruff broody dragon hero. Suffers from insta-love, but other than that he was fine. It makes sense he's so protective because the heroine is an idiot! lol
overall, if you like this series I'm sure you will love this book. It's definitely not for me though.
December 20, 2022
This is book six in The Ancients Rising Series and it is Stella and Rhodes story and omg it is definitely a must read. Stella has been protected her whole life so when she gets the chance to spread her wings and go on a assignment she is excited to prove her worth and what she can do only for things to go sideways and wrong and that is when Rhodes shows up and she is not happy as she thinks that he is a bodyguard sent to watch over her by her family to keep her safe and even though she is disappointed that they don't trust her to look after herself she is also grateful that he arrived to help her. Rhodes is an assassin and his job is to get rid of the evil but his new assignment is a bit of a puzzle as he had been told that Stella was evil but as he followed her he sees nothing evil about her in fact all he sees is a fierce, driven, smart, loyal and beautiful person and Rhodes also realised that she is his mate so he will do anything and everything possible to protect and keep her safe from the evil surrounding them regardless of the outcome of situation and now he needs to tell her his secret before somebody else tells her first or else he could lose her all together and he is not taking that chance. Stella and Rhodes have a connection and bond that was so strong along with intense chemistry but will they get the happy ending that they both deserve or will evil win breaking them apart. This series just gets better and better with each book written and I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting because I had to keep turning the pages wondering what would happen next and it was totally addictive and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
December 22, 2022
It’s the latest offering in the Ancients Rising series and Ancient Vengeance sees Nova princess Stella and rogue dragon assassin team up to hunt down a precious artefact stolen from Stella’s home. With the action moving from the Nova realm to New Orleans and then onto the Fae Domincary realm this book is an action-filled read. Stella is the cosseted, youngest daughter in her family. When she wants to spread her wings metaphorically, after the return of her long lost sister it seems the logical idea to send her to New Orleans so when she meets Rhodes on her journey she assumes he’s been sent by her overly protective family as a bodyguard not realising he’s not who she thinks he is and is hiding a huge secret from her.
This is a series where I just know I’m going to love each and every book and this was no exception. It is a bit of a slow burner despite the immediate attraction mutual between the hero and heroine and some hot chemistry but their relationship is allowed to develop gradually. As usual the heroine is just as kickass as the hero and even gets the chance to rescue him proving her strength despite her fragile appearance. I would have liked a little more of Rhodes background – he can’t just have appeared out of nowhere but perhaps more of his history will come out in future books. One of my favourite things about these books is catching up with some old friends and finding out what their characters are up to but we really need Alex and Christian to get it together. Its more than obvious they are meant to be just like Tom and Jerry or Scooby and Shaggy.
This is a series where I just know I’m going to love each and every book and this was no exception. It is a bit of a slow burner despite the immediate attraction mutual between the hero and heroine and some hot chemistry but their relationship is allowed to develop gradually. As usual the heroine is just as kickass as the hero and even gets the chance to rescue him proving her strength despite her fragile appearance. I would have liked a little more of Rhodes background – he can’t just have appeared out of nowhere but perhaps more of his history will come out in future books. One of my favourite things about these books is catching up with some old friends and finding out what their characters are up to but we really need Alex and Christian to get it together. Its more than obvious they are meant to be just like Tom and Jerry or Scooby and Shaggy.
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