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Bitten and Barbed: Shifters of Northpeak Book Two
Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? You should be.
Bryar Dubois has always been your average human. If you consider being thirty-four, working one job while trying to follow your dream, and scraping by on measly tips, your average life.
But when she has a one-night-stand with Jasper—the off-limits best friend of her bestie’s mate—her boring little life is turned upside down.
She’s in for a tumultuous ride, between daydreaming about the lion shifter with the golden eyes, and being pursued by the big bad wolf. The same wolf that Jasper is trying to take down.
Grim Brady, the leader of the Brady pack.
Bryar doesn’t know what she’s gotten into, and Jasper has no clue how difficult his job is about to get now that Bryar is involved.
Their secret relationship, and her connections to the packs might just get them both killed.
Author's Note: Please be aware, this is the second book in a series that starts with Clawed by Cupid. This book is a dark paranormal romance and has some dark elements that may difficult for some readers. A full list of any potential trigger or content warnings can be found on the author's website.
Bryar Dubois has always been your average human. If you consider being thirty-four, working one job while trying to follow your dream, and scraping by on measly tips, your average life.
But when she has a one-night-stand with Jasper—the off-limits best friend of her bestie’s mate—her boring little life is turned upside down.
She’s in for a tumultuous ride, between daydreaming about the lion shifter with the golden eyes, and being pursued by the big bad wolf. The same wolf that Jasper is trying to take down.
Grim Brady, the leader of the Brady pack.
Bryar doesn’t know what she’s gotten into, and Jasper has no clue how difficult his job is about to get now that Bryar is involved.
Their secret relationship, and her connections to the packs might just get them both killed.
Author's Note: Please be aware, this is the second book in a series that starts with Clawed by Cupid. This book is a dark paranormal romance and has some dark elements that may difficult for some readers. A full list of any potential trigger or content warnings can be found on the author's website.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2024
About the author
Allie Maddox
7 books76 followersAllie lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children and two dogs. She is a lover of all books, especially romance, sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal and thriller books. A Tale of Love & Bones is her debut novel and the first in the Daughters of the Keeper series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 12, 2024
Spicy Shifter Romance, indeed! I enjoyed this book and could have easily read it in one night of my schedule allowed. If you’re looking for a hot!! shifter/human escapade with some bad guys and comedy thrown in, read it! Plenty of spicy scenes and talk throughout the entire book and the TW were on point to alert readers of any sensitive topics. With that said, the TW were accurate but I didn’t feel this leaned “too” dark.
This was my first read with this author and it did take a few chapters to settle in with her style. Initially I wasn’t sure about the “write as you speak” style where there might be sentences, followed by continued, supporting thoughts which aren’t a full sentence. While it tripped me up for the first bit, I could easily imagine this as an audio book and became a non-issue. I found the author wrote this way more-so in Bryar’s chapters vs Jasper’s. Both lead characters were full of personality and I wanted “more” of them when the book ended. I was surprised when I got to the end and felt it was sudden but….anticipate there will be more in the series?!
The supporting characters were also funny and left me wondering what’s next for this “pack”. I could sense some story building for Aspen or Maggie (fingers crossed). This is a quick read, delivered on the “spicy shifter romance” promise and I’ll be interested to see what comes next.
Noteworthy-the author clearly states this is the 2nd book in series but *CAN be read as a standalone. I can confirm this is absolutely true. I chose to read this as a standalone to test that theory and didn’t feel like I was missing any key elements to enjoy the novel. I plan to read book 1 now.
This was my first read with this author and it did take a few chapters to settle in with her style. Initially I wasn’t sure about the “write as you speak” style where there might be sentences, followed by continued, supporting thoughts which aren’t a full sentence. While it tripped me up for the first bit, I could easily imagine this as an audio book and became a non-issue. I found the author wrote this way more-so in Bryar’s chapters vs Jasper’s. Both lead characters were full of personality and I wanted “more” of them when the book ended. I was surprised when I got to the end and felt it was sudden but….anticipate there will be more in the series?!
The supporting characters were also funny and left me wondering what’s next for this “pack”. I could sense some story building for Aspen or Maggie (fingers crossed). This is a quick read, delivered on the “spicy shifter romance” promise and I’ll be interested to see what comes next.
Noteworthy-the author clearly states this is the 2nd book in series but *CAN be read as a standalone. I can confirm this is absolutely true. I chose to read this as a standalone to test that theory and didn’t feel like I was missing any key elements to enjoy the novel. I plan to read book 1 now.
September 7, 2024
If you are in the mood for a super spicy kinky urban shifter romance this is the book for you. I loved EVERY second of this book. It was very well written and the plot line was so good…and the spicy scenes were so so hawt! All of the characters were so fun and I can’t wait to get their stories in future books! This is the second book in the series and I believe each book focuses on a different girl in the friend group. I’m immediately going to jump into book one as I didn’t mean to read it out of order!
This book defied a lot of the cookie cutter expectations that romance books tend to have and I think that is why I loved it so much. I don’t want to include spoilers in the review but I will say that I LOVED that the main love interests relationship didn’t fall apart 75% way through the book due to bad communication etc. like happens to often in romance novels. That is a huge pet peeve of mine and I loved how the tension and plot unfolded in this book.
For what it is this book is a gem. I will def be recommending it to all my friends who like a good smutty fantasy!
This book defied a lot of the cookie cutter expectations that romance books tend to have and I think that is why I loved it so much. I don’t want to include spoilers in the review but I will say that I LOVED that the main love interests relationship didn’t fall apart 75% way through the book due to bad communication etc. like happens to often in romance novels. That is a huge pet peeve of mine and I loved how the tension and plot unfolded in this book.
For what it is this book is a gem. I will def be recommending it to all my friends who like a good smutty fantasy!
September 9, 2024
Loved this!
This was my first lion shifter book and I absolutely loved the little differences between what I was used to and Jasper. As someone who likes the red stuff, it was SO HOT 🥵
The fact that this book has not one, BUT TWO, bad guys had my heart racing and trying to read quickly so I could get to the end and find out what happens.
The introduction of so many great side characters leads me to think there will be quite a few books to this series still to come. I have loved both couples so far and I can’t wait to read them all!
This was my first lion shifter book and I absolutely loved the little differences between what I was used to and Jasper. As someone who likes the red stuff, it was SO HOT 🥵
The fact that this book has not one, BUT TWO, bad guys had my heart racing and trying to read quickly so I could get to the end and find out what happens.
The introduction of so many great side characters leads me to think there will be quite a few books to this series still to come. I have loved both couples so far and I can’t wait to read them all!
October 1, 2024
I love this Authors writing style, very easy to read and down to earth. I also feel like she moved the plot along and builds the world well just through their dialog. I really enjoy this little shifter town they live in and the social conflicts that go on. You can definitely read this book without reading the first, but I still recommend reading Clawed by Cupid.
The spicy scenes in this did not disappoint either! I would read the trigger warnings if you are squeamish.
The spicy scenes in this did not disappoint either! I would read the trigger warnings if you are squeamish.
September 8, 2024
If you’re in the mood for a spicy, kinky fast paced book that has a shifter MMC and human FMC, then this is 100% the book for you.
This book starts out with spice on chapter two 🤗
This book does have a few trigger warnings that may not be for everyone but the author does an amazing job at listing them so please make sure to check before you pick this up.
Overall this was a very well written book and was also a fast read. Heavy on the smut and the angst it truly was a good read.
I cannot express how enjoyable it was
This book starts out with spice on chapter two 🤗
This book does have a few trigger warnings that may not be for everyone but the author does an amazing job at listing them so please make sure to check before you pick this up.
Overall this was a very well written book and was also a fast read. Heavy on the smut and the angst it truly was a good read.
I cannot express how enjoyable it was
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2024
Love this! Such a fun read. The spice was top notch and I really enjoyed the story. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!
September 17, 2024
ARC read - review
Bitten and Barbed by Allie Maddox
Release date: 9/18/2024
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
4.5⭐️
4🌶️
This was a great read! It includes wolves, humans, talks about vampires and how they all live amongst each other. It’s a dark romance that had some dark moments so of course always check trigger warnings!
Bryar, The female main character of this book, has such a great personality! She’s strong, cares about her friends, isn’t afraid to defend herself or anyone she cares about, and is completely unfiltered. I love that she speaks her mind and isn’t afraid of it. She meets Jasper who is a cop (not human) and has a one night stand with him, or so we thought? It turns out he’s investigating Grim who might have connections to Bryar. (Def recommend reading to find out how!)
The 🌶️ scenes in this read are 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤please don’t read ahead due to possible spoilers…
I absolutely love the relationship between Jasper and Bryar! I loved getting to read the relationship build up to something serious and not so rushed! I love that they communicate with each other and how both of them speak their minds. When they finally admit to the bond 🥹
Grim is an asshole throughout the whole read! Def a bad guy but so annoying how he thought he could just own whatever he wants and treat Bryar the way he did. His last scene was perfect! Haha
Getting to learn the friend circle was also a plus! I hope for another book with more on them and on what happens with Maggie, Haze, Cove, and Pen!?! Is Donavan ever found!? It left me clinging for more!
Quotes:
“my body molds to hers differently than anyone else I’ve ever met”
“being close to her feels more like home than being away”
“this woman might be my mate”
“But you’re my mate, Bryar, and I’m sick of pretending that you’re not”
“staring down at her vibrant eyes as she watches me with complete and utter happiness”
Bitten and Barbed by Allie Maddox
Release date: 9/18/2024
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
4.5⭐️
4🌶️
This was a great read! It includes wolves, humans, talks about vampires and how they all live amongst each other. It’s a dark romance that had some dark moments so of course always check trigger warnings!
Bryar, The female main character of this book, has such a great personality! She’s strong, cares about her friends, isn’t afraid to defend herself or anyone she cares about, and is completely unfiltered. I love that she speaks her mind and isn’t afraid of it. She meets Jasper who is a cop (not human) and has a one night stand with him, or so we thought? It turns out he’s investigating Grim who might have connections to Bryar. (Def recommend reading to find out how!)
The 🌶️ scenes in this read are 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🖤please don’t read ahead due to possible spoilers…
I absolutely love the relationship between Jasper and Bryar! I loved getting to read the relationship build up to something serious and not so rushed! I love that they communicate with each other and how both of them speak their minds. When they finally admit to the bond 🥹
Grim is an asshole throughout the whole read! Def a bad guy but so annoying how he thought he could just own whatever he wants and treat Bryar the way he did. His last scene was perfect! Haha
Getting to learn the friend circle was also a plus! I hope for another book with more on them and on what happens with Maggie, Haze, Cove, and Pen!?! Is Donavan ever found!? It left me clinging for more!
Quotes:
“my body molds to hers differently than anyone else I’ve ever met”
“being close to her feels more like home than being away”
“this woman might be my mate”
“But you’re my mate, Bryar, and I’m sick of pretending that you’re not”
“staring down at her vibrant eyes as she watches me with complete and utter happiness”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Allie has done it again! She wrote a shifter romance that I couldn’t put down and thoroughly enjoyed reading! She has this way of taking dark romance, but putting characters that are so easy to love, that you sometimes forget you are reading dark romance. But then she brings it back to dark romance is the most delicious of ways! The spice hits early and keeps going throughout this book! The MCs are passionate, strong, and perfect for each other.
Bryar is our caffeine loving, feisty, takes no nonsense from anyone FMC. She says what is on her mind and is unapologetically herself. Sometimes her lack of filter can get her into trouble, but she can hold her own. She isn’t necessarily looking for love, but enjoys life, and has lots of fun. She also doesn’t tend to rely on anyone but herself. However, throughout this storyline she grows to realize leaning on others doesn’t mean you are weak. And opening your heart to someone who loves you for everything you are, means never facing anything alone again.
Jasper is our lion shifting MMC, who, due to being a police detective, plays by the rules of humans more than those of the shifter world. Until the shifter world targets the woman he is falling madly in love with. He is a smooth talker, so good to Bryar, and knows how to bring her to the brink over and over again. He also thought he would never be the relationship type and although his connection to Bryar didn’t click into place immediately, when he realizes who she is to him, she is all that matters.
I adore reading anything written by Allie, but especially love this series. Coming off her high fantasy trilogy, this book seemed to let the fun flow out of her. The group of shifters and humans that come together in this series, so far, are wonderful to read about, truly are found family, and I can’t wait to get more of their stories! Allie always delivers characters who are dynamic and deep, a storyline that just keeps giving so you never want to stop reading, and spice that hits over and over again!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🦁Lion Shifter MMC
🖤NOT a one night stand
🦁Secret Relationship
🖤Fated Mates
🦁Barbed 🍆
🖤Couple in their 30s
🦁Touch her and ☠️
🖤Breeding shmink/no babies
🦁Found Family
🖤Filterless FMC
🦁Playboy MMC
🖤He takes care of her
Allie has done it again! She wrote a shifter romance that I couldn’t put down and thoroughly enjoyed reading! She has this way of taking dark romance, but putting characters that are so easy to love, that you sometimes forget you are reading dark romance. But then she brings it back to dark romance is the most delicious of ways! The spice hits early and keeps going throughout this book! The MCs are passionate, strong, and perfect for each other.
Bryar is our caffeine loving, feisty, takes no nonsense from anyone FMC. She says what is on her mind and is unapologetically herself. Sometimes her lack of filter can get her into trouble, but she can hold her own. She isn’t necessarily looking for love, but enjoys life, and has lots of fun. She also doesn’t tend to rely on anyone but herself. However, throughout this storyline she grows to realize leaning on others doesn’t mean you are weak. And opening your heart to someone who loves you for everything you are, means never facing anything alone again.
Jasper is our lion shifting MMC, who, due to being a police detective, plays by the rules of humans more than those of the shifter world. Until the shifter world targets the woman he is falling madly in love with. He is a smooth talker, so good to Bryar, and knows how to bring her to the brink over and over again. He also thought he would never be the relationship type and although his connection to Bryar didn’t click into place immediately, when he realizes who she is to him, she is all that matters.
I adore reading anything written by Allie, but especially love this series. Coming off her high fantasy trilogy, this book seemed to let the fun flow out of her. The group of shifters and humans that come together in this series, so far, are wonderful to read about, truly are found family, and I can’t wait to get more of their stories! Allie always delivers characters who are dynamic and deep, a storyline that just keeps giving so you never want to stop reading, and spice that hits over and over again!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
Tropes:
🦁Lion Shifter MMC
🖤NOT a one night stand
🦁Secret Relationship
🖤Fated Mates
🦁Barbed 🍆
🖤Couple in their 30s
🦁Touch her and ☠️
🖤Breeding shmink/no babies
🦁Found Family
🖤Filterless FMC
🦁Playboy MMC
🖤He takes care of her
September 17, 2024
Bitten and Barbed by Allie Maddox
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the second book in the Shifters of Northpeak series, book one is Clawed by Cupid! **Please read the trigger warnings!!
I liked Clawed by Cupid but I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Bitten and Barbed! It was so freaking spicy but the plot was still engaging and suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book! I absolutely adore our FMC - she is strong with a sassy personality that is hard to not love and our MMC, the lion shifter, Jasper, is absolute 🔥🔥 His mouth is sooooo hot 🥵 Although this series is spice heavy as it’s a paranormal erotic I do not find it overwhelming, it’s not every single page, every single chapter and the plot evens it out! I adore the element of found family in this book, how their little group becomes its own “pack” and I can’t wait to see how that element evolves in the next book! This is such a great book to add to your spooky season TBR!
Blurb -
Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? You should be.
Bryar Dubois has always been your average human. If you consider being thirty-four, working one job while trying to follow your dream, and scraping by on measly tips, your average life. But when she has a one-night-stand with Jasper—the off-limits best friend of her bestie’s mate—her boring little life is turned upside down. She’s in for a tumultuous ride, between daydreaming about the lion shifter with the golden eyes, and being pursued by the big bad wolf. The same wolf that Jasper is trying to take down. Grim Brady, the leader of the Brady pack.
Bryar doesn’t know what she’s gotten into, and Jasper has no clue how difficult his job is about to get now that Bryar is involved. Their secret relationship, and her connections to the packs might just get them both killed.
Check out Bitten and Barbed here -
https://www.amazon.com/Bitten-Barbed-...
#bookstagram #booksta #bookish #bookcommunity #booktok #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #paranormalerotica #shifterromance #arcreader #arcreview #indiesuthorsupport
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the second book in the Shifters of Northpeak series, book one is Clawed by Cupid! **Please read the trigger warnings!!
I liked Clawed by Cupid but I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Bitten and Barbed! It was so freaking spicy but the plot was still engaging and suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat for the entire book! I absolutely adore our FMC - she is strong with a sassy personality that is hard to not love and our MMC, the lion shifter, Jasper, is absolute 🔥🔥 His mouth is sooooo hot 🥵 Although this series is spice heavy as it’s a paranormal erotic I do not find it overwhelming, it’s not every single page, every single chapter and the plot evens it out! I adore the element of found family in this book, how their little group becomes its own “pack” and I can’t wait to see how that element evolves in the next book! This is such a great book to add to your spooky season TBR!
Blurb -
Are you afraid of the big bad wolf? You should be.
Bryar Dubois has always been your average human. If you consider being thirty-four, working one job while trying to follow your dream, and scraping by on measly tips, your average life. But when she has a one-night-stand with Jasper—the off-limits best friend of her bestie’s mate—her boring little life is turned upside down. She’s in for a tumultuous ride, between daydreaming about the lion shifter with the golden eyes, and being pursued by the big bad wolf. The same wolf that Jasper is trying to take down. Grim Brady, the leader of the Brady pack.
Bryar doesn’t know what she’s gotten into, and Jasper has no clue how difficult his job is about to get now that Bryar is involved. Their secret relationship, and her connections to the packs might just get them both killed.
Check out Bitten and Barbed here -
https://www.amazon.com/Bitten-Barbed-...
#bookstagram #booksta #bookish #bookcommunity #booktok #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #bookrecs #paranormalerotica #shifterromance #arcreader #arcreview #indiesuthorsupport
September 15, 2024
ARC reader
I'm not sure what I expected from this book when I was accepted as an arc reader, but it wasn't that and I'm definitely not disappointed.
Within the first couple of chapters, you are immediately thrown into the story, and with that comes the delightfully detailed spice. There is no easing you into this story and I loved every minute of it! The main character, Bryar, is a 34-year-old woman working as a manager in a dive bar, trying to make ends meet, follow her dream and enjoy herself along the way. I love Bryar's no-f*cks-given attitude towards having fun and it doesn't change when a one night stand becomes way more than she bargained for. Keeping her new-found attachment a secret, things start to go wrong when the big bad wolf zeros in on her and makes things worse for her and the MMC, Jasper.
The MMC, Jasper is a detective trying to take down a large pack of wolves, run by the very man (Grim) who has his eyes set on his girl (Bryar) putting both their lives at higher risk. With the help of their friends, a collection of characters that enrich the story and give it a more found family-like element, they manage to keep one another safe.
The story as a whole was faster-paced than previous books I've read, but it was well-written and didn't feel rushed. I had not read 'Clawed by Cupid' before reading this one and didn't feel like I was missing any of the story but really enjoyed the author's writing style and will be going back to read it next. I'm looking forward to reading where the story goes in the next book.
I'm not sure what I expected from this book when I was accepted as an arc reader, but it wasn't that and I'm definitely not disappointed.
Within the first couple of chapters, you are immediately thrown into the story, and with that comes the delightfully detailed spice. There is no easing you into this story and I loved every minute of it! The main character, Bryar, is a 34-year-old woman working as a manager in a dive bar, trying to make ends meet, follow her dream and enjoy herself along the way. I love Bryar's no-f*cks-given attitude towards having fun and it doesn't change when a one night stand becomes way more than she bargained for. Keeping her new-found attachment a secret, things start to go wrong when the big bad wolf zeros in on her and makes things worse for her and the MMC, Jasper.
The MMC, Jasper is a detective trying to take down a large pack of wolves, run by the very man (Grim) who has his eyes set on his girl (Bryar) putting both their lives at higher risk. With the help of their friends, a collection of characters that enrich the story and give it a more found family-like element, they manage to keep one another safe.
The story as a whole was faster-paced than previous books I've read, but it was well-written and didn't feel rushed. I had not read 'Clawed by Cupid' before reading this one and didn't feel like I was missing any of the story but really enjoyed the author's writing style and will be going back to read it next. I'm looking forward to reading where the story goes in the next book.
September 13, 2024
Allie has delivered again!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
"Bryar?"
"Did you eat the cupcake?"
"Mmphnmm."
"Good, Kitten"
I adored all the characters in this book. They are incredibly well-developed, and their relationships feel genuine and unique. The development of Bryar (kitten) and Jasper (Simba) from what was supposed to be a one-night stand to a deep connection was truly engaging. Their chemistry and banter felt natural and well-crafted. The supporting characters also added richness to the story, and I'm eager to see what's next for the "pack." I'm hoping for a future for Haze and Magnolia.
Please keep your mental health in mind by taking note of the following trigger warnings, as this book may not be for everyone. I am listing them here, however they are very clearly stated at the beginning of the book.
⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings⚠️
Graphic violence/unaliving of characters
Graphic sexual content
Graphic language/explicit profanity
Discussion of substance abuse/addiction
Attempts at forced breeding
Nonconsensual touch/advances
Nonconsensual administration of drugs
Nonconsensual medical procedures
Sexual assault/attempted rape of side character
Kidnapping
Blood play/kink
Injury caused to characters in shifted animal form
Body shaming (not MCs)
Verbal/emotional manipulation (not MCs)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
"Bryar?"
"Did you eat the cupcake?"
"Mmphnmm."
"Good, Kitten"
I adored all the characters in this book. They are incredibly well-developed, and their relationships feel genuine and unique. The development of Bryar (kitten) and Jasper (Simba) from what was supposed to be a one-night stand to a deep connection was truly engaging. Their chemistry and banter felt natural and well-crafted. The supporting characters also added richness to the story, and I'm eager to see what's next for the "pack." I'm hoping for a future for Haze and Magnolia.
Please keep your mental health in mind by taking note of the following trigger warnings, as this book may not be for everyone. I am listing them here, however they are very clearly stated at the beginning of the book.
⚠️Trigger/Content Warnings⚠️
Graphic violence/unaliving of characters
Graphic sexual content
Graphic language/explicit profanity
Discussion of substance abuse/addiction
Attempts at forced breeding
Nonconsensual touch/advances
Nonconsensual administration of drugs
Nonconsensual medical procedures
Sexual assault/attempted rape of side character
Kidnapping
Blood play/kink
Injury caused to characters in shifted animal form
Body shaming (not MCs)
Verbal/emotional manipulation (not MCs)
September 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We return to Northpeak and are introduced to another hilarious shifter and his feisty human mate.
Bryer, she’s a local bartender and artist. Perfectly happy with her current single status. She’s clever, witty, sarcastic and beautiful.
Jasper, he’s a cop lion shifter not at all looking for a mate. He’s funny, snarky, sweet and of course handsome.
When Jasper and Bryer hook up after a friendly gathering they both CANNOT stop thinking about the other. They get under each other’s skin and can give as good as they take.
I love them together. They are so funny.
They were so worried about how Cy and Willow would take the news they were acting like they were going to get pulled into the Principals office and get in trouble for catching feelings.
As tensions rise in the friend group, the local wolf packs are starting to get into new territory and it’s causing some stress for Jasper at work. He NEEDS to keep Bryer safe, but no one can know that they are mates. The timings not right to spill the beans. Of course Bryer insists that she is perfectly capable.
I am curious as to where things are going to go from here. Are we going to see another couple form from the friend group? Aspen and Cove have some chemistry and so does Haze and Maggie. Are we going to see face from the past come back?
I can’t wait for book 3!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
We return to Northpeak and are introduced to another hilarious shifter and his feisty human mate.
Bryer, she’s a local bartender and artist. Perfectly happy with her current single status. She’s clever, witty, sarcastic and beautiful.
Jasper, he’s a cop lion shifter not at all looking for a mate. He’s funny, snarky, sweet and of course handsome.
When Jasper and Bryer hook up after a friendly gathering they both CANNOT stop thinking about the other. They get under each other’s skin and can give as good as they take.
I love them together. They are so funny.
They were so worried about how Cy and Willow would take the news they were acting like they were going to get pulled into the Principals office and get in trouble for catching feelings.
As tensions rise in the friend group, the local wolf packs are starting to get into new territory and it’s causing some stress for Jasper at work. He NEEDS to keep Bryer safe, but no one can know that they are mates. The timings not right to spill the beans. Of course Bryer insists that she is perfectly capable.
I am curious as to where things are going to go from here. Are we going to see another couple form from the friend group? Aspen and Cove have some chemistry and so does Haze and Maggie. Are we going to see face from the past come back?
I can’t wait for book 3!!!
September 24, 2024
Bryar is an independent human woman living in a crappy apartment in the less affluent part of the city. She works at a local dive bar that is frequented by two rather seedy wolf packs. Jasper is a lion shifter and a detective for the city. Bryar and Jasper have met each other before but, at a house warming party for their best friends, something feels different. Jasper ends up driving Bryar back home, they hook up, and life is never the same. Since Bryar is a human she doesn’t understand a mate pull/bond and Jasper has never wanted one so he’s in denial about it. Eventually, he accepts it and explains everything to Bryar who is shocked but happy. Unfortunately she’s also entangled with the leader of one of the wolf packs, and Jasper has been secretly investigating the packs for his job. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Bryar has to navigate untangling herself from the bar and the pack leader who has his sights set on keeping her.
This was such an interesting shifter romance! The characters were pretty well developed and I really enjoyed how the entire group interacted. This book was action packed, spicy, and constantly had me flipping the pages! I’m looking forward to the next book coming out! 4⭐️3🌶️
This was such an interesting shifter romance! The characters were pretty well developed and I really enjoyed how the entire group interacted. This book was action packed, spicy, and constantly had me flipping the pages! I’m looking forward to the next book coming out! 4⭐️3🌶️
September 7, 2024
A Fast-Paced, Spicy Read That Delivers the Heat
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and fast-paced, with just the right amount of intrigue and not too many complex layers, then this book is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a quick, fun read that keeps the plot moving and the tension high, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of dark romance mixed with a thrilling storyline.
Following Jasper and Bryar on their journey, you’ll be treated to a fast-driven plot spiced up with some seriously hot scenes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the steamy moments are sure to keep you hooked. The story moves quickly, allowing you to dive right in without getting bogged down in too many details—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something lighter but still engaging.
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Shifters
- Dark Romance
- Secret Relationship
- Found Family
-He falls first
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 (The chemistry between the characters is strong, with plenty of heat to keep things exciting.)
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and fast-paced, with just the right amount of intrigue and not too many complex layers, then this book is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s a quick, fun read that keeps the plot moving and the tension high, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of dark romance mixed with a thrilling storyline.
Following Jasper and Bryar on their journey, you’ll be treated to a fast-driven plot spiced up with some seriously hot scenes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the steamy moments are sure to keep you hooked. The story moves quickly, allowing you to dive right in without getting bogged down in too many details—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something lighter but still engaging.
Tropes:
- Fated Mates
- Shifters
- Dark Romance
- Secret Relationship
- Found Family
-He falls first
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 (The chemistry between the characters is strong, with plenty of heat to keep things exciting.)
September 15, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are looking for a quick, super spicy read with a plot that will keep the pages turning- this is it!
I read the 1st book to prepare for this ARC. I would consider them interconnected standalones. You don't ✨ have ✨ to read the first book to understand the plot, but I'd recommend reading them both. You get a good introduction to the location and some of the characters.
Personally, I enjoyed this book more than the first!!! It feels more polished and the plot in this one really kept a strong grip on me. I can see the Author's growth between the two books and am excited to continue with the series and see more from the other characters she's introduced.
Bryar and Jasper are both likable main characters. They communicate well. You've got kind of an opposites attract scenario in that he's a cop and her job's got her into some less than legal situations.
We've got fated mates, we've got spice, we've got some suspense and tension. ✨ chef's kiss ✨
Check your trigger warnings if you need to, and then dive in!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you are looking for a quick, super spicy read with a plot that will keep the pages turning- this is it!
I read the 1st book to prepare for this ARC. I would consider them interconnected standalones. You don't ✨ have ✨ to read the first book to understand the plot, but I'd recommend reading them both. You get a good introduction to the location and some of the characters.
Personally, I enjoyed this book more than the first!!! It feels more polished and the plot in this one really kept a strong grip on me. I can see the Author's growth between the two books and am excited to continue with the series and see more from the other characters she's introduced.
Bryar and Jasper are both likable main characters. They communicate well. You've got kind of an opposites attract scenario in that he's a cop and her job's got her into some less than legal situations.
We've got fated mates, we've got spice, we've got some suspense and tension. ✨ chef's kiss ✨
Check your trigger warnings if you need to, and then dive in!
September 15, 2024
Short, fast-paced shifter romance.
This was my first lion shifter romance, and I really enjoyed it. I’ve usually read only wolf shifter books, but after reading this, I need to read more lion ones.
The book was well written, the storyline was interesting, and the characters seemed fun. I liked the romance and tension between the main characters. And the spicy scenes were great.
I haven’t read the first book, Clawed by Cubid, but not reading it didn’t affect my reading experience.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spicy, fast-paced shifter romances with interesting storylines and well-written characters.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
This was my first lion shifter romance, and I really enjoyed it. I’ve usually read only wolf shifter books, but after reading this, I need to read more lion ones.
The book was well written, the storyline was interesting, and the characters seemed fun. I liked the romance and tension between the main characters. And the spicy scenes were great.
I haven’t read the first book, Clawed by Cubid, but not reading it didn’t affect my reading experience.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spicy, fast-paced shifter romances with interesting storylines and well-written characters.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
September 18, 2024
" I want to sink my teeth into her neck and mark her up."
"Because I don't want to hear it on your lips, but if you can't shut up like you're told, kitten, I'm going to make you forget his fucking name."
This book was 🔥 🥵 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
I'm not always sure what I'm getting into with ARC reads but I wasn't expecting this. This book sucked me in from the very beginning and I literally could not put it down. I started and finished it in the same day. It was a fun and sexy read and the only somewhat complaint I have is the one big fight scene kinda felt skimmed over. That could be because I'm so used to other authors dragging it out but that would be it. Other than that if the tropes in this book are things you normally enjoy reading then just get it you won't regret your decision 😉
"Because I don't want to hear it on your lips, but if you can't shut up like you're told, kitten, I'm going to make you forget his fucking name."
This book was 🔥 🥵 🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵
I'm not always sure what I'm getting into with ARC reads but I wasn't expecting this. This book sucked me in from the very beginning and I literally could not put it down. I started and finished it in the same day. It was a fun and sexy read and the only somewhat complaint I have is the one big fight scene kinda felt skimmed over. That could be because I'm so used to other authors dragging it out but that would be it. Other than that if the tropes in this book are things you normally enjoy reading then just get it you won't regret your decision 😉
April 17, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5
"Necks might not do it for some people, but something about that tender skin always gets me going. I want to sink my teeth into her and mark her up."
I absolutely gobbled this book up!!! I absolutely loved Jasper and his barbs. 🥵🫠 (Iykyk) I loved that this book has a suspenseful element to it along with amazing spice and a hunky lion shifter I'll never be over!! Bryar was a such a strong and spunky character and I loved her so much!!! I highly recommend this fun and spicy shifter romance!!
"Everyone I’ve ever been with pales in comparison to the way I feel just looking at her, just being around her. And it’s driving me a little insane."
🦁 Lion Shifter Cop MMC
💜 Artist/Bartender FMC
🦁 Mates
💜 Suspense
🦁 Fast Burn
💜 Biting/🩸Play
🦁 Touch her & 💀
"Necks might not do it for some people, but something about that tender skin always gets me going. I want to sink my teeth into her and mark her up."
I absolutely gobbled this book up!!! I absolutely loved Jasper and his barbs. 🥵🫠 (Iykyk) I loved that this book has a suspenseful element to it along with amazing spice and a hunky lion shifter I'll never be over!! Bryar was a such a strong and spunky character and I loved her so much!!! I highly recommend this fun and spicy shifter romance!!
"Everyone I’ve ever been with pales in comparison to the way I feel just looking at her, just being around her. And it’s driving me a little insane."
🦁 Lion Shifter Cop MMC
💜 Artist/Bartender FMC
🦁 Mates
💜 Suspense
🦁 Fast Burn
💜 Biting/🩸Play
🦁 Touch her & 💀
September 9, 2024
Once again, Allie has stolen my heart for shifters, but this time, he's a lion 😮💨 have you ever wanted a lion king before? I sure tf have, and I got him right here. His name is Jasper. However, Jasper only has eyes for a beautiful baddie, Bryar.
What should've been a one night stand turns into much more than either of them bargained for. Jasper is known as the "f*ck boy" in the group, never going to settle down, and so was Bryar. However, with good reason. The more time they spend together, the more it hurts when they're apart. Oh shit... they're fated mates. When a rival tries to intervene, all hell breaks loose.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
What should've been a one night stand turns into much more than either of them bargained for. Jasper is known as the "f*ck boy" in the group, never going to settle down, and so was Bryar. However, with good reason. The more time they spend together, the more it hurts when they're apart. Oh shit... they're fated mates. When a rival tries to intervene, all hell breaks loose.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶/5
September 12, 2024
This book was a super fun read! It was fast paced, action packed and had a good amount of spice. Some topics touched on this book could be triggering to some people so please check out the trigger warnings prior to reading.
Absolutely love all the characters in this book they are so well developed and the relationships between all of the characters is amazing and so real. Loved watching Bryar and Jasper grow together and build a relationship together. Their chemistry and banter is so real and well written.
I will definitely be continuing this series!
Thanks so much to Allie for the ARC and telling such a captivating story.
Absolutely love all the characters in this book they are so well developed and the relationships between all of the characters is amazing and so real. Loved watching Bryar and Jasper grow together and build a relationship together. Their chemistry and banter is so real and well written.
I will definitely be continuing this series!
Thanks so much to Allie for the ARC and telling such a captivating story.
September 19, 2024
As someone new to the dark genre, Bitten and Barbed was a pleasant surprise. Bryar Dubois, the protagonist, lives an ordinary life—until her encounter with Jasper, a lion shifter.
The story keeps a steady pace, balancing suspense and romance, with Bryar’s humanity clashing against the raw intensity of the shifter world. Jasper’s protective instincts and Grim’s menacing presence drive the tension throughout, making the book an engaging read.
What stood out for me was how easy it was to get into the story. For a first-time reader of dark fantasy, Bitten and Barbed wasn’t overwhelming or too dense, yet it held my interest. The supernatural elements and the dynamics between the characters felt like Twilight but with a spicy twist, just enough to keep me hooked.
I did wish for a bit more background information and depth in character development, especially when it came to the shifter lore.
Overall, Bitten and Barbed was an enjoyable read. It’s an excellent starting point for readers new to supernatural romance.
Thank you to Allie Maddox for my FIRST ARC!
The story keeps a steady pace, balancing suspense and romance, with Bryar’s humanity clashing against the raw intensity of the shifter world. Jasper’s protective instincts and Grim’s menacing presence drive the tension throughout, making the book an engaging read.
What stood out for me was how easy it was to get into the story. For a first-time reader of dark fantasy, Bitten and Barbed wasn’t overwhelming or too dense, yet it held my interest. The supernatural elements and the dynamics between the characters felt like Twilight but with a spicy twist, just enough to keep me hooked.
I did wish for a bit more background information and depth in character development, especially when it came to the shifter lore.
Overall, Bitten and Barbed was an enjoyable read. It’s an excellent starting point for readers new to supernatural romance.
Thank you to Allie Maddox for my FIRST ARC!
September 16, 2024
Bitten and Barbed
Jasper and Bryar
Like clawed by Cupid, it is an extremely easy and fun read. The human and the shifter are complete opposites. Not just the obvious, physically. Allie Maddox has a very vivid imagination. Everything she puts to paper, I was able to see. ( I am what is called… Hyperphantasia. The remarkable ability to visualize clear and detailed images in your mind. Some people report that the images are just as vivid as if they were looking at the real thing.) I believe Allie is too. I love her style. Her ability to tell a story with clarity and depth is remarkable. I can’t wait to see where the next book in this series goes.
Jasper and Bryar
Like clawed by Cupid, it is an extremely easy and fun read. The human and the shifter are complete opposites. Not just the obvious, physically. Allie Maddox has a very vivid imagination. Everything she puts to paper, I was able to see. ( I am what is called… Hyperphantasia. The remarkable ability to visualize clear and detailed images in your mind. Some people report that the images are just as vivid as if they were looking at the real thing.) I believe Allie is too. I love her style. Her ability to tell a story with clarity and depth is remarkable. I can’t wait to see where the next book in this series goes.
October 6, 2024
Bitten And Barbed by Allie Maddox is book 2 in the Shifters of Northpeak series. It is an exciting paranormal romance novel. I adored the characters and thought the author did a fabulous job developing them. The plot was fun and exciting with the typical excitement found in shifter books. World building always seems to be important in fantasy novels and I enjoyed that as well. It’s funny and full of action.
Bryar is just your average woman trying to make it in life. One night she meets up with Jasper and they decide to let off some steam. Of course it was only supposed to be one night but that’s a problem when he’s a shifter.
This was a fun read and I can not wait for another book,
Bryar is just your average woman trying to make it in life. One night she meets up with Jasper and they decide to let off some steam. Of course it was only supposed to be one night but that’s a problem when he’s a shifter.
This was a fun read and I can not wait for another book,
September 15, 2024
My first book by Allie Maddox and what a way to start!
New to shifter stories and I’m hooked. Starts off strong with the spicy and overall paced perfectly as you get invested into the characters due to how she’s built them up. The side characters ( Pen, Cove) seem like possible future books in the realm and that would be great.
Bryar & Jasper are a duo you know have to be together, sprinkle in the supernatural/ shifter, suspense, yes kidnapping - a female who reclaims her power and the proof one can know who they are meant to be with instantly.
New to shifter stories and I’m hooked. Starts off strong with the spicy and overall paced perfectly as you get invested into the characters due to how she’s built them up. The side characters ( Pen, Cove) seem like possible future books in the realm and that would be great.
Bryar & Jasper are a duo you know have to be together, sprinkle in the supernatural/ shifter, suspense, yes kidnapping - a female who reclaims her power and the proof one can know who they are meant to be with instantly.
September 16, 2024
I thought this book was awesome. I learned that there are more shifters than just werewolves and that’s excellent lions jaguars. It’s really cool. This book was my first read by Allie and I thought it was great. This book follows Jasper and briar and is the second book in her series. It has forbidden love through their friends circle and you’ll see when once you read it why it’s called bitten and barbed. I thought it was really cool. All in all I give this book 4 stars again Allie Maddox is a very creative writer and I enjoyed this book very very much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2024
This book was such a fun romp between a human Bryar and a lion shifter Jasper. Was a fast, fun read that was highly enjoyable. The world building was amazing, as the author introduced some interesting facts into her world. If a shifter shifts into their animal counterpart, it would be rather difficult to arrest them, due to the DNA “shifting” as well. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of these books with the amazing world building.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from the author for a fair and honest review.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from the author for a fair and honest review.
August 24, 2024
Yet another 5 star read from Allie Maddox!
I don’t know what it is about the way Allie builds a world but it immediately sucks you in and doesn’t let go. The spice to plot ratio of this one is perfection. I was so invested not only in the growing relationship between the main characters but also dying to know the outcome of the side characters. It’s beautifully written and I can’t wait for more books from The Shifters of Northpeak!
I don’t know what it is about the way Allie builds a world but it immediately sucks you in and doesn’t let go. The spice to plot ratio of this one is perfection. I was so invested not only in the growing relationship between the main characters but also dying to know the outcome of the side characters. It’s beautifully written and I can’t wait for more books from The Shifters of Northpeak!
September 15, 2024
LOVED it so much!! Such a fast-paced, easy and fun read.
From the very first pages I was already hooked up. The plot, the characters and how SPICY it gets😮💨🌶️ 10/10. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this “pack”.
This definitely can be read as standalone but believe me you’ll end up just like me wanting to read the first one as well.
Had no problem with any of the topics involved but definitely check the TW beforehand.
From the very first pages I was already hooked up. The plot, the characters and how SPICY it gets😮💨🌶️ 10/10. Can’t wait to see what’s next for this “pack”.
This definitely can be read as standalone but believe me you’ll end up just like me wanting to read the first one as well.
Had no problem with any of the topics involved but definitely check the TW beforehand.
September 18, 2024
What a fun book to read! This is a spicy paranormal romance but there are definitely some trigger warnings so make sure to check those out before you start. This is book 2 in a series and I enjoyed these characters even more than the first one. I absolutely loved the FMC and the MMC is perfect. There is a ton of spice so if that's what you're looking for you've found your perfect book! Highly recommend checking this one out!
September 7, 2024
Bitten and Barbed was absolutely wonderful. This is one of the first shifter books I have ever read and it truly was brilliant. The way the author wrote about each of the characters made it feel realistic and allowed me to bond with the characters. It was steamy, intense, and had a wonderful story line. I would gladly reread this book all over again!
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