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Awakening Pride #1
Waking the Beast
The legend of the Paka Watu...
Ever since she was a young girl, Abby Lane can’t resist the allure of a catshifter tribe forced to repress their beasts. On a trip to Africa, she discovers a coveted piece of information—the name the pride leader assumed when he left his home—and she traces his lineage to his descendent.
The sleeping lion...
Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.
Mine...
Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.
Ever since she was a young girl, Abby Lane can’t resist the allure of a catshifter tribe forced to repress their beasts. On a trip to Africa, she discovers a coveted piece of information—the name the pride leader assumed when he left his home—and she traces his lineage to his descendent.
The sleeping lion...
Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.
Mine...
Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2014
310 people are currently reading
2352 people want to read
About the author
Lacey Thorn
136 books509 followersLacey Thorn spends her days in small town Indiana the proud mother of three. When she is not busy with one of them she can be found typing away on her computer
keyboard or burying her nose in a good book. Like every woman she knows just how chaotic life can be and how appealing that great escape can look. So toss aside
the stress and tension of the never ending to do list.
keyboard or burying her nose in a good book. Like every woman she knows just how chaotic life can be and how appealing that great escape can look. So toss aside
the stress and tension of the never ending to do list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
October 25, 2016
3 Stars
This was one of those "meh" books that you liked...but you didn't love...that reminded you of other books you've read before...books that you liked better...
...but you still might read book two despite everything...because curious...
Quite simply, I think the biggest thing for me was that the H didn't know he's a shifter at the beginning of story, and I prefer my shifters to...be shifters...and know it...and be in a pack of other shifters...
*shrug*
Obviously, I don't have much to say about this one other than that...sorry! Boom.
Find me at:
This was one of those "meh" books that you liked...but you didn't love...that reminded you of other books you've read before...books that you liked better...
...but you still might read book two despite everything...because curious...
Quite simply, I think the biggest thing for me was that the H didn't know he's a shifter at the beginning of story, and I prefer my shifters to...be shifters...and know it...and be in a pack of other shifters...
*shrug*
Obviously, I don't have much to say about this one other than that...sorry! Boom.
Find me at:
January 5, 2015
Pure shifter smut! Just what I needed today
April 6, 2020
I have no words, except...
*Sighs* Tah... I love you...
Maybe I do have a few words. This is an interesting opening to a series, and an intriguing take on a well used genre.. I'm interested enough to jump right into book 2 :)
*Sighs* Tah... I love you...
Maybe I do have a few words. This is an interesting opening to a series, and an intriguing take on a well used genre.. I'm interested enough to jump right into book 2 :)
February 28, 2015
I don't really read many PNR books anymore, and I don't think I've ever really been a shifter kind of gal but I decided to try to branch out this year, read different books...find something out of the box that I might end up really enjoying.
This one was just ok for me and I think it might be because it's not my usual genre, I didn't find anything super exciting...just seemed normal to me. All in all, an ok read.
Just an FYI, I think I like my reading box and won't be venturing out of it again for a bit HAHA! :)
This one was just ok for me and I think it might be because it's not my usual genre, I didn't find anything super exciting...just seemed normal to me. All in all, an ok read.
Just an FYI, I think I like my reading box and won't be venturing out of it again for a bit HAHA! :)
February 26, 2015
This was a nice start to a series. It was hot and the plot was well executed. the characters were enjoyable as well. I'll check out the next book in this series.
April 11, 2014
4 3/4 stars( yes that close to 5). I love shifter books when written correctly, we can get a possessive hero who in real life would get a restraining order, and the hero can get away with more than a contemporary hero. I used to only read PR but got tired of the small ol same ol and got frustrated with the lack of good books. I still had my go to authors but after reading disappointing book after disappointing book I branched out. But this book right here is why I love PR it made me excited again for this genre and it wasn't just written right it was written freaking geniusly (yeah I know thats not a word). This book was almost perfect I do wish that at the begining of the book we would have scene more of Abby and Utah getting "together" but later in the book it is explained about their meeting I just would have liked more of the get to know you time.
Abby has always been drawn to lions even after the tragedy of her parents death, when she heard about a legend of the Paka Watu tribe Abby can never let it go so as she got older Abby made it her mission to find out as much as she can. Waking in a cell with Utah Abby is terrified when she sees her uncle has taken them both and has also been following her knowing that she believes Utah to be the Lion leader come back. Utah has no clue how he got captured or why but when he is tortured and passes out Abby is there to help him. What Utah doesn't know is that Abby saw him escape and kill one of their captures and she is more sure than ever he is the lion king. With no other choice Utah and Abby flee.
Abby knows she will sound crazy but she also knows that she has to tell Utah everything even if he thinks she is crazy, what she never expected was for Utah to be as attracted to her as she is to him. The more time they spend together the more possessive and crazy for Abby Utah gets and the more Abby's story seems to be true, till Utah can't even stand to be away from Abby. With people after them and the body of one of their captures found Abby and Utah set out with friends to get to safely as Utah's urge grows stronger each day. But the people who want Abby and Utah haven't given up and the changes in Utah may not only change him but they might just kill him.
This book was so good. Utah was one of if not the most possessive hero I have ever read about, he was just one of those heroes you read about that makes you wish other authors could take notes on. Abby was a great heroine she wasn't irritating or TSTL, and the side characters(who I assume will be getting their own books *yes please*) were just as interesting and funny as Abby and Utah. This was one of the best PR book I have read in a long, long, long time. I have heard other reviewers say this book is similar to laurann dohner and lora leigh's books and I have to agree if you like their shifter series you will love this book. I will say that even though they are similar Lacey Thorn has found her own voice and made these stories all her own I never felt like she copied them or tried to be like these authors. I can't wait for the other books in this series, they will be auto buy/reads for me. I'm so glad I have found a new author who knows how to do PR not just right but excellently.
Abby has always been drawn to lions even after the tragedy of her parents death, when she heard about a legend of the Paka Watu tribe Abby can never let it go so as she got older Abby made it her mission to find out as much as she can. Waking in a cell with Utah Abby is terrified when she sees her uncle has taken them both and has also been following her knowing that she believes Utah to be the Lion leader come back. Utah has no clue how he got captured or why but when he is tortured and passes out Abby is there to help him. What Utah doesn't know is that Abby saw him escape and kill one of their captures and she is more sure than ever he is the lion king. With no other choice Utah and Abby flee.
Abby knows she will sound crazy but she also knows that she has to tell Utah everything even if he thinks she is crazy, what she never expected was for Utah to be as attracted to her as she is to him. The more time they spend together the more possessive and crazy for Abby Utah gets and the more Abby's story seems to be true, till Utah can't even stand to be away from Abby. With people after them and the body of one of their captures found Abby and Utah set out with friends to get to safely as Utah's urge grows stronger each day. But the people who want Abby and Utah haven't given up and the changes in Utah may not only change him but they might just kill him.
This book was so good. Utah was one of if not the most possessive hero I have ever read about, he was just one of those heroes you read about that makes you wish other authors could take notes on. Abby was a great heroine she wasn't irritating or TSTL, and the side characters(who I assume will be getting their own books *yes please*) were just as interesting and funny as Abby and Utah. This was one of the best PR book I have read in a long, long, long time. I have heard other reviewers say this book is similar to laurann dohner and lora leigh's books and I have to agree if you like their shifter series you will love this book. I will say that even though they are similar Lacey Thorn has found her own voice and made these stories all her own I never felt like she copied them or tried to be like these authors. I can't wait for the other books in this series, they will be auto buy/reads for me. I'm so glad I have found a new author who knows how to do PR not just right but excellently.
June 17, 2025
Laugh in the face of danger
This book is perfect for the reader who enjoys The Breeds series and the New Species series. There is so much action, camaraderie, love and personal growth throughout the course of this book. The author did an amazing job of developing each character and building the story with each page. I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope she will write Jess’s story. I am throughly entrenched in the outcome of each character in this book and whether they reach their HEAs.
This book is perfect for the reader who enjoys The Breeds series and the New Species series. There is so much action, camaraderie, love and personal growth throughout the course of this book. The author did an amazing job of developing each character and building the story with each page. I can’t wait to read the next book and I hope she will write Jess’s story. I am throughly entrenched in the outcome of each character in this book and whether they reach their HEAs.
August 30, 2016
3.5 stars!
The legend of the Paka Watu...
Legend tells of a time when a tribe of nomadic people lived on the African plains.
Each member of the tribe would be blessed with a spirit guide who would share their form and allow them to shift at will from animal to man. They became the paka watu or cat people. The tribe leader accepted the spirit of the lion and lay the foundation for his pride.
Abby has always been drawn to lions even after the tragedy of her parents death, when she heard about a legend of the Paka Watu tribe Abby can never let it go so as she got older Abby made it her mission to find out as much as she can.
The sleeping lion...
Utah Pearce can’t keep his gaze off the woman who slips into the bar every night. Though not his usual type, she brings out the possessive instinct in him, making him battle with himself as he tries to stay away.
Mine...
Abby’s research never prepared her for the reality in front of her. The beast is waking, and Utah is changing in ways both exciting and terrifying. He is possessive and dominant, and when he finally claims her, neither of them will ever be the same.
This is a great book for fans of shifter romances.
It's similar to Laurann Dohner and Lora Leigh's books and if you like their shifter series you will love this book.
I would recommend it as a fast kind of light story to read on a rainy day.
March 1, 2015
3.5 stars
I liked it -- there's a lot of sex, a sexy alpha male, and a sweet heroine. (It wasn't my favorite Paranormal book but it has made me want to check out her other books.)
This is a standalone so if you can give it a go.
It's not very long and it doesn't have an epilogue. But, the characters were decent as well as the plot.
I liked it -- there's a lot of sex, a sexy alpha male, and a sweet heroine. (It wasn't my favorite Paranormal book but it has made me want to check out her other books.)
This is a standalone so if you can give it a go.
It's not very long and it doesn't have an epilogue. But, the characters were decent as well as the plot.
September 7, 2015
When I read these shifter books they mostly talk about how they are alphas and the story goes on but in this case we have Utah Pearce who also goes by Tah. He does know he is a lion or the The legend of the Paka Watu, which he is king. I liked how this book gave of an understanding of the legend. The beast inside him wakes up when Abby a girl who would visit his bar and watch Utah from afar. Abby always knew about the legend because her parents were always fond of the legend and so on Abby decided to do her own research. We can to understand how she is able to tame the beast and how he makes Abby his mate. There is some antsy moments when they encounter some hunters. As well as understanding more of the legend of the Paka Watu. The next books goes to tell on Reno tah's best friend and fellow ex marine.
October 25, 2016
I ache and only you can soothe me. I hunger and only you can satisfy me. I burn and only you can douse the flames. I need you in ways that terrify me.
3.75+ RATING- I don't read alot of paranormal but do like the occasional shifter story. Waking the Beast was a guilty pleasure and one I'd recommend to others that enjoy erotic shifter action. The beginning was a bit slow and a touch confusing but eventually made sense. Overall, I liked the story and plan to stay with the series. For readers that love an alpha shifter that likes to growl and proclaim "MINE"...here's your book. Alpha on steroids right here!
dnf
December 31, 2021DNF 10%
Might come back to it later..
Might come back to it later..
March 31, 2014
I recommend Waking the Beast by Lacey Thorn to everyone who
loves possessive shifters in this case "a lion" <3 <3
Love the COVER!
loves possessive shifters in this case "a lion" <3 <3
Love the COVER!
March 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. Even though it was cheesy at times I couldn't resist it.
September 9, 2023
Color me intrigued after reading book 9 and now book 1. Super possessive/protective hero who sees no one but the heroine and is all mine, mine, mine! and a smart heroine who knows how to handle herself? I'm totally there.
February 15, 2015
This book was really good. I am so glad I took a chance on it. Can't wait for the next one in the series!
October 23, 2014
This was a great super hot shifter read..
August 28, 2019
Unfortunately this one didn't really work for me. I've read a lot of shifter books and this one was ok but not really memorable or unique in any way.
April 25, 2015
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lacey Thorn... you definitely know the meaning of hot and sexy!
I have never read Paranormal Romance like this before, and oh boy I want more!
Innocent Abby Lane, fascinated with the Paka Watu, an ancient cat-shifter tribe whose beasts have been dormant for a long time. Determined to find their pack leader and awaken the beast she travels to Africa to learn more about what happened to them. Her research leads her to Utah Pearce, a sexy ass bartender who seems to pay little attention to her. However, she becomes fixated (the again what woman wouldn't be). Night after night she goes to the bar and immerses herself in the Paka Watu studies with the hope of getting his attention. Little does she know, he can't keep his eyes off of her, and can't stand even the thought of any other man talking to her. What Abby doesn't expect is the power she has over him. He claims her, makes her his and literally cannot keep his hands off of her (STEAMYY!!). Will the beast she awakens within him be safe from the evil hunters out there who want to obliterate the shape-shifters? Will Utah be able to embrace his inner beast and keep Abby safe forever?
Oh my oh my. This book was great. It's nice to have a good story and some sexy scenes all intertwined together. It flowed like melted butter for me. It was hot, it was sexy, it was adventurous and romantic. A nice little late night read. Lacey Thorn brings her characters alive. I loved them all. Utah with his dominance and Abby with her assertiveness and admirable strength. Even Utah's friends intrigued me. I really would like to know what happens next with them! Fast paced. Thorne is a great story teller with an endless imagination! Loved the legend of the Paka Watu. Great read can't wait to find out what happens next!
Lacey Thorn... you definitely know the meaning of hot and sexy!
I have never read Paranormal Romance like this before, and oh boy I want more!
Innocent Abby Lane, fascinated with the Paka Watu, an ancient cat-shifter tribe whose beasts have been dormant for a long time. Determined to find their pack leader and awaken the beast she travels to Africa to learn more about what happened to them. Her research leads her to Utah Pearce, a sexy ass bartender who seems to pay little attention to her. However, she becomes fixated (the again what woman wouldn't be). Night after night she goes to the bar and immerses herself in the Paka Watu studies with the hope of getting his attention. Little does she know, he can't keep his eyes off of her, and can't stand even the thought of any other man talking to her. What Abby doesn't expect is the power she has over him. He claims her, makes her his and literally cannot keep his hands off of her (STEAMYY!!). Will the beast she awakens within him be safe from the evil hunters out there who want to obliterate the shape-shifters? Will Utah be able to embrace his inner beast and keep Abby safe forever?
Oh my oh my. This book was great. It's nice to have a good story and some sexy scenes all intertwined together. It flowed like melted butter for me. It was hot, it was sexy, it was adventurous and romantic. A nice little late night read. Lacey Thorn brings her characters alive. I loved them all. Utah with his dominance and Abby with her assertiveness and admirable strength. Even Utah's friends intrigued me. I really would like to know what happens next with them! Fast paced. Thorne is a great story teller with an endless imagination! Loved the legend of the Paka Watu. Great read can't wait to find out what happens next!
December 31, 2014
I received a copy of this book as a gift. I am a member of the review team for the Paranormal Bookshelf.
Category: paranormal romance, shifters, werewolves
Spoilers: No
Book 1 of the Awakening Pride series
This is the story of Tah and Abby. Abby has been obsessed with the African legend of lion shifters since she was a young child. And her research led her to Tah. Could he be a lion shifter from the legends she loves, if he'd look her way would she even care. Her cousin kidnaps them and once they get away so begins the hunt for information and safety.
I gave this book 4 stars, it was well written and the world is amazing. I really loved this book and the characters were well written. Tah is a dominant Alpha male and Abby is a quite intelligent female, but she's vicious and an alpha female when protecting her own. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
Category: paranormal romance, shifters, werewolves
Spoilers: No
Book 1 of the Awakening Pride series
This is the story of Tah and Abby. Abby has been obsessed with the African legend of lion shifters since she was a young child. And her research led her to Tah. Could he be a lion shifter from the legends she loves, if he'd look her way would she even care. Her cousin kidnaps them and once they get away so begins the hunt for information and safety.
I gave this book 4 stars, it was well written and the world is amazing. I really loved this book and the characters were well written. Tah is a dominant Alpha male and Abby is a quite intelligent female, but she's vicious and an alpha female when protecting her own. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
April 24, 2015
Received book through Goodreads First Reads
I really enjoyed this book. I found that it isn't your typical shifter romance story. As the first book in the series, I think it did a excellent job of starting the series off and, if the upcoming books are like this one then I expect the series to be very promising and enjoyable to read.
I think my favourite aspect about this book was the idea behind why there are cat shifters and what makes them what they are - originally an ancient African tribe was given spirit guides who would share their form and allow them to change from man to beast at will. Personally, I found this made the story quite interesting to read.
Overall, this was a great read and I very much look forward to continue reading this series.
I really enjoyed this book. I found that it isn't your typical shifter romance story. As the first book in the series, I think it did a excellent job of starting the series off and, if the upcoming books are like this one then I expect the series to be very promising and enjoyable to read.
I think my favourite aspect about this book was the idea behind why there are cat shifters and what makes them what they are - originally an ancient African tribe was given spirit guides who would share their form and allow them to change from man to beast at will. Personally, I found this made the story quite interesting to read.
Overall, this was a great read and I very much look forward to continue reading this series.
May 24, 2016
So this was a solid read for me. I still have tons of questions and I am looking forward to the next book, but its a series, and they were nice lead ins.
I was not sure how well a story about a shifter pride that didn't know they were shifters would go, but I really liked the story. The steam between the characters was off the charts and the dynamic between Reno, Logan, and Tah was great. I liked the smirk between the characters and I liked that the characters didn't constantly doubt what they had seen. Acceptance of everything, no, but constant rejection is wearisome after a while and Ms. Thorn stayed away from that.
I'm really looking forward to Reno and Logan's story!
I was not sure how well a story about a shifter pride that didn't know they were shifters would go, but I really liked the story. The steam between the characters was off the charts and the dynamic between Reno, Logan, and Tah was great. I liked the smirk between the characters and I liked that the characters didn't constantly doubt what they had seen. Acceptance of everything, no, but constant rejection is wearisome after a while and Ms. Thorn stayed away from that.
I'm really looking forward to Reno and Logan's story!
April 20, 2014
ya know, i am really tired of shifter stories that copy other shifter stories almost word for word, or tiny details. i mean even a simple phrase like "she smelled like sunshine...." i know this was either in l.l.'s shifter series or l.d.'s shifter series which copied l.l.'s shifter series...come on, cant you write your own material? i still have about 40 more pages left but i am so thoroughly disappointed that i am not going to even bother.
March 20, 2015
This was a free download. The premise was good, but it wasn't executed well. The writing was choppy and the story bounced all over the place. It started out really well, but it seemed like the editing stopped about halfway through chapter one. The characters acted strangely, plot points were skipped over or brushed aside and the sequel baiting was super frustrating.
I liked the premise enough to think about reading another book in the series, but I don't know if I'll actually pick one up.
I liked the premise enough to think about reading another book in the series, but I don't know if I'll actually pick one up.
May 24, 2014
A couple of GR friends commented on this author, and shifter PNRs intrigue me. After reading the blurb and the reviews, I decided to read it. I'm glad I did because I enjoyed it so much that I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
I love shifter novels and get excited when I find a new author!
I love shifter novels and get excited when I find a new author!
July 21, 2020
So.... y’all just gone be ok with the base of legend used in this story being from Africa......but the main characters are white..... if the cat lore was African..... why not let the mains be Black. Y’all disgust me. I hate it here.
April 12, 2014
Great story! So hot.
May 24, 2014
** 3.5 stars **
unfinished
December 22, 2014DNF @ 52%
"Mine, Yours and I love you" just isn't cutting it.
I need more dialogue with some substance.
"Mine, Yours and I love you" just isn't cutting it.
I need more dialogue with some substance.
August 20, 2015
OK I loved this story! It was short, totally sex crazy and a fun, hot read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews