Die Talonswood-Reformakademie steht unter neuer Leitung – eine im Vampirstil. Und der neue Dekan will, dass Reese, der dunkle, grüblerische Stellvertreter der Akademie, mir vampirischen Gehorsam beibringt.
Am liebsten würde ich Reese sagen, wo er sich seine Verbeugungen und Speichelleckereien hinschieben kann. Nachdem ich mein ganzes Leben auf mich allein gestellt war, bin ich genauso wenig bereit, vor dem Arschloch zu katzbuckeln, wie ihm zu vertrauen.
Aber es kommt noch schlimmer, der Zauber einer längst verstorbenen Hexe hat mich vielleicht an Reese und drei andere Männer gebunden. Es ist nicht nur so, dass wir einander nicht entkommen können, sondern die Verbindung wächst auf eine Art und Weise, die mir Angst macht und alle meine Sinne in Brand setzt.
Die Macht in mir ruft, und sie wird einen Weg finden, um sich zu befreien …
LAST CHANCE ACADEMY ist ein mitreißender, paranormaler Liebesroman voller Magie, Spannung – und vier Männern, die alles verändern. Dies ist der erste Band der Unsterblichen von Talonswood-Reihe, der neuen Serie von Amazons Top-100-Autorin Alex Lidell. Heiße Fae-Wandler, gefährliche Vampire und eine Hexe auf der Suche nach sich selbst – willkommen an einer Akademie, die nichts mit Regeln am Hut hat.
Alex Lidell is the Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin) and several Amazon Top 100 Kindle Bestsellers, including the POWER OF FIVE romance series. She is an avid horseback rider who believes in eating dessert first. She writes as both Alex Lidell and A.L. Lidell.
I think I need to start this out by saying that I am a HUGE fan of Lidell's Power of Five series. Honestly, it ranks in the top 5 of my all-time-favorite RH reads/series. That's pretty significant too, because I have read A TON of RH books. Therefore, when I saw this new RH series by Lidell, I was pretty excited.
After reading the first book, I was pretty sure this was going to be another home-run for her, but now that I've just finished reading this second installment, I don't think I feel that way anymore. I mean...I feel like I'm reading another installment about Lera and her guys. Seriously in one chapter (4 I believe) Reese is even referred to as River. It made me think that Lidell actually wrote this as a Power of Five installment, but then decided to make it into another series altogether and just changed the names (but missed this one).
This now brings me to another issue I had with this book. Aside from the Power of Five similarities, which I was willing to forgive, I CANNOT get over all the damn grammatical errors in this book! I KNOW THAT LIDELL HAS A FOLLWING...COULD SHE NOT GET SOME BETA READERS TO GIVE THIS ONE A QUICK READ?!
When I read a book that is riddled with errors, I get super offended. It's almost like the author doesn't care about his or her work, or care too much about the reader. I understand a few errors here and there, but a lot of the errors in this book could have been fixed by a simple read through. I would rather wait a few more weeks or even months for an author to release a book because they were going through and doing edits to ensure the best possible version of his or her book is released, rather than have them throw out some mediocre work.
Don't get me wrong, Lidell still has the ability to weave a great story, but I just felt really let down by this book.
May I first take a moment to say with all the power in my entire body......
I FU**ING KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
ANYONE WHO READS FANTASY ROMANCE, OR ANY FORM OF FANTASY, KNOWS FULL WELL WHAT COMES OUT OF A RUBY EGG.
And if you do not know what comes out of a ruby egg, what freaking Rock have you been living under? If you do not know the answer then you need a history in mythology. Because everyone knows what comes out of a ruby egg. Every freaking history book that I ever read on mythology or mythical beasts or whatever, knows what comes out of a ruby egg.
And you know I'm not going to make the job easy for you. You can look it up if you honestly cannot figure it out.
I so called it.
I feel what's the weather looking for, gratification. Intense gratification.
And now that we all had a taste of what her magic can really do, I cannot wait till I see what's going to happen with all five of them connected. Lol.
Can't wait for those fireworks LOL p
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Second book. Second “male” down. More magic. More action. Intense amount of bullying. Deliciously sexual tension. Delicious kinky sex. What else? Oh yes. Lightning. BOOM!
Overall rating - 4 stars. I powered through it because the plot is banging and I dig my rude ass alpha men with their sassy little heroine.
Sam seemed a little more real and in connection with her emotions. She improved a bit, but I am still not 100% there.
Read: 03/04/2021 1st rating: 4 stars Genre/tropes: RH/Romance/fae-shifters/vampires/magic/witch Cover: 3 stars POV’s: Multiple -1st person (Sam) + 3rd person (The men) Will I recommend: Yes
Note: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dude! Last Chance Reform was awesome! It's the second book in the series and things are crazy, I read this book in one sitting and loved every single second of it.
Sam is just one of those characters that's just so close to my personality, the stubborn, take no crap nature, endure her to me in a way that most characters don't. Things are just as bad as ever with the other students harassment but Sam doesn't let that stop her or her mouth, gotta love a character with comeback skills. While she is pushing through she is also smart enough to start to put the pieces together, which is smart when she is involved in a dangerous game with Count Victor.
This time around the guys have more chapters and I love it. This is a reverse harem and while all the guys have chapters this book is centered on Reese's relationship with Sam. The Sam/Reese storyline went very smoothly and I was very shocked by how their relationship developed, something about Reese screams difficulty and while there were problems they weren't what I thought they'd be, Reese wasn't like how I thought he would be and it was a very nice surprise. However, all the guys have issues, I mean PTSD, anger, relationship, you name it the guys and Sam have it so that makes for bristly personalities and difficult relationships. Out of all the guys so far Cassis is my favorite, not only personality-wise but also because he's the only one that hasn't been a jerk towards Sam in one way or another.
Last Chance Reform was amazing filled with politics, danger, steam, a mysterious history, magic, and two bad guy a-holes. The story was smooth and intriguing that really got my heart pumping with all that was happening. The ending to Last Chance Reform was magnificent and I can't wait to read the next book because major things had happened and I can't wait to see how all this plays out and to see the next guy fall. With dueling leaders, wild magic, and guys that can't seem to stay away, I know that Last Chance Witch is gonna be so good.
Wow this book was wicked. Sam has to go through so much bullying due to her being the only witch at the academy, and with the added interest of count Victor and his scheming ways. We get to see Sam get closer to Reese after he takes over Ellis's role as her trainer only to open up a hole other level of HOT action after being broken down and then being pulled back together with some crazy emotional actions. With Ellis avoiding Sam will she manage to corner him and figure out why hes been avoiding her since the got close in book one. This book is totally worth picking up
This series has me all twisted up inside. I can't with that ending! That was cruel! In the best way but still cruel. I can't wait for the next one. I honestly love Alex Lidell so much and the series that she writes. I want more, more, more, more. I always feel like a child pouting to their parent about "gimme more!" This is how I always feel about Alex Lidell. A small part of me just wants to stop reading ARC copies and instead wait till it all comes out before reading. But then a bigger part of me has major FOMO so I can't. But I'm really liking how this story is progressing and I can't wait to find out more secrets! I also can't wait to see the cute little thing, that introduced itself at the ending, in action! Congrats on another great book Alex!
Overall: 5/5
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I snagged the chance to read another Alex Lidell book early but by doing so, I didn’t realize it was the second book and I hadn’t read the first in the series. I jumped into the first book and knew within a few chapters, I was hooked. The second I finished, I picked up Last Chance Reform. The story continued to keep me captivated in the back and forth between Sam and the guys. I had to know the hidden agendas others have as well. The story has been surprising and I love the direction the story has taken. I am dying for the next book! I will definitely be looking for the next release and reading it the second it comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 2 in this series is chock full of sexual tension but mainly between Samantha (FMC), Reece and Ellis. Not so much from Asher & Cassis. Reece & Ellis do spend a lot of this book dancing around their attraction to Sam. Trying to ignore their growing feelings for her. Still it makes for a pretty great read though. Away from the guys life at Talonwood is still a minefield of bullies and backstabbers as Sam tries to make her way through her school life being the only witch and a target there. Loving her new roommate Mika. Hoping to get to know her more in future books. Loving this series though more so this book as its steamier than the last one. Just a damn great read
this series just keeps getting better honestly, i love all the characters so much <33 i just adore how the author writes rh and how unique she makes each love interest
I feel exactly the same way about book two that I do about book one. The author's talent is obvious, and the potential for a WOW series is there with so many interesting ideas and characters, but somehow there isn't enough meat to make this feel complete. When I look back at the installment and ask myself what happened, all I can think is machinations of other people. Arguably, there is some personal growth for Sam with her breakdown because of Reese, but we don't really see the fruits of that labor. The story feels like a little boat adrift in a sea of story plot lines with nothing anchoring it.
The beginning of this book really disturbed me. In the first book Ellis is the one that abuses Sam "for her own good," and this time around its Reese who abuses her.
I really don't like the abuse that Sam receives from EVERYONE (accept for her new roommate) but most especially her MATES.
Its so disturbing to me and feels gross when they finally get together. Like, they broke her, but there's this mate bond, so then they bang and now everything's okay!?
This story is more involved than all that, but this is what bothers me the most. Also, everyone loves keeping Sam in the dark and then blaming her for not making "smart decisions."
However, how can she make these "smart decisions" when she knows nothing because NO-ONE will tell her anything or even let her learn?
On top of that, the training she receives is just pure torture. Its not about learning physical control or how to fight or defend herself. Its purely for breaking her down mentally, emotionally and physically. They don't teach her! They just beat her to a bloody pulp and when she even thinks about asking for a break they just kick her and yell at her, saying, her "enemies won't give her breaks so why should they?" 😲
I mean, OBVIOUSLY her enemies won't give her breaks, but you don't put someone with no experience fighting up against an incredibly experienced fighter and just let them get beat down for hours day after day with no instruction other than "try harder" and expect them to learn how to fight.
The whole thing is messed up, but the fact that HER MATES are the ones doing the beat down is disgusting to me.😡
Then, they take care of her afterwards and act like she's somehow precious to them after the abuse and I'm sitting here reeling.😵
All I know is there must be magic involved for this chick to be anyway interested in these guys after all that they've put her through!
They can be nice. They can be sexy, but they are 100% abusive, and everything about that is messed up.
SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): FC discovers she is a witch and not a mortal and is forced to attend Talonswood Academy, a boot camp school for supernaturals and demis (not full shifters or full vampires). Witches were thought extinct so the FC is wanted by both the Shifters and the Vampires. She discovers that she is connected to the 4 horsemen. 4 very old supernaturals (2 shifters and 2 vampires) who had banded together years ago to try and unite the supernaturals but had be kidnapped and tortured by a witch which resulted in them splitting up and going their own ways. The books cover the development of the relationship between the FC and each of the horsemen as well as the machinations of the Shifter King and Vampire Master to take control of the FC. Book 4 moves on to cover the kidnapping and slavery of humans by the Shifter King with a climax and HEA.
The story is good and the writing is good but the style just didn't do it for me. The author insists on referring to the MCs as "the males" even when the FC it thinking about them and to the FC as "the witch or the female". In addition, when talking from a character's POV the author still writes with a cross between third person and first person. I found this technique to be jarring and resulted in me not feeling any real deep connection between the FC and any of the MCs. How can there be when she's referring to them as the Males when in romantic or close situations? I'm not sure what the purpose of this style was.
The FC is a pretty strong individual and not unlikeable but the MCs, for me, each came across as too closed off and I just didn't see or feel the bond between each of them and the FC.
If you can get over the style then this is OK although pretty superficial when it comes to story and character development and the ending, for me, lacked real closure. I mean, what will King Bryant do now? How does the supernatural world evolve and how does the relationship with the FC and the MCs work if they are all off doing different things?
The first book focussed on setting the stage, Sam and Ellis, this one had Reese in its crosshairs. And I can honestly say... it delivered! Oh boy ;-) *fans herself*
So yeah, count Victor has taken over the school, once again pitting demi vampires against demi fae. Sam, as the only witch, is caught in the middle with only the (very) reluctant aid of Ellis, Reese and Asher helping her when unavoidable. I can tell you it really is not the way she imagined it would be after what happened before... not at all.
Worldbuilding was good, we stuck around campus pretty much all book, with only a few outings to Dusk and the lovely Cassis. All scenes and environments were clear and detailed enough.
Character development was good. Sam knows she is out of her league with the demi's, she just doesn't have their advantages, but she does have magic. So she is willing to deal with the devil (well, near enough) to get some training in. As stated earlier, the book is focussed on Reese and his struggle to resist Sam (either killing her or well, more pleasurable things). Sam goes through so many emotions in this book and with Ellis being a bastard I can tell you, it's not smooth sailing. All characters feel real and very much alive and omg Sam's new roomie is amaaaaaaaaazing (and a nerd) :D
Pacing and flow were good. While there was a lot happening, it had a more relaxed feeling to it. That said, once you start it, prepare to bloody well finish it in one setting :D
The book itself was well written and yes, there is sex described (if that is important to you).
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and all in all, I really enjoyed it and I cannot wait for the next instalment!
Last Chance Reform is the second book in the new adult fantasy series, called Immortals of Talonswood by Alex Lidell. I love Alex Lidell’s books. Her series, Power of Five is one of my all time favorites, and I already know that this series will soon be joining my favorite shelf as well. Alex writes addictive fantasies that I never want to put down. I finished this book in one sitting, and I know that it is going to be too long of a wait until I can get my hands on the next book because I need it right now. If you are a fan of new adult fantasies, and of reverse harems, this is a must read. Plus, it's on Kindle Unlimited so no reason to not check it out!
Last Chance Reform picks up a few days after the events of the first book, so you do need to read this series in order. Sam is all alone and confused. Because at the end of the last book, she thought she had made a connection with Ellis, but he is currently icing her out completely. He reasons that it is for her own good, but does he tell Sam any of that? Nope. He just lets her suffer in his silence. I thought he could have handled the whole thing a little better, but it does help with the setup for this series, which seems to be each one of the guys taking center stage in a different novel. Last Chance Reform is Reese's time to shine. I had Reese pinned as a favorite of mine right from his stony silence in the first book, and I love him even more now that I have gotten to know him better.
In Last Chance Reform, we get to see the world expand and grow and we learn more about the power dichotomy between the Vampires and Fae. It is all very interesting, and perhaps the most interesting component of all is the bond between Sam and the guys. I have read fated mates stories in the past, and I love them, but this is something different. Here we have a very strong suspicion that the bond is something magical- as in a spell cast by the last witch the guys encountered hundreds of years ago. I can't wait to see how it is all going to unfold. I am loving this series so much. I am ready for the next book to heavily feature Asher. I just know I am going to love him, even though we hardly hear from him. I can't wait to take a peek inside his head.
The Immortals of Talonswood series is going to have plenty of secrets, action and of course lots and lots of romance. I am so ready for book 3! And I am extra excited by that little Ruby egg was that Sam was tasked to steal popped up again at the end of this book, and oh boy! I can't wait for more on that front! Alex Lidell has done it again. I just love her series!
ONE TOE DIPPING WILD RIDE!!! Vexing vamp! Alex jumped ship, breaking waves and busting through, counting large suits and checking short draws, calling the shots and taking control, fusing this bad boy together flawlessly. Lines blur and boundaries crossed, limitations are pushed and manipulated, booting this baby onward, kicking it into overdrive, slamming it into a hissy with astonishing results. Twixt and twinned and intermingled, along with a slew of astonishing twists and shocking turns, rolling with the drama and bringing the magic, catapulting this gem to staggering heights. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rolling out the intrigue, triggering the traps, holding up the suspense and intense situations, along with a double dose of bedlam while dodging chaos, you have one thrilling experience. The characters are complex and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and vivid descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and blend smoothly. Remarkable job Alex, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
I enjoyed this second book in the Talonswood series very much - I read it after some really, long and intricate books so its shorter length and less in-depth world (to the books I had just read) was a very comforting and entertaining read to me. It seems to be focusing mostly on one male from the harem per book, with briefer appearances by the others, and this is different and interesting from most RH's I have read. I found Reese super hot in this book for sure, and am intrigued about how things will evolve with the rest of the potential harem members down the line. They are fated mates, and I am not feeling that emotional connection between any of them yet as she just doesn't spend enough time with them individually on page for that to have built enough for me, but I do enjoy what there has been so far. Some developments are made with Sam's magic, and I'm curious what will happen with her powers and something else that happens right at the end too. 3.75 Stars
Talonswood Reform is under new vampire management and Count Victor assigns Reese, the academy’s dark, broody second-in-command, to teach Sam, the lone witch, proper behavior toward the vampires. Victor would like Sam to bow or kneel at his feet. With her strong personality, she’s already sure that won’t go very well. Sam has to deal with lots of bullying from the others since she is the only witch there. As Reese takes over Ellis's role as her trainer, Reese and Sam do become closer. If she gets her magic figured out, she will be unstoppable!
So most of the focus was on Samantha (“Sam”), Reece and Ellis. Reece and Ellis were fighting their feelings for Sam, for good or for bad. We didn’t see much action in this book from Asher and Cassis who were trying to avoid Sam, but I’m sure that will change soon. The adversity just makes her stronger. Will any of the guys start to see her for the strong, intelligent woman she really is?
Wow, what a follow on. I loved Book 1 and our introduction to Sam, Ellis, Cassis, Reese and Asher. Book 2 takes their story one step further. With the Four Horsemen fighting their attraction to Sam, we learn more about them. Book 2 looks at Reese and his past, and his current relationship with Sam. With Victor having taken over the Academy, lots of power plays are afoot. You have to love the story telling aspect of Alex Lidell. She really knows how to spin a tale that has you completely engrossed.
Sam is developing in this book, and I love her inner strength and resilience. I can hear myself screaming, ‘Go Sam!’ All the way through this book. If you loved Book 1, you will not be disappointed with Book 2. For those who like steam, Sam and hers boys relationship gets a lot HOTTER! Great series, can’t wait for Book3
Last Chance Reform was a great second book in this series , Its was a bit of a short read but it read well and leads you into the next one . Sam is such a strong , take no crap kind of character . In this one she starts to see the different sides of Ellis and Reese - both who are slowly developing as protectors and who have different background stories of their own . Sam also goes into a weird kind of relationship / battle of wills with Count Victor. I like Cassis's character although he and Asher take a bit of a back seat in this book .I also like the introduction of Sam's new roomie she is a great side character !! I don't know how everything is going to fit into the next book as there is still so much left unsaid . Last Chance Reform is well written and has lots of background magic based politics, danger, and bad guys . Looking forward to the next one ....
I’ve read a lot of Alex Lidell’s books and they all have one thing in common - I never want them to end even though I can’t wait to find out what happens. Samantha is still trying to figure things out at Talonswood Academy, only now Count Victor is in charge and military discipline isn’t the rule anymore. Vampires are favored and fights are common between them and the fae. Sam is still bullied by both, although her new vampire roommate turns out to be a computer nerd she immediately hits it off with. Victor wants Sam to become his pawn so he’s nice to her but insists Reese teach her vampire protocol. Ellis avoids her and Reese does his best to stay detached. They learn a little more about their connection and all three work toward trusting each other. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a left a review.
Aw, the ending made it sweet and I’m glad it did because aside from the hot sex, I was feeling a little unbalanced. I personally had a hard time with how cruel one of the guys was before she broke, and how he only THEN made her feel better. It just seemed to weird and I know it wasn’t manipulative because that wasn’t his intent but it still soured in my mouth and it took a few mindless sex before I felt better without thinking twice.
Aside from that, Sam pretty much just goes back and forth between forces being used, pawned, and manipulated until she figures out her own opinions. My eyes wandered a few times but the dragon made me 100% interested again. I’m not sure why I wasn’t as into this because there were indeed times when I was excited. I don’t know… I think it’s just my mood.
Holy feckin shite! This book left me on the edge of my seat the whole day! I could not stop reading till I finished it. I actually wanted to cry when I got to that ending!! I wanted there to be more! I loved this book more then the first one!!! Her show of power actually made me drop my tablet lol (it’s all good) If I wasn’t addicted before this I am 1000% addicted now. Mika is the best side character I hope to read a lot more about her and turn in to a main character our witch needs as a best friend. The baddies got another thing coming if they think they can control our epic witch. That ending has me wanting book 3 so badly lol. She better get new boots and clothes from her men 😂
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Samantha's life took a dramatic turn when she unfortunately end up here and now she most try and fit in with beings who don't play well together. Then there are those who will do anything to push her around for there own nefarious reasons because they think there better then her. Samantha will have to learn to control her impulsive tendencies before she ends up in trouble with a big capital T and hopefully manners she'll have develop better ones then she currently possess. However when push comes to shove with little time to think Samantha with have to step up against an unexpected danger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book picks up much where the last let off. It continues to show the building relationships between Sam and her men. It also gives us a better understanding of the world.
There were times in this book that you really hate a few of the men, just because of stupid things that they do. They think if they avoid Sam or push her against her will that she will let them be and that just isn't the case. There are some interesting aspects where will learn more about the past and how this group is all connected and also some really funny parts too.
The ending of this book had me happy and laughing as it was totally unexpected. This series grows on you much like other series by Alex Liddell and should definitely be added to your must read list if you haven't.
I love how the pace picked up in this second book and we’re getting more interaction with the characters. The author has also gained herself a point over her Power of Five series in that there’s already been some 2-on-1 action whereas in her other RH series I felt there was too much 1-1 with each of the guys and not enough together. So far there was only a taste of it here (like that play on words? ;) but it’s promising!
My only complaints are 1) some grammar/spelling errors and 2) The awkward placing of chapter endings. Like right in the middle of a sex scene when there’s not a POV change—what’s the point? Also, I think the book is too short but I get that authors want to sell more books…
In any case, moving immediately on to the next one!
I enjoyed this book, following on from book one as we follow Sam as she learns more about herself while trying to navigate her harsh new life and uncover the truth. There are hidden depths within this book and sub plots with plenty of twists, turns and trials. The story is well written and I like the fact that it is written from multiple POV, the characters have great chemistry and there is plenty of action, mystery, secrets, betrayal, sexual tension and hidden intentions. I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me tell you this book had steamy (steamy!) scenes but the main plot line ruined it for me. It felt forced and I didn't like the actions taken by the boys. Maybe its supposed to be 'bully' but it felt more degrading to me. I wanted Sam to grow a backbone and just stick up for herself, her "training" during this book wasn't that at all. I loved Lera from Power of Five she was badass! (not always but she had her moments...). Sam doesn't. She isn't what I would consider a strong willed character.