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Ripper
Kelsey Atwood is a private detective with a problem. She came from a family of hunters, growing up on the wrong side of the supernatural world. Tracking down bail jumpers and deadbeat dads may not make her a lot of friends, but it’s a lot safer than the life she turned her back on. She was hoping to escape from the nightmares of her past, but her latest case has brought them right back to her door.
A young woman has gone missing, and she didn’t go willingly. When Kelsey discovers that the girl is actually a shifter, she knows she should drop the case and walk away. But this shifter was a sweet kid, and she’s in serious trouble. More females are missing and the evidence points to a legendary killer. Bodies are piling up, and her case is becoming center stage for a conflict that could shatter the fragile peace between wolves and vampires.
As the hunt intensifies, she finds herself trapped between two men—Gray, a magnetic half-demon lawman, and the ancient vampire Marcus Vorenus. Both men call to her, but when a shocking secret about Kelsey’s family is revealed, it could ruin them all. To stop the killer, she will have to embrace the truth about who—and what—she truly is.
A a Thieves Series Novel by Lexi Blake
A young woman has gone missing, and she didn’t go willingly. When Kelsey discovers that the girl is actually a shifter, she knows she should drop the case and walk away. But this shifter was a sweet kid, and she’s in serious trouble. More females are missing and the evidence points to a legendary killer. Bodies are piling up, and her case is becoming center stage for a conflict that could shatter the fragile peace between wolves and vampires.
As the hunt intensifies, she finds herself trapped between two men—Gray, a magnetic half-demon lawman, and the ancient vampire Marcus Vorenus. Both men call to her, but when a shocking secret about Kelsey’s family is revealed, it could ruin them all. To stop the killer, she will have to embrace the truth about who—and what—she truly is.
A a Thieves Series Novel by Lexi Blake
First published January 20, 2015
226 people are currently reading
2276 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,372 followersNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 163 reviews
October 27, 2016
Read this ages ago, loved it!
November 14, 2018
Ripper is the first book in Lexi Blake's Hunter series, it's set in the same world as her Thieves books with reappearances from some of the original characters so to be honest I think it's best read as a continuation of the original series rather than being used as a starting point but I'm enjoying getting to know a new main character and looking forward to seeing how Kelsey's journey continues.
Kelsey is a character that we've not met before but I thought it was really fun to eventually find out how she tied back to the original group we grew to love in the Thieves books. She was raised by her father to believe all supernatural characters were evil and he used her abilities to help him hunt werewolves and shapeshifters to murder. She was horrified when she realised how wrong he was and she's never forgiven herself for the part she played in his killing spree, even though she was only a child at the time, so has tried to avoid the supernatural world as much as possible since then.
She focuses on her job as a private detective tracking down cheating husbands or bail jumpers but won't touch a case if it involves the supernatural. Until a desperate woman begs for her help to find her missing daughter, a shapeshifter who has vanished in mysterious circumstances. Kelsey is reluctant to get involved but she knows her skills put her in a unique position to help and she finds it really difficult to say no to a desperate mother. As Kelsey starts to investigate she realises that there has been a spate of abductions recently and they all seem to tie back to a local vampire club. It looks like this case won't be as easy as she first assumed and it's going to drag her right back into a world she hoped she'd left behind forever.
After loving the Thieves series I had really high hopes for this spin off and I do think it has a lot of potential but there were a couple of big issues I had with this first book. Firstly was the pace of the relationship that develops between Kelsey and the half-demon Gray. He is a friend of her brother's who has apparently been interested in her for a long time but things between them move at a ridiculously fast pace so we miss out on all the build up that is usually half the fun of a romance story. There were reasons for this that were revealed later on in the book but I still didn't like it and Gray's overbearing possessiveness was a bit of a sticking point. I don't dislike his character but I'm not at the point where I'm rooting for him so he's going to have to change his attitude if he wants to win me around. It's clear that vampire Marcus (who I already loved from the original books) also has an interest in Kelsey so I don't think the romance side of the story is sorted yet, I'm kind of hoping for a menage relationship like we got with Zoey, Danny & Dev but I'm not sure if either Gray or Marcus would be up for that.
The other thing that really upset me about this was how badly everyone treats Kelsey, nearly everyone in her life is keeping secrets from her, using her in some way or manipulating her to do what they want her to do. By the end of the story I was angry with pretty much everyone but especially at Danny and Dev which was really upsetting because I've always loved those two in the past. I couldn't believe the way Danny treated Kelsey, it ruined my opinion of him and kind of spoiled all the happy feelings I'd been having at seeing some of my favourite characters make a reappearance. You know Danny is behaving badly when even Zack, who has always his followed orders without question, and Marcus, who has been his number one supporter from day one, go against him!
I am going to continue reading the series but in the next book I REALLY need to see an attitude adjustment from Danny, he's got some serious making up to do after this book. I'd also like whatever relationship Kelsey decides to embark on to be with a man who can respect her without trying to control her in any way. There needs to be some proper slow-build romance for her and if that's with Gray he's going to have to work hard to earn her trust back. What I'm most looking forward to is seeing Kelsey come to terms with the revelations about who and what she is, she's going to have to learn how her abilities work and then I want to see her take back control of her own fate and not let Danny get away with using her like he's currently trying to.
Kelsey is a character that we've not met before but I thought it was really fun to eventually find out how she tied back to the original group we grew to love in the Thieves books. She was raised by her father to believe all supernatural characters were evil and he used her abilities to help him hunt werewolves and shapeshifters to murder. She was horrified when she realised how wrong he was and she's never forgiven herself for the part she played in his killing spree, even though she was only a child at the time, so has tried to avoid the supernatural world as much as possible since then.
She focuses on her job as a private detective tracking down cheating husbands or bail jumpers but won't touch a case if it involves the supernatural. Until a desperate woman begs for her help to find her missing daughter, a shapeshifter who has vanished in mysterious circumstances. Kelsey is reluctant to get involved but she knows her skills put her in a unique position to help and she finds it really difficult to say no to a desperate mother. As Kelsey starts to investigate she realises that there has been a spate of abductions recently and they all seem to tie back to a local vampire club. It looks like this case won't be as easy as she first assumed and it's going to drag her right back into a world she hoped she'd left behind forever.
After loving the Thieves series I had really high hopes for this spin off and I do think it has a lot of potential but there were a couple of big issues I had with this first book. Firstly was the pace of the relationship that develops between Kelsey and the half-demon Gray. He is a friend of her brother's who has apparently been interested in her for a long time but things between them move at a ridiculously fast pace so we miss out on all the build up that is usually half the fun of a romance story. There were reasons for this that were revealed later on in the book but I still didn't like it and Gray's overbearing possessiveness was a bit of a sticking point. I don't dislike his character but I'm not at the point where I'm rooting for him so he's going to have to change his attitude if he wants to win me around. It's clear that vampire Marcus (who I already loved from the original books) also has an interest in Kelsey so I don't think the romance side of the story is sorted yet, I'm kind of hoping for a menage relationship like we got with Zoey, Danny & Dev but I'm not sure if either Gray or Marcus would be up for that.
The other thing that really upset me about this was how badly everyone treats Kelsey, nearly everyone in her life is keeping secrets from her, using her in some way or manipulating her to do what they want her to do. By the end of the story I was angry with pretty much everyone but especially at Danny and Dev which was really upsetting because I've always loved those two in the past. I couldn't believe the way Danny treated Kelsey, it ruined my opinion of him and kind of spoiled all the happy feelings I'd been having at seeing some of my favourite characters make a reappearance. You know Danny is behaving badly when even Zack, who has always his followed orders without question, and Marcus, who has been his number one supporter from day one, go against him!
I am going to continue reading the series but in the next book I REALLY need to see an attitude adjustment from Danny, he's got some serious making up to do after this book. I'd also like whatever relationship Kelsey decides to embark on to be with a man who can respect her without trying to control her in any way. There needs to be some proper slow-build romance for her and if that's with Gray he's going to have to work hard to earn her trust back. What I'm most looking forward to is seeing Kelsey come to terms with the revelations about who and what she is, she's going to have to learn how her abilities work and then I want to see her take back control of her own fate and not let Danny get away with using her like he's currently trying to.
January 25, 2015
Being a PI has it's ups and downs. Getting the low down on deadbeat parents, cheating spouses, and surveillance services is lucrative and rewarding though boring but much safer than her family's legacy of hunting destructive evil paranormal entities.
When a young female college student goes missing Kelsey is hired by her mother when law enforcement hits a dead end. What should have been a straightforward missing person's case turns out to be so much more when Kelsey finds out the girl is a shifter and likely victim of a paranormal serial killer. Nightmares from the past should be enough of a reminder for Kelsey to bow out until she meets demon hybrid Detective Grayson Sloane & vampire Marcus Vorenus. Could they be involved or manipulating circumstances to hide a different agenda.
Either way Kelsey will have to embrace her past if she wants to solve this new threat and in the process learn more about herself and her family's legacy than she needs or wants to.
* * * * *
This new spin off series utilizes a re-purposed formula from the highly successful "Theives" series. By that I mean that there are three central characters with the option of a love triangle or menage outcome who have ties to the paranormal world. The details and body are different but for me the parallel similarities stood out. Can't go into why I felt that way as it would be spoiler info. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this installment. Just wish the author would have changed up things to keep the surprise/suspense/twist & turns fresh and unpredictable which is why I love this author so very much - expect the unexpected.
While this is a spin off and therefore can be read as a standalone, characters from the Thieves series make appearances. For me this was like going home to catch up with everyone and find out what they're up to. It also has me cautioning potential new reader fan base. You know when you hear a good joke that's funny and all that? Certain people seem to laugh much harder than others for some reason and you wonder why as it was funny but not that funny. Come to find out that there's inside information that only those in the know understand which is why the joke was so hilarious. It's the same here. Insider information that only those who read the Thieves series will understand the significance/importance of. Won't detract from your reading experience but will add depth and understanding if you already read 'Thieves.'
As for the positives. Duh. This is a Lexi Blake book. Do I really need to say more? I'm talking action-adventure, angst, snark, humor, danger, suspense, mystery, intrigue, sexual tension, paranormal-urban fantasy and so so so much more. Her books provide the reader with the full experience including mouth watering HAWT adult content scenes that will melt ice cubes on a cold winter day. I also want to add that these scenes do tease at BDSM play, of the sugarkink persuasion, but not to the degree I felt that tag was appropriate for this book. Yup. Lexi's on my auto buy list for those reasons ... and more. The one bummer is that there were a number of editorial and spelling errors which is highly unusual for this author. Not to any significant degree that I down rated, just enough that I noticed.
I really loved this book and will be anxiously waiting for the next installment Addict which I don't see a scheduled release date yet. The teaser (at the end of Ripper) had me all the more excited. I'm thrilled about Marcus but on the fence regarding Kelsey and Sloane. Guess this is when I'll say... we'll see as author Lexi Blake hasn't let me down yet.
When a young female college student goes missing Kelsey is hired by her mother when law enforcement hits a dead end. What should have been a straightforward missing person's case turns out to be so much more when Kelsey finds out the girl is a shifter and likely victim of a paranormal serial killer. Nightmares from the past should be enough of a reminder for Kelsey to bow out until she meets demon hybrid Detective Grayson Sloane & vampire Marcus Vorenus. Could they be involved or manipulating circumstances to hide a different agenda.
Either way Kelsey will have to embrace her past if she wants to solve this new threat and in the process learn more about herself and her family's legacy than she needs or wants to.
* * * * *
This new spin off series utilizes a re-purposed formula from the highly successful "Theives" series. By that I mean that there are three central characters with the option of a love triangle or menage outcome who have ties to the paranormal world. The details and body are different but for me the parallel similarities stood out. Can't go into why I felt that way as it would be spoiler info. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy this installment. Just wish the author would have changed up things to keep the surprise/suspense/twist & turns fresh and unpredictable which is why I love this author so very much - expect the unexpected.
While this is a spin off and therefore can be read as a standalone, characters from the Thieves series make appearances. For me this was like going home to catch up with everyone and find out what they're up to. It also has me cautioning potential new reader fan base. You know when you hear a good joke that's funny and all that? Certain people seem to laugh much harder than others for some reason and you wonder why as it was funny but not that funny. Come to find out that there's inside information that only those in the know understand which is why the joke was so hilarious. It's the same here. Insider information that only those who read the Thieves series will understand the significance/importance of. Won't detract from your reading experience but will add depth and understanding if you already read 'Thieves.'
As for the positives. Duh. This is a Lexi Blake book. Do I really need to say more? I'm talking action-adventure, angst, snark, humor, danger, suspense, mystery, intrigue, sexual tension, paranormal-urban fantasy and so so so much more. Her books provide the reader with the full experience including mouth watering HAWT adult content scenes that will melt ice cubes on a cold winter day. I also want to add that these scenes do tease at BDSM play, of the sugarkink persuasion, but not to the degree I felt that tag was appropriate for this book. Yup. Lexi's on my auto buy list for those reasons ... and more. The one bummer is that there were a number of editorial and spelling errors which is highly unusual for this author. Not to any significant degree that I down rated, just enough that I noticed.
I really loved this book and will be anxiously waiting for the next installment Addict which I don't see a scheduled release date yet. The teaser (at the end of Ripper) had me all the more excited. I'm thrilled about Marcus but on the fence regarding Kelsey and Sloane. Guess this is when I'll say... we'll see as author Lexi Blake hasn't let me down yet.
April 27, 2015
Send it back after 70 pages, but honestly I shouldn't have bought it in the first place. I was totally unconvinced by the sample, but I let myself be swayed by GR reviews.
I found the heroine revoltingly unappealing, she lacks any serious pride, she's unprofessional, and let the world treat her like shit out of "love". If I had friends or family like those, I'd change continent. :)
It may be a good book, I'm sure it is. But if you promise me a baddass heroine both in blurb and cover, you better deliver or you may get an unfair review due to expectations.
I found the heroine revoltingly unappealing, she lacks any serious pride, she's unprofessional, and let the world treat her like shit out of "love". If I had friends or family like those, I'd change continent. :)
It may be a good book, I'm sure it is. But if you promise me a baddass heroine both in blurb and cover, you better deliver or you may get an unfair review due to expectations.
August 1, 2021
I came in expecting a cool urban fantasy about a female PI solving cases and that was, at first, what I seemed to be getting. But then ... then ... I started to notice that I was completely wrong in my assumptions about what kind of book this was supposed to be.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind books with detailed sex scenes or a female lead swooning over her "soulmate" or just "mate" (or whatever), but when the focus of the book seems to be primarily on the romantic dynamics between a very dominant male and a suddenly very meek and submissive female lead - that previously seemed feisty and kickass - theeeeen I'm out.
I mentally DNF:ed this book pretty early on - and then a few times over. When the main character started changing her behaviour completely to please The Dominant Male™ I rolled my eyes (yes, I actually do this - a lot). However, the narrator was very good so I kept listening, but without any kind of relish.
To be honest, I think I could have enjoyed this book if the sex had been good. But I found it utterly unsexy. The possessive alpha male is so not my kink. It makes me more nauseated than anything else so that really didn't work for me. At. All.
I tried to focus on the mystery plodding along in the background instead. But that didn't work because it turned out to be a mere back-drop for the "romance" and very long, unsexy sex scenes.
When the explanation for our poor main character's behaviour became known towards the end it was too little, too late. I felt completely detached from her by then.
The whole thing with one female having two male partners isn't my kind of kink either so ... No. Really not a book written for any of my tastes.
So ... Sorry about the low rating, but I came looking for a female type of Harry Dresden, not 50 Shades of Supernatural Grey, pun intended.
I won't be listening to more of this series.
Don't get me wrong, I don't mind books with detailed sex scenes or a female lead swooning over her "soulmate" or just "mate" (or whatever), but when the focus of the book seems to be primarily on the romantic dynamics between a very dominant male and a suddenly very meek and submissive female lead - that previously seemed feisty and kickass - theeeeen I'm out.
I mentally DNF:ed this book pretty early on - and then a few times over. When the main character started changing her behaviour completely to please The Dominant Male™ I rolled my eyes (yes, I actually do this - a lot). However, the narrator was very good so I kept listening, but without any kind of relish.
To be honest, I think I could have enjoyed this book if the sex had been good. But I found it utterly unsexy. The possessive alpha male is so not my kink. It makes me more nauseated than anything else so that really didn't work for me. At. All.
I tried to focus on the mystery plodding along in the background instead. But that didn't work because it turned out to be a mere back-drop for the "romance" and very long, unsexy sex scenes.
When the explanation for our poor main character's behaviour became known towards the end it was too little, too late. I felt completely detached from her by then.
The whole thing with one female having two male partners isn't my kind of kink either so ... No. Really not a book written for any of my tastes.
So ... Sorry about the low rating, but I came looking for a female type of Harry Dresden, not 50 Shades of Supernatural Grey, pun intended.
I won't be listening to more of this series.
January 27, 2015
3.5 stars.Contradictions. I wrestled with how I wanted to review this, but the word contradictions kept running through my mind, not only after I was finished, but all the way through the read. I liked it, I loved it, and at times I truly didn’t care for it. Ultimately, that means at times I was wondering where the story was going, because I wasn’t totally invested, and at other times, I couldn’t put it down.
Kelsey is a private investigator who, although she is very aware of the supernatural world, has stayed as far away from it as she can for years. She does have her reasons. She has one friend in this world, Liv, a witch. When Liv gets Kelsey involved in a missing girl case, she gets yanked back into the world she never wanted to be part of.
Throughout the first half of the book, I really enjoyed myself. I thought Kelsey was a really different sort of character, really liked Liv due to her warmhearted caring attitude towards Kelsey, and even liked Kelsey’s, at times, overbearing brothers. When Kelsey starts falling for her brother’s friend, Gray, I had problems with how fast, a closed off character that Kelsey ultimately is, falls in love, and it just didn’t ring true with me. And when the first sex scene began, that’s when I really didn’t like the book. I have nothing against a good sex scene, but I am just not into the whole tying someone up(and don’t get me started on the use of the p word for a part of the female anatomy!). Had I known, I would never have picked up this book. I know a lot of people don’t mind this, and that’s perfectly fine. Just my personal preference. Gray is a half demon, and I just really didn’t like him that much. Now to the character that I loved. Marcus is the oldest living vampire in the world, and he’s a supernatural counsel member. When Kelsey meets him, he’s pretty bored with his life, but perks up considerably when he realizes what Kelsey is, and actually becomes enamored with her.
Okay so what is Kelsey? I am so not telling. That’s the fun part of this book, and became the part of the book that I loved. In fact the whole last maybe thirty five percent of the book, I was on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and action involved-due in large part to what Kelsey is. So yes, the last part of the book was the part I loved. It also is the reason I will be reading the next book, because I am so intrigued with Kelsey, and with Marcus as well.
Early on, you realize that many of the supernatural characters that Kelsey comes into contact with in her investigation, have been in a book series of their own. This was my first book by this author, but I don’t think I was lost by not knowing any of these characters back story. I am sure the author’s fans of that series will gobble this book up. I think readers that like supernatural characters of all types, or that like books featuring gory murders(involving shifters), will enjoy this read as well. Maybe I should mention that it’s not a feel good read, although Kelsey does have a lot of snark, which I always enjoy in a main character, and certainly added some much needed levity to the read.
If it seems like this review is all over the place, that might be because I was all over the place while reading it. I do think that a lot of people will enjoy this read, and if bondage doesn’t bother you, then I do recommend it.
Side note-I had a horrible time rating this-I wish there was a 3.75, I just couldn’t give it 4, but I do think it’s better then a 3.5. (RabidReads.com)
Kelsey is a private investigator who, although she is very aware of the supernatural world, has stayed as far away from it as she can for years. She does have her reasons. She has one friend in this world, Liv, a witch. When Liv gets Kelsey involved in a missing girl case, she gets yanked back into the world she never wanted to be part of.
Throughout the first half of the book, I really enjoyed myself. I thought Kelsey was a really different sort of character, really liked Liv due to her warmhearted caring attitude towards Kelsey, and even liked Kelsey’s, at times, overbearing brothers. When Kelsey starts falling for her brother’s friend, Gray, I had problems with how fast, a closed off character that Kelsey ultimately is, falls in love, and it just didn’t ring true with me. And when the first sex scene began, that’s when I really didn’t like the book. I have nothing against a good sex scene, but I am just not into the whole tying someone up(and don’t get me started on the use of the p word for a part of the female anatomy!). Had I known, I would never have picked up this book. I know a lot of people don’t mind this, and that’s perfectly fine. Just my personal preference. Gray is a half demon, and I just really didn’t like him that much. Now to the character that I loved. Marcus is the oldest living vampire in the world, and he’s a supernatural counsel member. When Kelsey meets him, he’s pretty bored with his life, but perks up considerably when he realizes what Kelsey is, and actually becomes enamored with her.
Okay so what is Kelsey? I am so not telling. That’s the fun part of this book, and became the part of the book that I loved. In fact the whole last maybe thirty five percent of the book, I was on the edge of my seat with all the suspense and action involved-due in large part to what Kelsey is. So yes, the last part of the book was the part I loved. It also is the reason I will be reading the next book, because I am so intrigued with Kelsey, and with Marcus as well.
Early on, you realize that many of the supernatural characters that Kelsey comes into contact with in her investigation, have been in a book series of their own. This was my first book by this author, but I don’t think I was lost by not knowing any of these characters back story. I am sure the author’s fans of that series will gobble this book up. I think readers that like supernatural characters of all types, or that like books featuring gory murders(involving shifters), will enjoy this read as well. Maybe I should mention that it’s not a feel good read, although Kelsey does have a lot of snark, which I always enjoy in a main character, and certainly added some much needed levity to the read.
If it seems like this review is all over the place, that might be because I was all over the place while reading it. I do think that a lot of people will enjoy this read, and if bondage doesn’t bother you, then I do recommend it.
Side note-I had a horrible time rating this-I wish there was a 3.75, I just couldn’t give it 4, but I do think it’s better then a 3.5. (RabidReads.com)
November 17, 2015
Where or where has my Ms. Oaks gone? A total fan of Ms. Sophie Oak, I finally succumbed and checked out her Lexi Blake books. I tried a novella in her kinky Master series and it flopped for me. Then I read this book and I'm over the moon. The writing in this book has me devouring the book wanting to read all of the books in this series. After reading about Kesley, I bought the next book in this series and then went and purchased the entire set of the Thieves.
Kelsey is a woman who has some disassociate rage issues. She hulks out sometimes and she has problems relating to people. Honestly, if you had my job, you'd totally understand Kelsey and cheer her on. I didn't like how Kelsey was ganged up on and how she was betrayed by loved ones. They "always" say that they know better and they were doing for your own good. Who made them god? What gives people the right to make these decisions without at least discussing it with the person?
It burns me that Kelsey was placed in the situation she was put in. To be fair, I don't know if Kelsey would have handle any rational discussions. She isn't always able to take in what people say. So I'm mixed. Still, I loved the world building in here and I am really intrigued by the characters. I had no idea Ms. Oak could write stories like this and I'm only regretfully it took me so long to read it. Recommended for urban fantasy lovers who enjoy kick ass women who are not afraid of killing.
Kelsey is a woman who has some disassociate rage issues. She hulks out sometimes and she has problems relating to people. Honestly, if you had my job, you'd totally understand Kelsey and cheer her on. I didn't like how Kelsey was ganged up on and how she was betrayed by loved ones. They "always" say that they know better and they were doing for your own good. Who made them god? What gives people the right to make these decisions without at least discussing it with the person?
It burns me that Kelsey was placed in the situation she was put in. To be fair, I don't know if Kelsey would have handle any rational discussions. She isn't always able to take in what people say. So I'm mixed. Still, I loved the world building in here and I am really intrigued by the characters. I had no idea Ms. Oak could write stories like this and I'm only regretfully it took me so long to read it. Recommended for urban fantasy lovers who enjoy kick ass women who are not afraid of killing.
October 1, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I’ve got a new girl crush! A little bit Jessica Jones and a little bit Anita Blake, Kelsey Atwood is a fabulous new urban fantasy heroine. I love her slightly dystopian Dallas and the mix of human and supernatural beings who share her world.
This first book starts with Kelsey reluctantly investigating a fairly ordinary missing persons case. Slowly, the case drags her further and further into the supernatural world she’s been determined not to engage with. Kelsey soon finds herself unable to hide or even control her own supernatural abilities as she tries to find a place for herself within a frightening world she doesn’t quite understand.
Paranormal romance fans won’t enjoy this story as much as urban fantasy fans will. There is some romance but Kelsey is fierce and easy HEAs are for much simpler women. I found myself equally intrigued by and suspicious of both the men in Kelsey’s life. Her relationship with Gray is a little bit too easy and it is difficult to know whether Marcus is attracted to Kelsey for herself or for her Hunter abilities.
We’ve all read too many vampire/supe/human triads before but thankfully, this is much darker and grittier than Twilight. Kelsey isn’t Bella. She’s a sarcastic, bitchy and powerful loner who enjoys her sex and doesn’t always handle her alcohol too well. She is also fierce and ruthless when she needs to be. The story concludes with an incredibly brutal fight scene and I loved every second of Kelsey’s gladiatorial battle.
This was a single sitting read for me and I read the second one straight after. I’m completely hooked on this series. I loved Kelsey. I loved the wonderful mix of human and supernatural characters and I enjoyed the complicated alliances and power structures in Kelsey’s new supernatural world.
I’ve got a new girl crush! A little bit Jessica Jones and a little bit Anita Blake, Kelsey Atwood is a fabulous new urban fantasy heroine. I love her slightly dystopian Dallas and the mix of human and supernatural beings who share her world.
This first book starts with Kelsey reluctantly investigating a fairly ordinary missing persons case. Slowly, the case drags her further and further into the supernatural world she’s been determined not to engage with. Kelsey soon finds herself unable to hide or even control her own supernatural abilities as she tries to find a place for herself within a frightening world she doesn’t quite understand.
Paranormal romance fans won’t enjoy this story as much as urban fantasy fans will. There is some romance but Kelsey is fierce and easy HEAs are for much simpler women. I found myself equally intrigued by and suspicious of both the men in Kelsey’s life. Her relationship with Gray is a little bit too easy and it is difficult to know whether Marcus is attracted to Kelsey for herself or for her Hunter abilities.
We’ve all read too many vampire/supe/human triads before but thankfully, this is much darker and grittier than Twilight. Kelsey isn’t Bella. She’s a sarcastic, bitchy and powerful loner who enjoys her sex and doesn’t always handle her alcohol too well. She is also fierce and ruthless when she needs to be. The story concludes with an incredibly brutal fight scene and I loved every second of Kelsey’s gladiatorial battle.
This was a single sitting read for me and I read the second one straight after. I’m completely hooked on this series. I loved Kelsey. I loved the wonderful mix of human and supernatural characters and I enjoyed the complicated alliances and power structures in Kelsey’s new supernatural world.
September 26, 2017
Ripper (Hunter #1) by Lexi Blake
4.5 stars
M/F Shifter Romance, Mystery
Triggers: Murder, kidnapping, abuse (parent to child), very light BDSM
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is not what I was expecting, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I really didn't know what to expect, but this was a complex story about finding yourself and sacrifice.
Grayson Sloane is a demon on borrowed time. He also has knowledge that he is destined to be with Kelsey. While he wants to spend the rest of his time above with Kelsey, there are forces beyond his control that conspire against him.
Kelsey is just now learning that she isn't what she believed she was. I loved her character - she didn't really care what people thought of her. If things didn't go her way, she found a way around. She is amazing at her job because she has a unique ability to find anything. I really liked that despite her overprotective brothers and best friend sometimes thinking they knew best, she stands her ground.
When Kelsey and Grayson have to face some hard facts, it's the question of who will be there for each of them. Can they both survive with each other and conversely, the question of whether or not they can survive without each other - to protect each other. Despite their amazing chemistry and lust for each other, should they really end up together?
I really enjoyed this story - it had twists and turns, espionage and sabotage as well as a deep love.
I can't wait to see what happens next!
4.5 stars
M/F Shifter Romance, Mystery
Triggers: Murder, kidnapping, abuse (parent to child), very light BDSM
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is not what I was expecting, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I really didn't know what to expect, but this was a complex story about finding yourself and sacrifice.
Grayson Sloane is a demon on borrowed time. He also has knowledge that he is destined to be with Kelsey. While he wants to spend the rest of his time above with Kelsey, there are forces beyond his control that conspire against him.
Kelsey is just now learning that she isn't what she believed she was. I loved her character - she didn't really care what people thought of her. If things didn't go her way, she found a way around. She is amazing at her job because she has a unique ability to find anything. I really liked that despite her overprotective brothers and best friend sometimes thinking they knew best, she stands her ground.
When Kelsey and Grayson have to face some hard facts, it's the question of who will be there for each of them. Can they both survive with each other and conversely, the question of whether or not they can survive without each other - to protect each other. Despite their amazing chemistry and lust for each other, should they really end up together?
I really enjoyed this story - it had twists and turns, espionage and sabotage as well as a deep love.
I can't wait to see what happens next!
March 17, 2022
This book is raw perfection. And there’s only one more out in audio and on my shelf. Shit. What am I gonna do?!
Nobody touch me.
I need this menage with my entire soul, do you understand me?
Nobody touch me.
I need this menage with my entire soul, do you understand me?
May 7, 2018
Oh crap, crap, crap. *insert much more swearing*
If there was a way for Daniel and Dev to screw this up, they sure found it. I know they aren't the protagonists of this book, but it was all set in motion by their machinations, their plotting. Zoey had the right idea, but noooooo, they had to play James Bond and go super secretive about it. Well, Kelsey and her happy middle finger showed them where to stuff all their royal orders.
I liked Kelsey, her battle with herself, and most of all I like the way she reacted when she finally knew the truth about herself. I bet Daniel expected her to be horrified by her "condition", to absolutely want to control it, to bend to his will with a graceful little bow and say "oh Your Highness, thank you for not leaving me to be a death machine."
Instead she just didn't care. Her entire world was turned upside down and she went cold, uncaring, numb. It was awesome. It was real. I wanted to hug her so much when that happened!
And then she fled with Marcus, ahahahah, good girl!
Marcus. Oh, how I love Marcus. It looks like Dev's hatred for him reached epic proportions (probably because he knows one of his daughters is "destined" to him) and he wants to get rid of him. When Marcus declared himself Kelsey's patron, I wondered if Dev was willing to sacrifice Kelsey to get rid of Marcus. Who knows. He's ruthless enough to do it (and yes, I love Devinshea, but I'm not blind to his flaws).
Marcus was the calm through the storm, the one who balanced Kelsey. I know they aren't meant to be, not if what Jacob told Marcus is true, but still, I like them together. And now that Marcus is back in his natural element, Venice, I'm curious to know more about him.
Grayson... the halfling. I do believe he's really in love with Kelsey and he really think she's meant to be his wife. I do believe he didn't have anything to do with the drugs... he left wondering if Kelsey ever really loved him, or if it was just an illusion. I pity him, poor boy. Yes, he was willing to trick her, but I really believe he would have never hurt her, never forced her to go to Hell with him, and he would have always tried to find a way out of his predicament. I sure hope he killed Syl though.
Oh and let's not forget about his half-brother... yeah, I noticed that. I'm willing to bet his human name starts with S, and he has a wicked obsession for a certain wolf. I hope he resurfaces because I think Neil needs his revenge (and I want to know what happened to him in Steal the Night!!!)
So, awesome start for the new series: Daniel and Dev screwed up (again), I hope Zoey went back to giving Daniel blood in a bag and kicked the both of them out of her bed for at least a year, we have a badass new heroine (Lee would be so proud of her), we will know more about Marcus and we have a halfling demon to save. What can I wish more?
***
I'll add this:
I actually really appreciated seeing Dev and Daniel from an outside perspective: it's easy to love them when you have an inner knowledge of their thought processes and the reason they make certain decisions, it's much harder when you look at it from the perspective of someone who "suffers" their decisions.
In my opinion they screwed up, but they did it in pure Dev and Daniel style: trying to accomplish something good because they are actually good guys. I could almost hear their thoughts while they were delivering the truth bombs and they took no pleasure in it. They knew they would piss off Zoey but in their mind they were protecting both her and Kesley: Kesley is a danger both for herself and for others, she's a bomb ready to explode. She's also Lee's daughter and I bet both Dev and Daniel feel an obligation toward her.
I'm pretty sure Daniel realized he was going to use her as Louis had used him only when Marcus told him to call her "Nex Apparatus". In his mind, until that moment, she was really just someone he wanted to train so she would be safe and, at the same time, his family would be safe around her: Zoey would want to be with her, she would want her children around Kesley and Daniel couldn't allow it until he knew for sure that Kesley wasn't a danger. That's the reason he was so ruthless with her, not allowing her a single chance to escape the decisions he took for her future.
And he sure intended to ask her to deal some justice but in his mind it was completely different from what Louis did to him, it wasn't that sort of slavery. When he realized how his actions were seen from the outside, I bet he felt sick.
So yes, I liked that part, because I know both Devinshea and Daniel. And it will be nice to keep seeing them from Kesley's point of view and see how they are going to gain her trust and, I'm sure, eventually her loyalty and love.
If there was a way for Daniel and Dev to screw this up, they sure found it. I know they aren't the protagonists of this book, but it was all set in motion by their machinations, their plotting. Zoey had the right idea, but noooooo, they had to play James Bond and go super secretive about it. Well, Kelsey and her happy middle finger showed them where to stuff all their royal orders.
I liked Kelsey, her battle with herself, and most of all I like the way she reacted when she finally knew the truth about herself. I bet Daniel expected her to be horrified by her "condition", to absolutely want to control it, to bend to his will with a graceful little bow and say "oh Your Highness, thank you for not leaving me to be a death machine."
Instead she just didn't care. Her entire world was turned upside down and she went cold, uncaring, numb. It was awesome. It was real. I wanted to hug her so much when that happened!
And then she fled with Marcus, ahahahah, good girl!
Marcus. Oh, how I love Marcus. It looks like Dev's hatred for him reached epic proportions (probably because he knows one of his daughters is "destined" to him) and he wants to get rid of him. When Marcus declared himself Kelsey's patron, I wondered if Dev was willing to sacrifice Kelsey to get rid of Marcus. Who knows. He's ruthless enough to do it (and yes, I love Devinshea, but I'm not blind to his flaws).
Marcus was the calm through the storm, the one who balanced Kelsey. I know they aren't meant to be, not if what Jacob told Marcus is true, but still, I like them together. And now that Marcus is back in his natural element, Venice, I'm curious to know more about him.
Grayson... the halfling. I do believe he's really in love with Kelsey and he really think she's meant to be his wife. I do believe he didn't have anything to do with the drugs... he left wondering if Kelsey ever really loved him, or if it was just an illusion. I pity him, poor boy. Yes, he was willing to trick her, but I really believe he would have never hurt her, never forced her to go to Hell with him, and he would have always tried to find a way out of his predicament. I sure hope he killed Syl though.
Oh and let's not forget about his half-brother... yeah, I noticed that. I'm willing to bet his human name starts with S, and he has a wicked obsession for a certain wolf. I hope he resurfaces because I think Neil needs his revenge (and I want to know what happened to him in Steal the Night!!!)
So, awesome start for the new series: Daniel and Dev screwed up (again), I hope Zoey went back to giving Daniel blood in a bag and kicked the both of them out of her bed for at least a year, we have a badass new heroine (Lee would be so proud of her), we will know more about Marcus and we have a halfling demon to save. What can I wish more?
***
I'll add this:
I actually really appreciated seeing Dev and Daniel from an outside perspective: it's easy to love them when you have an inner knowledge of their thought processes and the reason they make certain decisions, it's much harder when you look at it from the perspective of someone who "suffers" their decisions.
In my opinion they screwed up, but they did it in pure Dev and Daniel style: trying to accomplish something good because they are actually good guys. I could almost hear their thoughts while they were delivering the truth bombs and they took no pleasure in it. They knew they would piss off Zoey but in their mind they were protecting both her and Kesley: Kesley is a danger both for herself and for others, she's a bomb ready to explode. She's also Lee's daughter and I bet both Dev and Daniel feel an obligation toward her.
I'm pretty sure Daniel realized he was going to use her as Louis had used him only when Marcus told him to call her "Nex Apparatus". In his mind, until that moment, she was really just someone he wanted to train so she would be safe and, at the same time, his family would be safe around her: Zoey would want to be with her, she would want her children around Kesley and Daniel couldn't allow it until he knew for sure that Kesley wasn't a danger. That's the reason he was so ruthless with her, not allowing her a single chance to escape the decisions he took for her future.
And he sure intended to ask her to deal some justice but in his mind it was completely different from what Louis did to him, it wasn't that sort of slavery. When he realized how his actions were seen from the outside, I bet he felt sick.
So yes, I liked that part, because I know both Devinshea and Daniel. And it will be nice to keep seeing them from Kesley's point of view and see how they are going to gain her trust and, I'm sure, eventually her loyalty and love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2015
Couldn't put it down!
I had read only read the first of Blake's "Thieves" series, and although I'm not generally a fan of PR, figured I would give "Ripper" a try.
Kelsey's been hired to find the missing daughter of a shifter -- she'd been trying to leave the supernatural world behind, but she agrees to try and locate the missing girl. Grayson Sloane, a friend of Kelsey's brother and a Texas Ranger, offers to get involved -- and Kelsey's dazzled by their mutual attraction. But when Kelsey discovers the truth about her heritage, and what she really is, she is forced to turn to Marcus Vorenus, an ancient vampire for guidance.
Kelsey's an interesting heroine. It's easy to feel sorry for this girl, but she's not necessarily an easy character to like. Never feeling fully accepted, she's grown this razor-sharp exterior to shield herself from being hurt -- so she's abrasive, in-your-face, and contrary. But she really tugs at your heart as she falls for Gray, only to be devastated when he leaves her.
So Ripper sets up a triangle - similar to the Daniel/Zoe/Dev triangle - with Kelsey being deeply attracted to both Gray and Marcus. It will be interesting to see where she takes these characters in subsequent installments.
Everything's a little over the top, but Blake writes great action/suspense as well as snarky dialogue, so it's an entertaining read. If I could, I'd go with a 3.5, but I'm rounding up to a 4 on the strength of the overall story.
I had read only read the first of Blake's "Thieves" series, and although I'm not generally a fan of PR, figured I would give "Ripper" a try.
Kelsey's been hired to find the missing daughter of a shifter -- she'd been trying to leave the supernatural world behind, but she agrees to try and locate the missing girl. Grayson Sloane, a friend of Kelsey's brother and a Texas Ranger, offers to get involved -- and Kelsey's dazzled by their mutual attraction. But when Kelsey discovers the truth about her heritage, and what she really is, she is forced to turn to Marcus Vorenus, an ancient vampire for guidance.
Kelsey's an interesting heroine. It's easy to feel sorry for this girl, but she's not necessarily an easy character to like. Never feeling fully accepted, she's grown this razor-sharp exterior to shield herself from being hurt -- so she's abrasive, in-your-face, and contrary. But she really tugs at your heart as she falls for Gray, only to be devastated when he leaves her.
So Ripper sets up a triangle - similar to the Daniel/Zoe/Dev triangle - with Kelsey being deeply attracted to both Gray and Marcus. It will be interesting to see where she takes these characters in subsequent installments.
Everything's a little over the top, but Blake writes great action/suspense as well as snarky dialogue, so it's an entertaining read. If I could, I'd go with a 3.5, but I'm rounding up to a 4 on the strength of the overall story.
November 3, 2016
Rating: 3.5
I was originally going to take supreme contempt against the this book. But I'll get into that later. I'll say this, I very much enjoyed this book despite the pessimistic sarcastic (and slightly suicidal) female lead. The book started off the same, a female lead with a shadowed pass with powers she did not want to acknowledge and the usual quest to help bring her powers to forefront, pretty standard stuff. In comes the male lead, (though I don't believe he really was or deserved to be for that matter) Gray Sloane. To make a long story short, he was hinky from the beginning. I mean, they have known each other for all of two days (TWO DAYS!) and he was throwing around "I love you's" like your grandmother handing out her famous pie on Thanksgiving. And he trapped her in much the same way a good piece of pie would too. I did not like the relationship and I am glad that it was resolved (at least to some degree because it's obvious that he still will have some influence in her story later on). I personally like Marcus and hope their relationship will be able to flourish.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this story, the action was great and I liked the world that it took place. I am anxious to see what happens next and see what else unfolds and what other mystery Kelsey will stumble onto.
I was originally going to take supreme contempt against the this book. But I'll get into that later. I'll say this, I very much enjoyed this book despite the pessimistic sarcastic (and slightly suicidal) female lead. The book started off the same, a female lead with a shadowed pass with powers she did not want to acknowledge and the usual quest to help bring her powers to forefront, pretty standard stuff. In comes the male lead, (though I don't believe he really was or deserved to be for that matter) Gray Sloane. To make a long story short, he was hinky from the beginning. I mean, they have known each other for all of two days (TWO DAYS!) and he was throwing around "I love you's" like your grandmother handing out her famous pie on Thanksgiving. And he trapped her in much the same way a good piece of pie would too. I did not like the relationship and I am glad that it was resolved (at least to some degree because it's obvious that he still will have some influence in her story later on). I personally like Marcus and hope their relationship will be able to flourish.
Otherwise, I enjoyed this story, the action was great and I liked the world that it took place. I am anxious to see what happens next and see what else unfolds and what other mystery Kelsey will stumble onto.
January 21, 2015
This was a great start to the new series. I need book two to be released ASAP!!!
You could probably get away with reading this book without reading the Thieves series but I would recommend reading it first b/c
a.) it's really good
b.) certain things in this book will have more of an impact if you've read the previous series.
That being said I HATED
I'm leery about
This book made me cry. Just like every book in the Thieves series.
ETA - there is no happy ending here. Just FYI. It's not a stand-alone story. That's why I really want/need the next book to come out and the next and the next.
You could probably get away with reading this book without reading the Thieves series but I would recommend reading it first b/c
a.) it's really good
b.) certain things in this book will have more of an impact if you've read the previous series.
That being said I HATED
I'm leery about
This book made me cry. Just like every book in the Thieves series.
ETA - there is no happy ending here. Just FYI. It's not a stand-alone story. That's why I really want/need the next book to come out and the next and the next.
September 8, 2020
I read a lot of RH. "Thieves" (books 1-5) is probably the best series I have read that truly show how fluid attraction and sexuality is. I truly loved all the characters in the series (minus the antagonists). I become emotionally invested with the characters to the point of sobbing during part of book 5 (very rare for me).
This book adds to the original "Thieves" story line. I usually hate spin offs with very few exceptions. Since it was adding to the original series and not just a spinoff I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad that I did. I really liked being able to delve back into the world of Dev. Daniel and Zoey and see them from a different perspective.
I didn't really enjoy the over the top and instantaneous relationship between Sloane and Kelsey. I would have liked to have more buildup between the two. The relationship between the two seemed rushed and therefore insubstantial. Especially considering Kelsey had never really had a relationship. Yet this relationship is something I think will be part of the plots of future books in the series.
This book adds to the original "Thieves" story line. I usually hate spin offs with very few exceptions. Since it was adding to the original series and not just a spinoff I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad that I did. I really liked being able to delve back into the world of Dev. Daniel and Zoey and see them from a different perspective.
I didn't really enjoy the over the top and instantaneous relationship between Sloane and Kelsey. I would have liked to have more buildup between the two. The relationship between the two seemed rushed and therefore insubstantial. Especially considering Kelsey had never really had a relationship. Yet this relationship is something I think will be part of the plots of future books in the series.
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