Shape shifter Killian Tenebris has spent most of his life trapped in a lab as the subject of experimentation. When he escapes, he sets out to live life without chains - and to bring down the monsters who held him captive. What he finds is a group of men hunting the same targets, men who will do anything - kill anyone - to keep each other safe. Killian never learned human behavior, so trusting and understanding his new friends is difficult. He is certain their concern for each other weakens them, and will be their downfall. Until he meets Stone Marinos, the beautiful child of Apollo. Suddenly, staying safe and being alone begin to lose appeal. As Killian struggles with the emotions Stone evokes, his job to keep the young man safe is increasingly difficult.
Stone Marinos is adjusting to his life as a demigod and taking care of his beloved new puppy. When emotionally stunted Killian Tenebris is thrown into his orbit, sensitive Stone can't help but feel a little sorry for the shape shifter. Until Killian opens his mouth and offends him every time they talk. One short dance changes everything, and Stone's feelings for the sexy man grow. As his heart burns for Killian, Stone learns that things aren't always what they seem. And some truths hurt a lot more than others.
I have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but "Old School" French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in Arizona. I've been connected to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn't change a thing about it. Writing has become my full time job and I've never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won't happen soon!
Killian Tenebris is socially inept and slightly awkward around just about anyone. He grew up in a lab and was tortured and experimented on daily, so he has no gauge for what is and isn't acceptable within normal parameters. After he escaped and stumbled upon the Skullblasters he was intrigued, so he followed them. It took a while, but Killian came to understand that these men and shifters could actually be his friends and that he could trust them. He was instantly enamored with one of the teenagers under the protection of the Assassin/Shifter team, Stone Marinos. No matter what form Killian appeared in Stone was kind and generous. He came as a squirrel, a dog and even as a spider and Stone always protected him. With the rogue wolves becoming increasingly bold and dangerous, all the children of the gods are assigned a shifter as a protector, and Killian is assigned to Stone.
Stone Marinos has the kindest heart of anyone you will ever meet, to spite his upbringing. His adoptive parents weren't kind when they learned their son was gay. But Caden, Wayne and Riley... the three cornerstones of this large group of shifters and people, took Stone and many of the other teenagers under their wing and they have grown into a sort of father/son relationship. Stone is surrounded by friends and people that love him, and he is thriving for the first time in his life. He is also struggling with the knowledge of his power as the son of Apollo and his ever growing feelings for one snarky yet sexy as hell shape shifter.
Killian slowly but surely acclimates into society with the help of several of the shifters and the sincerest want to become more understanding and need to be closer to Stone. The rogue wolves are growing bolder though and they continually try to kidnap Stone and the other Olympians, Stones friends, some of which are mated to shifters, yes... the rogues don't really have a brain, what they do have is a gianormous death wish. And just when Killian and Stone act on their attraction and take their relationship to the next level, there is another attack. This time Killian is taken when he uses his power to protect Stone. Both men will stop at nothing to ensure the other's safety, but with Killian back in the lab that causes his nightmares, will Stone and the Skullblasters find him in time?
I think anyone that follows my reviews knows that this is my favorite series in the genre. There is so much going on in each and every book, but Gasq-Dion makes sure her readers are able to follow along and stay in touch with all of their favorite characters. While each book focus's on a specific couple, there is always guest appearances from various members of the teams. Fans have watched Killian clumsily stomp his way through the lives of our guys for several books, he has no filter but he is fierce and loyal. It was such a pleasure watching him grow so much in this story and become the man he needs to be not only for Stone, but for himself as well. Their love, Stone and Killian, is one of the more gentle love stories of the group. They like to kiss and touch and hold each other but they are passionate and enigmatic as well.
This is definitely a must read series. I would suggest starting at the beginning with A Marked Man though. Don't be intimidated by the amount of books you need to read to catch up, I assure you each and every book is intriguing, engaging and full of energy and it will pull you into that story each and every time. There are wolves, shape shifters, humans, assassins, family loyalty, love, angst, drama and a whole hell of a lot of sexy mens to keep your attention as well.
Killian just became one of my favorites! I thought he was totally lovable and perfect for Stone.
First off, I really loved the way he talked and how vulnerable he was in asking for help with situations that he didn't know much about (i.e. dancing with Stone). I also very much enjoyed how he didn't use contractions :)
I love these books and I will continue to read each and every one!
This is such an addicting series!!! This one was just as great as the others. I just loved Killian in this with him realizing not to hate humans plus actually falling in love with one as well. Sandrine has also added quite a few new characters as well in this book with vamp/shifter, vamp/wolf and a new wolf enforcer. Just can't wait to see what she does with these newbies to her series!!! I just LOVED the knew warlock Loki as well!!!!
Although I have enjoyed all the books in this series, this is the book I liked the least so far. Also since this is a spin off of the Shifter/Assassin series, I think I am going to read more of those before I continue with this series. I want to read more of the Skull-Blasters' stories since they are part of this series too and are the ones guarding the 12 Olympians.
I enjoy this series but not as much as the original. Killian is a total trip sometimes with what comes out of his mouth. He kinda gives off the Nik vibe..lol
How cool would it be to be a shape shifter with a strong dose of magic skills?
If you asked Killian Tenebris he would probably tell you not so much. Practically caged since birth, experimented on and tortured he has no concept of how to live in the real world. Simple everyday things that everyone around him takes for granted elude him and leave him feeling inadequate and isolated. This was never an issue when he had no human contact but since joining forces with the rest of the skull blaster team he is facing new challenges every day. One of those challenges is Stone Marinos.
Stone is one of a group of young men who have recently learned they are children of The Olympians. He is the child of Apollo, a demigod, not something he was really prepared for. He is still coming to terms with this information and trying to get a handle on his ever developing powers. If that wasn’t enough he is all too aware that there are dark forces working against him and others like him and they have to remain vigilant at all times.
When Stone and Killian first met it was a disaster. Killians ‘say what first comes into your head’ manner offends Stone and leaves him angry and hostile. As Killian has secretly been given the job of being Stones bodyguard he has to come up with a novel way of doing it....the results of which may just backfire and further isolate him from this intriguing man.
Killians first dabble with feelings is both funny and sad. He has no idea what the fluttering in his stomach means, he finds it excruciating to find the right words but he knows that he has never felt this way before. Thank god the rest of the team are on hand to help in his first foray into conversation and romance.
As Killian tries to be more ‘human’ Stone worries that he has so little experience in the matters of the heart, well he actually hasn’t kissed anyone before that things will never progress. Luckily the housemates and puppy are on hand to help steer things in the right direction. Just as progress is being made, disaster strikes, and the team must all pull together again. This mission gives them more than they bargained for and the team may have grown again.
I put off reviewing this for a day because once I finished I immediately wanted to start over from the beginning. All of these thoughts were just rolling around in my head! Loved! My thoughts are still rolling around so this won't be the best review I've ever done, I may come back later and put a bit more into it but for now... here we go.
I freaking <3 Sandrine Gasq-Dion! The way she writes is just wonderful, from the first sentence of each of her books my attention is grabbed and it won't let go until the book is finished. The first book I ever read of Sandy's was Justice for Skylar and shortly thereafter was that huge sale she had so I immediately bought every one of her books and then began with the Assassins/Shifters Series and read them in a few days. Once I was done I wanted to start all over again, which I did right before Dirty Ross came out. They only get better!
Killian and Stone's story was one I was really looking forward to and I couldn't wait to see who else from the previous books was going to make an appearance. (I love me some Markov's!!!) We could finally find out exactly why Killian is the way he is and Stone finally began to understand exactly who he is as a person. The way their relationship evolved throughout the book was wonderful and the support from the other characters in the book was great to see, especially from Justice and Skylar.
I cannot say enough good about this book, but don't want to get into much as I'm not big on giving away plot points or spoilers, and other than mentioning the Markov's and Justice and Skylar, I don't want to give away who else shows up in the book.
Sandrine never fails to deliver with this "spin off" from the assassin shifter series. I have been addicted to this series from A Marked Man on. This third book in the 12 olympians series focuses on Stone and Killian. I was so excited that they finally got their book. If you liked the other books in the series, you will love this one too! Stone is a 19 year old demi god. He is the son of Apollo, and he has become a part of the skull blasters right along with Skyler, Elijah, and the other younger men we met in A Summer of Awakenings. He has grown up so much, no longer the scared, frightened kid he was. He can heal with his touch, but it can also be used to kill if needed. His bodyguard is Killian Tenebris, a socially skill impaired shapeshifter, who has reluctantly come to trust the team. Since Killian always blurts out what he sees, he has become a cute fluffy puppy to stay close to Stone. Stone starts to yearn for love, and this drives Killian to make his move. Since he is starting to feel emotions, Killian finds his jealousy towards Beau the most unpleasant. He has to get Stone to notice him before its too late. We get to learn a lot more about how Killian was abused, thanks to Chance. This story has tons of twists and bad things happening in it, just like the other books. I don't want to say too much, just read this book! I don't know how she keeps making the books in these series' better than the last, but I will keep one-clicking her books as long as she keeps writing them! If you haven't experienced the wonderful reads from Sandrine Gasq-Dion, all I can say is, What are you waiting for? I have read this one twice, and will re read it many more. Its just that good!
I have never been a fan of this series but I'm fan of Sandrine Gasq- Dion's other books. I had to give this story chance especially with Killian as the lead. I just love Killian with his foot in mouth disease. This one is my favorite in this series. The problem I have with this series is that the rehashing of details long time reader already know. The repeating of situation of going to club. The also the repeating of the situation of the characters dedicating or singing to their love interest. The good fortune of all these characters receive is bit too much. I just hate how they laugh and joke around when they are killing rogues. You want me to believe that you are the good guys because right now the only difference between you and them is that you have more free will than they do. I never understand why all the character are damn virgin but when it time to get down they are freaking expert. I have a brokeback moment and I want to say "I wish I could quit you" but not until read Brock And Zack's book. That book better be awesome especially after Zack" innocently" tells Brock that he smell like jizz.
Every time Sandrine lets her fans and followers know about a new release, I (as well as her other legions of fans) are excited until I can actually get my very own copy of that new release. From the moment I read the sneak peek about Killian and Stone, I was sitting on tender hooks until I could read their full story.
Killian is such a great character to fall in love with. I read little snippets about his story through the other Assassin/Shifter books and the previous Olympians books and to finally read everything about Killian and Stone ... Wow! Maybe I am a little biased as I love Sandrine's work. She has not written a bad book as far as I am concerned. Some people will disagree. I just love her work.
Killian as a human is a funny experience. Killian in shape shifter mode is just all out hilarious. The part that had me giggled up was when he shifted from being a puppy into a human ... And still stood there with the collar on! I'm not going to give away any spoilers. Once you start reading this book, you'll love it. I cannot WAIT for the next in the series. Hurry up and release the next instalment, Sandrine!!!
I love this series!! I have really been looking forward for sweet and loving Stone to get his man. Killian , tortured all his life has absolutely zero people skills, which adds great comic relief. It's great when you see your characters having fun together and how they all protect each other no marred the circumstances. I had only one problem with this book and as each new book comes out it just gets worse. This series needs to be read in order so that the story isn't focussing on who's who and who's mated to whom or how they each met and fell in love. Customers are warned that this is a book that does not stand on its own, they need to start from the beginning if they want the who's and the how's. The cast keeps growing and there are just to many stories to keep recapping for the benefit of newbies. The whole focus should be kept on what is going on now and keep the recaps small. If someone wants to know the full story on these characters then they will just have to buy each book just as the rest of us "Sandrine" fans have.
This book is about the very sweet and lovely romance between Killian and Stone. First of all, Killian masquerading as Stone's puppy is priceless. This book is definitely slower and sweeter than some of the other's in the series, but I think it fits the two main characters perfectly. Between their vulnerability, and lack of dating. I also liked that there was no rush to get physical with each other. I also thought is was funny that Killian is getting dating advise from Nicholi (because his wonderful slutty self, I loved it!) I love the way the author keeps reintroducing all of the other characters from the previous books. How all of them are still there to help out and how new characters are introduced. It all keeps the storyline fresh and new. I liked the way Killian was softened up but not turned into a sap. He was still a shape shifting killing machine. This is the best written series out there, and I can't wait to see who's next in line. I love this series!
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This is the third in the Olympian series, and needs to be read in order. Even better, read after the whole Shifter/Assassin series too.
I loved this installment, as Killian clearly had a dark past, and deserves a brighter future. And whilst just how dark is revealed, there are also some wonderfully humorous moments. The development of the relationship with Stone, that was foreshadowed in previous books is beautifully and passionately revealed. The underlying plot also continues to unfold, with visits from unexpected parts. All in all another great installment.
Be forewarned that this is the 3rd installment of the spinoff series from the Assassin/Shifters world that is 24 books long and counting. Would reading the original series help? Probably - but the cast of characters is huge regardless. Did this affect my reading pleasure since I have not done so either? Maybe a bit. However these are still quite enjoyable and how can you not be intrigued with a cover like that? Killian was a very sympathetic character having spent the majority of his life tortured in a lab. His cluelessness in all things such as pop culture, slang, food, and ultimately love and sex made him especially endearing. There's an overall story arc going on here and the friendships and camaraderie are always nice to witness.
2.5 stars. Maybe I've read too many from this series recently, so that's why this one seemed so redundant. Killian as a puppy was very cute, and his lack of social graces was endearing. But elements of this same storyline played better in "Strange Addiction" and "By the Light of the Moon."
Even though he was the son of a god, Stone was very blah as an MC. Nothing stood out about him to me. There wasn't enough build to his relationship with Killian -- from innocent and "I'm not ready" to "you're the one" and sex expert in the matter of a couple of dates.
Keeping track of who is who in this series is a job unto itself and can get very confusing, but I do like revisiting some of these characters. That's always perk when diving into one of these books.
This is the magical magnificent romance between Killian and Stone. First of all, Killian masquerading as Stone's puppy is priceless. Taking their time to get physical with each other was perfect. It gave the story much more depth. I love the way all the people from previous books are still there to help out and how new characters are introduced. It all keeps the storyline fresh and new. I liked the way Killian was softened up but not turned into a sap. He was still a shape shifting killing machine. This is the best written series out there!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS AFFORDABLE SERIES!!!
3.5* Another massive improvement with this book. There is a lot of humour in Killian and Stone's romance and it works well to alleviate some of the tensions which have been constantly growing in this series.
It does, however, feel at times like the supernatural kitchen sink is being thrown at this series as we now have vampires added into the mix and yet more new characters.
These books have been going on for quite some time now without sight of an ending and while they are entertaining, it would be great to see the overall plot move forward a bit quicker.
So I went back and reread the series before purchasing this one. this was the third time I have read all the books together and I just can't get enough of them. I absolutely love Killian. I think he may be a new favorite. starting out the series Mateo was always my favorite then it became Nikolai. I can't wait for a new book. hopefully it won't be too long or I will have to go back and reread all of them again. :)
Seems I am totally addicted to anything this author writes! I have been wondering about Killian for quiet a while, such a strong yet guarded man. It was wonderful to learn more about him and see the relationship between Stone and him develop!
I think the other reviews say it all. This book was another page turner that I read in one sitting!
Wow, Sandrine does it again, this book was worth the wait my only regret is that i have finished it! I couldn't wait to read Stone and Killen's story and i was not disappointed. Humour, sorrow and of course love this book like the others has it in spades.
I really really loved this book! I was so looking forward to Killian & Stone's story, it was everything I expected it to be and I was not disappointed! I love the whole series but Killian & Stone's story has to be my absolute favourite!!!
As ever, Sandy has done it again with another amazing book that made my heat beat faster and my palms sweat. I really could not put the bloody thing down until I finished it. Only reason I deducted a star was because it could have been longer!
The way Sandrine can still come up with fresh and great ways to snag and keep you after so long is amazing, and she has done it again with the story of Stone and Killian. Love can n break down walls.
I have loved Killian for awhile now and wanted to know his whole story . I was so excited to read this book and I am saddened to see there are no more right now. I am impatiently waiting for the next book!!!
I would give this book a 4.95 out of 5 only because it was a little slow to start for me, but I found Killian in all his awkwardness to be so enduring and loveable. He made you want to root for his happiness. I loved it.