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The Royal Lycans #1
The Lycan King's Captive
I woke on the floor of a prison cell, but I wasn't alone. There was a man. My fellow prisoner. My protector. He spoke into my mind, saying things that couldn't be true. That I'd been bitten. That I was going to turn. That I had to obey him if I wanted to survive.
He was beaten, but his voice rang with power and his body called to mine. And when he won our freedom, I learned he was far more powerful than I realized. I escaped one prison just to land in another. Now I'm caught in a war between shifters—and my protector has become my captor.
He was beaten, but his voice rang with power and his body called to mine. And when he won our freedom, I learned he was far more powerful than I realized. I escaped one prison just to land in another. Now I'm caught in a war between shifters—and my protector has become my captor.
Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2023
1327 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pennza
59 books811 followersAmy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
March 10, 2024
Trigger Warning:
The first half of this book kept my attention so well! The characters were interesting and I could almost feel their desperation coming off the pages. After they got out it was one rushed mess. It ended up being pretty meh overall. The frustrating thing about it all is that there were threads of future storylines actively being weaved throughout the second half and then the author just clipped them all and forced a big bow on the entire thing. This book could have been a trilogy if things were expanded on. This could have been SO GOOD. Yet here we are.
The first half of this book kept my attention so well! The characters were interesting and I could almost feel their desperation coming off the pages. After they got out it was one rushed mess. It ended up being pretty meh overall. The frustrating thing about it all is that there were threads of future storylines actively being weaved throughout the second half and then the author just clipped them all and forced a big bow on the entire thing. This book could have been a trilogy if things were expanded on. This could have been SO GOOD. Yet here we are.
June 4, 2024
NO...R@PE without a trigger warning, by the mmc (he was forced by the villain) who then remembered the incident and found it hot... I don't see how this will get okay.
January 8, 2024
Abby is a veterinarian and is persuaded to help a stranger animal. This animal was a werewolf and it bite her causing her to turn.
I DNF this book at 30% in.
I was disgusted by the treatment of the main character and how she had abusive words hurled at her and tried to be forced into sexual acts with someone she didn’t know when undergoing a emotional and stressful transformation.
The writing had numerous errors and was very rushed.
I DNF this book at 30% in.
I was disgusted by the treatment of the main character and how she had abusive words hurled at her and tried to be forced into sexual acts with someone she didn’t know when undergoing a emotional and stressful transformation.
The writing had numerous errors and was very rushed.
February 2, 2025
Our FMC is a struggling veterinarian. Because she needs the money, she agrees to a sketch sounding house call that turns out to be a lot more than she bargained for. After being forced to heal a tortured, captive “werewolf” that’s on the brink of death, the villain rips into her throat claiming he has more plans for her. She miraculously survives the bite and her first shift to a werewolf (apparently it’s rare for women to be able to) with a little help from her neighboring cellmate— none other than the creature she was called there to heal in the first place (and our story’s MMC). Between the two, a budding friendship begins to form, but once the villain realizes she successfully transitioned, he forces the MMC to do the unthinkable to her— yep, that’s right, it IS what you’re thinking. The rest of the story encompasses all the resulting consequences from this encounter. Meaning, how it affected the MC’s relationship, trust, and where/how they fit into each other’s lives now after they escape. All of this on top of the FMC having to adjust to her new life as a werewolf. You’ll have to just read it for all the juicy details (which I highly recommend btw!!!)!
This could have easily been 5 stars if it had just been a little longer and more in depth/developed. This book MOVED. The pace was fast, with nonstop excitement and I LOVED it. Not to mention the spice in this thing was HAWT. The author certainly knows her way around a sex scene that’s for sure! There were no virgins in this story, condoms were NOT used, no cheating, and essentially it’s about good conquering evil in a wolfy/lycan paranormal universe. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This could have easily been 5 stars if it had just been a little longer and more in depth/developed. This book MOVED. The pace was fast, with nonstop excitement and I LOVED it. Not to mention the spice in this thing was HAWT. The author certainly knows her way around a sex scene that’s for sure! There were no virgins in this story, condoms were NOT used, no cheating, and essentially it’s about good conquering evil in a wolfy/lycan paranormal universe. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
December 26, 2024
I was beyond hooked at the beginning then everything became super rushed. If this book just took its time, did some world building and had more thought out villains this book would be an absolute hit.
Read
April 29, 2025DNF 50%
Rape on page and is kinda glorified. Also swept under the rug.
I don’t think this author is for me.
Rape on page and is kinda glorified. Also swept under the rug.
I don’t think this author is for me.
July 8, 2024
A woman in the wrong place at the wrong time and thrust into an entirely new world. I liked this alright but I had a lot of problems with the whole superiority complex of the MMCs Lycan heritage.
I also think the heroine should have made the hero GROVELLLL WAYYYYYYY MOREEEEEE.
This was fine for a quick read but I was mostly frustrated and felt a disconnect between the MCs and their love.
I also think the heroine should have made the hero GROVELLLL WAYYYYYYY MOREEEEEE.
This was fine for a quick read but I was mostly frustrated and felt a disconnect between the MCs and their love.
December 16, 2024
Warning‼️ This book starts out with rape.
August 14, 2025
A helpful veterinarian that gets caught in a war between werewolves and lycans. What could go wrong?
I felt really disconnected from the two MCs throughout the book, especially their love story. They started in a REALLY traumatic situation, and I feel like that was never really addressed? The superiority mindset of the MMC was never dealt with.
It felt like every tense moment was instantly resolved by something, which could be the consequence of length (it's very short). Lots of intriguing stuff, but ultimately felt pretty flat for me.
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I felt really disconnected from the two MCs throughout the book, especially their love story. They started in a REALLY traumatic situation, and I feel like that was never really addressed? The superiority mindset of the MMC was never dealt with.
It felt like every tense moment was instantly resolved by something, which could be the consequence of length (it's very short). Lots of intriguing stuff, but ultimately felt pretty flat for me.
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January 24, 2023
*ARC review*
The synopsis for this one got me. It was more intriguing than the book itself.
The major issue for me in reading this book was the pacing. The very first chapter of the book is shocking, and immediately draws you in. The first half of the book (which is short) is about the MMC and FMC working through escaping torture and captivity. All of this part is good and I easily read 40-50% of the way through the book without taking a break.
Afterwards, when they escape and get back to the good guys, the rest of the book is incredibly rushed. There's setup for a lot of good stuff but every one of these is shoved into a couple of pages. I'm not sure why the setup for the story was given such attention and space, but then the rest was all shoved together so quickly. None of the plot points felt natural or believable because there wasn't any development. While there is one particularly steamy spicy scene, the feelings developing between the main characters fell completely flat. Additionally, I was really put off when the platonic female friend character (there are so few written out there) turned to a literal insane power hungry character with the flimsiest reasoning available.
This one, obviously, was not for me, even though I have really enjoyed her other books.
The synopsis for this one got me. It was more intriguing than the book itself.
The major issue for me in reading this book was the pacing. The very first chapter of the book is shocking, and immediately draws you in. The first half of the book (which is short) is about the MMC and FMC working through escaping torture and captivity. All of this part is good and I easily read 40-50% of the way through the book without taking a break.
Afterwards, when they escape and get back to the good guys, the rest of the book is incredibly rushed. There's setup for a lot of good stuff but every one of these is shoved into a couple of pages. I'm not sure why the setup for the story was given such attention and space, but then the rest was all shoved together so quickly. None of the plot points felt natural or believable because there wasn't any development. While there is one particularly steamy spicy scene, the feelings developing between the main characters fell completely flat. Additionally, I was really put off when the platonic female friend character (there are so few written out there) turned to a literal insane power hungry character with the flimsiest reasoning available.
This one, obviously, was not for me, even though I have really enjoyed her other books.
June 9, 2024
Better to write simpler plot if you only have 1 book to write
I love this book and was so sure to give it a Five ⭐️ until I reach chapter 13. I lost my interest but I found it again on Chapter 18. But then sadly, after chapter 18, the book definitely went off rail and went downhill.
There’s too many things happened for a story that only last for as short as not more than 35 chapters. Politics, moral debate, and characters development. None of it solved for what it’s worth. Author should pick 1 huge thing to solve for a book that short. I feel that the change in Cyrus is too cynical. Like it happens for the sake of cliche in romance books.
I think it’s also unfortunate that author cannot make readers feel from her story. Seriously, a constructive feedback here. Try reading books by Neva Altaj, C Hallman, JL Beck, and Natasha Knight. They are the queens for books that make readers feel.
Also, please keep writing because then you’ll be freed from writing similar lines as what authors have used. There’s just too many popular lines in this book that have been used all over other books. That’s probably what makes me indifferent toward this book rather than drowning in the supposedly good drama and plot.
Also, please learn balance because no book as short as one book can handle too many things. Focus on what’s the most important to solve. Don’t put too much things that you cannot solve. Learn from those authors I mentioned above because they are very smart in their writings. Maybe Sophie Lark as well. Learn from other authors so you can develop as an author.
I love this book and was so sure to give it a Five ⭐️ until I reach chapter 13. I lost my interest but I found it again on Chapter 18. But then sadly, after chapter 18, the book definitely went off rail and went downhill.
There’s too many things happened for a story that only last for as short as not more than 35 chapters. Politics, moral debate, and characters development. None of it solved for what it’s worth. Author should pick 1 huge thing to solve for a book that short. I feel that the change in Cyrus is too cynical. Like it happens for the sake of cliche in romance books.
I think it’s also unfortunate that author cannot make readers feel from her story. Seriously, a constructive feedback here. Try reading books by Neva Altaj, C Hallman, JL Beck, and Natasha Knight. They are the queens for books that make readers feel.
Also, please keep writing because then you’ll be freed from writing similar lines as what authors have used. There’s just too many popular lines in this book that have been used all over other books. That’s probably what makes me indifferent toward this book rather than drowning in the supposedly good drama and plot.
Also, please learn balance because no book as short as one book can handle too many things. Focus on what’s the most important to solve. Don’t put too much things that you cannot solve. Learn from those authors I mentioned above because they are very smart in their writings. Maybe Sophie Lark as well. Learn from other authors so you can develop as an author.
December 18, 2023
It's a hard story to describe. It started well, and the staging for plot and possible dangers was good. But that's where it stops. The author defused every situation before any tension could build. Any potential drama is solved in the next paragraph or chapter. Even the two big bads are solved within an hour.
The one big conflict with the marking is just forgiven. Quite frankly, if he had asked, I feel she would have said yes. She seemed more hung up on being a concubine and potentially having to share him, rather than being forcefully bound to someone for the next 300 years.
It was interesting enough to be able to read until the end. Maybe it deserves 3 stars, but I gave it 2, and the ending was a ley down, just happily ever after.
The one big conflict with the marking is just forgiven. Quite frankly, if he had asked, I feel she would have said yes. She seemed more hung up on being a concubine and potentially having to share him, rather than being forcefully bound to someone for the next 300 years.
It was interesting enough to be able to read until the end. Maybe it deserves 3 stars, but I gave it 2, and the ending was a ley down, just happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
TW: SA
Had potential but fell flat. Not sure why the author insistantly used the idea of rape to drive the story. Something that is done a lot. Same with not getting consent for anything by any of the guys in the story. At least once it didn't even make sense as why he did't get it first.
Story basically was about pregnancy and child bearing are the only real things she is good for. No fleshing out of the other characters. Might as well be cardboard cutouts to fill the space. Did find it odd that the werewolves and lycans were written more like how vampires are in behavior.
Had potential but fell flat. Not sure why the author insistantly used the idea of rape to drive the story. Something that is done a lot. Same with not getting consent for anything by any of the guys in the story. At least once it didn't even make sense as why he did't get it first.
Story basically was about pregnancy and child bearing are the only real things she is good for. No fleshing out of the other characters. Might as well be cardboard cutouts to fill the space. Did find it odd that the werewolves and lycans were written more like how vampires are in behavior.
March 6, 2025
This was disappointing. I have enjoyed the other Amy Pennza books that I’ve read, but this one didn’t do it. I suspect, in part, that the issue is that the book was too short, and there wasn’t enough time to fully develop the characters, their relationship, and the plot.
The biggest issue, though, is the utter lack of agency and choice of the FMC. Abby experiences trauma after trauma and gets to have no say in what happens to her. Truly, there should be some serious trigger warnings with this book. We go from her being forcibly changed into a werewolf, to being r@ped by the MMC (he’s coerced into it, but god was it horrible, I really can’t get over this), to being kept “safe” by the MMC on his estate without her say, to being essentially tricked into being his concubine. Then he apologizes and she forgives him without a second thought. Literally, in the case of him marking her as his concubine, all he had to do was explain the situation that they found themselves in and give her the choice to allow him to protect her or to go her own way, and he didn’t do that. It was so unnecessary to create this drama that was going to be solved so easily anyway.
Also, for being a book about werewolves and Lycans, you would think we would get more time with them actually being wolves.
I had already bought the second one of this series when I purchased the first one, so I may decide to read it, but I’m afraid based on how this book went.
The biggest issue, though, is the utter lack of agency and choice of the FMC. Abby experiences trauma after trauma and gets to have no say in what happens to her. Truly, there should be some serious trigger warnings with this book. We go from her being forcibly changed into a werewolf, to being r@ped by the MMC (he’s coerced into it, but god was it horrible, I really can’t get over this), to being kept “safe” by the MMC on his estate without her say, to being essentially tricked into being his concubine. Then he apologizes and she forgives him without a second thought. Literally, in the case of him marking her as his concubine, all he had to do was explain the situation that they found themselves in and give her the choice to allow him to protect her or to go her own way, and he didn’t do that. It was so unnecessary to create this drama that was going to be solved so easily anyway.
Also, for being a book about werewolves and Lycans, you would think we would get more time with them actually being wolves.
I had already bought the second one of this series when I purchased the first one, so I may decide to read it, but I’m afraid based on how this book went.
April 8, 2025
Abby and Cyrus💕
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual
Book 1 of The Royal Lycans Series
Standalone
⚠️TW in the beginning⚠️
This book was good. Sad it was a little short and rushed. This book is definitely different from any other shifter books I’ve read. I felt like there could been a lot more to this book. Abby and Cyrus insta-love was way to rush. I wish they could have got to know each more. I wanted Abby to make Cyrus grovel since he forced marked her. I really wanted to read more of Abby shifting again, Cyrus talked a lot about how beautiful her wolf was.
I also wanted to know what happened to those guards that betrayed Abby🤨 will they face the same fate as Celeste?🤷🏽♀️
I’m glad they got their HEA and the Lycans came around to accepting Abby.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
POV: Dual
Book 1 of The Royal Lycans Series
Standalone
⚠️TW in the beginning⚠️
This book was good. Sad it was a little short and rushed. This book is definitely different from any other shifter books I’ve read. I felt like there could been a lot more to this book. Abby and Cyrus insta-love was way to rush. I wish they could have got to know each more. I wanted Abby to make Cyrus grovel since he forced marked her. I really wanted to read more of Abby shifting again, Cyrus talked a lot about how beautiful her wolf was.
I also wanted to know what happened to those guards that betrayed Abby🤨 will they face the same fate as Celeste?🤷🏽♀️
I’m glad they got their HEA and the Lycans came around to accepting Abby.
April 11, 2024
I think I had higher expectations for this book based off of loving the Bitten and Bound series by this author. This book is extremely different and I didn’t click with it as much.
It is set in a modern era, which I didn’t like from the start. There is mention of using Venmo in the first chapter, for example. I think this book could have been improved by not being set in modern day.
Additionally, there aren’t many times where you can say that a book could have benefited from 200 more pages, but honestly this book probably could have benefited from not being so short. It felt very rushed throughout the entire book.
I feel like I didn’t even have time to love or hate any of the characters because there wasn’t enough time to get to know them or their relationship. They escape super quickly, they fall in love super quickly, the enemy fighting scenes were over and done with before it even got very interesting or before there was even tension building. Just super rushed.
Luckily, this book doesn’t have grammar or spelling mistakes throughout it like most books I rate this low.
I honestly think with some more time spent fleshing out each scene (and potentially not including modern day nonsense and random descriptions of Maine forests for no reason), this book could be much better.
It is set in a modern era, which I didn’t like from the start. There is mention of using Venmo in the first chapter, for example. I think this book could have been improved by not being set in modern day.
Additionally, there aren’t many times where you can say that a book could have benefited from 200 more pages, but honestly this book probably could have benefited from not being so short. It felt very rushed throughout the entire book.
I feel like I didn’t even have time to love or hate any of the characters because there wasn’t enough time to get to know them or their relationship. They escape super quickly, they fall in love super quickly, the enemy fighting scenes were over and done with before it even got very interesting or before there was even tension building. Just super rushed.
Luckily, this book doesn’t have grammar or spelling mistakes throughout it like most books I rate this low.
I honestly think with some more time spent fleshing out each scene (and potentially not including modern day nonsense and random descriptions of Maine forests for no reason), this book could be much better.
February 21, 2023
Liked it
I liked it and I read it quickly; however, lots of writing errors and the plot seemed to have a lot of build up and then it's all over and happily ever after so quickly. I really think the book had a lot more potential to be a longer story and a little more complex.
I liked it and I read it quickly; however, lots of writing errors and the plot seemed to have a lot of build up and then it's all over and happily ever after so quickly. I really think the book had a lot more potential to be a longer story and a little more complex.
December 14, 2025
December 2025
2 stars = It's okay.
🐺 𝑨 𝑷𝑵𝑹 𝑾𝒐𝒍𝒇-𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 🐺
Lycans, pure-blood shifters by birth.
🇻🇸.
Werewolves, turned by being bitten.
Lycans struggle with pregnancy, while werewolves easily reproduce by biting humans. Female werewolves are rare, but aren't needed to quickly amass a large army to defeat the arrogant Lycans.
Like many reviewers, I think this novella is too short and rushed. Storylines are quickly solved or left unresolved, which is my biggest issue. I expected the second book to pick up those threads, but it has new MCs and a different story. If you're going to write a short story, it should be simpler and properly tied up. While the ending was sweet, I was left disappointed.
💦 The erotic sex scenes, too wet and nasty for me, were skimmed. ( 🤢.)
☹️ It's unlikely I'll read any more books by this author.
𝚂𝙿𝙾𝙸𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚂 🚨 𝙱𝙴𝙻𝙾𝚆
Plot Summary: Abby, a poor vet with no family or friends, is given $5,000 to care for a stranger’s dog in the forest. She goes alone and becomes caught in the Lycan/Werewolf conflict. Roman, an evil alpha, turns her into a rare female werewolf and forces her to have sex with Cyrus, the Lycan King. Abby and Cyrus escape and return to his mansion and people. They have sex, and Cyrus bites her to make her his concubine and protect her from other Lycans. Initially unhappy and unsure of her status, Abby soon realizes Cyrus’s actions were for her good. A female Lycan friend turns out to be a power-hungry psycho. She and Cyrus's guards return a pregnant Abby to Roman. Cyrus rescues her and defeats Roman. Abby becomes Cyrus's queen and everyone accepts her. HEA.
My favorite part was the ending, where the MCS are .
Dropped Threads:
🔺Cyrus went to Roman to negotiate a treaty, but after Roman's death, it's never mentioned again. Werewolf armies are being built, and the snobbish Lycans have laws making association with them a crime punishable by death. I want to know how the growing conflict will be resolved.
🔺 What happened to the two guards who assisted Cyrus's psycho concubine?
I hoped it would be revealed after Cyrus and Abby had their baby, that Lycans can solve their fertility issues by mating with werewolves, creating superior Lycans.
34 F's
2 stars = It's okay.
🐺 𝑨 𝑷𝑵𝑹 𝑾𝒐𝒍𝒇-𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 🐺
Lycans, pure-blood shifters by birth.
🇻🇸.
Werewolves, turned by being bitten.
Lycans struggle with pregnancy, while werewolves easily reproduce by biting humans. Female werewolves are rare, but aren't needed to quickly amass a large army to defeat the arrogant Lycans.
Like many reviewers, I think this novella is too short and rushed. Storylines are quickly solved or left unresolved, which is my biggest issue. I expected the second book to pick up those threads, but it has new MCs and a different story. If you're going to write a short story, it should be simpler and properly tied up. While the ending was sweet, I was left disappointed.
💦 The erotic sex scenes, too wet and nasty for me, were skimmed. ( 🤢.)
☹️ It's unlikely I'll read any more books by this author.
𝚂𝙿𝙾𝙸𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚂 🚨 𝙱𝙴𝙻𝙾𝚆
Plot Summary: Abby, a poor vet with no family or friends, is given $5,000 to care for a stranger’s dog in the forest. She goes alone and becomes caught in the Lycan/Werewolf conflict. Roman, an evil alpha, turns her into a rare female werewolf and forces her to have sex with Cyrus, the Lycan King. Abby and Cyrus escape and return to his mansion and people. They have sex, and Cyrus bites her to make her his concubine and protect her from other Lycans. Initially unhappy and unsure of her status, Abby soon realizes Cyrus’s actions were for her good. A female Lycan friend turns out to be a power-hungry psycho. She and Cyrus's guards return a pregnant Abby to Roman. Cyrus rescues her and defeats Roman. Abby becomes Cyrus's queen and everyone accepts her. HEA.
My favorite part was the ending, where the MCS are .
Dropped Threads:
🔺Cyrus went to Roman to negotiate a treaty, but after Roman's death, it's never mentioned again. Werewolf armies are being built, and the snobbish Lycans have laws making association with them a crime punishable by death. I want to know how the growing conflict will be resolved.
🔺 What happened to the two guards who assisted Cyrus's psycho concubine?
I hoped it would be revealed after Cyrus and Abby had their baby, that Lycans can solve their fertility issues by mating with werewolves, creating superior Lycans.
34 F's
December 6, 2025
The Lycan King’s Captive is one of those books that pulls you in even while you’re side-eyeing half the decisions being made. I genuinely enjoyed it, but I also spent a lot of time trying to wrap my head around the worldbuilding and the Lycan–werewolf dynamic. If Lycans are supposed to be these incredibly strong, terrifying beings… why do they feel so weak in this story? The power scale never really balances out, and I kept waiting for it to make more sense.
A messy, wild premise
The entire setup is honestly a bit chaotic — and not always in a good way. Abby (the character, not me!) is way too gullible for the situation she’s thrown into. The whole “kidnapped and then we’re suddenly vibing” thing leans dangerously into Stockholm syndrome territory, and she just… takes everything in stride. No real fight. No deep distrust. Just, “Okay, guess this is my life now.”
I wanted more anger. More bite. More resistance. Something to make Cyrus work harder, because he got off way too easy.
Missing details
There were also moments that felt glossed over — the biggest one being the fact that the main male character’s tongue was literally cut out, and then… nothing? No deep emotional fallout, no solid exploration of the trauma, no real follow-up. The story kind of shrugged it off, which left me wanting more substance.
Despite everything… it was still a good ride
Even with the frustrating choices and missing details, the story was enjoyable. The pacing keeps you hooked, the chemistry works, and the overall arc is satisfying in a way that makes you want to keep reading. It’s messy, but in a way that’s fun rather than exhausting.
A great epilogue (but I wanted more!)
One thing I absolutely loved was the epilogue. I’m a sucker for seeing characters’ lives after the chaos — the softness, the family moments, the kids, the slow happiness. A lot of books skip that part, but Amy Pennza gave at least a glimpse… and honestly, I wish it were longer. Give me three more chapters of domestic peace and character continuation and I’d eat it up.
Final thoughts
All things said and done, this book is entertaining, emotional, and a little unhinged — in a good way. The worldbuilding has holes, the characters sometimes make me want to scream, but the story still delivered exactly what I wanted: drama, tension, and a romance that keeps you turning pages.
A messy, wild premise
The entire setup is honestly a bit chaotic — and not always in a good way. Abby (the character, not me!) is way too gullible for the situation she’s thrown into. The whole “kidnapped and then we’re suddenly vibing” thing leans dangerously into Stockholm syndrome territory, and she just… takes everything in stride. No real fight. No deep distrust. Just, “Okay, guess this is my life now.”
I wanted more anger. More bite. More resistance. Something to make Cyrus work harder, because he got off way too easy.
Missing details
There were also moments that felt glossed over — the biggest one being the fact that the main male character’s tongue was literally cut out, and then… nothing? No deep emotional fallout, no solid exploration of the trauma, no real follow-up. The story kind of shrugged it off, which left me wanting more substance.
Despite everything… it was still a good ride
Even with the frustrating choices and missing details, the story was enjoyable. The pacing keeps you hooked, the chemistry works, and the overall arc is satisfying in a way that makes you want to keep reading. It’s messy, but in a way that’s fun rather than exhausting.
A great epilogue (but I wanted more!)
One thing I absolutely loved was the epilogue. I’m a sucker for seeing characters’ lives after the chaos — the softness, the family moments, the kids, the slow happiness. A lot of books skip that part, but Amy Pennza gave at least a glimpse… and honestly, I wish it were longer. Give me three more chapters of domestic peace and character continuation and I’d eat it up.
Final thoughts
All things said and done, this book is entertaining, emotional, and a little unhinged — in a good way. The worldbuilding has holes, the characters sometimes make me want to scream, but the story still delivered exactly what I wanted: drama, tension, and a romance that keeps you turning pages.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars(possible spoilers ahead) This book was intense from the very first page to the ending. It is full-on desperation mode.
I think this book should have been a little longer. YES...longer.
This plot deserved that. It was ALMOST there. The set-up was there.
There should be a trigger warning for rape. H is forced to rape h. It's a pretty descriptive scene, too. My heart broke for BOTH characters.
Abby (h) is a vet who gets a call that a dog is hurt. She arrives and meets Roman (who is the bad guy) and the injured "dog" is Cyrus (H).
Cyrus is actually a Lycan KING who Roman has taken prisoner and tortured (I don't think it tells you how long he's been there). After Abby treats Cyrus, Roman then bites her.
Cyrus talks to Abby in her head (telepathically) and tells her she will turn into a werewolf. Most werewolves do not survive the turn. Lycan and Werewolves hate each other and they are at war. Cyrus helps her through the transformation.
Roman then comes and makes Cyrus rape her. His whole plan is for Cyrus to keep breeding with her until she's pregnant. He wants the king's heir. During the whole rape, Cyrus keeps talking to her telepathically to help her through this heartbreaking moment. They pretend they are on an island together and that it's beautiful.
Later that day, another man who works for Roman cuts the cameras off and decides he wants to rape Abby, too. Abby stabs him to death and helps Cyrus out of his cage. They escape to the woods where they find a cabin. In that cabin, Cyrus finds a satellite phone and calls for backup. They are rescued and go to Cyrus' home. Then all the political stuff starts. Lycan has some really strict rules. They DO NOT like werewolves so Abby is hated as soon as she arrives.
I knew as soon as Abby walked into a place where everybody hated her except the smoking hot blonde- well, red flags started waving right away on her.
The last 1/3 of the book was a mess. The epilogue was nice but I would have liked more.
I think this book should have been a little longer. YES...longer.
This plot deserved that. It was ALMOST there. The set-up was there.
There should be a trigger warning for rape. H is forced to rape h. It's a pretty descriptive scene, too. My heart broke for BOTH characters.
Abby (h) is a vet who gets a call that a dog is hurt. She arrives and meets Roman (who is the bad guy) and the injured "dog" is Cyrus (H).
Cyrus is actually a Lycan KING who Roman has taken prisoner and tortured (I don't think it tells you how long he's been there). After Abby treats Cyrus, Roman then bites her.
Cyrus talks to Abby in her head (telepathically) and tells her she will turn into a werewolf. Most werewolves do not survive the turn. Lycan and Werewolves hate each other and they are at war. Cyrus helps her through the transformation.
Roman then comes and makes Cyrus rape her. His whole plan is for Cyrus to keep breeding with her until she's pregnant. He wants the king's heir. During the whole rape, Cyrus keeps talking to her telepathically to help her through this heartbreaking moment. They pretend they are on an island together and that it's beautiful.
Later that day, another man who works for Roman cuts the cameras off and decides he wants to rape Abby, too. Abby stabs him to death and helps Cyrus out of his cage. They escape to the woods where they find a cabin. In that cabin, Cyrus finds a satellite phone and calls for backup. They are rescued and go to Cyrus' home. Then all the political stuff starts. Lycan has some really strict rules. They DO NOT like werewolves so Abby is hated as soon as she arrives.
I knew as soon as Abby walked into a place where everybody hated her except the smoking hot blonde- well, red flags started waving right away on her.
The last 1/3 of the book was a mess. The epilogue was nice but I would have liked more.
January 29, 2023
Abby a vet fighting to keep her business running getting a call that will help her business never realizing that one call would change her life forever because when she arrives Roman bites her turning her into a werewolf and throws her into a cage with another werewolf. Cyrus sexy as all get out Lycan King being held prisoner by Roman, one evening a woman is thrown into his cage in the process of turning something that would kill most humans but he isn’t going to allow her to die or no harm to come to her. After gaining their freedom they now have to deal with all the aftermath, deal with her being something more than human with her accepting she was an innocent in a game she was never supposed to know existed yet she was forced to become a part of it and Cyrus protected her while they were being held as prisoners and he isn’t turning his back on her now so one way to keep her safe was by making her his queen but will she accept his offer, will she get back to being a vet like she has dreamed, will she adjust to being something more than human, will Roman get what he deserves, and can they find their own happiness in the crazy world that has become her reality?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2025
Lucas vs werewolf
Abby was surprised to get a call from a rancher about a cat in trouble. She was a veterinarian and needed the extra money. She hurried to get there, but the back roads of Maine were bumpy and slow going. She got there finally. Once rushed inside, she found out that there was no domesticated cat that was in danger, she was!
She needed to just stay calm, and all her practices of schooling put that to test. She was threatened if she didn't do her job as a veterinarian, that she would be in worse trouble. Looking over the big, larger looking dog. She determined it needed a shot of antibiotics. The dog mysteriously, magically, turned into a large naked male human! From there she was brought into the basement. She saw there were 2 cells That were going to be occupied!! The large man went into 1 cell with help from the other captors. The man who had called her, It went by the name of Roman. He bit her, and said, let's see what she can do if she can survive!
The story ends with an HEA.
There was a nice sexual tension between her cell mate and Abby. They were forced together, Cyrus was very calming during this whole event. He even helped her through her transition of becoming a werewolf. She survived the bite!
Abby was surprised to get a call from a rancher about a cat in trouble. She was a veterinarian and needed the extra money. She hurried to get there, but the back roads of Maine were bumpy and slow going. She got there finally. Once rushed inside, she found out that there was no domesticated cat that was in danger, she was!
She needed to just stay calm, and all her practices of schooling put that to test. She was threatened if she didn't do her job as a veterinarian, that she would be in worse trouble. Looking over the big, larger looking dog. She determined it needed a shot of antibiotics. The dog mysteriously, magically, turned into a large naked male human! From there she was brought into the basement. She saw there were 2 cells That were going to be occupied!! The large man went into 1 cell with help from the other captors. The man who had called her, It went by the name of Roman. He bit her, and said, let's see what she can do if she can survive!
The story ends with an HEA.
There was a nice sexual tension between her cell mate and Abby. They were forced together, Cyrus was very calming during this whole event. He even helped her through her transition of becoming a werewolf. She survived the bite!
November 11, 2024
When veterinarian Abby responds to a suspiciously well paying house call, she finds herself trapped in a secluded home and forced to work on a wolf who turns into a man. After she administers medical treatment, she is attacked, kept in captivity and raped. Cyrus, the King of the Lycans, has been trapped and tortured by his werewolf enemies. He is forced to rape Abby, and when the two have a chance to escape, he takes her with him and protects her by keeping her imprisoned in his own home.
This books starts like a dark romance with werewolf elements but it quickly loses steam. Abby toggles between completely giving in to whatever Cyrus wants, and occasionally fighting with him. Even though she really doesn't want to get pregnant, she does nothing to prevent that from happening. She just comes across as extremely erratic, especially since she keeps saying that she wants to return home and be free. At the end there is the sudden appearance of villains that had nothing to do with the majority of the book, and the law preventing Cyrus from mating with a werewolf is just ignored without consequence. A frustrating, almost nonsensical read.
This books starts like a dark romance with werewolf elements but it quickly loses steam. Abby toggles between completely giving in to whatever Cyrus wants, and occasionally fighting with him. Even though she really doesn't want to get pregnant, she does nothing to prevent that from happening. She just comes across as extremely erratic, especially since she keeps saying that she wants to return home and be free. At the end there is the sudden appearance of villains that had nothing to do with the majority of the book, and the law preventing Cyrus from mating with a werewolf is just ignored without consequence. A frustrating, almost nonsensical read.
February 7, 2023
“She was already destined to hate me. I wasn’t going to make things worse by deceiving her.”
Wow! This book was amazing up until the last quarter that was way too rushed compared to the rest of the book. Too bad because I was really loving it until then. I mean we still got our HEA but at only 155 pages I feel it wouldn’t have been that difficult to finish the story with as much depth, action and emotion as the majority of the book had.
Cyrus was incredible! What a dream of a main male character. Definitely a bbf in the first degree. Abby was a perfect match for him although we didn’t get to see as much of what she had to offer as I would have liked. I also feel she changed her feelings and accepted everything way too suddenly. We missed the main part of their relationship building as well. I really hope one day Amy goes back and expands upon this wonderful story, giving it all the time and details it deserves. Until then I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark paranormal stories.
Wow! This book was amazing up until the last quarter that was way too rushed compared to the rest of the book. Too bad because I was really loving it until then. I mean we still got our HEA but at only 155 pages I feel it wouldn’t have been that difficult to finish the story with as much depth, action and emotion as the majority of the book had.
Cyrus was incredible! What a dream of a main male character. Definitely a bbf in the first degree. Abby was a perfect match for him although we didn’t get to see as much of what she had to offer as I would have liked. I also feel she changed her feelings and accepted everything way too suddenly. We missed the main part of their relationship building as well. I really hope one day Amy goes back and expands upon this wonderful story, giving it all the time and details it deserves. Until then I still recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark paranormal stories.
September 16, 2024
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spiceness TW @ end of review
This was a slightly dark, short, and spicy book! I think it was wrapped up nicely in the end. This story was basically like being told how your best friend who you have no TMI rules with met her husband and fell in love. Not much of a plot here other than smut. It was cute too though. I likely won’t read the second book that I believe follows a different couple, but I prefer more plot with a healthy dose of smut sprinkled throughout the book.
TW: I had a hard time at the start of the book given the romanticized SA. It wasnt “brutal” I guess you could say, but I just personally don’t like that type of thing. Since it wassss written in a more romantic light I was able to get through it. It wasnt a terribly long scene, nor were there any flashbacks (because it was heavily romanticized) it was hinted at in the FMC’s inner monologue sometimes, but it was super brief and non descriptive. It was in a way of “we went through that thing that one time.”
TW: SA, decapitation, manipulation, sire bond abuse, pregnancy talk.
This was a slightly dark, short, and spicy book! I think it was wrapped up nicely in the end. This story was basically like being told how your best friend who you have no TMI rules with met her husband and fell in love. Not much of a plot here other than smut. It was cute too though. I likely won’t read the second book that I believe follows a different couple, but I prefer more plot with a healthy dose of smut sprinkled throughout the book.
TW: I had a hard time at the start of the book given the romanticized SA. It wasnt “brutal” I guess you could say, but I just personally don’t like that type of thing. Since it wassss written in a more romantic light I was able to get through it. It wasnt a terribly long scene, nor were there any flashbacks (because it was heavily romanticized) it was hinted at in the FMC’s inner monologue sometimes, but it was super brief and non descriptive. It was in a way of “we went through that thing that one time.”
TW: SA, decapitation, manipulation, sire bond abuse, pregnancy talk.
February 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book for a super fast paced, short, Paranormal Romance read that could be consumed in about 90 minutes! This followed Abby and Cyrus after Abby (a veterinarian) was called to the scene of a wounded animal which turned out to be Cyrus, a lycan. The men who called Abby to the scene turn her into a werewolf after she gets Cyrus healthy again as they are keeping him prisoner. She's kept prisoner as well but he quickly helps them escape and takes her back to his castle, where he can't allow Abby to leave due to now being a werewolf and potentially pregnant with his child. Abby resists this at first but they both begin to fall for one another while fighting against his enemies inside and outside of his kingdom. The book read really well and was engaging and exciting, as well as really quick. I haven't read this author before but I would definitely check her out again!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 15, 2024
A good introduction to the Royal Lycans
This is book one of the series The Royal Lycans. This book popped up in my feed and so I took a chance. Its world is interesting and has both Lycans and werewolves. They are against one another due to an event that happened a long time ago. Half the Lycans want peace the other half are stuck in old ways. Now the lead male, Cyrus, wants peace and is working undercover towards that when he is ambushed and tortured. The torture is on page and off page. Roman, the bad guy, enlists the help of a young veterinarian named Abby, who has a struggling business. Roman offers Abby a large sum of money. All Abby has to do is help Roman’s pet. What Abby does not know is the she will have to tend to all the damage done to Cyrus by the werewolves. Unfortunately Abby willingly walks into the werewolve’s den and is forced to help and do exactly what Roman orders. The story begins there . . . The ending feels a bit rushed. . . Read On!
This is book one of the series The Royal Lycans. This book popped up in my feed and so I took a chance. Its world is interesting and has both Lycans and werewolves. They are against one another due to an event that happened a long time ago. Half the Lycans want peace the other half are stuck in old ways. Now the lead male, Cyrus, wants peace and is working undercover towards that when he is ambushed and tortured. The torture is on page and off page. Roman, the bad guy, enlists the help of a young veterinarian named Abby, who has a struggling business. Roman offers Abby a large sum of money. All Abby has to do is help Roman’s pet. What Abby does not know is the she will have to tend to all the damage done to Cyrus by the werewolves. Unfortunately Abby willingly walks into the werewolve’s den and is forced to help and do exactly what Roman orders. The story begins there . . . The ending feels a bit rushed. . . Read On!
January 27, 2023
This was an exciting story that really took off running and never looked back. Cyrus and Abby meet under difficult circumstances, both being held captive, but they manage to escape and spend time together in a remote cabin. This lets their chemistry simmer and allows Cyrus to start explaining Lycan and Wolf shifter culture, rules and expectations. That they would be considered natural enemies was tough for Abby to swallow, especially with their rapidly forming bond. They go back to Cyrus' estate and Abby sees the true scope of his role. Well, he doesn't want to let her go and doesn't want to commit either... ;) This allows for drama and danger to occur, letting these two see that they truly are mates and can maybe start a new era. I enjoyed their dynamic and seeing them find their way together in this highly entertaining read :D
February 6, 2023
Abby is a struggling vet and when she takes a call that has her traveling to care for an animal, she takes a gun thinking she would be safe. However, that isn't the case. After treating the animal, she is attacked and left in a cell in the basement of the place. As she starts waking, she hears a voice in her head telling her not to show that she awake. Things get very complicated from there on for her and for Cyrus. Cyrus is the animal she treated and saved. Yet neither expected things to go the way they did. Will they get to safety? Will more grow between them the longer they're together?
This is a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
Short book. About 150 pages. I debated giving it 5 stars, but its length made me take a little off, along with a few fairly quick changes of character. I would have preferred a bit more explanation of some events and more depth to some things too.
Still a really good read though. I’m a sucker for abductions and slightly darker plots. Be aware that there is non-consent by the MMC on the FMC (forced by the villain). It’s not a happy scene. Aside from that, the MMC is generally a nice, caring guy. He makes a few alpha-hole moves, but overall he’s pretty gone for her from the beginning and just wants to protect her. And she’s a pretty strong FMC for a regular human thrown into a tough scenario among supernaturals who are all stronger than her. She keeps her chin up and even saves herself once or twice.
Still a really good read though. I’m a sucker for abductions and slightly darker plots. Be aware that there is non-consent by the MMC on the FMC (forced by the villain). It’s not a happy scene. Aside from that, the MMC is generally a nice, caring guy. He makes a few alpha-hole moves, but overall he’s pretty gone for her from the beginning and just wants to protect her. And she’s a pretty strong FMC for a regular human thrown into a tough scenario among supernaturals who are all stronger than her. She keeps her chin up and even saves herself once or twice.
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