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Paranormal Wars: Stone Haven #1
Mating the Enemy
[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Futuristic Paranormal Romance, M/M, sci-fi elements, shape-shifters, HEA] Siberian Tiger shifter, Aleksi Rykov, is amused to watch the enemy chasing one of their own, psy, Seth Tilton, until he realizes it's his mate. Rescuing his mate isn't difficult for the powerful Alpha but keeping his mate safe from the war raging between their races may be more difficult. Seth is taking a chance running to the one man he knows can keep him safe, Aleksi. Seth knows the psy's secrets and the psy will do anything to get him back but with Aleksi's help Seth can help turn the tide of the war and uncover the horrible truth. The question is will Aleksi be willing to help the enemy? Both sides are against their mating and doing their best to tear the two apart but Aleksi and Seth are determined to stay together against all odds. Can Aleksi and Seth manage to find happiness by mating the enemy? ** A Siren Erotic Romance
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2014
44 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Shea Balik
155 books265 followersBestselling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Hart Medical Center Series, Miracle Series, and Paranormal Wars Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 10, 2023
The writing style wasn’t my favourite but I enjoyed it enough anyway, will most likely continue on with the series 2.5 ⭐️
May 15, 2023
Mating The Enemy
By Shea Balik
Seth's life has been miserable. His Psy parents experimented on him, as well as shifters and mystics that they've captured over the years in their bid to destroy shifters and mystics who they believe are beneath them. Seth is saved by the man he's admired for years and discovers they're fated mates. Though Aleksi is happy he finally finds his mate... others on both sides are not.
I felt this was a really great book. I loved Aleksi and Seth together. There was a lot of action and some angst. This was a perfect first book to a new series. However, I assumed (wrongly), that the series would continue with Aleksi and Seth as the MC's as the author took us through his world while the war rages on bringing us to a conclusion at the end. But it looks like each book in the series has a new couple. I'm kind of on the fence if I want to continue. Regardless, I still added this book to my reread list as a favorite.
Side Note: Book Two is the only book in the series not available on KU and at $4.50 for only 89 pages IMHO it's a bit overpriced.
By Shea Balik
Seth's life has been miserable. His Psy parents experimented on him, as well as shifters and mystics that they've captured over the years in their bid to destroy shifters and mystics who they believe are beneath them. Seth is saved by the man he's admired for years and discovers they're fated mates. Though Aleksi is happy he finally finds his mate... others on both sides are not.
I felt this was a really great book. I loved Aleksi and Seth together. There was a lot of action and some angst. This was a perfect first book to a new series. However, I assumed (wrongly), that the series would continue with Aleksi and Seth as the MC's as the author took us through his world while the war rages on bringing us to a conclusion at the end. But it looks like each book in the series has a new couple. I'm kind of on the fence if I want to continue. Regardless, I still added this book to my reread list as a favorite.
Side Note: Book Two is the only book in the series not available on KU and at $4.50 for only 89 pages IMHO it's a bit overpriced.
November 27, 2014
That was… really bad. It pains me to be so blunt but this is honestly the first thought that hit my mind when I closed my eReader.
I was willing to give the story the benefit of doubt and it started out okay enough. However, it didn’t take long for things to start falling apart.
Style is one issue, although that seems negligible compared to the rest. Much worse is the manufactured drama for the purpose of generating the exchanges and assurances the author wanted to spawn between the protagonists, because she sacrificed characterization to achieve that end. Many times over.
@.@ It is so stupid for Alek to cultivate a reputation as a crazy killer when there are policing units created for the sole purpose of removing leaders that go bad. Crazy stuff. But Alek does not strike me as a good kind of person anyway. Otherwise he wouldn’t make his friend vomit (on purpose) by driving around like a maniac for an entire hour just because it amuses his mate – who, as Alek points out in his thoughts, is in sore need of rest and recuperation. So not only is he a rude jerk but also fails to take care of the one whose wellbeing supposedly means everything to him. Not impressed.
As for Seth? Well, he’s the picture of TSTL. Okay, scratch that, they both share that trait.
Seth running away from the one person both his instincts and his brain tell him is the only one who can keep him safe? And Alek chasing him in a way that forces an accident? And don’t get me started on the stupid stuff that comes out of Alek’s mouth. This story thrives on miscommunication and I see no real excuse for it.
It’s even worse when Seth begins to exhibit the wildest mood and character swings I have ever witnessed in a fictional character (that I can recall right now, anyway). Who is this guy, anyway? I thought I’d gotten a handle on him in his initial scene, but following that he kept changing gears, sometimes within a handful of paragraphs.
And, dear author, telling us someone’s the best at what he does – or, more specifically, how Alek prefers to solve conflicts via talking – is worth exactly nothing if all we see is proof to the contrary. (Alek bullies, commands, assaults, mauls rather than discuss things.)
And all the blatantly magical but supposedly techy doo-dads made me roll my eyes. Really? It’s like listening to a five-year-old tell me about his most favourite imaginary toy ever (it goes invisible to people you don’t like but sparkles when you want to and it also doubles as a coffee maker; weird kid, I know).
It’s just odd that in this supposedly so advanced society most things are what they were three-hundred years previously. Except for whatever the super gifted shifters whipped up, of course, although I am not that impressed yet with that either. How does the economy work, anyway? And where is that movie industry located seeing how apparently the decimated human population still creates them? Do they have the internet or some other means to access the older movies of three-hundred-plus years ago to where they’re common and known enough to reference casually?
I know I am probably asking for too much concerning the background. But the characters at no point distracted me enough to allow everything else to become secondary.
In the end, nothing of the sudden complication regarding has been resolved; apparently a few rounds of sex simply made them feel better about things, so no worries anymore, right?
All that we needed was set up the next volume, which – may god have mercy on my soul – I have a strange urge to read. If only because the doctor – aside from Maui (even if he for some reason simply forgot to use his fucking powers in battle) – might be my favourite character of the lot. Probably because we did not see much of him, alas.
Either way, I need a break before I brave more of this. If I do.
I was willing to give the story the benefit of doubt and it started out okay enough. However, it didn’t take long for things to start falling apart.
Style is one issue, although that seems negligible compared to the rest. Much worse is the manufactured drama for the purpose of generating the exchanges and assurances the author wanted to spawn between the protagonists, because she sacrificed characterization to achieve that end. Many times over.
@.@ It is so stupid for Alek to cultivate a reputation as a crazy killer when there are policing units created for the sole purpose of removing leaders that go bad. Crazy stuff. But Alek does not strike me as a good kind of person anyway. Otherwise he wouldn’t make his friend vomit (on purpose) by driving around like a maniac for an entire hour just because it amuses his mate – who, as Alek points out in his thoughts, is in sore need of rest and recuperation. So not only is he a rude jerk but also fails to take care of the one whose wellbeing supposedly means everything to him. Not impressed.
As for Seth? Well, he’s the picture of TSTL. Okay, scratch that, they both share that trait.
Seth running away from the one person both his instincts and his brain tell him is the only one who can keep him safe? And Alek chasing him in a way that forces an accident? And don’t get me started on the stupid stuff that comes out of Alek’s mouth. This story thrives on miscommunication and I see no real excuse for it.
It’s even worse when Seth begins to exhibit the wildest mood and character swings I have ever witnessed in a fictional character (that I can recall right now, anyway). Who is this guy, anyway? I thought I’d gotten a handle on him in his initial scene, but following that he kept changing gears, sometimes within a handful of paragraphs.
And, dear author, telling us someone’s the best at what he does – or, more specifically, how Alek prefers to solve conflicts via talking – is worth exactly nothing if all we see is proof to the contrary. (Alek bullies, commands, assaults, mauls rather than discuss things.)
And all the blatantly magical but supposedly techy doo-dads made me roll my eyes. Really? It’s like listening to a five-year-old tell me about his most favourite imaginary toy ever (it goes invisible to people you don’t like but sparkles when you want to and it also doubles as a coffee maker; weird kid, I know).
It’s just odd that in this supposedly so advanced society most things are what they were three-hundred years previously. Except for whatever the super gifted shifters whipped up, of course, although I am not that impressed yet with that either. How does the economy work, anyway? And where is that movie industry located seeing how apparently the decimated human population still creates them? Do they have the internet or some other means to access the older movies of three-hundred-plus years ago to where they’re common and known enough to reference casually?
I know I am probably asking for too much concerning the background. But the characters at no point distracted me enough to allow everything else to become secondary.
In the end, nothing of the sudden complication regarding has been resolved; apparently a few rounds of sex simply made them feel better about things, so no worries anymore, right?
All that we needed was set up the next volume, which – may god have mercy on my soul – I have a strange urge to read. If only because the doctor – aside from Maui (even if he for some reason simply forgot to use his fucking powers in battle) – might be my favourite character of the lot. Probably because we did not see much of him, alas.
Either way, I need a break before I brave more of this. If I do.
added-it
March 7, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2021)! 🎁
January 9, 2020
OOO OOO OOO am I loving this! Shifters, mystics and psy, oh my! This book was a good way to start off this series. Wars between the paranormals, mates who are considered the enemies, and betrayals of the worst kind. I’m liking where this is going.
We are three hundred years ahead, in this book, but in 2012, things started to change. Shifters were being born out of nowhere, along with mystics who could control the elements, and psys, were telekinetic and could control others. Among other things. They’ve learned to thrive, despite not being known by the humans, but they are warring against each other. They psys want the powers the others have along with their own and are greedy. To the point, of kidnapping shifters and mystics and using them for their experiments. And because one psy, dared to be different, he’s now being hunted to be killed. If Seth can just make it to Alek, he might just stay alive. But just because he found Alek and their mates, doesn’t mean it’s going to be accepted and that a bigger war isn’t about to start. Because it is. And if they make this out alive, what’s going to happen next?
I feel for Seth in this book. He can’t catch a break no matter what he does. His own family wants him dead, his own “species” wants him dead, and all he wants is to live in peace and make sure everyone else does too. He doesn’t agree with what’s going on in his world, which is why everyone wants him dead. And it’s not fair. He always thought they were supposed to working together to make the world a better place, not fighting over who is supposedly better. And now that he’s broken free from his world, he’s considered the enemy in everyone else’s world. And they want him dead too. He can’t win no matter what he does. His only happiness is that he found the shifter he’s dreamed of for years. And the man is his mate. But with all that is going on, trust is a thing hard to hand out. Even between them. And again, it’s like he can’t win. But Alek is determined to make sure his mate is happy, even with all they are going through. And maybe, just maybe, they can get it all figured out.
Definitely a great start to this series. I’m so excited about it. I love paranormal stuff and I love where this is heading. It’s going to be some tough journeys, some passionate mating, and some all out wars. But maybe in the end, they can get it right.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
We are three hundred years ahead, in this book, but in 2012, things started to change. Shifters were being born out of nowhere, along with mystics who could control the elements, and psys, were telekinetic and could control others. Among other things. They’ve learned to thrive, despite not being known by the humans, but they are warring against each other. They psys want the powers the others have along with their own and are greedy. To the point, of kidnapping shifters and mystics and using them for their experiments. And because one psy, dared to be different, he’s now being hunted to be killed. If Seth can just make it to Alek, he might just stay alive. But just because he found Alek and their mates, doesn’t mean it’s going to be accepted and that a bigger war isn’t about to start. Because it is. And if they make this out alive, what’s going to happen next?
I feel for Seth in this book. He can’t catch a break no matter what he does. His own family wants him dead, his own “species” wants him dead, and all he wants is to live in peace and make sure everyone else does too. He doesn’t agree with what’s going on in his world, which is why everyone wants him dead. And it’s not fair. He always thought they were supposed to working together to make the world a better place, not fighting over who is supposedly better. And now that he’s broken free from his world, he’s considered the enemy in everyone else’s world. And they want him dead too. He can’t win no matter what he does. His only happiness is that he found the shifter he’s dreamed of for years. And the man is his mate. But with all that is going on, trust is a thing hard to hand out. Even between them. And again, it’s like he can’t win. But Alek is determined to make sure his mate is happy, even with all they are going through. And maybe, just maybe, they can get it all figured out.
Definitely a great start to this series. I’m so excited about it. I love paranormal stuff and I love where this is heading. It’s going to be some tough journeys, some passionate mating, and some all out wars. But maybe in the end, they can get it right.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
May 7, 2020
Overall: 4 Stars
Narration: 4.5 Stars
Story: 3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining, fast-paced, action-packed story. The worldbuilding was well-thought-out and intriguing, I liked the paranormal and sci-fi elements and the idea that nature would find a way to save our world by creating shifters, mystics and the psys, even if the psys—other than Seth—didn't seem all that great. While I really liked the premise and the worldbuilding was well-done and intriguing, I had a bit of trouble with the main characters.
Alek and Seth had chemistry and the sex scenes were hot, there's the whole fated mates between them and as such, it's pretty much instalove. Alek was the premium Alpha or whatever the superior Alpha was called, and even if he kept saying that the elder council was there to keep Alphas from taking more power than they should, he seemed to relish on making that same council cower before him, not that some of them didn't deserve it, but that's neither here nor there. Same with his friends, Wolf and Maui. I get that his first instinct was to protect his mate, but he didn't even try to listen to Wolf's reasons for not liking Seth before jumping at him. And Seth, well, he kept saying he was a soldier and in control, but his mood swings were a bit OTT. Nevermind, that having Alek railroad any of his objections with sex didn't quite agree with me, but okay.
While the romance portion of the book, or rather, the leads weren't to my liking, the book was good, but the narration was what made it worthwhile. Gavin McAllister did such a great job with it that despite me not being fully engaged I found it difficult to put it down.
Narration: 4.5 Stars
Story: 3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining, fast-paced, action-packed story. The worldbuilding was well-thought-out and intriguing, I liked the paranormal and sci-fi elements and the idea that nature would find a way to save our world by creating shifters, mystics and the psys, even if the psys—other than Seth—didn't seem all that great. While I really liked the premise and the worldbuilding was well-done and intriguing, I had a bit of trouble with the main characters.
Alek and Seth had chemistry and the sex scenes were hot, there's the whole fated mates between them and as such, it's pretty much instalove. Alek was the premium Alpha or whatever the superior Alpha was called, and even if he kept saying that the elder council was there to keep Alphas from taking more power than they should, he seemed to relish on making that same council cower before him, not that some of them didn't deserve it, but that's neither here nor there. Same with his friends, Wolf and Maui. I get that his first instinct was to protect his mate, but he didn't even try to listen to Wolf's reasons for not liking Seth before jumping at him. And Seth, well, he kept saying he was a soldier and in control, but his mood swings were a bit OTT. Nevermind, that having Alek railroad any of his objections with sex didn't quite agree with me, but okay.
While the romance portion of the book, or rather, the leads weren't to my liking, the book was good, but the narration was what made it worthwhile. Gavin McAllister did such a great job with it that despite me not being fully engaged I found it difficult to put it down.
January 21, 2020
5 💖💖💖💖💖 Hearts Reviewed by Shorty for MM Good Book Reviews
I freaking loved this story so much. Paranormals at war. Humans being experimented on and two men from opposite sides on a collision course to stop the wars from continuing.
Aleksi is the alpha tiger that most paranormals and humans will not mess with he has earned a reputation of being brutal and intense.
Seth is a Psy on the run from people who want to make an example of him in the most brutal way. When he runs onto Aleksi' territory the two come together to stop the new army from invading. A lot happens in this story. We are introduced to many wonderful characters that bring the story to life in a stunning way.
I am so looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing where the path leads. Will they succeed or fail? Awesome battle scenes and the chemistry between Seth and Aleksi is hot.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
I freaking loved this story so much. Paranormals at war. Humans being experimented on and two men from opposite sides on a collision course to stop the wars from continuing.
Aleksi is the alpha tiger that most paranormals and humans will not mess with he has earned a reputation of being brutal and intense.
Seth is a Psy on the run from people who want to make an example of him in the most brutal way. When he runs onto Aleksi' territory the two come together to stop the new army from invading. A lot happens in this story. We are introduced to many wonderful characters that bring the story to life in a stunning way.
I am so looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing where the path leads. Will they succeed or fail? Awesome battle scenes and the chemistry between Seth and Aleksi is hot.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
March 20, 2020
I really liked the world building in this book. The world is scary and interesting and made me want to find out more and see how things are going to work out. I liked Alek and Seth together. The fact that they're mates made me accept the insta love easier (I'm not usually a big fan of the trope) but I appreciated that they still had to work on their relationship. Great start to the series!
June 11, 2020
3/5
It was ok.
It was ok.
September 5, 2016
Sigh, disappointed. The story had poor plot development and word flow. It also needed better editing.
May 4, 2020
MMy Thoughts and Review
To say "Mating the Enemy," started with a bang would be a gross understatement. The entire prologue took me on a journey back to 2012, the year the world was going to end according to some ancient calendar, and some of my ex-in-laws who are always following the latest end of the world cult...but, I digress.😂
In this particular story the world as we know it did end, but not by asteroids or some unseen virus, or even by tanning bed, comb-over haired government officials requiring us to "drink the kool-aid." No, Nature found a new way of surviving; a way of making Herself sustainable once more while reining in her children by bestowing special gifts on them. This being Her attempt to bring humans closer to the world around them once more. At least she tried...
For dear old Mother Nature, her new offspring have terrible sibling rivalry syndrome and loathe one another. The Psys are those with telekinesis, the elementals have power over the earth's elements, and then there are the animal shifters who can go back and forth from their human form to an animal form. As siblings go, or neighbors, or just people overall... We always want what others have and never seem to be content with what we have and have been blessed with.
Those beings who used to be at the top of the food chain now find they are near the bottom rung. Those mundane humans who lack any "special" abilities are now being used the way we use animals today, to experiment on. The Psys are not content with what they have. They despise the shifters and elementals and want them annihilated. Their goal then is to build an army with shifter DNA in mundanes (anyone else seeing an issue here?) to rid themselves of their enemies.
This is non-stop action so the story flies by. There isn't much character development between the two main characters for there to be much chemistry and romance. It honestly had a "Me Tarzan you Jane, Me King of Jungle RAWR!" vibe. Hopefully, in the audiobooks to come, the guys will settle into a more evenly balanced relationship.
The action, secondary characters, that epic prologue, and the good Narration helped this story. Personally, I think Aleksi and Seth need couples therapy, perhaps some good guided meditation, and maybe lay off the caffeine.
The Story: 3.50🌟
The Narration: 4.00🌟
Sharonica Stars: 3.75✨
I received a complimentary audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.💐
To say "Mating the Enemy," started with a bang would be a gross understatement. The entire prologue took me on a journey back to 2012, the year the world was going to end according to some ancient calendar, and some of my ex-in-laws who are always following the latest end of the world cult...but, I digress.😂
In this particular story the world as we know it did end, but not by asteroids or some unseen virus, or even by tanning bed, comb-over haired government officials requiring us to "drink the kool-aid." No, Nature found a new way of surviving; a way of making Herself sustainable once more while reining in her children by bestowing special gifts on them. This being Her attempt to bring humans closer to the world around them once more. At least she tried...
For dear old Mother Nature, her new offspring have terrible sibling rivalry syndrome and loathe one another. The Psys are those with telekinesis, the elementals have power over the earth's elements, and then there are the animal shifters who can go back and forth from their human form to an animal form. As siblings go, or neighbors, or just people overall... We always want what others have and never seem to be content with what we have and have been blessed with.
Those beings who used to be at the top of the food chain now find they are near the bottom rung. Those mundane humans who lack any "special" abilities are now being used the way we use animals today, to experiment on. The Psys are not content with what they have. They despise the shifters and elementals and want them annihilated. Their goal then is to build an army with shifter DNA in mundanes (anyone else seeing an issue here?) to rid themselves of their enemies.
This is non-stop action so the story flies by. There isn't much character development between the two main characters for there to be much chemistry and romance. It honestly had a "Me Tarzan you Jane, Me King of Jungle RAWR!" vibe. Hopefully, in the audiobooks to come, the guys will settle into a more evenly balanced relationship.
The action, secondary characters, that epic prologue, and the good Narration helped this story. Personally, I think Aleksi and Seth need couples therapy, perhaps some good guided meditation, and maybe lay off the caffeine.
The Story: 3.50🌟
The Narration: 4.00🌟
Sharonica Stars: 3.75✨
I received a complimentary audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.💐
June 19, 2020
Overall: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars
An author's ability to convincingly and thoroughly world-build is an impressive feat, let alone doing so in a short novella, and that's what author Shea Balik achieves in "Mating the Enemy." I was completely hooked from the start, which had a very X-Men origin feel to it, and the story only took off at breakneck pace from there.
The explanation of how the three paranormal races - shifters, mystics and the psy - came to be and their interconnected roles was expertly done in just a few lines (or, rather, minutes) that easily set the stage for this book and the series. The relationship between Siberian Tiger shifter Aleksi and his fated mate, psy Seth, was action-packed from their initial meeting and never let up.
There are so many interesting aspects to this story - from the individual characters to the interactions of the three paranormal races to the impending war - and I definitely would like to hear more of this series (hopefully they'll be recorded and released on Audible).
Narrator Gavin McAllister gave a terrific performance, full of distinct voices and varied accents, that only further enhanced the story.
I received this audiobook for free by request and provided this honest review voluntarily.
[*Review cross-posted on Audible on 19June2020.*]
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars
An author's ability to convincingly and thoroughly world-build is an impressive feat, let alone doing so in a short novella, and that's what author Shea Balik achieves in "Mating the Enemy." I was completely hooked from the start, which had a very X-Men origin feel to it, and the story only took off at breakneck pace from there.
The explanation of how the three paranormal races - shifters, mystics and the psy - came to be and their interconnected roles was expertly done in just a few lines (or, rather, minutes) that easily set the stage for this book and the series. The relationship between Siberian Tiger shifter Aleksi and his fated mate, psy Seth, was action-packed from their initial meeting and never let up.
There are so many interesting aspects to this story - from the individual characters to the interactions of the three paranormal races to the impending war - and I definitely would like to hear more of this series (hopefully they'll be recorded and released on Audible).
Narrator Gavin McAllister gave a terrific performance, full of distinct voices and varied accents, that only further enhanced the story.
I received this audiobook for free by request and provided this honest review voluntarily.
[*Review cross-posted on Audible on 19June2020.*]
April 11, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
March 30, 2020
Sweet & Sexy 3.5 Stars
A fast, fun, and smouldering paranormal romance.
After the intriguing prologue, we’re introduced to the protagonists and hit the ground running. There’s no respite in the fast paced narrative and plot development.
We shift through the characters bonding quickly, giving us just enough background and depth to feel invested, and move on to the plot arc that is revealed to be a series arc.
Overall the characters are likeable and there’s an interesting cast of secondary characters. The one main character was a little highly strung at time’s, which made it more challenging to connect with him; however, his personality traits and reactions appeared very character appropriate.
If you’re looking for quick escapism in a paranormal world, and are open to series plot arc development, then definitely check Mating the Enemy out.
A fast, fun, and smouldering paranormal romance.
After the intriguing prologue, we’re introduced to the protagonists and hit the ground running. There’s no respite in the fast paced narrative and plot development.
We shift through the characters bonding quickly, giving us just enough background and depth to feel invested, and move on to the plot arc that is revealed to be a series arc.
Overall the characters are likeable and there’s an interesting cast of secondary characters. The one main character was a little highly strung at time’s, which made it more challenging to connect with him; however, his personality traits and reactions appeared very character appropriate.
If you’re looking for quick escapism in a paranormal world, and are open to series plot arc development, then definitely check Mating the Enemy out.
July 7, 2024
Audiobook Review
A good prologue
Plot: Seth and Aleksi’s instalove, prologue to longer saga spanning multiple books of shifters warring against ability users called psy (assuming short for psychic) in order to save humankind and the world
Feels: Couldn’t really connect with either MC
Drama: Considering Seth is running away from his psy family (a family focused on world domination) and Aleksi is an enemy shifter...tons
Heat: 2/5
Characters: There are no references to A/B/O specifications often found in other shifter stories, but there were quite a few instances of Aleksi treating Seth as ‘lesser’ or needing protection, to which Seth reacts like a ruffled porcupine, apologies happen, and repeat
Pacing: ok
Length: short
Ending: HEA for Seth and Aleksi (following books cover different couples), HFN for backstory
Performance: Good solid narration
A good prologue
Plot: Seth and Aleksi’s instalove, prologue to longer saga spanning multiple books of shifters warring against ability users called psy (assuming short for psychic) in order to save humankind and the world
Feels: Couldn’t really connect with either MC
Drama: Considering Seth is running away from his psy family (a family focused on world domination) and Aleksi is an enemy shifter...tons
Heat: 2/5
Characters: There are no references to A/B/O specifications often found in other shifter stories, but there were quite a few instances of Aleksi treating Seth as ‘lesser’ or needing protection, to which Seth reacts like a ruffled porcupine, apologies happen, and repeat
Pacing: ok
Length: short
Ending: HEA for Seth and Aleksi (following books cover different couples), HFN for backstory
Performance: Good solid narration
October 10, 2020
I was not expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. Quick recap: The Gods feel that humanity will soon ruin the world. So all over the world babies with pets are born knowing that they were created to save humans from themselves. Can you guess what happens? Humans react as they always do to something different. Most people fear it and refuse to try to understand what's happening. So they shun kill, or experiment on the babies. BABIES!
I could see the events of this book happening in real life and this book would be a good escape of what not to do. I could make a historical comparison but.... Moving on!
I'm giving a 4.5 star rating only because at one point I wanted to beat up some folks. However, that means the book made me feel somethings so Mixon accomplished Ms. Author.
I could see the events of this book happening in real life and this book would be a good escape of what not to do. I could make a historical comparison but.... Moving on!
I'm giving a 4.5 star rating only because at one point I wanted to beat up some folks. However, that means the book made me feel somethings so Mixon accomplished Ms. Author.
September 17, 2021
I-
I'm really not sure what to say. I want to start saying that I REALLY LOVE the trope of fated mates and an instant connection (not love tho). BUTTTT, THIS BOOK ???? It confused me so much. How in hell did Alek expect to have Seth knowing WITHOUT EVEN TALKING, LIKE HE WOULDN'T EVEN LET HIM TALK
Seth, in the other hand, kept having the WORST mood changes and jumping to conclusions. And his story didn't make any sense. Like if he was one of the most powerful, why was he so defenseless when he arrived at Alek's territory.
It made me think that the author didn't really plan ahead the story of the characters. IDK honestly, it was uncomfortable
I'm really not sure what to say. I want to start saying that I REALLY LOVE the trope of fated mates and an instant connection (not love tho). BUTTTT, THIS BOOK ???? It confused me so much. How in hell did Alek expect to have Seth knowing WITHOUT EVEN TALKING, LIKE HE WOULDN'T EVEN LET HIM TALK
Seth, in the other hand, kept having the WORST mood changes and jumping to conclusions. And his story didn't make any sense. Like if he was one of the most powerful, why was he so defenseless when he arrived at Alek's territory.
It made me think that the author didn't really plan ahead the story of the characters. IDK honestly, it was uncomfortable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2022
Interesting First Book
Just finishing Shea Balik's first series book and I am torn on my review. First books in a series are always the hardest as you have so much world building to do, and that's true here. I really wanted to fall in love with this series, but unfortunately I can't. It's not that the SL isn't there, the characters are well fleshed out, and the world building was there but it felt as if it was lacking something. It didn't feel that it fitted the SL and the Main Characters.
I'm hoping that the sequel books will help fix this problem and will flesh things out some. But a Good read.
Just finishing Shea Balik's first series book and I am torn on my review. First books in a series are always the hardest as you have so much world building to do, and that's true here. I really wanted to fall in love with this series, but unfortunately I can't. It's not that the SL isn't there, the characters are well fleshed out, and the world building was there but it felt as if it was lacking something. It didn't feel that it fitted the SL and the Main Characters.
I'm hoping that the sequel books will help fix this problem and will flesh things out some. But a Good read.
February 19, 2020
I found this to be a very unique and fascinating book. The world building was creative and well done, also, I loved the paranormal aspect of the story. Seth was a Psy who was running for his life away from his own people who were trying to kill him. Alek sees him and saves his life realizing that Seth is his mate. The Psy are taking control over the humans and turning them into half man, half animal, creatures. Very interesting. I'm definitely curious to see what happens in the next addition to this series. Imaginative read.
June 26, 2019
es haette eine nette Geschichte werden koennen, waeren nicht so viele Fragen offen geblieben ,
aber ich schaetze, sie werden im Laufe der weiteren Buecher beantwortet werden,
hier, in diesem Band werden zwei Protas vorgestellt, mit denen ich bis jetzt einfach nicht warm werde,
verwirrende Erzaehlweise, etwas Spannung, etwas Humor, aber dafuer viel Sex,
ich hoffe, es wird mit den naechsten Baenden besser,
Durchhalten ist angesagt
aber ich schaetze, sie werden im Laufe der weiteren Buecher beantwortet werden,
hier, in diesem Band werden zwei Protas vorgestellt, mit denen ich bis jetzt einfach nicht warm werde,
verwirrende Erzaehlweise, etwas Spannung, etwas Humor, aber dafuer viel Sex,
ich hoffe, es wird mit den naechsten Baenden besser,
Durchhalten ist angesagt
April 17, 2020
Introduction To What Could Be An Intriguing New Series
New author for me. I liked the premise. I want to know more about Seth. An old tiger shifter intrigued me. The premise reminded me of the Breeds series by Lora Lee, an MF series. I thought this was a good introduction to this series. I hope the future Eddie's stories go deeper into the emotions and histories that I know could be there.
New author for me. I liked the premise. I want to know more about Seth. An old tiger shifter intrigued me. The premise reminded me of the Breeds series by Lora Lee, an MF series. I thought this was a good introduction to this series. I hope the future Eddie's stories go deeper into the emotions and histories that I know could be there.
September 21, 2020
I liked it a lot. Very cute. Sometimes I wanted to smack Seth out of his self-destruction but yeah... I don't want to spoil too much.
I missed some more explaining of the shifter city, when they said they walked to the office I didn't have any clear picture of how the building looked like and that confused me a bit, maybe I missed a sentence or something? But I need to know more so I already bought book 2.
I missed some more explaining of the shifter city, when they said they walked to the office I didn't have any clear picture of how the building looked like and that confused me a bit, maybe I missed a sentence or something? But I need to know more so I already bought book 2.
October 19, 2020
I freaking loved this story so much. Paranormals at war. Humans being experimented on and two men from opposite sides on a collision course to stop the wars from continuing.
Aleksi is the alpha tiger that most paranormals and humans will not mess with he has earned a reputation of being brutal and intense.
Seth is a Psy on the run from people who want to make an example of him in the most brutal way. When he runs onto Aleksi’ territory the two come together to stop the new army from invading. A lot happens in this story. We are introduced to many wonderful characters that bring the story to life in a stunning way.
I am so looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing where the path leads. Will they succeed or fail? Awesome battle scenes and the chemistry between Seth and Aleksi is hot.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
Aleksi is the alpha tiger that most paranormals and humans will not mess with he has earned a reputation of being brutal and intense.
Seth is a Psy on the run from people who want to make an example of him in the most brutal way. When he runs onto Aleksi’ territory the two come together to stop the new army from invading. A lot happens in this story. We are introduced to many wonderful characters that bring the story to life in a stunning way.
I am so looking forward to reading more in this series and seeing where the path leads. Will they succeed or fail? Awesome battle scenes and the chemistry between Seth and Aleksi is hot.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
January 7, 2020
Great new series
I loved this new world and the mission that the paranormal folks got from the goods to fix the world. The Psy are pretty scary, and completely out of control. But they seem to be especially shortsighted since their ultimate weapons had all of the weaknesses of normal humans against Mystics.
I loved this new world and the mission that the paranormal folks got from the goods to fix the world. The Psy are pretty scary, and completely out of control. But they seem to be especially shortsighted since their ultimate weapons had all of the weaknesses of normal humans against Mystics.
January 27, 2020
Good read
This was a good read. It was very different than what I usually read concerning shifters. I enjoyed A leaky and the others, but I didn't care too much for Seth. I found him too be a little too emotionally unstable for his Psy powers and too whiny and scared. But it was a good storyline, and it was well written too.
This was a good read. It was very different than what I usually read concerning shifters. I enjoyed A leaky and the others, but I didn't care too much for Seth. I found him too be a little too emotionally unstable for his Psy powers and too whiny and scared. But it was a good storyline, and it was well written too.
January 27, 2020
What a book. From start to finish I loved it. I didn't want to put it down. Ms Balik grab you into her books. Opens your mind and take you on a ride. You learn new thing, your imagination grows. And you find your want more and more of the stories she is telling. So read this book and come join in the world she writes
February 8, 2021
Loved this introduction to a new post apocalypse earth where a range to paranormals exits. Alexa the saviour of the world , strong alpha dominant tiger meets his mateandd boy do we have one hot funny journey. The alpha was not expecting such a fiesty mate who definitely has a mind of his own. Looking forward to others in this series and more from shea.
February 22, 2021
I’m afraid 1 star is generous given that I had to check my ears for bleeding after the hour or so of audio I subjected myself to.
The story lacked any sort of depth and the characters were just too over the top. Too needy, too alpha male. The sexual tension and sex scenes were just cringy, like and old wife’s dirty book . Just ..uncomfortable 🙈
The story lacked any sort of depth and the characters were just too over the top. Too needy, too alpha male. The sexual tension and sex scenes were just cringy, like and old wife’s dirty book . Just ..uncomfortable 🙈
April 11, 2020
If you like Nalini Singh you may enjoy this series. This first book was drew me in and I didn’t want to pause it when the time came. And although the mates are from the same clan things can still work out. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
October 9, 2020
This book has such a great storyline. There’s so much more to come. The characters are well written and very likeable. The dynamic of this M/M relationship is perfect, I love the strength of the Alpha’s mate. Excellent performance from Gavin.
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