From HOT romance author A.C. Arthur comes HUNGER’S MATE: Part Two, in the series, in which one man’s lust for life leads him to a dangerous place…and a forbidden passion. Ezra can’t help but be on the prowl. Jewel is stunning. Sly. Insatiable. But she is no ordinary human—and he’s about to find out that he’s stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief. One who posseses dangerous secrets of her own…"The shifter universe just got sexier…sizzling!"—RT Book Reviews Read all four parts of this sensational novel—and look for the full volume of Hunger's Mate in February 2015 from St. Martin’s Paperbacks.
AC Arthur has worked as a paralegal in every field of law since high school, but her first love is and will always be writing romance. She’s written and won awards for her acclaimed Donovans and Shadow Shifters contemporary and paranormal romance series. Under her pen name, Lacey Baker, she created the quaint small town of Sweetland and wrote the novelization for the Original Hallmark Channel Movie, A Gingerbread Romance.
After years of hosting reader appreciation events, AC created the One Love Reunion, an event designed to bring readers and authors together to celebrate their love of books.
AC resides in Maryland with her family, where she’s currently working on her next book…or watching Criminal Minds.
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher
*reviewing parts 1-4 as a complete book
At the time of requesting these titles from NetGalley, I didn’t realise Hunger’s Mate parts 1-4 combined made up book number 5 of the established series The Shadow Shifters. This being said, Hunger’s Mate can be read completely on it’s own, however reading the previous 4 books would give you a far better insight into this instalment.
This first part had so much info, and so many people coming into the story that I was completely lost for a bit as to who was who and what some of it had to do with the story. As I moved through the rest of the book it all began to make sense as I got a better understanding of the people & situation. This is where knowledge from the first 4 shadow shifter books would be advantageous.
I really like how this book is written in multiple POV’s, I like how it gives the reader insight into more than just the one character, and also into situations we’d otherwise be left guessing about. You get a much clearer picture of what’s going on this way.
Early on you work out that Jewel is on the run, eventually we learn who from & why, even if the horrid details are left somewhat vague, which I actually liked as you can fill in the blanks with whatever horrors your mind can handle.
Ezra is equally as troubled, but unlike Jewel, rather than running from his fears, he wants to face them head on & beat them. Instead of his fears, Ezra meets ADAM and “war” ensues.
A larger plan starts to emerge from the chaos that reaches far beyond Jewel. Throw in some kidnappings, some hero’s to save the day, and we get a somewhat happily ever after with just enough mystery thrown in to hook you into reading the next novel, set to be published later this year.
This book really has a bit of everything thrown in to satisfy everyone. If you like yourself some shape shifting cat men, give this series a try!
Hunger’s Mate is a deliciously provocative edge-of-your-seat thriller that that is chock full of more heart and soul then you would ever think possible. Balance is key to living life, being successful, and ultimately experiencing peace and happiness, but what would you pay to obtain that balance? Would it be worth giving up the façade of control that you think you have over your life and your heart? What would convince you let go in order to be free of a horror that haunts you every second of your life? If gaining your freedom meant facing your demons heads on with no limitations and no boundaries, would you eagerly grab hold with both hands, or would you run away yet again and pray to hide for just a little longer? The hardest thing you will ever do is to stop, turn around, and fight. Running and escaping is easy, but when we do that, we willingly give all of our control over to another. When will you stop running and instead stand your ground and fight for what your heart wants? If you find something worth fighting for, never let it go.
Jewel Jenner lives a life that not her own. She lives each day heavily mired in routine and above all hates change. Listening to her heart is something that she has forgotten how to do, but her heart has not forgotten how to feel and what it wants. Wary of everyone, she keep her life small and guarded. She works hard and enjoys the life she has built, but she is about to learn that when you ignore your heart, you do it at your own demise. The moment Ezra Preston sees Jewel something instinctively deep inside shifts and he can do anything but stay away from her. Unable to explain or fully understand this strong pull to her, he nonetheless tries to get to know her. That, however; proves to be anything but an easy task. Caught up in a twisted hurricane that was her former life, Ezra and his friends are pulled under as they try to untangle the mystery that is Jewel Jenner in order to save their own lives and the fate of others. Will Jewel stop running and face a past she has tried to forget for so long? Can Ezra show her that she is so much stronger then she thinks she is, but in the process will he risk her disappearing from his life forever?
I must admit that I haven’t read very many books in the shifter genre, but I was very pleased with the sharp, intellectual plot that kept me utterly enthralled the entire time. Watching two deeply hurting and severely broken characters find hope, courage, and love as this amazing journey unfolded really took my breath away. It was a little frustrating but believable that it was only when they were on the brink of losing something so precious that they finally realized what it was they shared. It’s not easy to see what is right in front of your face when your mind refuses to acknowledge what your heart is screaming to you. It’s only when we stop and truly see that the beauty and life that has been all around us the entire time finally comes into crystal clear focus. Only then, do we start listening to our heart and discover what we have been frantically in search of.
A.C. Arthur has weaved a magical spell that has entranced my mind and delighted my heart. This story was beyond anything that I had hoped for. The characters were thoroughly captivating and the storyline was heart-breakingly superb. I can’t wait to read more from this amazing author who has definitely caught my attention.
A STRONGER SECOND INSTALLMENT...DANGER AND DESIRE ABOUND!
The second installment in this four-part serial novel comes a long way in improving the reader's ability to feel sympathy for and to connect to the main characters as the danger to Jewel (a.k.a. Dawn) becomes real and deadly. Ezra is barely able to control the animal within as Lawrence Crowe, Jewel's sadistic and perverted ex, brings all of the power of his military office to bear in an effort to recapture Jewel, destroying the Perryville resort in the process and killing employees and guards remorselessly and randomly, as if his mission were an act of war.
Both Ezra and Jewel are developed in a much more satisfying manner in part two. The reader is finally able to get closer to these characters; both of their backstories were explained, although we get the sense that there is still much to learn about Crowe's treatment of "his Dawn." Ezra's one-dimensional characterization in part one has been given emotion, passion, confusion, purpose...all for the better. I finally feel invested in these characters, want Ezra to accept what he is beginning to understand about the nature of his feelings for Jewel, and for Jewel to be able to guarantee the safety of her father and be able to stop running from the madman trying to destroy her life.
Some of the elements of this story are over the top: SPOILERS HERE! How could a captain in the service of the government or military go to a resort hotel and start blowing holes in buildings, taking down any civilian personnel standing in his way, with a prototype weapon of large (if not mass) destruction? It seemed Crowe had no intel on the presence of "ADAM" at Perryville; he was only looking for Jewel. Jewel teeters on irritating as she continues to plot to jump ship at every possible moment of opportunity (and some moments she thinks are opportune but clearly are not). She needs to stop and smell the coffee...her only shot here is with Ezra. There is also a disjointed scene at the start of part two surrounding new characters; father and son shifters who will conceivably come in to play later in the serial, and whose actions are far darker and disturbing than any we've seen in the rest of the novel thus far; it was a surprising transition in tone and story type.
Despite the inconsistencies above, the relationship between Ezra and Jewel became believable in this story, and I was finally able to appreciate the wild passion between the two. I am now invested in the HEA which I hope these two can find, but there is great danger ahead...what was that file Crowe stole from Bas' desk? Does he now know the location of Jewel's father? I'm looking forward to finding out in part three!
*I received a complimentary copy of this title from St. Martin's/Macmillan in exchange for my honest review.*
He’s found her. The man that Jewel has been hiding from for three years has finally found her. Her secrets are out … well, most of them. But when she manages to elude HIM, with the help of Ezra, Bas, and Jacques, HE brings an army down on the resort in order to get her back. But Ezra is determined to protect her and once again Jewel avoids capture. But her freedom is not without cost as there were plenty of people caught in the crossfire at the resort. And the Shadow Shifters have lost ADAM in the invasion too.
Ms. Arthur ramps up the action and the sexual tension in the second installment in the Hunger’s Mate serial novel. And oh my goodness is it hot! There are major revelations made in this book about Jewel and Ezra – some we learned parts of in part one and some were completely new info. When Jewel’s safety and freedom are threatened, Ezra’s protectiveness increases exponentially and he is forced to admit to himself that he wants to claim her. At the same time, Jewel continues to fight what her body wants and finds it harder to do so as her situation gets direr. But when they both finally give in to inevitable, holy heck is it hot! Jewel refuses to obey, to acquiesce, to submit, so instead she takes what she wants and she wants Ezra. Ezra is more than happy to give her that control. And as we’re all coming down from that post-orgasmic high, Ezra receives a text that does not bode well. What is it? I DON’T KNOW!!! The reading of Hunger’s Mate Part 3 commences NOW!!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Hunger's Mate Part 2 brings the conflict between the Shadow Shifters and Captain Lawrence Crowe into center court. Somewhat off to the side is the shifter, Boden, whose evil plans are still unclear. However, he is lurking there nonetheless. Meanwhile, Ezra and Jewel/Dawn grow closer but do not give up their understandable trust issues with the opposite sex. This development of their relationship and growth as a couple is what makes this a continued page turner for me. The author allows us to see into their heads and while their thoughts are flawed concerning each other, we can see why and how it is reflected in their behavior. I like that.
However, right now I have some big unanswered questions, such as where is the real police? Isn't it against the law for the US military to attack American citizens? Just where is the media in all this. When terrorists attacks happen, isn't it front page news? How what is happening at Perryville any different? Then lastly, please don’t tell me Jacques Germain is gone for good. I wanted him to get his own story! This e-serial must be read in order or you will be lost. It is a continued story, which is clearly stated. Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Ezra can’t help but be on the prowl. Jewel is stunning. Sly. Insatiable. But she is no ordinary human—and he’s about to find out that he’s stalking but an alluring and mysterious cat thief. One who possesses dangerous secrets of her own…
REVIEW: HUNGER’S MATE Part 2 focuses on an attack against Perryville Resort and The Shadow Shifters. As Jewel’s past come looking for revenge, it is the Shadow Shifters that will suffer when Jewel is no where to be found.
Once again, the reader is pulled into the world of shifter violence and supernatural powers. No one is safe when Jewel’s past demands retribution. The Genesis Project at Comastaz Labs comes to the forefront and much will be revealed about a new breed of shifter.
The relationship between Ezra and Jewel takes on a sexual flavor-Ezra’s cat believes it has found their mate but Ezra isn’t sure that Jewel will be safe in Ezra’s presence. Once again, the past is too close for comfort.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This installment is really where reading the previous books in this world begins to help out. A lot of familiar names and characters start to pop up along the way. I still think this set can probably be read as standalone.
Ezra and Jewel are still trying to trust one another. I think Ezra is still in denial about his feelings for Jewel (and she is, too), but between all the action and craziness of this book, they didn't have much alone time. One of the best scenes in the book happens in the few minutes they do get to spend alone (and no in the bedroom) and they are simply chatting like two normal people.
Of course, normal doesn't last very long in this universe and Jewel's past comes crashing through the front door. With these two now on the run (and hopefully less in denial), I'm optimistic for their budding relationship.
'I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review'
They know what Jewel's secret is. They know what she did. The monster that she had been running from found her. He hit the shadow shifters where it hurt. He hurt one of theirs. Now they are after him. Jewel doesn't want to want Ezra. There is no denying it now though. She is hooked. But with the monster from her past on her trail she can't truly enjoy herself.
Ezra never thought that he could share a life with someone. Not after the number a princess years ago did on him and his brother. He ended up killing her. He couldn't live with himself if he ended up killing Jewel.
The more I read the more hooked I am. It just gets better and better. Hot love scenes, intrigue and danger. This is not a stand alone. You do need to read part one first. I do recommend reading. Between parts one and two this has been a great read so far!
This is the second part in a four part story. Obviously you do not want to start this one without reading the first because trust me you will not understand what is going on. Also see my review of part one if you haven’t already.
Again in this story we do not get a great look at Jewel. A better one but not a great one. We get a better look at Ezra and a bit of his background. The connection between Ezra and Jewel is strong. This story is really just getting started. And now on to part 3.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Ezra is a passionate man so when he loses his temper he loses it bad, "you can't let me pleasure you but you can lie about your identity for three years," he said, coming to a stand." He also knows how to get his girl to shut up, "well, you're a jerk and a -" her words were cut off as his lips took hers in a hungry, desperate kiss that melted every word in his mind..." I can't wait to see what the next round works out, it's getting good.
In this second installment of Hunger's Mate, we join Ezra, Bas, and Jewel as they return from Jewel being taken with more than they bargained for. The truth about what the Genesis Project is, is starting to come to light and who some of the main players are.
We learn more about Ezra and his twin Eli and more about Jewel and Dawn. Alot happens in the second part and leads to more questions, wanting more of the story, and enticing you more and more to just keep reading.
This is the second book in the series. In it we learn more about each of the characters and are left with more questions. There is some action involved and we see who are going to be the main players in this story. It leaves you with questions and looking forward to the next installment. I enjoyed this one and cant wait to start the next one to see what's going to happen.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an excellent read and I'm officially a fan. I want the t-shirt, the pens, and the visor. Part 2 was well written, it's action packed, and I'm glad the hunger was satiated or was it? On to book 3.