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The Rabbit River Saga #3

Checkmate: Book 3 -The Rabbit River Saga

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A fledgling pack struggles to survive during chaotic times, when mates are scarce, and competition is fierce… For there is turmoil in the werewolf community.

Strategy. Intrigue. Revenge. Everything hinges on the endgame.

Aster Ardennes has sworn vengeance. When rival Alpha Marten takes over her father’s pack, Aster is determined to make him pay. But when the new Alpha decides he’s going to take her as his mate, things get serious. As a rare female born to the old Alpha, Aster has always been considered something of a princess. But no one would ever call her weak. Marten may think she’s just a pawn, but strategy has always been her strong suit. And Aster can’t wait to show him the true meaning of forced mate . Everything else will just have to wait.

Jesse Wayne knows all about his reputation. He doesn't let it bother him. After all, when you're an outlaw, you might as well own it. Never in his life did he imagine the Princess would turn to him. But now that she's right there, he just can't help wondering if this could mean something more…

There's nothing Apprentice Lore Master Dean Rolland likes more than a good mystery. He spends most of his time in his lab looking for answers. That is, if he’s not off searching through the ancient archives. But the biggest mystery these days is where in the world is Aster Ardennes?

For months, the pack has been searching for her, following the disturbing trail of breadcrumbs she’s left for them, a wild goose chase centering around the mysterious Special-T Pharmaceuticals. But Aster herself is like a ghost. And he can tell—whatever she’s playing at—she’s up to her furry little tail in something dangerous. He just hopes they find her before someone else does. Like Marten. Strap in for the ride of your life in this tale of revenge and redemption as the wolf-shifters of the Rabbit River Pack take on rival Alpha Marten and the nefarious Special-T Pharmaceuticals company in a fight that could shake their entire existence...


The Rabbit River Saga
This new series traces the story of the entire Rabbit River Pack as reluctant Alpha Lucas navigates the tricky waters ahead. Somehow, he must uphold the Law, keep his fledgling pack safe and find his missing sister Aster before it’s too late. But will he ever manage to gain Mari’s trust— the mysterious human he found in the woods? Follow this slow burn love story throughout the series as Lucas works to repair the damage of Mari’s past, hoping to eventually win her love.

This series combines the magic, humor, and sexy alpha hotness of authors like TS Joyce, Zoe Chant and Terry Bolryder, with the heart pounding action, world building and character development of authors like Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. Fans of werewolf romance, paranormal suspense, paranormal comedy, and romantic fantasy will enjoy this series.

297 pages, Paperback

First published June 26, 2019

98 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Elyce de Reefe

9 books94 followers
Elyce de Reefe grew up in Santa Cruz, California and New York City. She likes to call herself a coastal girl, since she has spent nearly all of her time on one coast or another. She enjoys all genres of romance as long as there’s a hot, sexy hero with something to learn, a smart female lead who refuses to compromise on who she truly is, and the promise of a happily ever after. Her characters often find themselves on a journey of discovery, struggling to achieve true intimacy while solving the real-life problems thrown in their way.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Elyce-de-Reefe...
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Website: http://www.elycedereefe.com/
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To date, Elyce has written paranormal wolf shifter romance, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense. But there’s a Sci-Fi series in there waiting to come out, and possibly an epic fantasy series, as well as thoughts on a time travel story. Her ancestors were highlanders, after all.

Elyce loves hiking in nature, riding horses, watching wildlife, swimming under a blue sky, digging in the dirt, and sitting in front of a fire with a good book. She enjoys these things even more in the company of friends and family. Add wine and chocolate, and voila! It’s a beautiful life.

Oh, yes – and she has a very special place in her heart for wolves…

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5 stars
115 (53%)
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73 (33%)
3 stars
24 (11%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for ♛ Garima ♛.
1,015 reviews183 followers
January 15, 2022
The drama, the intrigue, the mystery - all coming together.

I was disappointed for not having Aster as the book cover, she totally deserved that!



There is a hint of a love triangle which could be a bit confusing and frustrating but truly it is story. I also didn't enjoy the part where she is living on a trailer rather than claiming a rightful place as the heart of the pack - she is totally okay being beta-female which is to be a frank bit rubbish. But, overall really great story, moving on to the next one.
Profile Image for Anastasia Abboud.
Author 4 books174 followers
June 30, 2019
A delicate beauty --
A sexy stud --
A brilliant nerd --

Illegal labs, pack war –

And nothing and no one are quite what they seem.

Checkmate, third book in Elyce de Reefe’s Rabbit River Saga, delivers hair-raising suspense, exquisite passion, and enough warm fuzzies to satisfy the most sensitive soul. It’s funny, too, and oh, so sexy.

The labs have to go, and there’s a killer to take down. Aster Ardennes, “the princess,” knows what needs to be done and plans to do it herself. Beneath her fragile beauty stirs the heart of a warrior. Smart, stubborn, and thoroughly independent, she’s determined to avenge her parents’ deaths and protect her people.

But there’s more going on than she could possibly guess.

Jesse Wayne’s sexy, tough-guy swagger and bad boy reputation make him a winner with the ladies, but that hasn’t eased his loneliness. He’s been an outsider most of his life. Now that he’s been accepted into the Rabbit River Pack, he wants to make a difference. When his new alpha Lucas Ardennes sends him to track down his sister and bring her home, Jesse has every intention of doing so. But when his excellent tracking skills lead him to Aster, he can’t ignore his attraction to her, can’t deny his yearning. Delivering her to her worried brother falls second to earning her trust.

Dean Rolland, Apprentice Lore Master and Ph.D., has spent fifteen years of his life researching the Sickness, which has devastated the People. He’s also spent as many years caring for Aster. Where is she? How can he help the pack and keep Aster safe?

And what’s going on in the labs? Are they fertility labs or something else?

And then there’s Marten Shaleback, the man who killed Aster’s parents and who intends to make her his mate.
Lab-enhanced pheromones are flying. Passions ignite. And it doesn’t stop there.

Central to it all is alpha Lucas Ardennes, Aster’s brother, and the Rabbit River pack. Threats come from every direction. Everyone is on edge. Yet the loyalty, respect, and care that the pack members have for each other – and the leadership of Lucas -- sees them through it all.

And have I mentioned the excellent chess quotes? They’re perfect.

What a great book, what a wonderful series. I could easily spend all my time at the pack house, enjoying the view, the company, and Elizabeth’s delicious cooking. But first, the bad guys have to be stopped.

Are you ready to be entertained? Are you ready to fall in love?

Sit back and enjoy Checkmate.
3,226 reviews68 followers
March 8, 2023
What happened to me? I didn't like the h as she's arrogant and feisty after living in the shadows for years. I wanted to like the H but found him sweet but boring. The story line was 'sickly sweet' with the first H looking longingly at the woman he loves, but is dishonest about his feelings with her. Treats her like a child when she's a woman who is a survivor. Boring book, hope the next is better.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
June 26, 2019
Checkmate is the third book in Elyce de Reefe's The Rabbit River Saga. Warning - This series is addicting! Once you start you need to read them all.

In this book, we get to see how Marten managed to take over Lucas and Aster's pack and kill their Alpha father and his mate, their mother. We also get into Aster's head and hear her plan for getting revenge. The story within these pages is interesting and packed with Humor, magic, action, drama, and sexiness. The story just grabs you and keeps you holding on.

The characters are fun, interesting and make the story even better. The women are all strong in their own ways which was great to see how they can stand up for themselves and also make the shifter males listen. The males are protective and sexy. I am liking the development and evolution of the characters and the pack. I can not wait to see where we go with this series next.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
102 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2019
Reviewed For Angel Babe's Blog!!

I absolutely loved this book!! This is book #3 in Elyce de Reefe's Rabbit River Saga series!! Honestly each book just keeps getting better and better and what I love the most is the fact that all the characters are woven into each book!!
This book has a great storyline and the characters are all amazing!! This is Aster and Jesse's story she's the princess and he's the outlaw!! This saga is addicting your hooked right from the beginning all the way to the end!! Checkmate has magic, action, revenge, drama, humor and a crap load of chemistry!! All the women are strong and the men are all alpha, over protective and sexy!! I can't wait for the next book in this series and I highly recommend this book and the entire series you will not be disappointed!! I do recommend reading this series in order as the characters are woven throughout each book!! Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
June 26, 2019
Aster is making her presence felt in the labs she has been hunting down and leaving clues to her brother and his pack. They have been going behind her and doing their best to catch up to her. When things get out of hand and she needs a little help it's up to the pack for the rescue and not only of her. There are a lot of questions answered and of course more laid out. It's full of action and mayhem and a few new faces and twist. This is a new to me author and I am thrilled I got to be in from the start. I love the character although Elizabeth surprised me and not in a good way this time although it was kinda funny and unexpected when Mari stepped in with the save. Jealousy and revenge make for horrible bed fellows in the best of times and of course this isn't the best of times. Needless to say this authors is keeping things interesting, to say the least.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
June 25, 2019
3.5 Stars
Checkmate by Elyce de Reefe is book three in The Rabbit River Saga. This is the first book I have read in this series so for me I made it a standalone book. For me I had a hard time connect to the characters and getting into the story. I guess in life like everything else you can't make connections with everything. With that said I did like the author's writing so I feel that the fault lies with me. I will wait and try to read this book again at a later date, may even start from the first book.
Overall a good read.
Profile Image for Claire Ingram.
Author 2 books16 followers
January 15, 2020
This book felt longer that the previous books

I love the backstory I mean wowzer that’s really brutal
I also enjoyed seeing things from the bad guys POV and intrigued to see where that will lead.
I Love the incorporation of the wolf law in this one, the mating run etc which is the first time we get to properly see this.

The book also made me realise my own issues with marriage or rather fears which match Asters fear and after continuing reading it’s kinda helped soothe that fear.

I am so curious to see where the story is going as the pack grows
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,802 reviews26 followers
June 26, 2019
This story pulled me right in. It is third in the series, but I felt that a lot of the previous two was explained satisfactorily to not take away from this book. There was a lot going on, danger, intrigue, discovery. I loved Aster's strength to keep surviving and hunting for revenge. As things progressed, I came to care for all the Rabbit River Pack. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
65 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2019
Great read

Third book in what has so far been an excellent series. The storylines flow well with good characters. The story follows on from book two easily while delving deeper into different characters. Looking forward to the next book
Profile Image for Amanda.
736 reviews9 followers
July 7, 2021
I have been waiting for Asters story, I was definitely not let down. The backstory was brutal, not quite prepared for everything that happened. I loved the opening of every chapter has a chess strategy and the chapter is based on that move; It truly kept the theme of this book. One of my favorite moments is when Aster tells Dean that he can have the equipment he was eyeing after they finish their business, romantic in a way. Every character is well written and keeps the plot moving forward. The ending was unexpected, I am interested to see how packs can work together. I recommend this book, and can not wait to read the next one.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,356 reviews
September 23, 2021
Astor and Dean's story

This story was okay. There were several different POVs as the story developed. The alternating is easy to recognize who is speaking. I liked the characters and I like the plot, but did find myself wanting to skim through to the next part. There was more action in this book. I do not recall seeing adult language, but I could have just forgotten. Overall, I give it a 3.
2,059 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2023
This is the third book in Elyce de Reefe’s Rabbit River Saga and is a wonderful addition to this series. It's complex and intriguing and doesn't just focus on one couple but multiple people that intersect perfectly. Ms. de Reefe is a great storyteller and I look forward to reading more from her and this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
307 reviews
February 16, 2022
Yes one wolf ends & another begins. This is just too long to continue. I’m good with wolves finding mates but they were searching for the factory & information & filling in with all the matting’s is just making it to long to hold my interest any longer. Nice beginning to a new pack & all but story needs to end,
20 reviews
February 21, 2022
I have loved all this series and they have all been wonderful books to read. I just can not put my IPad down and get on with my house work. 😂
The books are always great as it has everything thing in there like suspense, sassy ladies (always my favourite)😜 hot shifters, and don’t forget the sex 🥰
I love the family bond and the kindness from all the River Rabbit People.
2,511 reviews13 followers
May 22, 2021
Loved it!!

Great story, with danger and excitement around every corner. Got lost in the story. The characters are phenomenal and have a wonderful connection to each other. Well done.
258 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2022
While I still enjoyed this book aster was not my favorite and I found myself skipping a bit of her parts for some reason. I'll keep reading the series though. I just wasn't as interested. Also as a French Canadian I have to admit some of the French bugs me lol
Also Gage and aster and marten, definitely not French names.
Good thing the author doesn't put too much of it in, it would be a dnf for me.
2,472 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2022
humph

Well the first thing I want to say is that it’s a lot better then the blurb implied. However, it didn’t really grab my attention till the last 1/4 of the book. I totally love Elizabeth. Lol. I am so ready for Lucas to get his HEA. Onward!
Profile Image for Karen.
561 reviews6 followers
February 14, 2022
Awesome read

As with all the books I. This series you are sucked in and can't put it down. I just love the flow of the storyline, as well as the character development. I'm enjoying how each character just comes to life.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2021
😍😍😍😍😍

Once again I have to say that I love the way the stories are intertwined rather than just focusing on one couple. I will definitely be reading more of this author's works!
146 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2022
I laughed several times

This one was funny in several parts. I'm still loving reading about all the previous characters and their continued stories.
1,283 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2022
Good

The first one was a bit of my friends who was a little bit late to the question and it was
Profile Image for Carol Weston.
22 reviews
February 28, 2022
Checkmate

Really enjoyed this book the storyline was good some fun mixed in with suspense i would recommend this series all three have been good
14 reviews
March 17, 2022
Love this series

The Rabbit River Pack is caught my attention I love it bring on book 4 I can't wait to see what's next
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
June 28, 2019
3.5 stars
The mystery and suspense continue to build in this series. Elyce De Reefe certainly knows how to write a story that can keep you on edge. We finally get to meet the mysterious Aster in this book. After two books of following her trail things begin to take a while new turn after she’s located.
I really liked a new look at a different type of couple from this world. Dean while still just as strong as the other shifter men, leans more towards the scholarly side than the other men in this series do so far. And Aster gives us a look at life for a female shifter. These two have a history that makes their pairing all the sweeter too.
There are quite a few shocks in this one and I don’t want to give anything away so you’ll have to trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this if you’re a fan of the series. As much as there is wonderful in this book there are still some moments when things seem to drag for me. There’s so much going on all at once sometimes then there’s moments that just seem become repetitive.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
September 11, 2019
Aster is making her presence felt in the labs she has been hunting down and leaving clues to her brother and his pack. They have been going behind her and doing their best to catch up to her. When things get out of hand and she needs a little help it's up to the pack for the rescue and not only of her. There are a lot of questions answered and of course more laid out. It's full of action and mayhem and a few new faces and twist. This is a new to me author and I am thrilled I got to be in from the start. I love the character although Elizabeth surprised me and not in a good way this time although it was kinda funny and unexpected when Mari stepped in with the save. Jealousy and revenge make for horrible bed fellows in the best of times and of course this isn't the best of times. Needless to say this authors is keeping things interesting, to say the least.
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews13 followers
June 25, 2019

3 .5 stars. Ok it was really slow starting. I liked this couple. I was enjoying this story until we got to a certain part. I’m really ticked about some developments. That’s just wrong. Elizabeth lost all my respect. She always acted clear headed and reliable in a pinch. So where does this story go from here? Lucas... that’s all I’m saying. Not spoiling. I really didn’t see what the chess discussion at the beginning of each chapter served. It was not my favorite.

Profile Image for Angela.
114 reviews
September 29, 2023
Continues the Story

So Marten isn’t quite the scumbag we thought, interesting twist. Different plot lines are starting to come together and make sense but still some outstanding that don’t seem to relate, I’m willing to but they’re woven in in further stories.

This is the story of Aster (Lucas’ sister) and Dean, the apprentice Lore Master, she’s tough and he’s smart but turns out she’s smart too and he’s tough too.
Profile Image for Karyn.
435 reviews9 followers
September 14, 2019
This series is really amazing! This is the third book and the author is keeping the story fresh while still continuing with the underlying main storyline that I have been following since book 1.

I love that the characters remain the same throughout the series but different ones are focused on each time. I gets the reader to really know everyone.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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