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VLG #12
Vampires, Lycans, Gargouilles, T12 : Graves
Graves is a judge, jury and executioner for the Werewolf packs. Not everyone is suited for the job, but a tragedy in his youth changed him into the man he is today, feared by…well…everyone. So when he completes a job for a nearby pack, and the alpha gifts him with a servant, Graves is shocked. No one in their right mind would make him responsible for another person, especially not an alpha’s adopted human daughter. But it’s a gift he literally can’t refuse.
Her father’s alpha position has been challenged, and Brandon, the man who’ll likely soon take over the pack, hates no one more than Joni. She has no choice but to seek protection, and to that end, she and her parents have done their research carefully. While Graves might be terrifying, he’s also a man of honor. He’ll protect her from the new alpha even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
What begins as a rocky partnership soon turns into something more personal. But Brandon has evil plans for Joni, and he’ll do whatever it takes—including use people close to Graves—to get her back.
Her father’s alpha position has been challenged, and Brandon, the man who’ll likely soon take over the pack, hates no one more than Joni. She has no choice but to seek protection, and to that end, she and her parents have done their research carefully. While Graves might be terrifying, he’s also a man of honor. He’ll protect her from the new alpha even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
What begins as a rocky partnership soon turns into something more personal. But Brandon has evil plans for Joni, and he’ll do whatever it takes—including use people close to Graves—to get her back.
288 pages
First published August 22, 2023
141 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Laurann Dohner
82 books8,727 followersI had a rather short area here telling a little about me but then I had more than a few people ask me to expand it so... here goes. LOL. I'm a full time home 'supervisor' which is a nice word for saying I'm a housewife. I'm married happily, I met my dream guy 20 years ago, and we have 4 children. I live in Southern California and I can't function without iced coffee. I believe in romance, I've always been a daydreamer, and I'm a HUGE fan of books, always have been.
No, I didn't know that I always wanted to write. I inhaled books as a child. I read entire series (Pippi Longstocking, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, Trixie Beldon, The Borrowers, etc) in a matter of days at a time. By the time I was nine years old I had an adult library card where I visited often. I moved on to John Saul, Stephen King, Richard Laymon, Agatha Christie, and then found romance. I was hooked. I wrote poetry in my teens and then moved on to short stories. My first book was started after I read a real bomb of a book that ticked me off with really horrible characters and a plot that was shabby at best and I thought... I could do better. LOL.
I wrote my first book which will probably never see the light of day in the early 90's. I wrote a series of a few books from it. I'm a series fan! I kept writing for fun, wrote MANY books and then in 2009 I decided to try to get published. I wrote my first Sci Fi romance and Ral's Woman came to be. I submitted it and with a little tweaking, Ellorascave sent me an acceptance letter. It was kind of a 'Cinderella' experience for me. It's been a terrific ride so far and I'm really happy that I finally had the time to commit to writing full time. It's a dream come true.
No, I didn't know that I always wanted to write. I inhaled books as a child. I read entire series (Pippi Longstocking, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, Trixie Beldon, The Borrowers, etc) in a matter of days at a time. By the time I was nine years old I had an adult library card where I visited often. I moved on to John Saul, Stephen King, Richard Laymon, Agatha Christie, and then found romance. I was hooked. I wrote poetry in my teens and then moved on to short stories. My first book was started after I read a real bomb of a book that ticked me off with really horrible characters and a plot that was shabby at best and I thought... I could do better. LOL.
I wrote my first book which will probably never see the light of day in the early 90's. I wrote a series of a few books from it. I'm a series fan! I kept writing for fun, wrote MANY books and then in 2009 I decided to try to get published. I wrote my first Sci Fi romance and Ral's Woman came to be. I submitted it and with a little tweaking, Ellorascave sent me an acceptance letter. It was kind of a 'Cinderella' experience for me. It's been a terrific ride so far and I'm really happy that I finally had the time to commit to writing full time. It's a dream come true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 4, 2023
That was - disappointing
Probably the worst of the series. It felt super rushed, as evident by the numerous typos all over the book. Where are her beta readers? Why did no one help her proofread this? It just comes off as lazy to be honest.
I liked Graves, I liked his family but Joni? She felt really bland. Was it insta-love? Almost, I mean their relationship evolves in the space of a week at most, which leads to a poorly developed connection between the main characters. It was also highly repetitive, short, with redundant dialogue.
This definitely should have been KU.
Probably the worst of the series. It felt super rushed, as evident by the numerous typos all over the book. Where are her beta readers? Why did no one help her proofread this? It just comes off as lazy to be honest.
I liked Graves, I liked his family but Joni? She felt really bland. Was it insta-love? Almost, I mean their relationship evolves in the space of a week at most, which leads to a poorly developed connection between the main characters. It was also highly repetitive, short, with redundant dialogue.
This definitely should have been KU.
December 3, 2024
This was a quick, sweet and sexy read. I love this series and i'm glad LD isn't done with it!
August 23, 2023
I started to loose hope that Laurann Dohner was ever going to continue this awesome series. I'm was over the moon when I saw a new addition to the VLG series.
I really liked the story and characters, especially Graves's mom. I liked her craziness and I always ended up laughing at her antics.
The only thing is that I expected Graves to have a darker past or personality. Although what he has been though was still tough, I guess I expected a bit more regarding his past.
Now I'm just waiting for the audiobooks to come out, because I want to listen to Trayis and Graves stories instead of reading them.
I really liked the story and characters, especially Graves's mom. I liked her craziness and I always ended up laughing at her antics.
The only thing is that I expected Graves to have a darker past or personality. Although what he has been though was still tough, I guess I expected a bit more regarding his past.
Now I'm just waiting for the audiobooks to come out, because I want to listen to Trayis and Graves stories instead of reading them.
November 27, 2025
2,5 étoiles. Plus on avance dans la série et plus les tomes deviennent ridiculement court. Les histoires ne tiennent sur rien du tout et j’admets que là, ça m’a autant déçue qu’agacée. Joni est une humaine élevée par un clan de lycan. Alors que son père, le chef, risque de perdre son titre au profit d’un mâle alpha belliqueux, ce dernier fait appel à Graves, le juge et exécuteur.
Graves ne veut pas s’encombrer de Joni, mais Joni sait qu’elle n’a pas le choix. L’histoire tient sur le fait que Joni est haï par le nouveau chef de son ancienne meute. Pour se protéger, elle doit rester avec Graves. Bien sûr, elle est très vite attirée par lui. Le contraire eut été étonnant. Mais voilà, Graves ne veut pas de compagne ayant perdue son âme sœur avant même de se lier à elle.
Bref, la romance tient sur… rien. L’intrigue se déroule sur moins d’une semaine et tout va trop vite. Pas le temps de croire à l’histoire de Graves et Joni, pas le temps de s’attacher à eux. C’est vraiment dommage.
Le seul truc de positif, c’est la famille de Graves vraiment drôle et frappadingue.
Graves ne veut pas s’encombrer de Joni, mais Joni sait qu’elle n’a pas le choix. L’histoire tient sur le fait que Joni est haï par le nouveau chef de son ancienne meute. Pour se protéger, elle doit rester avec Graves. Bien sûr, elle est très vite attirée par lui. Le contraire eut été étonnant. Mais voilà, Graves ne veut pas de compagne ayant perdue son âme sœur avant même de se lier à elle.
Bref, la romance tient sur… rien. L’intrigue se déroule sur moins d’une semaine et tout va trop vite. Pas le temps de croire à l’histoire de Graves et Joni, pas le temps de s’attacher à eux. C’est vraiment dommage.
Le seul truc de positif, c’est la famille de Graves vraiment drôle et frappadingue.
October 12, 2023
Ya había leído en varias ovaciones a la autora y después de tanto tiempo la volví a leer. Este libro es el último de una serie que todavía no me leo.
Graves es juez, jurado y verdugo de las manadas de Hombres Lobo. No todo el mundo es apto para el trabajo, pero una tragedia en su juventud lo convirtió en el hombre que es hoy, temido por... bueno... todo el mundo. Así que cuando termina un trabajo para una manada cercana y el alfa le regala una sirviente, Graves se sorprende. Nadie en su sano juicio le haría responsable de otra persona, y menos de la hija adoptiva de un alfa. Pero es un regalo que, literalmente, no puede rechazar.
En fin este libro no tiene la gran cosa, pero fue muy ligero de leer y encima es muy adictivo. Probablemente me empiece la serie porque mera curiosidad así como lo hice con las nuevas especies.
Graves es juez, jurado y verdugo de las manadas de Hombres Lobo. No todo el mundo es apto para el trabajo, pero una tragedia en su juventud lo convirtió en el hombre que es hoy, temido por... bueno... todo el mundo. Así que cuando termina un trabajo para una manada cercana y el alfa le regala una sirviente, Graves se sorprende. Nadie en su sano juicio le haría responsable de otra persona, y menos de la hija adoptiva de un alfa. Pero es un regalo que, literalmente, no puede rechazar.
En fin este libro no tiene la gran cosa, pero fue muy ligero de leer y encima es muy adictivo. Probablemente me empiece la serie porque mera curiosidad así como lo hice con las nuevas especies.
August 3, 2024
Грейвс (Лайкън) и Джони (Човек)
Грейвс е съдия и екзекутор за лайкъните. След като още на 16 губи момичето, което е неговата истинска половинка, преди дори да се обвържат, тъй като е убита от банда лайкъни изгнанници, Грейвс се превръща в студенокръвен и безмислостен мъж. Раздавайки справедливост когато някой лайкън наруши законите, Грейвс се превръща в сила, от която всички се боят. Повикан в един глутница, за да се справи с лайкън, който е пребил жестоко половинката си и е убил брат й, Грейвс въздава справедливост и е повикан от алфата на глутницата, който прави немислимото. В знак на благодарност той подарява на Грейвс дъщеря си Джони, която е човек, да бъде негова слугиня. В старите времена когато лайкъните пленят човешки жени и не искат да ги убиват, но и не могат да им се доверят да пазявт в тайна истината за съществуването им, те са взимали жените за слугини. Закона на Лайкъните е непоклатим. Никой лайкън не може да откаже подарък слугиня, и е длъжен да се грижи за нея, да не я наранява по никакъв начин, да не я взима в леглото си без нейно съгласие и няма право да я дава на някой друг. Грейвс е повече от бесен и е решен да направи всичко, за да накара Джони и родителите й да се откажат от тази лудост.
Едва 5 годишна, семейството на Джони е избито от лайкъни изгнанници, и тя е спасена от алфата на местната лайкън глутнуца. Алфата и половинката му взимат Джони под крилото си и я отглеждат като своя дъщеря. Много хора в глутницата обаче не я приемат, защото е изцяло човек. И най-вече Брандън един от младите Лайкъни, който я мрази толкова много, че решава да предизвика баща й на дуел за да стане алфа на глутницата и след това тя да е на неговата милост. Брандън стига до там да обещае на необвързаните лайкъни, че ако го подкрепят, ще могат да правят с нея каквото си пожелаят. Затова родителите й и Джони измислят план тя да бъде дадена за слугиня на Грейвс, тъй като той е силен, всички се боят от него и не биха посмели да я наранят, но също така е доблестен, честен и винаги закриля жените. Когато тя е в безопасност, баща й няма нужда да я защитава и ще напусне сам лидерския пост. Ако тя е там, той ще трябва да се бие и това може да доведе до смъртта му, а Джони е готива на всичко, за да го опази жив, защото го обича и защото ако изгуби него, ще изгуби и майка си, тъй като връзката им е така силна, че тя няма да може да живее без него. А оставена на волята на Брандън тя знае, че я чака съдба по-страшна от смъртта. Затова без значение какво трябва да направи, тя е готова на всичко, за да убеди Грейвс да не я врща в глутницата й.
Книжката беше доста къса. Честно казано, няма кой знае колко голяма връзка с ВампЛайкъните. Единствено това, че Грейвс идва от глутница чийто лидер е брат на Трейъс от предишната книга, и главната героиня Шей също е от тази глутница. Тук имаме работа само с лакъни, а не ВампЛайкъни или ГарЛайкъни. През половината от книгата Грейвс беше намусен ръмжащ мечок, който се опитваше да се оттърве от Джони всячески. Грейвс се бои, че може да я нарани, че не може да вземе половинка, защото е убиец видял какви ли не ужаси и всеки живот който не е успялнда спаси тежи на съвестта му унищожавайки парченце ог душата му. Но семейството му знае, че той е добър мъж, който заслужава щастие, затова виждайки, че Джони не се бои от него, дори напротив възхищава му се и гледа на работата му като съдия, като нещо много достойно и доблестно, те са решени, че тя е идеалната половинка за него. Сега остава само Грейвс да го разбере.
Обожавам семейството на Грейвс, брат му Мика е супер забавен, майка му Манди е пълно куку обсебена от това да има внуци и копнееща за дъщеря. Затова всячески се опитваше да се добере до Джони и да я обяви за своя дъщеря. Баща му Анджело горкия все трябва да търчи след побърканата си половинка, и всичко с тях беше така забавно.
Запознахме се с група от 6 изгнанника създали своя глутница и работещи като частни детективи, помагайки да намират изгубени, изчезнали или отвлечени млади лайкъни. Трент Блу, Кебъл, Тийф и Крийф бяха изпратени от Брандън под фалшив предтекст да отвлекат Джони, но скоро разбраха, колко грешат, и тъй като са близки приятели с Грейвс и Мика, те,заедно с другите двама от глутницата им се заемат да се отърват от Брандън. Шестия в глутницата Джей всъщност е котешки шифтър и може да се преобразява в Пума. Всички са мислили, че котешките шифтъри са избити и той е може би последния по рода си. Ще е интересно да имаме книга за него.
Единственото, което не ми допадна е, че не разбрахме какво се случи с родителите на Джони. Когато баща й напусна поста си на Алфа, те трябваше да отидат при брата на баща й, който мрази хора и не знае, че Джони е човек. Освен това не вярва в технологиите и Джони знаеше, че повече никога няма да види родителите си. Ако те се бяха завърнали на чело на глутницата след смъртта на Брандън или ако бяха доши в глутницата на Грейвс след като той взе Джони за половинка, историята щеше да е по-завършена. Не се спомена и защо главната гетоиня се казва Джони. Докато разказваше как човешкото й семейство е било убито, тя спомена, че брат й, който е бил на 10 се е казвал Джони, и предполагам в негова памет тя се казва така, и все пак не ни беше обяснено.
Надявах се, че книгата ще ни насочи към нова поредица, примерно за глутницата на Трент, но като цяло, не. Не намирам книги за тях. Авторката има една поредица Глутницата Найруинд, надявах се да е за Трент и компания, ама не е. Мисля да я запопна и се надявам поне да е от същия свят, в който съществуват ВампЛайкъни и ГарЛайкъни и където може да има шанс да срещнем отново с героите от предишните книги.
Грейвс е съдия и екзекутор за лайкъните. След като още на 16 губи момичето, което е неговата истинска половинка, преди дори да се обвържат, тъй като е убита от банда лайкъни изгнанници, Грейвс се превръща в студенокръвен и безмислостен мъж. Раздавайки справедливост когато някой лайкън наруши законите, Грейвс се превръща в сила, от която всички се боят. Повикан в един глутница, за да се справи с лайкън, който е пребил жестоко половинката си и е убил брат й, Грейвс въздава справедливост и е повикан от алфата на глутницата, който прави немислимото. В знак на благодарност той подарява на Грейвс дъщеря си Джони, която е човек, да бъде негова слугиня. В старите времена когато лайкъните пленят човешки жени и не искат да ги убиват, но и не могат да им се доверят да пазявт в тайна истината за съществуването им, те са взимали жените за слугини. Закона на Лайкъните е непоклатим. Никой лайкън не може да откаже подарък слугиня, и е длъжен да се грижи за нея, да не я наранява по никакъв начин, да не я взима в леглото си без нейно съгласие и няма право да я дава на някой друг. Грейвс е повече от бесен и е решен да направи всичко, за да накара Джони и родителите й да се откажат от тази лудост.
Едва 5 годишна, семейството на Джони е избито от лайкъни изгнанници, и тя е спасена от алфата на местната лайкън глутнуца. Алфата и половинката му взимат Джони под крилото си и я отглеждат като своя дъщеря. Много хора в глутницата обаче не я приемат, защото е изцяло човек. И най-вече Брандън един от младите Лайкъни, който я мрази толкова много, че решава да предизвика баща й на дуел за да стане алфа на глутницата и след това тя да е на неговата милост. Брандън стига до там да обещае на необвързаните лайкъни, че ако го подкрепят, ще могат да правят с нея каквото си пожелаят. Затова родителите й и Джони измислят план тя да бъде дадена за слугиня на Грейвс, тъй като той е силен, всички се боят от него и не биха посмели да я наранят, но също така е доблестен, честен и винаги закриля жените. Когато тя е в безопасност, баща й няма нужда да я защитава и ще напусне сам лидерския пост. Ако тя е там, той ще трябва да се бие и това може да доведе до смъртта му, а Джони е готива на всичко, за да го опази жив, защото го обича и защото ако изгуби него, ще изгуби и майка си, тъй като връзката им е така силна, че тя няма да може да живее без него. А оставена на волята на Брандън тя знае, че я чака съдба по-страшна от смъртта. Затова без значение какво трябва да направи, тя е готова на всичко, за да убеди Грейвс да не я врща в глутницата й.
Книжката беше доста къса. Честно казано, няма кой знае колко голяма връзка с ВампЛайкъните. Единствено това, че Грейвс идва от глутница чийто лидер е брат на Трейъс от предишната книга, и главната героиня Шей също е от тази глутница. Тук имаме работа само с лакъни, а не ВампЛайкъни или ГарЛайкъни. През половината от книгата Грейвс беше намусен ръмжащ мечок, който се опитваше да се оттърве от Джони всячески. Грейвс се бои, че може да я нарани, че не може да вземе половинка, защото е убиец видял какви ли не ужаси и всеки живот който не е успялнда спаси тежи на съвестта му унищожавайки парченце ог душата му. Но семейството му знае, че той е добър мъж, който заслужава щастие, затова виждайки, че Джони не се бои от него, дори напротив възхищава му се и гледа на работата му като съдия, като нещо много достойно и доблестно, те са решени, че тя е идеалната половинка за него. Сега остава само Грейвс да го разбере.
Обожавам семейството на Грейвс, брат му Мика е супер забавен, майка му Манди е пълно куку обсебена от това да има внуци и копнееща за дъщеря. Затова всячески се опитваше да се добере до Джони и да я обяви за своя дъщеря. Баща му Анджело горкия все трябва да търчи след побърканата си половинка, и всичко с тях беше така забавно.
Запознахме се с група от 6 изгнанника създали своя глутница и работещи като частни детективи, помагайки да намират изгубени, изчезнали или отвлечени млади лайкъни. Трент Блу, Кебъл, Тийф и Крийф бяха изпратени от Брандън под фалшив предтекст да отвлекат Джони, но скоро разбраха, колко грешат, и тъй като са близки приятели с Грейвс и Мика, те,заедно с другите двама от глутницата им се заемат да се отърват от Брандън. Шестия в глутницата Джей всъщност е котешки шифтър и може да се преобразява в Пума. Всички са мислили, че котешките шифтъри са избити и той е може би последния по рода си. Ще е интересно да имаме книга за него.
Единственото, което не ми допадна е, че не разбрахме какво се случи с родителите на Джони. Когато баща й напусна поста си на Алфа, те трябваше да отидат при брата на баща й, който мрази хора и не знае, че Джони е човек. Освен това не вярва в технологиите и Джони знаеше, че повече никога няма да види родителите си. Ако те се бяха завърнали на чело на глутницата след смъртта на Брандън или ако бяха доши в глутницата на Грейвс след като той взе Джони за половинка, историята щеше да е по-завършена. Не се спомена и защо главната гетоиня се казва Джони. Докато разказваше как човешкото й семейство е било убито, тя спомена, че брат й, който е бил на 10 се е казвал Джони, и предполагам в негова памет тя се казва така, и все пак не ни беше обяснено.
Надявах се, че книгата ще ни насочи към нова поредица, примерно за глутницата на Трент, но като цяло, не. Не намирам книги за тях. Авторката има една поредица Глутницата Найруинд, надявах се да е за Трент и компания, ама не е. Мисля да я запопна и се надявам поне да е от същия свят, в който съществуват ВампЛайкъни и ГарЛайкъни и където може да има шанс да срещнем отново с героите от предишните книги.
December 13, 2023
Live to love again
This author may take a while to publish new books, but she never disappoints with the story. I absolutely loved this one! She took her weres in a direction I wasn’t expecting, but it was executed beautifully. Graves may have been living with one foot in the grave, but that is about to end. This little lady is a whirlwind who brought trouble with her and yet is the staunch support that he’s always needed. And Graves is everything that I expected from the few glimpses we’ve had in previous books. Together they put the past behind them and there’s nothing but future ahead. A future that I’m looking forward to seeing, for this pair and all the ones who haven’t found their HEAs yet. I’m positive that it’s going to be amazing.
This author may take a while to publish new books, but she never disappoints with the story. I absolutely loved this one! She took her weres in a direction I wasn’t expecting, but it was executed beautifully. Graves may have been living with one foot in the grave, but that is about to end. This little lady is a whirlwind who brought trouble with her and yet is the staunch support that he’s always needed. And Graves is everything that I expected from the few glimpses we’ve had in previous books. Together they put the past behind them and there’s nothing but future ahead. A future that I’m looking forward to seeing, for this pair and all the ones who haven’t found their HEAs yet. I’m positive that it’s going to be amazing.
September 4, 2023
Waste of money for me.
I hate manipulation in all of its forms and this book is full of nothing but. The phrase “for your own good” or “it would do you some good” is a cop out that is thrown around in every situation with manipulation in it. All it is, is another manipulation to make you feel as if they deserve to be understood or forgiven. It really needs to be added to the standard trigger warnings list for books. I read books to unwind and relax, books that don’t have an honest warning that includes mundane irritants like “contains excessive manipulation” or “contains a main character that gets disrespected and screwed over by every other character in the book” are the opposite of relaxing.
I hate manipulation in all of its forms and this book is full of nothing but. The phrase “for your own good” or “it would do you some good” is a cop out that is thrown around in every situation with manipulation in it. All it is, is another manipulation to make you feel as if they deserve to be understood or forgiven. It really needs to be added to the standard trigger warnings list for books. I read books to unwind and relax, books that don’t have an honest warning that includes mundane irritants like “contains excessive manipulation” or “contains a main character that gets disrespected and screwed over by every other character in the book” are the opposite of relaxing.
September 28, 2023
Entertaining but the manipulation annoyed me. Also, this felt rushed and a little bland. The ending came out of nowhere when the majority of the book felt too long for what it was, the pacing was off.
Spice was decent. I liked Graves.
Spice was decent. I liked Graves.
February 15, 2024
Imádtam. Benne van a legjobb három könyvbe a sorozatból. Gravest nagyon megszerettem, a makacs fejével együtt. Joni igazi vagány lány, ember létére.
Graves szüleit és tesóját pedig lehetetlen nem szeretni. Főleg az anyukáját, rengeteget nevettem rajta/miatta.
A kötet előkészítette Trent és falkája történetét, amit nagyon várok. Nagyon remélem, hogy a kis -hatalmas- titkuknak is lesz saját könyve. *_*
Graves szüleit és tesóját pedig lehetetlen nem szeretni. Főleg az anyukáját, rengeteget nevettem rajta/miatta.
A kötet előkészítette Trent és falkája történetét, amit nagyon várok. Nagyon remélem, hogy a kis -hatalmas- titkuknak is lesz saját könyve. *_*
August 24, 2023
Finally another book from one of my favorite authors. I was starting to re-read her collection I was so desperately in need of one of her stories. This one certainly did not dissappoint and it was well worth the wait. I am just super thankfull she has recovered and is back to writing. Thank you Ms. Dohner, you have been sorely missed!
Read
August 25, 2023I love this author and this series. It’s too bad she’s not producing as much work as she used too.
This book was sweet if on the lite side. I would have liked more post mating from this couple as I want to see graves be a true mate and father. It was sad that he was a widower before he was even an adult. Still, I liked how the story played out. Enjoy.
This book was sweet if on the lite side. I would have liked more post mating from this couple as I want to see graves be a true mate and father. It was sad that he was a widower before he was even an adult. Still, I liked how the story played out. Enjoy.
August 23, 2023
Awesome read
I so loved this one. She had to wear him down with kindness and a little help from his brother Micah. It’s an awesome read I couldn’t put it down. It had me from beginning to the end. I love this series.
I so loved this one. She had to wear him down with kindness and a little help from his brother Micah. It’s an awesome read I couldn’t put it down. It had me from beginning to the end. I love this series.
January 25, 2024
Estoy bastante decepcionada con la historia, cuando leí la sinopsis, le vi potencial, pero no logré conectarme con ninguno de los protagonistas. Desde el inicio todo fue forzado, él la recibe como un regalo por haber ayudado a la manada de los padres de Joni, y como el alfa iba a ser desafiado por un loco que la odia, deciden entregarla como sirvienta a Graves, y él se ve impedido en rechazarla o devolverla por las leyes.
Todo el inicio es Graves rechazando a la prota con amenazas, intimidación, gritos y nunca logrando que ella acepte irse de su lado. Él irritado yéndose por días para evitarla, y así varias veces, casi no están juntos.
Acá hay q tener en cuenta un dato MUY IMPORTANTE, si leíste los libros anteriores las relaciones romanticas giran entorno a encontrar a su "compañera predestinada", y en los mismo libros explican que el amor que sienten por su compañera no se compara con ningún otro y menos con el que pueden llegar a tener los que acuerdan convivir como parejas sin ser realmente compañeros. Y leyendo este libro puedo entender a que se referían, Joni y Graves no son compañeros predestinados, él perdió a su compañera en un ataque a su manada, cuando era muy joven y todavía no la había podido reclamar por la edad de ambos. En todo el libro no vi amor, ese amor que se ve en los anteriores libros, NO EXISTE. Es más un apareamiento por resignación, por tanta insistencia de su familia. El ni siquiera le dice palabras de amor, o cuánto la ama o lo lo asustado que puede haber estado por miedo a perderla, no hay demostración de afecto en público, cuando su familia lo molesta con cosas relacionadas a los sentimientos por Joni el los calla y se molesta. El no siente ese amor apasionado y casi obsesivo de los otros libros, simplemente se resignó a que no va encontrar otra mujer que lo soporte y tolere lo que es y hace para su manada. Y ella solo soporta y se conforma con lo que puede tener de él, que a mi modo de ver es las migajas de lo que pudo haber sido la relación de él con su verdadera compañera. JONI merecía algo mejor.
Es la peor historia de la serie, me dejo sabor a nada, se la pueden saltar. Ojalá los próximos tengan una mejor calidad en la trama y personajes.
Todo el inicio es Graves rechazando a la prota con amenazas, intimidación, gritos y nunca logrando que ella acepte irse de su lado. Él irritado yéndose por días para evitarla, y así varias veces, casi no están juntos.
Acá hay q tener en cuenta un dato MUY IMPORTANTE, si leíste los libros anteriores las relaciones romanticas giran entorno a encontrar a su "compañera predestinada", y en los mismo libros explican que el amor que sienten por su compañera no se compara con ningún otro y menos con el que pueden llegar a tener los que acuerdan convivir como parejas sin ser realmente compañeros. Y leyendo este libro puedo entender a que se referían, Joni y Graves no son compañeros predestinados, él perdió a su compañera en un ataque a su manada, cuando era muy joven y todavía no la había podido reclamar por la edad de ambos. En todo el libro no vi amor, ese amor que se ve en los anteriores libros, NO EXISTE. Es más un apareamiento por resignación, por tanta insistencia de su familia. El ni siquiera le dice palabras de amor, o cuánto la ama o lo lo asustado que puede haber estado por miedo a perderla, no hay demostración de afecto en público, cuando su familia lo molesta con cosas relacionadas a los sentimientos por Joni el los calla y se molesta. El no siente ese amor apasionado y casi obsesivo de los otros libros, simplemente se resignó a que no va encontrar otra mujer que lo soporte y tolere lo que es y hace para su manada. Y ella solo soporta y se conforma con lo que puede tener de él, que a mi modo de ver es las migajas de lo que pudo haber sido la relación de él con su verdadera compañera. JONI merecía algo mejor.
Es la peor historia de la serie, me dejo sabor a nada, se la pueden saltar. Ojalá los próximos tengan una mejor calidad en la trama y personajes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2023
I want to say that I was actually a little surprised after finishing this book. I was surprised because I'm very familiar, in my opinion, with Dohner's work and her writing style. I'm a big fan of her new species series, so after finishing this, average or good read, I definitely went back and looked at when the book was published to maybe justify it as an older book of hers. Which was concerning when I saw that it was not and it was actually a newer release. This book just didn't feel finished it didn't feel fleshed out. There are a lot of spelling mistakes and such. And I also found myself not feeling like this was a very erotic or even romantic story. Normally Donner's novels or series, are involved with paranormal romantic situations, with some touch of adventure and although this book did have those things I didn't feel as romantically connected with these characters as I normally would have felt with her previous characters.
That's not to say the book wasn't good. It did have charming and very funny characters and the overall action plan of the story and paranormal elements were very well written I definitely enjoyed the were-cat that we find out about towards the middle of the story. But once again I just was having a really hard time romantically connecting to our two main lovebirds as they; one, were not together very often and two they seemed almost rushed in their relationship all the way up until the end not a lot really happens between them and yet they're speeding towards the end of their relationship status. I definitely feel like I have read better or maybe just more developed stories by Dohner so I will continue to look forward to reading more of her work I just would like to say this maybe is not her best.
That's not to say the book wasn't good. It did have charming and very funny characters and the overall action plan of the story and paranormal elements were very well written I definitely enjoyed the were-cat that we find out about towards the middle of the story. But once again I just was having a really hard time romantically connecting to our two main lovebirds as they; one, were not together very often and two they seemed almost rushed in their relationship all the way up until the end not a lot really happens between them and yet they're speeding towards the end of their relationship status. I definitely feel like I have read better or maybe just more developed stories by Dohner so I will continue to look forward to reading more of her work I just would like to say this maybe is not her best.
Read
August 27, 2023Good
If you haven’t read the other books in this series, then I’ll recommend that you do. This book doesn’t really rely on the stories in those books, but it does reference some past events and interact with a few previously mentioned characters.
Graves is judge, jury, and executioner for the packs. An expert in pack law, he never expected to find himself saddled with a human female, and yet that is precisely what happened!
Joni is a human, who was raised by pack alphas. Her safety depends on Graves, who isn’t happy to have been charged with her care, especially as he finds her rather attractive, if weak…
Graves is one of the walking wounded, having lost a true mate when he was young. Not that Joni has a much happier background- she witnessed the brutal murder of her family when she was young. This makes them uniquely suited, and Joni just what Graves needs.
This book is a little unique within the VLG world, as Graves is pure lycan, and not one of the hybrids, while Joni is pure human. We’ve met Graves several times in previous books, but at first in Wen’s book, along with his brother Micah. In this book, we also meet his parents, who provide some comedic value, and manage to steal star of the book status. We also get to meet some intriguing lycan friends of Graves, and I admit to being absolutely fascinated with Jay (kind of like Micah). Here’s hoping we get to see more of him in the future!
An enjoyable, and quick read for paranormal romance lovers, VLG enthusiats, and Laurann Dohner fans.
If you haven’t read the other books in this series, then I’ll recommend that you do. This book doesn’t really rely on the stories in those books, but it does reference some past events and interact with a few previously mentioned characters.
Graves is judge, jury, and executioner for the packs. An expert in pack law, he never expected to find himself saddled with a human female, and yet that is precisely what happened!
Joni is a human, who was raised by pack alphas. Her safety depends on Graves, who isn’t happy to have been charged with her care, especially as he finds her rather attractive, if weak…
Graves is one of the walking wounded, having lost a true mate when he was young. Not that Joni has a much happier background- she witnessed the brutal murder of her family when she was young. This makes them uniquely suited, and Joni just what Graves needs.
This book is a little unique within the VLG world, as Graves is pure lycan, and not one of the hybrids, while Joni is pure human. We’ve met Graves several times in previous books, but at first in Wen’s book, along with his brother Micah. In this book, we also meet his parents, who provide some comedic value, and manage to steal star of the book status. We also get to meet some intriguing lycan friends of Graves, and I admit to being absolutely fascinated with Jay (kind of like Micah). Here’s hoping we get to see more of him in the future!
An enjoyable, and quick read for paranormal romance lovers, VLG enthusiats, and Laurann Dohner fans.
August 24, 2023
The summary of the book was interesting and I told myself this is something new and I want to read it. The beginning was good, then I got bored.
The repetition of the reasons for giving Joni as a servent to Graves was ruining the fun. In almost every conversation you find it repeated why Joni became a servant and why Graves did not want to take responsibility for someone under his roof. The idea of the story is interesting, but the execution was horrible. A hero like Graves and his cruel personality, his story must contain a lot of adventures, action and intense conflict but I found only a few events.
I expected Joni to hide in her depths many surprises and to clash with Graves, but she was submissive and their relationship did not develop with the course of the story. It was just (If you just want sex, I am available.)
There was no real link or chemistry between the two characters, and their union was just an inevitable fact.
The book did not make me anxious to turn its pages because they were about to burn from the intensity of the events, but I turned the pages so that I could finish it.
I really wish some action and a real plot. Hopefully in the next book.
The repetition of the reasons for giving Joni as a servent to Graves was ruining the fun. In almost every conversation you find it repeated why Joni became a servant and why Graves did not want to take responsibility for someone under his roof. The idea of the story is interesting, but the execution was horrible. A hero like Graves and his cruel personality, his story must contain a lot of adventures, action and intense conflict but I found only a few events.
I expected Joni to hide in her depths many surprises and to clash with Graves, but she was submissive and their relationship did not develop with the course of the story. It was just (If you just want sex, I am available.)
There was no real link or chemistry between the two characters, and their union was just an inevitable fact.
The book did not make me anxious to turn its pages because they were about to burn from the intensity of the events, but I turned the pages so that I could finish it.
I really wish some action and a real plot. Hopefully in the next book.
October 27, 2024
I dislike this novel more than I like it. I dislike Joni. I felt she should have been more worried about her adoptive parents, who should have gotten her into school for four years and possibly arranged for someone to memory wipe her mind when she was four and sent her to foster care in the human world to be adopted by humans.
That didn't happen, but they should have asked other packs to tell them the situation and see if there was another way to help Joni instead. They didn't know that Graves had his mate but were unable to claim her due to her age and then death. It wasn't known, but they should have been getting every fact to that. If he had gotten his mate, what would have happened to her? The female werewolf wouldn't want a human around her mate, as Joni was full-grown. Where would she go then?
The whole servant thing was stupid to read, and I hated it. The lack of pregnancy was also disheartening. She was human!!!! Condoms would break....don't werewolves knot inside their mates. Condoms were not made to expl
Graves was cool to me, and I liked him loads more than Joni.
That didn't happen, but they should have asked other packs to tell them the situation and see if there was another way to help Joni instead. They didn't know that Graves had his mate but were unable to claim her due to her age and then death. It wasn't known, but they should have been getting every fact to that. If he had gotten his mate, what would have happened to her? The female werewolf wouldn't want a human around her mate, as Joni was full-grown. Where would she go then?
The whole servant thing was stupid to read, and I hated it. The lack of pregnancy was also disheartening. She was human!!!! Condoms would break....don't werewolves knot inside their mates. Condoms were not made to expl
Graves was cool to me, and I liked him loads more than Joni.
August 26, 2023
wish for more
I really wanted to give this 5 stars. I have loved this series since it began. It is an amazing world to visit and I was looking forward to reading about Graves. I felt like everything happened too fast. As I write this I realize that the other books had a similar speed but this book I really wanted more depth to the story. Maybe because I’ve been reading more books that has a story that the main characters take longer than a week to fall in love. I would have loved to see more time with Graves and Joni getting to know each other. I was just a little disappointed in this story and that makes me sad. It takes a long time for this authors books to come out so I do expect more when I pay for her books. I would still recommend reading it but go in knowing it could be better.
I really wanted to give this 5 stars. I have loved this series since it began. It is an amazing world to visit and I was looking forward to reading about Graves. I felt like everything happened too fast. As I write this I realize that the other books had a similar speed but this book I really wanted more depth to the story. Maybe because I’ve been reading more books that has a story that the main characters take longer than a week to fall in love. I would have loved to see more time with Graves and Joni getting to know each other. I was just a little disappointed in this story and that makes me sad. It takes a long time for this authors books to come out so I do expect more when I pay for her books. I would still recommend reading it but go in knowing it could be better.
November 16, 2023
Micah quote "I want to be a cat shifter" unquote cracked me up
I forgot how much I liked this series and it's characters. I totally loved Graves and Joni's read. In fact I loved all the players in his story, well with the exception of Brandon. I loved that Joni took no crap from Graves and stood up to him. She's one feisty and brave young lady. I guess she would have to be being human and being raised by were. She managed to drop Graves to his knees. I loved it. I loved that he finally admitted to himself that he loved her and wanted to mate her. I just loved everything about their story. Oh and we can't forget Graves Mom Mandy she's a hoot.
I forgot how much I liked this series and it's characters. I totally loved Graves and Joni's read. In fact I loved all the players in his story, well with the exception of Brandon. I loved that Joni took no crap from Graves and stood up to him. She's one feisty and brave young lady. I guess she would have to be being human and being raised by were. She managed to drop Graves to his knees. I loved it. I loved that he finally admitted to himself that he loved her and wanted to mate her. I just loved everything about their story. Oh and we can't forget Graves Mom Mandy she's a hoot.
June 17, 2024
Le doy tres estrellas porque lo sentí demasiado corto y no puede conectarme para nada a ellos. Mi calificación mas que todo es por la familia de Grave y las risas que me sacaron en todo el libro, entiendo que apenas se estén conociendo y no haya nada de amor apasionado como en los otros libros pero hubiera preferido que fuera mas largo para ver mas de eso.
También me dejaron con muchas preguntas y me hubiera gustado ver mas interacción Joni y sus padres ahora que esta a salvo, le falto mucho al libro. Grave tenía demasiado potencial con su actitud pero solo se volvió un libro mas de la saga.
También me dejaron con muchas preguntas y me hubiera gustado ver mas interacción Joni y sus padres ahora que esta a salvo, le falto mucho al libro. Grave tenía demasiado potencial con su actitud pero solo se volvió un libro mas de la saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
Graves #12 09/19/2024
He earned his name because of his job to all the packs he’s the one they call to make judgments and do the punishment. Now he has been to a pack to make a judgment but this pack has a ulterior motive to have him there they want to gift him the alpha’s daughter to protect her from the one that’s going to challenge for alpha. She is human they found her after rogues killed her hole family she was three so doesn’t know any other life. But Graves doesn’t want her. To bad the old laws have to be followed. But trouble is still after her. So enjoy the read and see what’s coming!!
He earned his name because of his job to all the packs he’s the one they call to make judgments and do the punishment. Now he has been to a pack to make a judgment but this pack has a ulterior motive to have him there they want to gift him the alpha’s daughter to protect her from the one that’s going to challenge for alpha. She is human they found her after rogues killed her hole family she was three so doesn’t know any other life. But Graves doesn’t want her. To bad the old laws have to be followed. But trouble is still after her. So enjoy the read and see what’s coming!!
May 25, 2025
Esse livro, de todos os que já li, realmente faltou química entre os personagens. Não só isso, como um desenvolvimento emocional deles. Parecia que ela estava com pressa para escrever e eles não tiveram nem tempo para tomar uma decisão importante como a de ter um companheiro. Eu sei que livros assim não se importam muito com isso, mas, quando você lê, realmente sente uma pressa brutal para que eles sejam algo, mas que mal foi capaz de abordar diversos pontos que deveriam ter sido esclarecidos, como o que Graves ainda sentia pela ex-companheira. A graça do livro gira em torno da família do shifter, já que eles deram um entretenimento muito maior que o casal.
July 31, 2025
This is my favorite in this series. Graves never expects to have a mate because of his past and his current dangerous position in the packs. Then something unexpected happens - he is gifted a human female. Joni is a human who was adopted by the Alpha and his mate but things are getting dangerous for the Alpha and Joni so she is "gifted" to Graves. Joni is not one to conform to what Graves wants or says. It's not long before Joni gets under his skin in a good way. I love Joni as she has been trained to protect herself in many ways. Also, Graves's family is so funny and cool, especially his mother. This story has steamy romance, humor, difficult to put down and a happy ending!
August 31, 2023
3.5 stars
She was celibate for a long time. Him, a couple of months. Only slept with the same person once or twice. At a young age he recognized his mate but she was killed. There was one point in the book I thought it was going to go in a very bad direction for me but thankfully that changed quickly. One question I either missed the answer or they never talked about it. She is human and will grow old and die. He will not. I wish that was touched on more. I know they bonded but don't really remember if this effected her life span at all.
She was celibate for a long time. Him, a couple of months. Only slept with the same person once or twice. At a young age he recognized his mate but she was killed. There was one point in the book I thought it was going to go in a very bad direction for me but thankfully that changed quickly. One question I either missed the answer or they never talked about it. She is human and will grow old and die. He will not. I wish that was touched on more. I know they bonded but don't really remember if this effected her life span at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
A bit of an odd premise, where Joni becoming the property of Graves is literally her best option. So it starts off very uncomfortable. Luckily he doesn’t take advantage of the situation so there’s no consent issues or creepy near rape sex scenes. Eventually they move past the bad beginning and develop a relationship that builds from there. It all happens kind of quickly, and it’s undoubtedly a weird start. It seems to end well. Not sure I believe in the love happening that rapidly from that kind of start.
October 25, 2023
Great book
As always, Laurann Dohner does not disappoint. I am only hoping she'll be able to get these last books into audiobooks. Graves was a total enigma to me, and his story is sad, bu I'm happy for him and Joni. Now we also have Trent and a new pack of wolves... I can't wait to learn more about them, and Jay. He sure was a surprise, but a welcome one, in my opinion. The sensual scenes were pretty hot, as they tend to be in any of Laurann's books. I had a few chucles as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
As always, Laurann Dohner does not disappoint. I am only hoping she'll be able to get these last books into audiobooks. Graves was a total enigma to me, and his story is sad, bu I'm happy for him and Joni. Now we also have Trent and a new pack of wolves... I can't wait to learn more about them, and Jay. He sure was a surprise, but a welcome one, in my opinion. The sensual scenes were pretty hot, as they tend to be in any of Laurann's books. I had a few chucles as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 28, 2023
Disappointing
I only read half of the book and that was pushing it. It was really boring and didn't care much about either one's personality, specially hers. Not worth the money I spent. I love Laurann Dohner's and I have many complete series but the VLG series is not to my liking. I gambled on this one because the description of the content sounded interesting. Won't try this series again, it doesn't do anything for me 😒😞
I only read half of the book and that was pushing it. It was really boring and didn't care much about either one's personality, specially hers. Not worth the money I spent. I love Laurann Dohner's and I have many complete series but the VLG series is not to my liking. I gambled on this one because the description of the content sounded interesting. Won't try this series again, it doesn't do anything for me 😒😞
September 13, 2023
I liked gruff Judge Graves being forced to accept a gift - a human female named Joni who has to get away from the pack she’s grown up in with a loving Alpha couple.
She is gifted when her alpha/father is challenged by a pack brat Brandon who wants to demoralize her and make her a pack whore because she is human and she saved one he should have.
Although Graves no part of her Joni thinks the world of him and the job he performs and wants to stay with him against his better judgment.
She is gifted when her alpha/father is challenged by a pack brat Brandon who wants to demoralize her and make her a pack whore because she is human and she saved one he should have.
Although Graves no part of her Joni thinks the world of him and the job he performs and wants to stay with him against his better judgment.
September 14, 2023
love
I love this series. I was hoping there was going to another book. And not disappointed. I love Graves family. Angelo his father and Mandy his mother. Totally love his brother Micah. Of course Graves and Joni. Read this book start to finish. Couldn’t put it down. Lots of action. This make 99th book read so far this year. Hope there more to the series like maybe a book about Micah. And of course I love the New Species series.
I love this series. I was hoping there was going to another book. And not disappointed. I love Graves family. Angelo his father and Mandy his mother. Totally love his brother Micah. Of course Graves and Joni. Read this book start to finish. Couldn’t put it down. Lots of action. This make 99th book read so far this year. Hope there more to the series like maybe a book about Micah. And of course I love the New Species series.
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