PART 1: BBW Shifter/Vampire Serial Reading order - 1#Chosen by the Vampire Kings 2#Stolen by the Alpha Wolf 3#Unlikely Mates
Becky‘s work as a doctor has brought her to the shifter village for a few days. All of the shifter males, including Rushe, have been banned from laying even a single paw on the human female. This is difficult for Ruche considering his wolf has decided that she is it's mate. To make matters worse, it is something akin to torture when he is put on her security detail, having to shadow her every move. Every sashay of her feminine hips, every bounce and sway of her very lush curves. So drool worthy he might just have to howl to the moon before the week is out.
After one failed relationship after another, Becky has decided to have a little fun. Since vampires are out...one big, bad wolf might be just what she needs. Once Rushe catches her eye, she struggles to get him out of her mind, especially since he has told her in teeny-tiny, extra-dirty-detail exactly what he would like to do to her. Forbidden from pursuing that avenue of fun…she just might have to break the rules and take things into her own hands in order to get what she needs.
'His First' is Part 1 of a 3 part serial and is around 20,000 words/80 pages The story contains strong sexual themes/language and is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Charlene lives on an acre in the country with her husband, three children and an array of pets including a snake. In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset. Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join
Well, it's official, Unlikely Mates takes first place in the category "Fangtastic and adorable males I'd love to rut."
Rushe was everything I'd hoped for ... and more... SO.MUCH.MORE. Can I get an AMEN for the big, bad wolf who reads the female Bible (Cosmo!) in order to ensure his mate's booty call's well-being in bed? :-D He's quite simply vulnerable virgin perfection;-)
I'm with Becky, bloody threats have never been sexier. The entire shapeshifter/human rutting discussion was laugh out loud funny, and Rushe's suggestion when Becky points out she's a modern and capable woman was as hilarious as it was sweet.
Can't wait to see what mr. listens-in-on-other-people's-phone-conversations has in store for Becky. One thing's for sure, he's jealous as hell, petitions be damned. Yeah, f... royalty in this modern day and age.
*Scrolls down to the "Do You Hear The People Sing" soundtrack from Les Miserables to get in the right revolutionary/monarchy defying spirit.*
Long live liberté, égalité, fraternité... even for lonely vamps.
(Hey, it is entirely appropriate, my name IS Marianne, after all!)
Charecters: I absolutely love the characters in this series.
Our female protagonist is a human named Becky. Becky was first introduced in the Chosen by the Vampire Kings serial. She is the Queen's human BFF. She also played an integral part in the Stolen by the Alpha Wolf serial. If you've read these serials you are aware Becky should wear a super hero cape she's just such a fantastic human being. She's also an excellent Dr & a picture of her is officially next to the definition of horny in the dictionary. This poor girl is truly sexually deprived & has had no success when it comes to the male persuasion. Her only release is her trusty toy "black magic".
Rushe is a virginal werewolf. We first meet Rushe in the Stolen by the Alpha Wolf serial. He first lays eyes on Becky during this same serial. Immediately his wolf has determined Becky is his mate. Rushe has let his Alpha know of this development & has continuously been asked to keep a respectful distance (due to circumstances i'll not explain bc they are spoiler-y-) from Becky until it is his turn to find a human mate. Luckily Rushe is "next in line" & days away from coming up on the mating list.
Ross is a vampire. Becky meets Ross along with us in the Chosen by the Vampire Kings serial. Immediately they are absolutely smitten for each other. Unfortunately Ross & Becky are kept away from any sexual contact due to current laws (i'll not detail bc again spoiler-y). Ross & Becky are so determined to be together they develop a plan to deal with this law. We see Ross again in the Stolen by the Alpha Wolf serial in which Becky tells Ross she's no longer interested due to (current) vampire behavior.
The foreseeable "relationship issues" (not including any that may be spoiler-y-): Ross & Becky have a previously established "Shakespearian Romeo & Juliet" forbidden love thing going. Rush has the insta-lust/love thing going. However bc he is so innocently dirty (i know oxymoron) it works out for this character it's not annoying or eye-roll inducing. Becky is an independent & clearly career oriented. Becky's idea of a relationship is a no strings attached romp in the sheets.
Theories & hopes: The plot is incredibly interesting to me. I believe it'll be a manage. I've my fingers crossed it'll differ from the typical MF (a given), the (already explored) MFM (possible if the cover is accurate) & into the MMF (my dirty little hope) Reason: I found the manage between the vamps not that great. The whole Brant "homophobic manly man" hang up & his wariness towards Zane's touching him imho was absolutely ridiculous. It just wouldn't work long term.
The world building continues to be fantastic. I really enjoy learning about all the different species in this world & how they're dealing differently with overall world arc.
I rate this 5 stars even though we have a cliffhanger. I know i'm not deducting my customery star for cliffhanger endings.
Would I recommend this? Yes. If you can deal with the "triggers": usual staggered serial release dates, cliffhanger endings, manage & insta-lust.
Disclaimer: I have an awful case of "stay away" when it comes to serials, mostly bc I despise abrupt endings (cliffhangers). Honestly, I don't even like open ended endings. When I close a book I like knowing exactly how the story main arc & all its subplots end. My GR friend Marianne is absolutely aware of this pet peeve & set out to rid me of my "phobia" she's using the exposure technique. As such she immediately introduced me to Charlene Hartnady & I'm not sure if I'm cured as of yet but i'm absolutely sure I LOVE her writing. It doesn't hurt she's nearly always early on her deadlines. In the case of 1#Unlikely Mates: BBW Shifter/Vampire Romance (His First) It especially helped this "cliffhanger" ending was more a segue way into book 2. No abrupt ending here. Happy dance. I absolutely recommend this series & I'd even suggest you look into her previous serials. As a bonus no waiting they've been published in its entirety. In order: Chosen by the Vampire Kings, Parts 1-6 & Stolen by the Alpha Wolf: Parts 1-3 are related to the current serial Unlikely Mates. Characters & over all world (species) arc are related.
His First (Chosen #3A)(Unlikely Mates, #1) I am ADDICTED to this series; I can get enough of this paranormal romantic goodness. With alpha males in all shapes and sizes with Ménage à trois, MFM love triangles (eat your heart out), Vampires, Shifters, and Elves. It is Sexy, it is Sizzling, it is smoking Hot, it is Erotic so much so that it jumps right off the pages and leaves you needing a cold shower. Sassy, headstrong females, and fighting to the death is not uncommon. So, what happens when smoking hot vampires and shifters, mortal enemies want the same thing; this is where things get so interesting, and the fun begins. These men are ruthless, they are vicious, power players, they are violent. There is lots of action, danger and war around every corner but given all that they love fast, they love with their whole heart and make you want to go and find your own. Charlene has woven a captivating, tangled web of lies, deceit, suspense, drama and love that will leave you breathless. The characters are to die for, and each have their own voice in this series. I love that we get their POV because it makes them more real. It is not all doom and gloom though there are plenty of witty moments and humour that will have you laughing out loud especially Zane and Becky, they crack me up. Don’t even stop to think just click and read and tell me I am not wrong. Happy reading!
THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC !!! Wow! I love it! His First is the first book in the amazing new Unlikely Mates series by Charlene Hartnady and she has totally delivered a knock out in the first round! I'm just so excited, I can hardly stand myself right now. And just why am I so excited you ask? Well, I have been waiting for Becky to have her own series since she was first introduced as Tanya's over-sexed best friend in Charlene's debut hit series, Chosen by the Vampire Kings and it was well worth the wait! OMG! Charlene has totally knocked it out of the park! Another Homerun! Yes, Charlene has amazing talent. Yes, she has an astounding imagination. And yes she has incredible skill but it's her unique ability to draw her reader into the story and make the magic and fantasy come to life and become so real as we become immersed in the worlds and the characters she has created for us. And the characters - they seem to capture not only our imagination but our hearts as well. It's rather hard to explain but I'll give it a try. In some books, it's obvious that all the characters are created by the same person but with Charlene's characters, they take on a life of their on, as if they were created by totally different people. They live, breath and have their own distinct mannerisms and personalities. It is so exhilarating and refreshing. You never know what to expect from her characters and that's what makes her writing so remarkably entertaining and satisfying. To sum it up, always expect the unexpected because Charlene never fails to deliver quite a few surprises. This story is exciting, original, imaginative, well developed, thrilling, riveting, romantic, arousing, sensual and always lots of action, in and out of the sheets. Just a little humor, folks! The dialogue is smart, sassy, intelligent, inventive, very well written and flows effortlessly. The characters are fascinating, captivating, intriguing, endearing, engaging, sexy as sin and at times, down right hilarious. I was laughing so hard, I frightened my Shih Tzu, Christina! Charlene expertly combines these elements into an exquisite paranormal tale full of romance, humor, suspense, adventure and fantasy. Dr Becky was able to successfully deliver Stephany and Ward's twin pups, yes I said twin pups, at the end of Stolen by the Alpha Wolf Series which was nothing short of a miracle since Stephany is a vampire and was told she could never birth a child and to further complicate the complicated, Ward is not a vampire, he's a wolf and not just any wolf but the alpha wolf! What? Well, just a little of the back story but that's all covered in Charlene's second hit series, Stolen by the Alpha Wolf. Dr Becky was so disappointed - no she was hurt. Nope, that doesn't describe it either. She was down right furious at the way the vampires had behaved toward Stephany, Ward and his men, and in her office no less. She was through with them. No vampires for her - not any more. She has now decided that she wants to have sex with a shifter, mainly one wolf shifter named Rushe and he is the cat's meow or should I say the wolf's howl, Yep he has it all! Now, if she can just get him to show her that eight pack he carries around under his shirt, everything will be just perfect. Becky agrees to travel to Ward's camp and stay to look after Stephany and the tiny twin pups for a few days, and if she plays her cards right, she may be able to persuade Rushe to have a one time hookup with her. Heck, she'd only been with one guy since her divorce and that was just as much a disaster as her marriage. Nope, no more relationships for her. She would concentrae on just her career. She didn't have time for a human nor a shifter. She just needed an orgasm not a mate! But apparently her brain didn't remember to send that memo to her heart! And Rushe is certainly not making it easy for her. And he doesn't intend to! The beautiful little female healer with her spun gold, curly, blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, luscious curves and mouth watering "mammary glands" (his words) is drop dead gorgeous sex on a stick and he wants a lick. Just one look could bring any man to his knees and therein lies the problem. Becky is so bewitching that all the men in camp can't help but look at her, be enthralled with her every little move, and they all want her! Oh my! It looks as if he may have to fight every man in camp just to make them keep their paws off her! Rushe and his wolf are in complete agreement - she belongs to him, she is his mate! There are only a few teensy, tiny problems. First, Ward, his alpha has forbidden him to even touch her until she leaves their camp and he becomes eligible for a mate according to their camp-wide list of seniority and second, he must convince Becky that she does want a relationship with him. She belongs to him - she is his mate! And of course, let's not forget, according to the ruling vampire kings, Zane and Brant, all vampires and shifters are forbidden to mate with humans, them being the only exception. Huh? What the heck? What's a wolf to do? Hmmm..........Fight them all and claim his mate????? We'll just have to wait and see! Buckle up my lovelies! It's going to be another very bumpy ride! Sexy dominant wolves-check! Handsome jealous vampires-check! Drama, danger, action, jealousy and suspense-check! Romance, a dash of angst, a wee bit of humor, a huge helping of steamy sex and a little arousing "Black Magic"- you betcha! That and a whole lot more! Please remember, this is a serial so there is a cliffhanger but personally, I don't mind cliffhangers, it's like watching my favorite TV shows every week. Although it's not necessary, I would highly recommend reading Charlene's Chosen by the Vampire Kings and Stolen by the Alpha Wolf to enrich the reading experience. I can hardly wait for Part Two of Unlikely Mates! Fabulous entertainment and another awesome read!!!
Every time the phrase "mammary glands" came up (which was far, far too often IMO), I had to wonder if people simply didn't notice while reading, just didn't care, or actually find it sexy?
Ok ok, I'll buy that non-humans might sound old fashioned or odd from being separate from modern society BUT even the human POV's used the term. In general it sounded weirdly clinical and out of place compared to the rest of the characters' phrasing. Ruined many steamy scenes and might have sprained my eye from rolling it too hard ;( .
Referring to one's breasts as mammary glands is like calling my tongue the "salivary glands". I mean yes, that's where they are located, but ultimately still physiologically incorrect. Just say tits!
I enjoyed this first part of Becky, Rushe and Ross story. The characters were great, the storyline was an interesting one and I was left wanting more of their story. Becky (human) acts like she's a one night stand type of woman but she really is not, she's just scared to commit to anyone based on her past relationship. However, Rushe (wolf shifter) and Ross (vampire) wants her as their own. The more she fights the attraction the harder they fight. This story was steamy with funny and sweet parts, and a little suspense. I look forward to reading more books from this author. I do wish I had known ahead of time that there were 3 parts to the story.
Becky has always been flirty with the supes. She's angry with the vamps over their treatment of Stephany, but the shifters are still in her good graces. Rushe has taken a liking to Becky and woe to anyone who stands in his way. But what about Ross, the hunky vamp she liked first? Onward to part two!
In unlikely mate we follow Becky (Tanya's bestie) who helped Stephany deliver her babies in Stolen by the Alpha. Becky has come to the shifter village to help Stephany and check on the twin babies health. While there Rushed makes his intentions known that he wants to rut with Becky, although Ward have forbidden My one fitting with Becky while she is in the village. Becky takes a liking to Rushe mad one thing leads to another and they are rutting; all night and every position thinkable. When it's time for Becky to leave Ward smells that they have rut and is made with Rushe, he feels so strongly about Becky being his mate that Ward actually goes easy on Rushe, telling him he has to stay in his cabin for 10 days to let the scent wear off and he cannot go see Becky till it does. Also if any shifter finds out he and Becky rutted then Rushe might be waiting months for his turn to go to his mate, becky, but Becky doesn't know that Rushe feels this strongly about her. While Becky is talking to Tanya about her amazing sex a vampire named Ross is guarding Tanya door and hears she had sex with a shifter, I think all help is gonna break loose now.
I really enjoyed Becky and Rushe story, lots of dirty language and a very steamy ending. Rushe is so sweet and the perfect man/non human, loving reading about shifters. I never really thought shifters were hot but the Alpha story and now this one has me rethinking
Wow.. The series keeps getting better. It is really important to follow the suggested reading order to get the most out of these books. 1 chosen by the vampire kings series 2 stolen by the alpha series 3 unlikely mates As much as I loved the vampire kings in the first set of books, I began to hate them in Stolen by the Alphas. Its funny because in that first series we get Tanya's perspective and in her eyes those kings are wonderful beautiful men and treat her amazingly. However in the second and third series we see them as the ruthless kings they can be. Its not often we are given a chance to see an author's world from so many points of view.. It actually quite amazing. Now in this series we get to see Ward, the pack alpha from pack POV and he is still pretty decent (unlike certain vampire kings) I'm very happy Becky gets a book and I do so love Rushe. He is such a great character. He is loving, sweet an so innocent without crossing the line into stupidity. Its a hard quality to write in a character, often times an innocent and sweet character can come off as dumb or transparent. That's not the case here. These 2 as a couple are perfect. I do have a feeling we are not done seeing Ross the vampire yet and I'm excited to find out how this will work into the storyline.
Wow...great start to Becky's story. I have to be honest though. Her character annoyed me just a bit. She can be too much sometimes and reminds me of how a teen acts. I know thats not her though but thats how she's written in this part for some reason. Rushe is so sexy and hot. Total virgin too! That was sweet and Becky has no idea she took his flower! LOL. She insists on a one time thing but she really likes him and is denying her feelings. He's keeping his from her too because she keeps telling him she doesnt want a mate and wants to bide his time til he spends more time with her. He gets in so much trouble for having sex with her when he was supposed to wait and a rule from Ward she was off limits. LOL. Becky was a little selfish and should have made sure he wouldnt get in trouble before having sex with Rushe. She knew he would get in trouble but being human she didnt understand the extent so yeah a little self centered there. Of course whats worse she tells Tanya and of course Ross...who happens to want her as well overheard this and is p'od in the highest order. Whew! Tanya just cant keep her talking to whispers...she KNOWS they have excellent hearing! Oy...what fun!
Part 1. "Unlikely Mates" picks up where "Stolen" left off. Becky is still around while the twins and parents are adjusting to their new life. Ward and Stephany are doing great. Rushe wants Becky so badly. One night he hears her moaning, as he guards her cabin. He rushes in to possibly save her, but she's in bed, using her vibrator, ready to orgasm. He is frozen, he can't leave, he must have her. Super hot sex, a blow job, and marathon sex all night, wow! It was Rushe's first time, but she doesn't realize it. He's read enough books to pretend he is experienced. She's never had it better. Unfortunately, he's also broken the rules. She has to go home, and he won't be able to see her for ten days, but she's his mate, which she doesn't understand - yet. Looking forward to see what will happen, because earlier in the previous series, Ross the Vampire also wanted Becky. Hopefully Becky will be the strong gal that delivered the twins, and not return to her sophomoric ways. Charlene Hartnady's well written tales are interesting, full of deep characters, and hot sex. You can't go wrong. ENJOY !!!
WOOHOO! Here we have another piping hot romance in the making. Of course Rushe is going to complicate it all with the "she's my mate" bit but I think he's going to convince Becky's she's up for it. I don't think she's going to be able to resist him after that intrusion (whew! *fans herself*).
And I have a feeling a certain vamp is going to throw a spanner in the works as well. Either those pig headed vamp kings are going to lift the ban on humans or then he's going to break the rules....... EEEEK! Here comes another battle of species. NO NO NO!
Jeez my imagination is running away with itself. Better leave the writing to the professionals. Zip it Ash!
Free copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
I positively love these series! It's great that you don't have to wait so long in between books. I think it's neat that each character has something special about their personality. The only thing I don't like is that they are too short. You get so caught up in the story that when it ends it's frustrating.(but like I said you don't wait long until the next book.) I found absolutely no flaws in the writing which also makes it easier to get caught up in the story. I like these series and this author so much I actually signed up for the mailing list, so I never miss out when the next book is immediately available. oh, by the way did I say I like these books?
I am a member of this author's ARC group (means if you provide the author and honest review the author will email the book to you for free). I personally think that is an awesome deal. Before I begin my review, I highly recommend that you read the other books in this series so you can become familiar with all the wonderful characters and their stories.
Charlene Hartnady has done it again!!! Unlikely Mates is another hot sexy series. Becky is my kind of girl with her flirtatious attitude what is a paranormal guy going to do (lol). I don't think the poor werewolf and vampire nations are ready for us women. We are a hand full and Becky is no different. Way to go Becky...way to go!!!
Enjoyed this first installment in a new series and I am looking forward to the next book.
4.5 Stars. After reading the King series I was excited to read on. This is my 3rd mini series from the author and I was very excited to start it. Rushe was someone I really enjoyed from the Alpha series and I loved him even more in this book. His innocence, mixed with his eagerness and loyalty is quite appealing. However, I'm not quite sure how to feel about Becky. In the other books she's a side character in, I liked her. She's quirky and silly and kind of off the wall. In this book the sex was there. Although her 'I wanna screw' but 'don't want to mate' was kind of ridiculous. I wanted to throat punch her after hearing it not only in this book but the next in the series. She's not the most likable character but I still think she's decent.
If there was an award for most annoying main character....
Becky, a doctor by profession, yet speaks and has the mannerisms of an early teen female from the hood. She is eager to get her hands on or should I say his hands on her. Flamboyant, horny and ready to try any paranormal male that crosses her path.....but they all seem to be off limits...The main character is most annoying making it a hardship to bare and read on. Her character contradicts her self with opposing attributes that do not mix. I have read and enjoyed authors past books and have had to endure Becky when she is mentioned. An entire story with her is to much for most.
After Charlene introduced Rushe in Determined Theft, I had really high hopes for this set. I'm not a huge fan of Becky, so that's an issue. I find her to be a walking contradiction, the ditzy doctor. I keep picturing her as a character from Clueless, and I'm struggling connecting for that reason. The dialogue didn't flow as well as the others, but I think I got more hung up on that since I didn't love them as a couple. It was still a fun, fast read. However, if I weren't reading it using Kindle Unlimited, I don't know that I'd continue with this bundle of stories.
All of the volumes/parts affiliated with Charlene Hartnady's series are short reads. I probably read "Chosen by the Vampire Kings" -- all 6 volumes in less than a day. Then transitioned straight into "Stolen by the Alpha Wolf" -- 3 part to this. Now I'm onto "Unlikely Mates"
I really like how Charlene beautifully transitions one series to the next. The reader literally picks up right where it left off. You do have do read the series in sequential order to get the most out of the story lines.
Well written. Smoky sex scenes. 4-star reads all around.
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU START AT THE BEGINNING!!!!! Start reading Vampire Kings book 1-6; then Stolen by the Alpha Wolf book 1-3 is next. Then and ONLY then can you start reading this book. Which will set you heart on fire for Becky among other things cause this book is on edge freaking HOT. But for you to even understand what is happening you must ALWAYS start at the beginning. So, grab a blanket and cuddle up for a nice long weekend to yourself and get started. Your in for one heck of a "wet ride"!
This book picks up where Stolen by the Alpha ends. Becky's had her heart broken too many times and is determined to have no strings attached sex. She is visiting the shifter village and overseeing the new twin babies of the wolf alpha Ward, Rushe is her guard. Rushe's wolf tells him Becky is his mate and Becky is attracted to Rushe. Ward has put Becky off limits to all the shifter males in the village. This is the beginning of their story, with an excellent cliffhanger into part two.
Becky is a hotshit. She is funny, direct and honest. Her character is so strong and completely relatable that I believe she is real..and maybe she could be my best friend. Rusch is being kept from her. That is the conflict. He can't touch her. I tore through this novella, could not put it down. This is enough excellent piece that builds and flows so smoothly that without even realizing it, you read almost the whole thing before you realize...NO WAIT!! I'VE READ ALMOST THE WHOLE BOOK ALREADY!...I just bough partv3 and will he reading it this week.
This is an honest review, in exchange for an advanced review copy of the story. I was excited to read this story and in no way was I disappointed. I still think Rushe is just as sweet as can be and I certainly wouldn't mind "teaching" him. I was also surprised by Ross's reaction at the end. I did not realize he had become so committed to Becky over the course of the books. I will be fun to see what happens next!
I recived this book in exchange for a honest review
HOT HOT HOT and HOT! Becky really surprised me! Who would have thought her to be so unsure in her self and afraid of love? Nope took me by surprise ! The biggest surprise was the big bad wolf reading Cosmo ! Like WHAAAT??!
Where The last book Stolen by the alpha wolf #3 ended, was actually what was half way in this book, so you get to know what happens from the spoiler in stolen by the alpha :) Can't wait till next one!
I love this new series. Becky has been a fun supporting character in the other series and it is time for her to get some fun. She has given up on vamps but a shifter is very interesting to her. She just doesn't realize that he wants more and thinks she is his mate. He is willing to risk everything to be with her. The end makes the next book in this series sound very exciting.
Charlene Hartnady is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
This is my third series by Charlene and I absolutely love all of them. This is funny, sexy and thrilling. I like loved how Rushe reads Cosmo and the Karma Sutra to learn how to please a human. Becky uses a lot of slang that just goes right over his head. It is so cute and funny.
Another great series from Ms. Hartnady, I fell in love with her storytelling from the first series that I bought, mated with the Vampire Kings. I can't wait to finish this series I'm reading now, Unlikely Mates. I look forward to a lot more stories from Ms. Hartnady!!
Becky went to the shifters area to help the alphas females, a female give birth to twins. While she is there Rushe was her bodyguard. It was strictly forbidden any contact with this female while she was here. That the beginning and it only gets better. Some what of a cliffhanger. Will ant to read the next story.