It only ever takes one to change the future One day left to claim her mate as her own. One shifter’s selfish desires. One alpha’s devastating decision… After a brutal attack, panther shifter Vanessa is taken from her clan, stripped of the memories of her shifter nature. Rebel, her fated mate-to-be, gets left behind, banned by his alpha father from making contact with her. Tragedy follows her to university, and Vanessa floats through her studies without real purpose, always sensing that something’s missing. It’s only when she meets Mikhail, bartender at the local watering hole, and the sparks fly, that her life becomes worth living again. But their budding connection can’t grow while a thread of fate keeps her beholden to another—someone she doesn’t even remember. When Rebel breaks his alpha’s command and triggers the return of Vanessa’s memories, tensions heighten. Will she have to choose between them, or is there room in her life for them both?
As a former covert operative, Aria Peyton has jumped from helicopters, commando crawled across enemy lines without underwear, created secret alliances with the things that go bump in the night, and bungee jumped off the top of a Styrofoam factory into a vat of beanbag filler. With the aid of the Secret Agent Protection Group, she currently masquerades as an average parent, but can leap Lego towers in a single bound, pack school lunches like a boss, and can burn herself on any hot surface without the aid of a how-to manual. Her multiskilling talent is now known throughout the universe. Never be fooled by the apparent mediocrity though. To do so is at your own peril.
For reals, though, she's an Aussie author, copy editor, small-time blogger, music lover, and dragon (honest!). Mum to 3 crazy girls, 2 cling-on dogs, 3 black cats with personalities bigger than they are, and a horse who's filled with attitude. More hours in the day (or at the very least, a pause button on the clock) would be handy
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!! ***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
This is the first book by Aria Peyton and makes this the first book in the series too :) This is a shifter romance, but this book is probably not for everyone due to the rape scene in the beginning of the book. This of course is for adults only due to the adult content and violence.
I really enjoyed reading the book and seeing Vanessa, Rebel, and Mik grow as characters. I screamed for what was happening, cried, it was a very emotional rollercoaster. I was gripped in the story. It is hard to tell you or describe anything because I do not want to ruin anything for you, but it is just sooo much wrapped into this book with drama, parental interference, romance, and so much more. I can tell there is much more to come too, and I can’t wait!!
I recommend this book to shifter readers who don’t have a problem with reading a rape scene and all the violence and emotions wrapped up in it. I really enjoyed in and can’t wait to see what Aria comes up with next :)
HOLY CRAP! I have to say, my senses and emotions haven't been shocked into instant reaction when reading a book like they were with this book. From the very first page you are thrown into a brutality that leaves you reeling. The author does warn you, but if you have triggers around consent, then this may not be the read for you.
I am not a big paranormal reader, but I have read more shifter romances this year than I have ever done. I am drawn to the appeal of insta-love, off the charts sexual chemistry and of course the possessiveness of the males in these stories. And man, does Aria deliver these in spades - even if there is a slight twist on it.
For as long as they remember, Vanessa & Rebel have known that they are fated mates. All that was holding them back from sealing the deal was that Vanessa was not yet 18, so they couldn't mate. But their bond was so strong that they knew nothing could stop them from their destiny. That is until one day, one brutal act lead to the unraveling of everything that they knew to be true. They were betrayed by just about everyone around them and forced, unwillingly, apart.
These two lovers are then lead on a path that they didn't expect. It is this exact path that leads to Malik entering their life. He is not expected, but sometimes it is the surprises that sets everything in it's rightful place. Vanessa and Rebel didn't know their destiny was missing one important piece until circumstances put it directly in their lives. Can these 3 shifters find a middle ground or will everything crumble around them?
I totally enjoyed and fell in love with all 3 of these characters. For a great portion at the beginning of this book, I couldn't help by feel empathy for Vanessa. She believed that she was alone and that she was nothing special to anyone. I just wanted for her to be able to break out and be her true self. Aria did an awesome job in drawing the reader into her plight. I love how her struggles were not sugar coated, but raw and real. When she was finally set free of her invisible bounds, the minx that emerged was awesome. Her true self was someone to be reckoned with.
And poor Rebel, the torture that he had to live with knowing that his mate was close but he couldn't be with her. The way that Aria captured his turmoil, heartache and longing was amazing. She made me feel the emotions so that I couldn't help but feel distressed on Rebel's behalf. But when things started to work it self out, the level of acceptance Rebel demonstrated made me fall in love with his character even more.
Malik, like Rebel, is also bound by his traditions and not able to do what he feels is right and yearning to do. For as long as possible he denies himself what he craves in Vanessa. His willingness to accept the hand that he has been dealt, on every occasion, made his character endearing. His sense of loyalty, love and acceptance brings out the best in those around him. I also loved his quick wit and ability to easy situations. He provided some great relief throughout the book.
Now, I read a lot and have read so many sex scenes that I was sure that I had read every possible scenario that involves and revolves around sex. Let me tell you, that several times in this book I read something that I had not before. One of them, the author does warn you about before the book begins. I was a bit dubious about it, but it wasn't so full on that you were turned off. The other used an instrument that I would never have associated with sexual gratification.
Now that is out of the way, man was the sex in this book panty melting, scorching. The sexual attraction between these characters was off the chart, that when they came together it was explosive, raw and passionate. There is no fade to black or use your imagination in this book, it is in your face and dirty. Just what this little lover of smut scenes loves.
Aria has a canny ability to write a book that flows seamlessly from one page to another. She was successful in managing multiple point of views and to capture the individualism of each character when she changed voices. The one thing that I do have to point out is that Aria is an Australia writer and as such uses Aussie slang a fair bit in this book. As an Aussie this didn't bother me, but she has provided a link to a glossary for those that are not familar.
Overall, this paranormal, shifter romance captured my from the first page to the last. It had all the elements that I enjoy in a book from steaming sexual attractions, to explosive sex, a strong storyline and moments of pure angst. If you are a fan of this genre, you will throughly enjoy this book. I can't wait to see what comes next from this author. This was a solid debut.
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Paranormal Shifters How can you move on when your memories have been completely erased?
One day of perfection. Five minutes to change it all. All it took was the cruelty of one man, and the actions of their clan, to tear them apart. Fated Mates; destined for each other. Forced into a solitary existence until another enters their lives. Will his presence reunite them? Or will the past destroy their future? (Amazon Blurb)
The cruelty of man and woman will always baffle me, no matter the crime, the revenge or action taken against another. What Vanessa has been through is by far cruel, especially when he was a friend, someone she knew and trusted. Unable to handle the events, her shifter side her cat, has disappeared, her parents has denied her mate and her memories of not only that day but of Rebel, her mate. You’d think Vanessa would be able to start enjoying her time in University, but tragedy strikes once again and she must deal with grief and starting over – and all I’d wish for is to be able to comfort her someway, somehow. Or at least that she’d be able to find a friend that she could rely on and help her. I’m in wonder at how much one person can handle so much emotional pain and still go through their day to day life without crumbling. Yet, it is from this pain that Vanessa can find love from two men who have loved her for as long as they can remember. It is important to mention that this novel, incredibly written as it may be have been, is violent and includes rape, and for those who are sensitive to certain matters such as those mentioned, M/M or M/F/M, probably wouldn’t fully enjoy this story. From what I was able to find, Aria Peyton is a new and upcoming author, and does not disappoint her readers; her next novels should be on your to be read list, as it is on mine. Highly recommended for any reader searching for something new in their library to read.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Kathleen for Alpha Book Club**
Entrusted by Aria Peyton 5 flaming hot stars The first couple of pages grabbed me and pulled me in. The book didn't let go until I had finished reading it.
(*** A trigger warning *** The prologue takes you through a brutal rape scene.)
From there, the book takes you on a journey of healing and a special connection between Vanessa, Rebel, and Mikhail. Rebel and Mikhail are ordered by their alphas to watch over her but not have any contact with her in either verbal or written communications. Vanessa's alpha, at the request of her parents, utilizes a block on her memories and ordered her cat to remain hidden.
My heart was breaking as we see Vanessa taken from Rebel after he had mated with her, and then Mikhail who knew she was his mate but he had been ordered to stay away and only watch from afar. Mikhail and Rebel come to the understanding that they are both mated to the same woman. Their journey is filled with land mines, so that you do not know for sure what will happen. There are scorching hot sex scenes as well as menage. (If that type of sexual content puts you off, do not get this book.) I loved it from beginning to end and want more. I want to know how Kristy and Nathan deal with the warped madness of Nathan's younger brothers.
Two clans that split apart year ago come back together and I want to know how everyone gets to their HEA. So I will definitely be reading more about the Coal Creek Shifters. **This book was given to me in exchange of an honest review.**
I've read a few paranormal books in the past which mostly consisted of vampires and werewolves, so when I seen this book was about panther shifters I found myself self intrigued and wanting to read this book.
So when I was giving the opportunity to read this story I jumped at the chance. And holy f**kin hell what a story it is, there are scenes at the start that some readers will find upsetting.
At the start it was such a sad and disturbing read but once you get past the scenes of the trauma that the main female character Vanessa goes through you find your your self been taking on a journey of lost love, new love's, unlikely friendships, rekindling old love and learning how to trust and move on from past betrayals.
when the 3 main characters Vanessa Rebel and Mik come together holy f**k you are in for some serious scorching hot scenes that will leave you wanting to take a cold shower and changing panties.
I loved how they all bonded and found the strength to learn to trust each other and take the journey of self discovery together.
While this book did have a lot of angst it kept me drawn in and constantly on the edge of my seat.
This was a brilliant debut book from Aria Peyton and I loved how she pushed the boundaries with this book in particular scenes. This is definitely a must read and I'm really looking forward to future books from this author I will be ready and waiting to 1 click her next installment of this series.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. My review is absolutely 5 stars! This book is one of the more unusual takes on shifters and the story is awesome. Young lovers and mates Vanessa and Rebel are torn apart by the violent act of Rebel’s best friend. Their families or clans trying to do what they felt was best separated the two and blocked the memories of the violence from Vanessa. Rebel was ordered to never make contact with her but could not leave her alone. So he went to the same university so that he could watch over her from a distance. This he did for over three years before circumstances brings them back together through the entrance of Mikhail into Vanessa’s life, Vanessa has mated with Mikhail but when Rebel hugs her one day it causes her memories to be released and the struggle to deal with the memories of her past and the confusion in her future with her love for both Rebel and Mikhail sends Vanessa into a storm of anger, fear, loss, and hurt. The struggle both Rebel and Mikhail go through in order to help Vanessa deal with what happened to her brings them all to the realization that love can conquer all, if you are willing to try. This book is one I would highly recommend but please be forewarned there is some violence, some male on male action and lots of male, female, male. But all of it nicely done and definitely worth the read.
Man alive, talk about some seriously messed up shifters in this book, especially the twins and what they thought they could get away with. We have a young couple in love, she is just days away from turning 18 and being mated to her best friend and childhood sweetheart Rebel. The day of her birthday is approaching, they have plans to meet at the lake when she is kidnapped. Who is she kidnapped by? What do they want with her? Why? With what happens, her memories are forced to stay in hiding through the command of her Alpha. She is taken to the college she was accepted to, when another tragedy hits. What happens after she's dropped off at college? When does Mikhail get involved in the situation? The trio of unlikely people forms a rather incredible friendship and bond. You really need to read this book to see what happens with Justin, Kabel, Nathan, Kristy, Rebel, Mikhail, and our lovely little female Vanessa. What tragedies surround the whole group? What things happen that lead to a very interesting situation, one that has not happened in a very long time, how does it affect multiple clans of shifters? I could not put this book down!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.
Aria Peyton doesn't hold back! She crosses all boundaries in this story that tells the tale of three shifters brought together through unforeseen circumstances.
Rebel and Vanessa were meant to be mated on her eighteenth birthday. Their paths were set until unexpected vicious acts lead them in a different direction.
After a drug induced memory lapse and orders from the alpha, Vanessa, is taken to uni away from the clan, away from Rebel, and away from all that is believed will destroy her.
Forced to keep his distance from her, Rebel decides this is not an option and defies the direct orders given by the alpha of their clan, which happens to be his father, and flees to be as close to his mate as possible.
Mikhail, a local bartender near uni, and nephew of the alpha of an opposing clan, is given direct orders to watch over Vanessa after a tragic event happens shortly after her arrival. Feelings arise and Mikhail begins to fall for her despite his orders to maintain his distance and to not make any contact.
How will she choose? A love triangle that is sure to grab your imagination and take you to places you wouldn't expect. Prepare yourself to be taken outside of the box. This author is limitless!
When I was given this book to review, I was very leery because it's now a genre I normally read being that it's shifters/paranormal romance. However, I was pleasantly surprised how engulfed I got into the book very early on!
This book as a little of everything! It's about shifters but it's more of an erotic romance! This book is HOTTTTTT!! Like fire hot!! OMG!! It's not short of twist, either! Just when you think it's going a certain way, it turns another corner! I love the suspense, angsty feel throughout!
The characters are well developed & the story is well written! I'm from the US & loved reading a book written with British terminology! I would have liked to see more of a struggle with the three mates as far as them hooking up but I'm not going to lie & say I didn't enjoy it!
Very good read & I can't wait to continue the story of Vanessa, Rebel & Mik!
This is a great introduction to a new Author. If she keeps writing at this level she will defiantly be an author to follow. The drama the romance the hurt and the loving all makes this a remarkable read. It does have some sex scenes that one of the participants are in animal form but it doesn't go to actual penetration so be warned of this is a hard limit for the reader.
A great Panther shifter book and the best part for me is its set in Australia!!! looking forward to more from this author well don Aria well done
A great paranormal read that I loved! One horrible event tears apart mates, but the pain that they both go through is so much to deal with! Although she remembers nothing at the beginning, her life and those of her mates, will be changed forever! Over coming something so horrible takes a strong person and having her mates there to support her gives her even more strength to find her way past her nasty past! I can't wait to read more from this great series!
Not for the faint of heart when it comes to erotic reads. But if you can get past the warnings that come from the author. You'll find a well written erotica story that doesn't disappoint.
Holy Hell !! Talk about one poor woman's totally obliterated life !! In one afternoon Vanessa goes from a happy go-lucky newly mated panther shifter, to a comatose, violated "human" with no memories of her attack, her mate or the fact that she has a cat inside she can shift into . Aria Peyton took a very complex situation, added a few paranormal twists to it and came out with Rebel, her mate and Mik, her other mate ...... yep, other mate watching her from afar, neither one knowing the whole story and under Alphas orders to not approach her. Well, we all know Fate will not be denied and when it was time for Nessa to remember, she does, with a vengeance, and someone else almost ends up dead !! This is a must read for any lover of paranormal romance, second chances and strong female leads. Caution: triggers for rape, murder and definite male consentual sex. Should be 18+ to read. Massive cliffhanger. 4☆'s for what I'm hoping is the 1st book in a new series by Aria Peyton. I received a gifted copy and am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.
This book is hard for me to write a review on. It crossed so many hard limits (for me), normally it would make me close the book. It was emotionally draining my eyes red raw from ugly cries This is a testament to Aria Peyton writing because as much as I wanted to put it down I just couldn't.
I really really enjoyed this book the story was fantastic. Had all the emotions to make you feel For sure. It is the first book I have read from this Author and it was well written will be reading more from Aria and can't wait for book 2 to come out ...
Fantastic story line. Got hooked on all the characters, loved and hated them at different times. Couldn't put it down at times and would spend my days wondering what was going to happen next. Highly recommend!
This is a great book about panther shifters she was mated with a man then she got raped by his best friend then her cat retreated in her mind her parents didn't want her to remember so so they did something to her memory and didn't want rebel in her life they thought it would be a trigger so they forced him to sign a letter. They sent her to college then gave her the letter making her believe that he left her for his best friend that she killed then her parents were killed. She went through school then in her last year of school she got involved with another man after her final exams rebel told her what happened then she remembers the whole story then cut the second man out of her life but in the end she mated again with herself and both men which really happens.
This was definitely not my usual genre, but I truly recommend it. I absolutely could not put this book down. It had everything....suspense, excitement, love, hate. A shifter menage would normally be very low on my list of books to read, but this was a great story. I felt like my heart would break so many times, and then it all worked out in a way I totally didn't expect. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Good shape shifting book with a few triggers of violence and rape. Vanessa is mated with Rebel but when Mikhail comes along we find out that he too is mated with her. Both are her guardians and both love her as she does them.
It's a good book and honestly there isn't much to say without giving away the whole plot.
If you love shape shifting and three ways, this is a great book to read but the initial scene is quite graphic.
Wow! This is my first time reading a book by Aria and she sure didn't disappoint. The story just drew me in from the very first page and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The love between Vanessa, Rebel and Mik is epic. Beautifully written shifter story and I can't wait to read more in this series. I'm hooked. I voluntarily reviewed a copy via Quirky Blind Date with a Book.
This was a heart wrenching tale of mates separated by a rape and the bungled attempts of the clan to “protect” the female. All it did was leave her lonely and broken far longer than necessary but it allowed her to meet her second mate which worked out happily in the end. This is just the beginning of a series for this shifter clan so more drama is to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok, so I'll give anything a go! When asked by the author to review this book I thought sure why not! When I read the warning I thought OMFG!! What have we got here???? I really wasn't sure whether I could cope and come out the other side unscarred. I did!!!
WARNING!!! It has some content that will some will find disturbing!!! Contains sex scenes without consent, rape, MM, and shifter and human encounters.
This book may have some freakiness to it in regards to shifters and if you can get past the 1 tiny little part that some may find uncomfortable you will be fine. I loved how the three main characters and loved the story that made them all come together.
The relationships are powerful and the sex scenes are hot as hell, love me some MMF!!!! Get yourself an extra set of panties and a box of tissues to read this book.
Thanks Aria for allowing me to read this great book!!! Can't wait for your next one!
I thought the concept of the story was great, however felt that at times it was a little disjointed ie how could Rebel not know about Malik if he was supposedly keeping and eye on Vanessa all the time. I also felt the time jumps weren't as smooth as they could have been and made you scratch your head a bit with what was going on. I did really enjoyed Rebel and Mikal, I thought their characters were great with how torn and confused with life and themselves, however felt with Vanessa's history and how she was at Uni vs how sexual she became without really questioning it or being shy about it dint fit especially as she had no idea about the cat within her. Once everyone knew what was going on the story got back on track and keeps up a great pace as well as intrigue to keep you reading to see what happens next.
It finished well and I look forward to reading the next installment of this series.
Wow, so this was definitely a steamy read. I knew going into it that it was going to erotic but I had no idea it was going to be so insane. I've never read one were its shift on human so that was slightly weird, but I stayed open minded and read the story. The characters were all intriguing to follow, slightly 2dimensional, I just wanted them a bit more filled out. The story pace was wicked fast so at time I was like jeez a years gone by how did this sorcery happen?! Yes so that kinda damped my mood, I really like fleshed out stories but if I'm going for a hot and sexy book this is definitely it. :) you get some awesome sex scenes quite frequently. Rating a three but only because I wish it had just a bit more going for it.
This is my first read by this author, I was lucky enough to win this book on a facebook game. Being a Melbourne girl, I loved the language in this book. The author stayed true to our culture and lingo. The book started so savage but this was crucial to the rest of the story. The journey of healing and love through an emotionally draining tale. Rebel, Vanessa and Mikhail are panther shifters, three people who need to come together and accept each other to form a powerful tri union. There are numerous hurdles in their lives, past trauma to over come and new problems along the way. The sex scenes were hot, the story well paced and the characters engaging. Such a roller coaster ride. The ending! I wanted so much more, is book 2 out yet I can't wait.
Wow! Words can't express how detailed and superbly planned out this story is! Aria has a magic combination in her writing where not only can the reader easily visualise the story, they can feel everything through the emotive language used. I don't usually read paranormal books but I will everything by this author- she's that good.
Shifter books aren't my favorite genre but I really loved this book! Dark and brutal in part (triggers), I really enjoyed the characters and storyline.