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Potential #1
Potential
"It's been three hundred years, now is the time..." Eighteen year old Aribelle Weever has been on the run for the past two years. She and her cousin are being hunted by a group of crazed panther shifters. Ari is a Potential. It is said that Potentials unlock a great power from within their fated mates. The panthers don't care about fate though, only power. She will not give up her freedom without a fight, but she can't shake her fear. Everything changes when she moves to the little town of Winago Heights... "...when the time is right, you will find the one that fate has chosen for you." Connell O'Reilly has been plagued by the death of his parents for the past eight years. The attack was meant to destroy his brothers, but he was able to save them. Because of the total destruction of the pack that night, he was thrown into the roles of father, provider, and Alpha. It wasn't easy for a boy at fifteen, but you play the hand you're dealt. Life has been quiet, that is until his brothers meet the new girl in town...
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
421 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Ridener
6 books104 followersM.L. Ridener lives in Kentucky with her husband and three children. She is a full time stay at home mother. When she isn't chasing after toddlers, picking up messes, changing diapers, or playing a daily game of twenty questions with a four year old, she loves to get wrapped up in a book. Her favorite genre's to read are Paranormal Romance and Contemporary Romance novels. She recently decided it was time to tell her own stories and so, The Potential Series was born.
Connect with me on:
www.instagram.com/authormlridener
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www.facebook.com/thepotentialseries
Connect with me on:
www.instagram.com/authormlridener
www.twitter.com/mlridener
www.facebook.com/thepotentialseries
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 18, 2016
I have no words. Just this:
Okay, so Ari's sole purpose in life as a "Potential" is to be able to unleash "great" power for her future mate. (Already, I know this isn't going to be a book that I like. But I try not to jump into conclusions. I give this a chance.)
Then, there are these evil Panther shifters want that power from a Potential, so they kidnap Ari and her cousin, to force a connection. Of course, before they could force anything, the girls escape. The girls relocate to a new town, and BAM - Ari meets her Wolf mate.... Sparks fly, they declare their undying love for each other, and the rest is history. (EYE-ROLL.) Love conquers all & all that. The romance/connection was SO cliched and cheesy, I was actually embarrassed while reading this. And I was bored out of my mind. I'm surprised I got through to the (obvious HEA) end.
More than this being a horrible, uninspired waste-of-time story, it was a total a snooze-fest, this one. And there's absolutely NOTHING that was new, unique, original, or memorable that I can recall.
Okay, so Ari's sole purpose in life as a "Potential" is to be able to unleash "great" power for her future mate. (Already, I know this isn't going to be a book that I like. But I try not to jump into conclusions. I give this a chance.)
Then, there are these evil Panther shifters want that power from a Potential, so they kidnap Ari and her cousin, to force a connection. Of course, before they could force anything, the girls escape. The girls relocate to a new town, and BAM - Ari meets her Wolf mate.... Sparks fly, they declare their undying love for each other, and the rest is history. (EYE-ROLL.) Love conquers all & all that. The romance/connection was SO cliched and cheesy, I was actually embarrassed while reading this. And I was bored out of my mind. I'm surprised I got through to the (obvious HEA) end.
More than this being a horrible, uninspired waste-of-time story, it was a total a snooze-fest, this one. And there's absolutely NOTHING that was new, unique, original, or memorable that I can recall.
December 18, 2015
I found it a refreshing change that the girl is more knowledgeable than her significant other. Also liked that there was no angst or protestations regarding the impending relationship. She knew what was happening, accepted it, & tried to help the guy through his issues while explaining things to everyone else. Nice.
August 17, 2016
The synopsis grabbed me and probably gave me high expectations. A misused word starts right away in chapter one and the mistakes continue. The writing became flatter as I read and the heroine was so unbelievable I wasn't able to finish.
The idea was good but I felt it didn't blend with the high school setting.
The idea was good but I felt it didn't blend with the high school setting.
February 22, 2016
This was a unique concept for a shifter book. I was pleasantly surprised with the plot. There was plenty of romance and suspense in it. Four glittery stars!
March 21, 2016
Very simple. A bit too much telling, not enough showing. But a palatable first novella.
September 20, 2017
Its not for me. There is so much potential in this book (excuse the pun or is it irony?!)
I think it sadly just fell short of being really amazing.
I think it sadly just fell short of being really amazing.
January 5, 2016
This is MY opinion of the book Potential.
The plot was good, the story should have been as well but the misused and misspelled words, incorrect grammar, stilted dialogue annoyed me. The characters annoyed me. The lack of descriptive scenes annoyed me.
The mate bond between Connell and Ari had no substance. I can understand instant attraction but that was it. Aribelle also knew everything, I mean she was the perfect heroine. Strong, decisive and knowledgeable but nothing about her drew me in. The best friend who she has known for two days she spills all her secrets to because she has a feeling? What? Maybe because the entire book felt rushed and odd, I just didn't get it.
The plot was good. The idea of potentials should have made a fabulous book. I probably won't move on to book two when released.
I gave two stars because the idea for the book was good, the execution wasn't.
The plot was good, the story should have been as well but the misused and misspelled words, incorrect grammar, stilted dialogue annoyed me. The characters annoyed me. The lack of descriptive scenes annoyed me.
The mate bond between Connell and Ari had no substance. I can understand instant attraction but that was it. Aribelle also knew everything, I mean she was the perfect heroine. Strong, decisive and knowledgeable but nothing about her drew me in. The best friend who she has known for two days she spills all her secrets to because she has a feeling? What? Maybe because the entire book felt rushed and odd, I just didn't get it.
The plot was good. The idea of potentials should have made a fabulous book. I probably won't move on to book two when released.
I gave two stars because the idea for the book was good, the execution wasn't.
April 19, 2018
Love the idea, great action. The main character, Aribella, is funny. She's as self-confident as someone in their 40's would be. The showdown with the "queen bee" is epic.
There are some consistent punctuation errors, and some of the writing is a bit basic/juvenile . There's this storytelling in the beginning as if there was a previous novel in the series and so a brief summary of all that came before is included, instead of the facts unfolding organically. The facts are also repeated in a similar manner but in an inner monologue format a few pages later. Also, this novel was too short. Some additional character development and some added school drama would have been nice to get the full feeling of their world and understand their characters. I look forward to seeing what happens in book 2, though.
There are some consistent punctuation errors, and some of the writing is a bit basic/juvenile . There's this storytelling in the beginning as if there was a previous novel in the series and so a brief summary of all that came before is included, instead of the facts unfolding organically. The facts are also repeated in a similar manner but in an inner monologue format a few pages later. Also, this novel was too short. Some additional character development and some added school drama would have been nice to get the full feeling of their world and understand their characters. I look forward to seeing what happens in book 2, though.
June 12, 2016
ok so I read this in literslly 1 and a half hours I flew through it!
This was a fun and fast paced read with something going on all the time, I enjoyed the characyers and the plot but felt like it all needed more development, it all happened so fast and their was barely anything explained. but it was still an enjoyable story to read.
The plot was unique and interesting enough and I liked where it was going it has potential I just feel like it needs to be flushed out more and have more development and time spent on everything that happened so quickly. It needed to slow down.
The characters were all loveable but again they needed more development. I also really enjoyed how the girl was strong and in charge and knew everything instead of the guy being all know it all, it was refreshing!
This was a fun and fast paced read with something going on all the time, I enjoyed the characyers and the plot but felt like it all needed more development, it all happened so fast and their was barely anything explained. but it was still an enjoyable story to read.
The plot was unique and interesting enough and I liked where it was going it has potential I just feel like it needs to be flushed out more and have more development and time spent on everything that happened so quickly. It needed to slow down.
The characters were all loveable but again they needed more development. I also really enjoyed how the girl was strong and in charge and knew everything instead of the guy being all know it all, it was refreshing!
December 28, 2015
Where to start... I guess I'll start with what I liked. The concept and plot are different and intriguing. I also liked the characters. So far they are easy to like. I do feel like they could use some more development. Actually, the whole book could do with some more development. There was very little background given and what was given just left more questions. Bottom line I think Potential has potential. I will probably read the next book just to see how Falcon and Chloe work out.
May 6, 2016
When I read the synopsis, I thought this book would be awesome. It wasn't... There are good cliches and there are bad cliches. This book literally had the words "You're my hero" I could predict the entire outcome within the first 10 pages. The way that Ari instantly accepts the mate bond and takes control without any apprehension, was boring. The way the plot was set up, this book also could have had humor, but every other line made me want to groan. I regret wasting my money on it.
December 26, 2015
Fast pace!!
I liked the premise a lot and think the story has awesome potential. Very excited about the sequel!! The acceptance and love that happens immediately when the main character's mate was found was a little hard to swallow, even if that's the idea and how the author intended it :) Excited for more and would recommend to fans of fast paced romance.
I liked the premise a lot and think the story has awesome potential. Very excited about the sequel!! The acceptance and love that happens immediately when the main character's mate was found was a little hard to swallow, even if that's the idea and how the author intended it :) Excited for more and would recommend to fans of fast paced romance.
January 31, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! it seemed a little rushed though and could of been strung out a bit longer but the story line held me captive! (probably why i thought it was too short, i was greedy and wanted more!) the little tease at the end got me too!
NEED THE NEXT ONE IN MY LIFE NAAOOO!!!
*grabby motions*
pllleeeaaase!!!! *puppy eyes*
NEED THE NEXT ONE IN MY LIFE NAAOOO!!!
*grabby motions*
pllleeeaaase!!!! *puppy eyes*
March 29, 2016
This is one of very few books I will never finish. I made an attempt to keep reading but at halfway through I knew I wasn't going to make it. It was every cliche shifter ,love at first sight story, that I have ever read. I didn't find the characters to be well developed or the plot to be interesting enough to make it to what I assume would be a sunset hea type ending.
November 24, 2015
I love it ! Cant wait for the next book.. Very easy to get lost in this story.
The story is about human young female who are destined for mating with shifters. The girls are running from a group of shifter that kidnapped them and wanted to force mate them.
The story is about human young female who are destined for mating with shifters. The girls are running from a group of shifter that kidnapped them and wanted to force mate them.
December 21, 2015
Too short
The story plot was a good idea. However it was too cliché for me. It needed more development in everything. This book just felt rushed and too teeny bopper! I will not be reading the next book.
The story plot was a good idea. However it was too cliché for me. It needed more development in everything. This book just felt rushed and too teeny bopper! I will not be reading the next book.
January 13, 2016
A good beginning
I enjoyed the storyline and the new faces of shifters and potentials that are introduced but all the spelling errors and structure problems distracted me from the story. Having to go back and reread things breaks up the flow of a good story. For shame editors.
I enjoyed the storyline and the new faces of shifters and potentials that are introduced but all the spelling errors and structure problems distracted me from the story. Having to go back and reread things breaks up the flow of a good story. For shame editors.
February 6, 2016
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the world and characters. The book needs some major editing, especially with homophones. I think the pace was a bit fast and the story some more beef. I will try to look for the next book.
November 21, 2015
Good book
I really liked this book and I'm excited to read the next one. Though I do wish it was a bit longer.
I really liked this book and I'm excited to read the next one. Though I do wish it was a bit longer.
September 7, 2019
Lovedb
What a great twist on the werewolf storyline. I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. Read this book!
What a great twist on the werewolf storyline. I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. Read this book!
December 13, 2015
Loved this book!!! Cannot wait for the rest of the series!!! I will be reading from this author from now on!!!
February 29, 2016
Rating
I really liked this book its so interesting..when u read the prologue it just catches your attention right away...I just really liked it
I really liked this book its so interesting..when u read the prologue it just catches your attention right away...I just really liked it
November 13, 2016
I love books about werewolves and mates and Potential was a good read.
The story was a quick and easy read, I really enjoyed it. I could see where the story was going but it didn't take away from me enjoying it. The story could have been devolved a little more but it is the first novel so hopeful it will in the rest of the series.
Airbelle is a decent character, she is the take control of the situation type and she cares strongly for the people around her. She has a sassy attitude which I wish I could have seen more. As for the others they were okay Conner and his playfulness, Colton the shy one and Falcon the strong silent type. I wish they were also developed a little more but maybe they will be later on.
Potential has different types of shifters, people on the run, action, murder, kidnapping, love and the mysterious potentials. I can't to see where the rest of this series will go.
The story was a quick and easy read, I really enjoyed it. I could see where the story was going but it didn't take away from me enjoying it. The story could have been devolved a little more but it is the first novel so hopeful it will in the rest of the series.
Airbelle is a decent character, she is the take control of the situation type and she cares strongly for the people around her. She has a sassy attitude which I wish I could have seen more. As for the others they were okay Conner and his playfulness, Colton the shy one and Falcon the strong silent type. I wish they were also developed a little more but maybe they will be later on.
Potential has different types of shifters, people on the run, action, murder, kidnapping, love and the mysterious potentials. I can't to see where the rest of this series will go.
July 14, 2017
This was a quick book. It had clean romance, and there was the whole soul mate thing that I loved. Some of the things that should've seemed impossible were able to seem possible, thanks to the authors craft. It was a pretty good read, but I'll probably not get into the rest of the series.
I liked that Connel and Ari didn't care about the five year age gap, because it could have turned into one of those stupid problems where you're yelling at the characters like "You stupid fool! You guys are literally meant to be! Does it REALLY matter that much that you're a couple years older/younger than them!?!" So that was refreshing.
Definitely liked the book, a bit short for my taste, but all in all a good book.
I liked that Connel and Ari didn't care about the five year age gap, because it could have turned into one of those stupid problems where you're yelling at the characters like "You stupid fool! You guys are literally meant to be! Does it REALLY matter that much that you're a couple years older/younger than them!?!" So that was refreshing.
Definitely liked the book, a bit short for my taste, but all in all a good book.
February 23, 2022
Not my type of book…
I’m not someone who can DNF a book. But I’m this one was close… I wanted a good wolf Alpha romance. But this didn’t do it for me.
Although I can understand that the girls were basically being conditioned to feel the only value they have is to their mate. But I just wish they wanted more independents. It’s just not my type of thing. I also didn’t like that their aunt who should be the the adult in their life didn’t seem to have a part in the book other then a few small mentions. I would think she would be more of an asset of information also why would the panthers have kept the aunt alive??? It just doesn’t seem to match up. And that’s just one of many holes it the story.
I’m not someone who can DNF a book. But I’m this one was close… I wanted a good wolf Alpha romance. But this didn’t do it for me.
Although I can understand that the girls were basically being conditioned to feel the only value they have is to their mate. But I just wish they wanted more independents. It’s just not my type of thing. I also didn’t like that their aunt who should be the the adult in their life didn’t seem to have a part in the book other then a few small mentions. I would think she would be more of an asset of information also why would the panthers have kept the aunt alive??? It just doesn’t seem to match up. And that’s just one of many holes it the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
It's a nice idea. A twist on the classic werewolf/mate story. It's always showing up in my amazon recommends emails so I tried it. The story really needed to be fleshed out. I didn't care about the characters. You barely get a chance to know them or even know the main couple as a couple. It just needed more.
Plus, get a better editor. I'm normally not too bothered by little misses here and there, but I can't handle the use of site instead of sight for something someone is seeing!! Or worse: torcher?? It's torture!! Torcher isn't even a word!
Plus, get a better editor. I'm normally not too bothered by little misses here and there, but I can't handle the use of site instead of sight for something someone is seeing!! Or worse: torcher?? It's torture!! Torcher isn't even a word!
June 20, 2017
Good storyline
This book is told from a duel POV, Connells and Ari's . The characters are likeable and the storyline could have potentially been brilliant. However, with that said the story lacked depth and so did the soul bonding romances. It lacked in depth in all areas for me and is probably more suited for younger adults. With the Insta love and rapid romances going on it reminds me of primary school romances. It's a real shame with the likeable characters this book could have been made a great read with more depth.
This book is told from a duel POV, Connells and Ari's . The characters are likeable and the storyline could have potentially been brilliant. However, with that said the story lacked depth and so did the soul bonding romances. It lacked in depth in all areas for me and is probably more suited for younger adults. With the Insta love and rapid romances going on it reminds me of primary school romances. It's a real shame with the likeable characters this book could have been made a great read with more depth.
August 15, 2020
1 Mythical Stars
Potential is the first book in the series of the same title by M. L. Ridener.
Too short. Too shallow. Loads of potential in the concept, at least. A different take on the typical fated mates of the werewolf trope, if only slight.
Any connection or sympathy for the characters was ephemeral at best. You can understand their plight, but the lack of true character development and growth allows for little else.
The villain was cliche and archaic. And I do not find any need or desire to continue the series.
Potential is the first book in the series of the same title by M. L. Ridener.
Too short. Too shallow. Loads of potential in the concept, at least. A different take on the typical fated mates of the werewolf trope, if only slight.
Any connection or sympathy for the characters was ephemeral at best. You can understand their plight, but the lack of true character development and growth allows for little else.
The villain was cliche and archaic. And I do not find any need or desire to continue the series.
December 6, 2017
.... rushed ... that is what I think about this book... I didn't feel like I got connected to anyone and I understand the mate true love one and only thing... but dang it seems that it was just eye contact and then love .. like sick puppy dog you hang up first love ... idk to me it just seemed to easy. And where is the rest of this cat pack? if they took out a whole pack of wolfs where is the rest?
Just wasn't my cup of tea..
Just wasn't my cup of tea..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews