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Shadowed #2

Shadowed Instincts

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Melanie Johnson's world just got turned upside down and she is still reeling from her father’s revelation of their shocking family secret.

Everything she knew about herself has been transformed- just as, on the night of the full moon after her 17th birthday, her very being will transform into something unfamiliar. Wild. Powerful.

Now Melanie’s family sweeps her off to the wilderness of Kentucky to join others like themselves and prepare for what lies ahead. The one constant in her life is Jeremy, who’s support gives her strength. Even as he struggles over his family’s betrayal and his own shifting identity, he stands beside her, hand in hand, as they discover the world that could have been theirs had circumstance not gotten in the way.

Melanie has an amazing birthday- her bond with Jeremy is solidified despite the attentions of an angel-faced new acquaintance, her best friend makes a surprise visit and everything seems right for once in her crazy new life- until someone makes an attempt on Jeremy’s life and she almost loses him.

Jeremy has rescued Melanie from death, kidnapping, and even the local mean girl. Now it’s her turn to protect him. No matter the cost.

*This is book 2 of the Shadowed Series and begins right where Shadowed Strength ended.
**This young adult paranormal romance is suggested for readers 16+ for language and mild sexual situations.

278 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2015

73 people are currently reading
312 people want to read

About the author

Wendi L. Wilson

30 books334 followers
Wendi Wilson is a mother to two rambunctious boys, a fat black cat, two ferrets, and a pup named Izzy. She spends her time watching her boys play baseball and football, volunteering at school, reading and writing.

She enjoys reading YA paranormal romance, NA romance, and dystopian novels. Her first book, Shadowed Strength, is the culmination of 20+ years of work, a dream finally realized.

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5 stars
105 (43%)
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49 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa Vargas.
302 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2017
Ahh!

This book kept me on the edge of my seat.. I read this book straight through and after taking a quick 5 minute recharge I will be starting the next one!
Profile Image for Tamara.
239 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2016
This is a continuation of the story from Shadowed Strength, so if you haven't read that you will definitely want to start there first.

Melanie and Jeremy. I love them together. I love that they are growing in their both their relationship as well as their individual strengths. Their relationship is being tested - can they overcome the obstacles being thrown at them from all sides? Can they discover who can be trusted, before it's too late?

This book answers all of these questions and more! This is a definite read, and I look forward to book three in the series.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon Avangeline.
Author 2 books26 followers
August 1, 2016
The highest compliment I could ever give this story is that I don't like shifter books and I absolutely love this story! The only other shifter story that I have ever liked was by Maggie Stiefvater's series about the wolves of Mercy Falls. Since she is one of my writing heroes, being compared with that kind of storytelling is high praise indeed! I love how the characters in both of the Shadowed books come alive. By the end of the second book, I truly felt like I knew the people in this story. The author made me care about them and their journey from beginning to end. Brilliant sequel!!
Profile Image for Amanda Siegrist.
Author 64 books746 followers
December 28, 2015
Excellent read!

Great book! It took you right from book one into the action. Melanie and Jeremy's relationship develops into a beautiful love that you just can't help but swoon over. Then, a wonderful twist at the end that I didn't see coming. Wendi has sucked me in to crave the next book to see how everything develops:)
Profile Image for Juliana Botha.
100 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2017
Once again i was blown away by Wendi's writing and storytelling. This Series is just amazing. Very loveable characters, plot twists, danger, suspense, intriguing, young love and more..

As you know by now, finally the mystery is solved and who the 'creeper' was in the first book 'Shadowed Strength'., and more got revealed to Melanie, and she met her father for the first time in almost seventeen years.. We'll refusing to leave Jeremy behind for the summer vacations, they will be spending a few months at her father's compound / Dend of whatever. ( Not worried about small technicalities. Lol)
Once they got there Melanie was in awe as to what she perceived things to be, she imagined, naked people wandering around or just dog's but yeah she was surprised. (Well if i was Melanie i would have hope that if there was naked men / boy's at least they should be hot Right??) Let me get back on point.
Here they got meet a few people like the Brown family, and Darren's beta ( Second in command) Chad, wife Willow and the most angelic looking boy Declan. ( Ps! don't forget about him)
From here on out the story develops quit very good, plenty of drama, creepy hormonal boy's, a very big revelation and one big twist you won't see coming. Lol.

Don't wanna spoil the fun for the other readers, but this book is a must read as well, and a welcome change to the normal shifter's we like to read about.

Happy Reading

Juls






Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2018
In Shadowed Strength, Melanie’s long lost father, Darren, revealed that she was a shapeshifter, a cyanthrope, (weredog) like her father. She also learns that her father is the Alpha of the Kentucky Pack. With her 17th birthday fast approaching, Darren wants her to move to Kentucky for the summer so that the pack can ease her into her first transition. Melanie refuses to go unless Jeremy accompanies her. Darren promises to allow Jeremy to come as long as his parents agree.

Upon learning about Darren’s pack, Jeremy realises his parents have lied to him about his heritage and the fact that they weren’t aware of other packs. He confronts them only to learn that they have been on the run for many years. Their pack in Oklahoma want Jeremy dead due to the fact that he is next in line for the Alpha. Jeremy’s parents agree to meet with Darren, who promises his pack will protect Jeremy. His parents reluctantly agree to let Jeremy go to Kentucky.

When they arrive at the compound in Kentucky, Melanie is introduced to Darren’s beta, Chad as well as Chad’s wife, Willow and their son Declan. Melanie feels a strange attraction towards Declan and it’s not long before she has two boys vying for her affections. Events take a sinister twist however, when several attempts are made on Jeremy’s life. Has someone from the Oklahoma Pack managed to track him down or is it someone closer to home?

Shadowed Instinct was every bit as engaging as it’s prequel. It was fast paced and hard to put down. I read it in a day. Although the culprit seemed obvious at first, it came as a shock when the identity of the real assailant was revealed.

The twist at the end was a unexpected although in hindsight it wasn’t surprising. Melanie’s character has grown considerably in confidence in this installment. Gone is the shy, uncertain and timid girl we saw in Shadowed Strength. Where Jeremy seemed to be the one protecting her in the first book, Melanie was the one protecting her ‘mate’ in this book.

“If they are after you, that means they are after what’s mine. And I protect what’s mine.”

It will be interesting to know where the author will go with the latest revelation. Luckily I have the third book lined up to read next.
Profile Image for Jojos.reading.
5 reviews
May 27, 2017
Oh my god that ending!!
These series is a must read! Literally through out this book I was gasping and saying oh my god! Towards the end of the book even my sister walking on my room to check if I was okay! incredible!
Profile Image for Peggy.
81 reviews
June 2, 2017
This has some twists and turns at the very end that I didn't see coming! I enjoyed this second book of the series even more than the first. The characters were more developed, the plot thickened and there were a few surprises along the way. I enjoyed it, looking forward to starting the next one!
Profile Image for  Mummy Cat Claire.
836 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2016
"Melanie saw me naked today," Declan announced in a booming voice before she could come up with a valid excise for her discomfort. Her mouth dropped open as her eyes shot to him, wide with disbelief. Somewhere in the room a fork hit a plate loudly, then there was silence. Declan winked at her. ..."


Melanie has changed and now her father in back in her life. Melanie has slimmed down from a size 14 to a size 8. Her emotions are heightened as well as her five senses. The family decides that for 2-3 months, they are going to pack up and leave Georgia for Kentucky and live with Melanie's father and his clan.

Jeremy's life has also changed. His parents are back in town and confessed that they aren't alone in the world. There are more people, like them, and others are trying to find Jeremy because they want to kill him. After this revelation, Jeremy elects to go to Kentucky with Melanie and her family.

There are new characters in this book. The reader is introduced to Chad, Willow and Declan. This is the beta and his family. Declan takes a liking to Melanie and tries to convince her of his abilities to please her.

I had reservations about this book, thinking I wasn't going to like it. I found that I enjoyed the compound and I liked getting to know her father. Although, I wish the book would have included more information on her parent's relationship and I wish I would have seen more of Melanie's mother, Elaine.

Jeremy and Melanie continue their relationship with a lot of lurve. Many times they profess their dying devotion to one another. However, I like the characters and I feel like Melanie is a strong female lead and Jeremy is a nice balance of strength and support for her.

Overall, this was a nice continuation to the first book. I enjoyed the new characters and the different setting. This book concentrates more on Melanie and Jeremy's relationship. Although there is a minor mystery to who is trying to kill Jeremy, this story line didn't consume the story like their relationship did. This book doesn't talk as much about Melanie's weight. But there are still several mentions of her becoming more toned and slim. Her sexuality becomes a topic in this book and I can't help seeing a correlation between her size and her sexuality. I liked Melanie's father. I wish there was more of him, but perhaps in the next book there will be. This book ends with a fabulous cliff hanger, so be prepared. I would recommend this book for those who like YA paranormal romance novels. However, I would not recommend it for younger ladies.

Content: mild language, clean except for talk of sex between characters and sexual advice, sensual kissing

I received a copy from I love YA books in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alisha.
261 reviews13 followers
January 20, 2016
Loved!! I finished this in less than 24 hours. Ms. Wilson's second novel in this series does NOT disappoint!

The way Melanie and Jeremy's relationship unfolds is just wonderful, and I truly mean that in every sense of the word. He doesn't let things progress when they shouldn't, loves her fiercely and protects her selflessly. Another way of putting that-he's the same Jeremy that I loved from the first book in the Shadowed series. *insert girly squeals of joy and excitement, plus lots of sigh-worthy moments*

I really liked seeing how Darren and Elaine fell into a relationship again together. Although I'm sure it would be a little more complicated in reality, to me it just felt like it showed how much they love(d) each other and had always been waiting for each other in a way.

I was so frustrated with Declan and his advances on Melanie over the course of the novel, and without giving spoilers, ended up pleasantly surprised by the end of the novel. It's really hard to write this review without giving spoilers, but suffice it to say, I was surprised by Chris, and I think Tara will be coming out of this with newfound understanding and strength.

I know this book just came out, so I can't wish for the third book to pop up anytime soon, but I so desperately wish I could dive right into it NOW. I can't wait to see what Ms. Wilson has in store for us on the next one. As long as Jeremy and Melanie remain as true to themselves and each other as they have in these first two, I don't think it can go wrong. Great read!!

Romance: clean; eludes to a scene that is in no way descriptive - fades to black
Language: a few words over the course of the entire novel, nothing I would consider awful-the "lighter" curse words, if you will
Profile Image for  Marla.
2,341 reviews140 followers
August 6, 2016
Great, quick read as much about young love as old love, family and a mystery. The story literally picks up the moment that the last book ended, and again leaves us with a cliffhanger, but not quite as drastic as last time. There are sexual situations in this book, unlike the first book, so be warned.

Unfortunately, there's a love triangle in this book. And we don't really get to learn much about life or the families in Wilkes, except for the alpha mansion's dining room, game room and theater. But I still love the characters and worried about them and wished them well. This time, we learn more about Jeremy's past and he's the one in danger. It was nice to learn more about shifters and a shifting community.

Likes:
* Tara is the bestest friend
* Learning more about Jeremy's past


Dislikes:
* Not a fan of love triangles
* Another cliffhanger ending, but the 3rd book isn't out yet


With-reservations:
violence, attempted murder, death, sexual situations

For review:
Received a free review copy from author [We ♥ YA Books!] R2R #86

Profile Image for Lakshmi C.
346 reviews107 followers
June 14, 2016
Why Im Elated and filled with Despair at the same time :

I loved Shadowed Strength and dove into Shadowed Instinct becuase of the cliffhanger. I needed to know what happened next and patience was a stranger at this point.
Lets get to the good stuff :

Lead Characters
We get to see Melanie and Jeremy grow as individuals and as a couple. They communicate more, are protective and a great team.

Alphas and Packs
This relationship is described well and influences the story on several levels.
Never before have I seen this concept explained with such clarity, bonus brownies.

History
Jeremy and Melanie both view their past differently and support each other as their partner tries to accept these changes affecting their lives.

Darren
He was super cool, understanding parent and strong alpha. We see him bond with Melanie in this book and he has a defined role in this story.

Declan
It would be wrong to call it a love triangle but Jeremy has a rival for Melanie's affections.

Evolving
In the first book we see Melanie struggling with teenage woes, in this book we see her adjusting pschologically and physically with shapeshifting.

Mystery
One of our leads is in mortal danger in an unfamiliar land.
The twist was mind blowing and I did not see it coming. Hate to admit it, but it was completely unexpected.

Despair
There's a huge cliffhanger and I don't have book three.

I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
246 reviews
March 31, 2018
Absolutely loved it! I would have never thought that the character behind everything was Chris.
I have to say that I thought that Melanie was a bit paranoid but she had her reasons. After all, she is the Alpha's daughter and people want that position in a pack.
I have to say that that end was what surprised me and even though they explained it at the beginning of the book (That by killing an Alpha you become and Alpha) I totally forgot because of the intense action and things that happened and that I didn't thought they would happen.
It is written in third person so we can know what does every character feels, although it concentrates, mostly, on Melanie and, sometimes on Jeremy.
It was nice to get to know what Jeremy's parents were hiding and it was also nice to get to know all those things that our characters started to know through their stay with Darren's pack (Melanie's father).
I still love Tara and think that she is a hell of a best friend, and although I didn't got to met Declan too well I do think that something is awaiting him and Tara (expecting to be a relationship).

https://blogderesenas.blogspot.com.es...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ramona Plant.
752 reviews23 followers
June 20, 2016
Wendi beautifully continues the story of Melanie and her friends. The plot is well thought through and has a few twists, some you will figure out and others that are a little tougher. The pace of the book is perfect and guides you through the next trials of Melanie's life!

You can't help but like Melanie. She has a lot thrown at her but manages to stay true to herself and get through her problems. Jeremy is just perfect for her. Both grow together in the second part of the story.

Good news is, this one ends without a cliff hanger. Yes there is more to the story but this time I got some "closure". Having the first one read helps, but it is not really necessary. If you consider reading this I would start with the first one though.

I have really enjoyed this book and will read the next one when it comes out.

I have received this book from the author for an honest review. (LoP, Lovers of Paranormal)
Profile Image for Carissa Lynch.
Author 32 books732 followers
February 8, 2016
When I love the first book in a series, there's always this fear book two won't measure up. Well let me tell you - book two does more than that. It was even better than the first! The story flows perfectly, like you just left off from book one. There are some new interesting characters and lots of twists, but Melanie and Jeremy are still awesome as ever. There are lots of characters, some more likable than others, but I was equally enthralled with all of their story lines. Wendi's writing is clear and concise, but she spins a story like nobody's business and I am HOOKED on this series now. The ending was perfect and one I didn't see coming. I was left with only question: when is book three coming out?!
Profile Image for A.L. Wright.
Author 11 books90 followers
February 18, 2016
Wendi Wilson has done it again with the continuation of Melanie and Jeremy's story of shared uniqueness. This story answers some questions about Jeremy's past, both for him and for the reader. The poor guy gets bumped and bruised a lot along the way, so the dynamic shifts from him being Melanie's protector to her being his.
The young couple do a lot of growing in a short amount of time, so the story moves along at a very fast pace. But the fast pace and continued discovery of the characters pasts, present situations and future possibilities makes this a book that is very hard to put down. And the ending will definitely leave you wanting book 3 in your hands now!
Well done to the author, another well earned 5 stars from me. Waiting patiently for the next book!
Profile Image for Danielle.
385 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2016
After finishing Shadowed Strength (the first book in the series), I was really excited for Shadowed Instincts. I was not disappointed. It picks up right where the first book left off. There are so many twists and turns in this book, and I was not expecting hardly any of them. There was one that I guessed a little bit at the end, but I really only guessed a fraction of it, so I was still left thinking, "WOW!"

I can't believe the way this book ended! I hope Ms. Wilson finishes writing the third book soon, because I really want to know what happens! I really enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for T.L. McDonald.
Author 10 books102 followers
January 1, 2016
Wendi Wilson has done it again. Shadowed Instincts was amazing. I had it read in less than two days. It was just as good, if not better, than the first, and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Shadowed Instincts picks up right where Shadowed Strength leaves off and takes you on a rollercoaster of events that leaves you wanting more. New characters are introduced, the swoon-worthy romance between Melanie and Jeremy grows, a new threat reveals itself, and just when you think you have it all figured out, a new twist or two pops up and suddenly your not so sure anymore. And that ending—holy Hells Bells—what a perfect way to set up for book three. Loved it.
Profile Image for Kay LaLone.
Author 2 books144 followers
March 11, 2016
I loved this book. I fell in love with these great, fun characters. I enjoyed watching Melanie and Jeremy fall in love. Melanie is keeping a secret from her best friend Tara. Melanie is a shapeshifter just like Jeremy and she is preparing for her first shift. Everything goes deadly wrong when Tara and her boyfriend Chris visit for Melanie seventeenth birthday. Someone is trying to kill Jeremy. Mystery. Romance. Danger. Twist. Pager turner. Thanks, Wendi, for a good read. I can't wait to read book three. I received this book free for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kellie.
Author 32 books320 followers
January 5, 2016
A great sequel

This is a really fun and exciting sequel to Wendis first book. Jeremy and Melanie are enjoying their new relationship and learning more about their nature. Some interesting new characters are introduced and there's a fun mystery too. Romance, drama, and thrills! I'm anxious to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Megan Nelson.
9 reviews
January 1, 2016
Gahh!! Just finished it and can't wait for book 3! I thought it was seeming a little predictable but then nothing that I thought was going to happen actually happened. Amazing amazing read!
Profile Image for Karen.
85 reviews
July 28, 2016
Love, love loved it!

I loved the first 2 books of this series! I can't wait to read the next! It had suspense, action, and romance....what more could you want in a book? Loved it!
Profile Image for Faith Lynn.
Author 3 books105 followers
July 29, 2016
Fantastic twist I didn't see coming until the end!!!! Love this series and can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tonya Royston.
Author 10 books42 followers
July 24, 2017
I am often hesitant to start the second book in a series because I worry it won't be as good as the first (unless the series reads like a serialized novel and I didn't feel like this one did). I was delightfully surprised to find that this story went to a whole new level in book 2. I think I enjoyed the second book almost better than the first. It was fast paced and brought in new characters. I loved the relationship between Melanie and Jeremy and that they became more involved in this second book. I have already started the third and final book in this story. The only thing I don't like is that the second and third books are not formatted very well for print. The first book was very professional and the sides lined up. The second and third books are not justified on the right side and there's a space between paragraphs. The chapter headings are at the top of the page and the author's name in the header is right above the first line of the page. I would have preferred all three books to look like the first book in the interior, but at least this isn't taking away from my enjoyment of the story! :)
Profile Image for vakilo.
330 reviews28 followers
September 27, 2018
Ein Versuch der Reihe eine Chance zu geben.

Mel ist die Tochter eines Alphas und soll das wahre Leben kennenlernen. Kurzer Hand machen die Kids Urlaub bei den KY Pack. Kaum dort angekommen, fliegt der nächste gutaussehende Kerl auf Mel und versucht sie zu manipulieren.

Mel ist natürlich nicht so eine. Sie läuft nur in knappen und engen Klamotten rum, ist dauergeil und dann der Phäromonen kann es auch jeder riechen.

Mel wurde für mich sehr unsympathisch.

Ausserdem ist der Handlungsstrang aus Band 1 nicht abgeschlossen, wird in Band 2 immer wieder mal erwähnt und die Autorin führt 2 neue Handlungen ein. Jeremy bekommt quasi einen eigenen Handlungsstrang, der auch immer wieder aufgeführt wird und am Ende wird Mel die Hauptperson von Jers Handlung. Unnötig kompliziert und hat mir den letzten Rest an Interesse für die Serie verdorben.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews36 followers
September 7, 2018
The action continues in book 2 as Mel and Jeremy learn more about their new lifestyle and meet the pack. Things heat up between the two and there seems to be some competition for Mel's attention. Between that and the mystery surrounding the escalating attempts on Jeremy these two stay very busy. Seems they got the can't help its when it comes to drawing trouble their way. Great fun and since the author doesn't go into detail this is still a read for all ages. although you might want to tell the girls to suck up the tears unlike Mel. Mel does show more backbone as she picks up more of her animal traits and she is going to need that backbone more than ever.

Great series I am thoroughly enjoying. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for George.
485 reviews
June 15, 2017
Quite a strange story concerning people who can turn into dogs and what is happening to a young girl when she discovers she is indeed one, just as her boyfriend is, and her birthday and first change is coming up rather quickly.
Add to that the suspense of someone wanting to harm her boyfriend and you have a good convoluted story.
Profile Image for Debbie Torres.
38 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2019
Murder Attempts

The mysterious surroundings of attempted murder made this book good. But, it was a slower read than the last book. And, I noticed in this book that when people spoke to someone else, such as Jeremy speaking to Melanie, , many times he would say say things like she instead of you, etc. It was very frustrating trying to figure it out.
Profile Image for Jill Gauger.
1,224 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2020
This book and series keeps getting better and better. I loved this book. It’s fast paced and full of amazing characters.
Melanie finds out that she is just like Jeremy when her father shows up before her 17th birthday and explains his absence from her life all these years.
I shy away from giving spoilers so all I can say is this book is adventurous and amazing with interesting twists and romance. A great read so enjoy!
Profile Image for Dschaper54.
787 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2017
Schaper's stuff

Awesome. I know, it seems I day that about every book but I know that if I'm entertained and the character have merit, I love it. I teach middle school so that's what I read... books I can recommend to my students. This book fits that bill.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

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