EVERYONE KNOWS MONSTERS EXIST. BUT SHE NEVER EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THEM…
Thanks to her great- great-grandmother, loner Claire Sommers’ DNA results are succubus positive. To make matters worse, her college is forcing her into the Supernatural program. The last place she wants to be is in a room filled with ferals, vampires, and other monsters from her nightmares. The absolute worst thing she can imagine? Getting hit with her first fervor in the middle of said classroom. Especially in front of the new alpha of the Red Crescent pack, Lucas Masters.
With every Supe in scenting distance caught up in the pheromone frenzy, Claire realizes she’s probably not going to survive the night with her dignity intact. She may not even survive at all…
Thanks Grandma.
The Fervor is the sizzling first installment of the Sinful Supes series. If you’re a fan of dominant werewolves and dark suspense, sign up for the free advance review copy today. http://xkovak.com/free-arc-sign-ups/
XANDRIE KOVAK writes for mature teens. X.KOVAK writes for adults. Just about any XK book is rife with beautiful monsters, reader discretion advised labels, and romance of the dark variety. Basically, XK writes the kind of stories your mother warned you about.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Xandrie!
This book surprised me. It was not only supernaturally sexy, but also exciting and unexpected.
*wishing Lukas could lick me like he did Claire right now - dies*
This book was concise and to the point and held back nothing. You get sex, violence, gore, carnal behaviour all wrapped up in an exciting bundle of pages.
I really liked Claire as the protagonist of this story. Her thoughts made me laugh on many occasions, and I thought to myself, "damn I have a sick sense of humour - oh well". Although the book is on the shorter side, it does not lack character development, which is great!
Lastly, that ending took me completely by surprise - which is something that rarely happens for me. *standing ovation for Xandrie* and to top it all off, I felt my heart snap at the same time as Claire's in that epilogue; oh how you manipulate me so Xandrie. I want to know what happens next!!!
Side note: How cool is that cover? Xandrie Kovak is so talented!
I really like the premise of this novella - supernatural (or supes) are segregated from normals to protect the normals. When a DNA test reveals Claire has a smidge of fae DNA she's transferred from the regular college curriculum to the classes set aside for the supes. Totally unprepared to deal with werewolves and vampires, life gets scary and violent, and more scary and violent. And then erotic when one of the scariest flips her switch.
Unfortunately, after a strong start, the story wraps with a weak finish. Claire spends too much screaming and crying for my taste. While, not exactly a cliff-hanger, the narrative shifts abruptly to the setup for the next in the series/serial and revelation about the alpha-wolf hero is not so much as a twist but a squick.
This was a great indie discovery that is well written with a solid plot. I thoroughly identified with the main character, Claire, who has a great many human foibles and adds a whole lot more when she discovers her supernatural identity.
The sexy love interest is great, especially with the little curve ball thrown at the end. Although this is a short tale at 150 pages, it covered all it's essentials and left a lasting impression - needless to say I already have the next novel.
So, last night my internet went down, so I grabbed an ebook that I had sitting around, hoping it would lull me to sleep. WARNING: IT WILL NOT. I was gripped from the first page, and by chapter two I knew I was getting no sleep tonight. What a roller coaster ride!
Claire has just discovered she's part Succubus: a tiny part, like 0.0024% of her DNA is monster. Which means immediate discrimination: kicked out of the dorm, kicked out of day classes, stuck going to night school with monsters that will actually kill her and eat her. Not a good situation, to be sure. And when you're a Supe and you have a panic attack, chances are you're going to get people killed. Or at least whipped into an accidental sexual frenzy that could easily turn into a school wide orgy of mass destruction.
Here's the thing: I'm asexual, so usually this type of book doesn't really interest me. But DANGIT THIS BOOK IS GOOD. The author has a killer style that sucks you right in. That and the action is so intense and interesting that I was drawn into the story and rooting for Claire all the way through. I just had to know what happened next!
AND THAT ENDING, THOUGH!
Anyways, you can tell I'm pretty excited about this. Fair warning, it is definitely 18+. Certain scenes will make you cringe cringe cringe. While others, well... let me say I wished I wasn't Ace ;)
EVERYONE KNOWS MONSTERS EXIST. BUT SHE NEVER EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THEM… Thanks to her great- great-grandmother, loner Claire Sommers’ DNA results are succubus positive. To make matters worse, her college is forcing her into the Supernatural night school. The last place she wants to be is in a room filled with ferals, vampires, and other monsters from her nightmares. The absolute worst thing she can imagine? Getting hit with her first fervor in the middle of said classroom. Especially in front of the new Alpha of the Red Crescent pack, Lucas Masters. With every Supe in scenting distance caught up in the pheromone frenzy, Claire realizes she’s probably not going to survive the night with her dignity intact. She may not even survive at all… Thanks Grandma.
This short story introduces both Claire (who has recently discovered she is part-succubus, which explains a lot but is basically Bad News for her), and Lucas, who is an alpha werewolf (Bad News for other people).
Pay attention, because these people are going to reappear in later books, I think.
What I Liked Claire. I liked Claire immediately; her life has just been turned upside down by the news that she's now classified as Supernatural, and Kovak gets a nice balance between too much complaining about the unfairness of it all (whiny and annoying) and too brave and calm (not believable). She comes off as real, and someone that I wouldn't mind spending time with in real life.
Lucas. Now, this came as a real shock. Generally I hate alpha male characters because they tend to be a) interchangeable and b) a$$holes who need to die. Lucas actually has a personality, and his role in the story is more than just object-of-heroine's-lust. Kovak has put in some other things that made him different from the usual run of interchangeable alphas, which you will discover when you read the story.
The situation. Honestly, I don't think that the blurb does this justice, because the blurb implies that we're going to get a sort of standard unpopular-girl-does-something-embarrassing-in-class situation, and the alpha will feel sorry for her, mop up her tears, and they'll get together.... Not happening. Kovak's better than that, and this story reads like she's thought through the implications. It's not played for laughs, and we end up with a far more satisfying read for it.
The background world. This is a short story; we don't find out much about the background because there just isn't the space, but Kovak has set up something interesting. Reminds of me of some parallels in American history.
What I Didn't Like Honestly, there wasn't anything.
Conclusion The characters are young-adult, but the "feel" is more mature, so don't be put off by that. The sex is part of the plot, thanks for that, Kovak. Also, not overdone. Thoroughly recommended; I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest. Kovak's got a fan here, I think. :-)
*** FREEBIE ALERT **** Ladies this one is HOOOOOOOOT, you have been warned!! What a great read that is full of sexy fun with a couple of neat twists that I read a 90 miles an hour and made me want to read the next book immediately!!! So WHERE's My BOOK Xandrie?? You can't leave us hanging like this!! Claire Sommers has tested positive for being a Supe, a less than 1% Succubus that seems to bring nothing but trouble and none of the benefits. In conclusion: ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
Actual Rating: 4.5 / 5 Thank you to Xandrie Kovak for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It's not very often I go so quickly from being way to into a book and thinking I'm the perverted one, to stumbling back in mild shock and wondering "HOW DID YOU NOT EXPECT THIS TO HAPPEN?! *idiot*" and then continue to read on shamelessly.
IN FACT! despite having an early 5AM start this morning I was still determined to finish this book, even if it was at 1AM. Shock factor or not I could not put this book down.
My morbid curiosity has been piqued and I cannot resist the chemistry and originality of the characters. Kovak's dry wit and smooth, easy to read writing style and characters that practically walk off the page make it the perfect novella for when you're bored and need something interesting that keeps the pages turning (TIP: unless you're a fearless/saucy/flirty/brave/i-don't-give-a-**** type of person, it's probably best to avoid people reading over your shoulder. But that's just my shy-reader/romance-noob's opinion).
I have only one qualm with The Fervor and that is the ending - specifically with our leading lady and how she decides to end things (because, REALLY?!). However, my frustration is stemming purely from a reader's hope for more and not from the author's master plan. When I took a step back, I started to realize all the wonderful things this ending could end up leading too - probably more shock and frantic reading on my part. Oh gosh, trust me - if I could tell you more I would, but I dare not share any spoilers. Just know that I cannot WAIT for that sequel!
So do I recommend for my fellow devilish fiends or any other curious kittens looking to come to the dark side? If that synopsis above didn't convince you well then -
Now that I've had a couple of days to marinate on this book and truly break down my thoughts, I'm going to review it. First of all and overall I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read and kept my attention. That being said, there are some things in this book that I was not overly fond of. First is the pacing. The only downtime we get is the beginning and the end. The middle was balls to the wall action, running, screaming, fighting, etc. This leads to a lack of actual forward plot movement. This felt like one long flash fiction instead of a novella. Also, I had to step back because of the age of the hero. While that has been mentioned many times by others, I will admit, it bothered me. I'm an older woman, in my early 40s. NO ONE who is barely old enough to drive is sexy. Granted, the hero in this story is leagues more mature than the heroine, who's older. But when confronted with his age, it left a sour taste in my mouth. I had to figure out why, though. I'd read a series by another author where the heroine was the same age, it, too, is paranormal, and the hero was roughly 25. That story was given 5 stars and I didn't bat an eyelash at the age. But I figured out what it was. In this, we're dealing with paranormal, BUT in modern times. IN that story, we're dealing with paranormal but in the 1700s. Culturally, we're NOT ok with younger people having sex. So, we'll just scratch this issue as a TRACY problem. Not an author problem. Lack of actual story (but seems to be coming over the course of several books) is the final thing. We're thrust into this world blinder than the heroine, and we're left with only slightly more information and no satisfactory resolution. And while the cliffhanger is there for a purpose, I wished the actual story had more meat to it. Honestly, I'm on the fence about whether or not I'd read the next installment. I did join the mailing list and got the prequel story (the hero's backstory and thus more history in the world itself). Having read that, I'm still on the fence.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much Xandrie!
Meet Claire Sommers. A badass. Well, not really since she suffers from asthma and is physically weak, but her 0.0024% succubus DNA inheritage brands her a 'Supe' for life. Does it sounds like a death sentence? It probably is. Due to not many of her kind being around, neither she nor we have any idea of what her powers could be (capable of), but there is one thing that is clear: she should absolutely not have her first estrus cycle (fervor) in public. Lady Luck has her own plans however, and from the moment Claire steps into her new 'Supe' College things start quickly spiralling out of control.
I liked this novella and I wished there was more of it (which would turn it into a novel). From the moment it gets going the story is chock-full of action, rising in tempo as time and events progress to an adrenaline-filled crescendo slightly before the end. There is gore, sex, action and a brooding alpha character to whom the heroine ends up owing her life on a couple of occasions. I was surprised by the ending and I am guessing that it was intended as a hook for the next installments. Although I dislike cliffhangers, this was not quite one of them and the ending was done in style. I am certainly looking forward to seeing what the future entails for the main character, as well as the brooding alpha I ended up having a soft spot for.
I grabbed this book because the description really intrigued me and because it was a freebie but as I grab a lot of freebies, it really got put down the list of to read. However, in reading one of her emails for subscribers who grabbed the book, which I usually just skimmed through, I became even more intrigued and decided one night to just add it to my library to read. I'm really glad I did.
Claire is new to the Supe world and with limited knowledge of how to navigate it, she makes many mistakes the first time she ventures into that part of the world, which isn't really her fault. She meets Lucas on one of the encounters so thus begins their "relationship".
If you love paranormal romances, you will enjoy this short. Main reasons I didn't give it five stars because it's too short and the age factor. But hey, I'm a modern woman so that can be overlooked and also it just adds more mystery into the characters, how did they become who they are and why. Xandrie does a pretty good job of writing enough about the characters so you can get a feel of them but still leave enough mystery to them that leaves you wanting to read more to learn more about the characters. I know there is another book about Lucas' history and I hope in some way I will be able to get my hands on it. I will have to research to see if she will continue the story. I would love to know what will happen between Lucas and Claire and how their story will end. Hopefully that won't be for a while.
This book is paranormal with a little humour, or at least I found it to be that way. I did laugh out loud at some parts. Blood and gore is heavily involved as well as wolves, witches, vampires and fae. This is a very intense short book, with most of the storyline happening over one day and night so it's pretty much action packed from chapter 2 to the end.
We meet Lucas, a young 16 year old who is also pack master, and 20 year old Claire, who is mostly human with fae blood. Her abilities include making supernatural horny and wanting a bit of her. She actually calls it a curse.
Both of these characters are very well liked although at the beginning I really did find Claire irritating, but that quickly passed. She does have a funny sense of honour, which I liked.
I really enjoyed this book! I do wish it would have been longer. The author writes well and there isn't much supernatural talk, which is a bonus for fans such as myself. Definitely an easy, fun read.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a unique-ish spin on the paranormal beings. The fervor bit is kinda scary. Especially if you are a shy awkward succubus name Claire that can have it happen at any time. If that were me I think I’d hide in my house until it happened and was over. But, if she did that there wouldn’t be a story right? Lol Lucas Masters was a pleasant surprise … especially his background. I look forward to reading about it in Animus. I also want to see what happens next to Claire and Lucas. On a side note … are hyenas going to be the bad guy in all shape shifter books? There is only one series that I’ve read where they aren’t and that is the Kate Daniels series where they are odd, but totally make up for it with being bad arses
I really enjoyed this book. It has a unique-ish spin on the paranormal beings. The fervor bit is kinda scary. Especially if you are a shy awkward succubus name Claire that can have it happen at any time. If that were me I think I’d hide in my house until it happened and was over. But, if she did that there wouldn’t be a story right? Lol Lucas Masters was a pleasant surprise … especially his background. I look forward to reading about it in Animus. I also want to see what happens next to Claire and Lucas. On a side note … are hyenas going to be the bad guy in all shape shifter books? There is only one series that I’ve read where they aren’t and that is the Kate Daniels series where they are odd, but totally make up for it with being bad arses
Fervor Review Wow! Amazing read. I read about seven books a week and this was as good as any best selling author I've read. The development of the main charter was perfect. I felt I understood who she was and connected with her within the first few pages. Now, I forgot this was an "Adult paranormal book". If you are looking for a HOT read, you will not be disappointed. (Warning!!! Cold shower may be required) What I appreciated, was that the erotic scenes, either romantic or darker, didn't become overly explicit or vulgar. The author does a great job of balancing the violence and the erotic while telling a great store.
Great first book !!! Looking forward to book 2 in series.
I read a lot of paranormal/shifter books, but this one was really enjoyable and unique. This was definitely fast paced and engaging, with lots of violence and some rough and dirty sexual content.
The one thing that was strange was the hero's age. I didn't get a real sense of his age in the story until the characters discussed it at the end, but he is young for this type of book. Really, really young. Like seriously young.
Also good to note, this is part one in a series, and definitely not the end of the story.
I loved how outrageous and absurd the story was. I mean the events are not like anything I've ever read before. The book's also a chameleon, it's not quite YA and it's not quite NA and it's still not entirely romance. This is the kind of story that just grows on you.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down until I was finished. Claire and Lucas oh my! I am so looking forward to more books by Xandrie! You are my newest favorite author!!
I received a copy of this book for an honest review. Once I started this book I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I am so looking forward to more books by Xandrie! You are my new favorite author!
What an intense read. It leaves on a cliffhanger, but I'm cool with that since the other books are written and waiting to be read by me. I don't have much to say because I'm itching to start the next book, Beauty and the Beast.
Wow! I grabbed this book off Amazon when it popped up as free, so I had no real expectations. On a whim, I started reading and absolutely could not put this book down! I’m so hooked, that I went right on to read all the other available books in the series (including the mailing list bonus backstory). I wish there were more!
This book gave us a good look at what happens when someone with even the smallest amount of succubus DNA wanders into the world of the full-fledged paranormals. Claire has always tried to be a wallflower but her DNA just cannot stop men from being drawn in her direction. Luckily, her bestie doesn’t appear to mind, as she is able to get a break when Claire is around. Even from the brief glimpse of their friendship, I know I’m going to love these two whenever we get them in the same room. Anyway, Claire hasn’t really looked too deeply into her “draw” until she tests positive for a supernatural heritage in college. This begins her spiral into the world of the “supes.”
Tasked with attending a class specifically for those with supernatural blood in their veins, she can’t even make it to the classroom before bad things start happening. She’s attacked, marked, stalked, and all of that is only from one type of supe. When confronted with so many predators looking at her like prey, her innate defenses get triggered with… sexy consequences. OK, maybe they veer a little rapey but it’s hard not to use “sexy” when Lucas is her unofficial guardian during this escapade. Throw in a bit of smutty goodness, and you’ve got a truly phenomenal start to a new series.
I don't know how I discovered this book, it's not something I would normally read. In fact I HATE paranormal romance novels. However something about the blurb interested me so I decided to take a peak. I got it for free under kindle unlimited so I didn't have anything to lose.
Although I strongly dislike paranormal romance I do read a lot of urban fantasy and the two genres are closely linked. I'm pretty bored with the whole "alpha wolf" crap, that's a stale trope(though not as stale as the beautiful brooding vampire trope), and the entire middle section of the book was basically porn. Having said that, I don't mean to sound condescending but it was surprisingly well written. The dialog was fantastic and I liked the main character. She wasn't your typical Mary Su that you find in 90% of books in the urban fantasy genre, though that's probably because this is closer to paranormal romance, but she wasn't entirely a damsel either.
This first book was really short. I think there was something like only 6 or 7 scenes in the entire book. It was a novella really, which I liked. It moved at a fast pace and there was no crappy filly designed to pad out the content so I never got a chance to get bored and quit reading. The conversation that took place on notepad with pretty silly, especially since it was just an excuse for a bunch of info dumps.
Flaws aside, over-all this was some fun light reading.
wow. rcvd book for an honest review and honestly i was quite impressed. i didnt think I would enjoy it but i did. we meet claire, a newly found out supernatural and not just any sup...a succumbis. claire is kicked out of student housing for being a supe and on her way to a night class she is attacked by another supe only be be saved by a hotter than hell Alpha named Luke. while sitting in class luke informs clare that she is in danger. after leaving class her inner succumbis comes out and turns a blue mist allover luke causing his wolf to come out. as the blue mist expands...the entire auditorium of vamps and such come out and all hell breaks loose. after running for her life..her vampire prod attacks her for revenge on his son...breakint her bones and bleeding her out. her inner succumbis has another story. crazed aftermath finds claire in her shed with a very naked male...that male named luke. she mourns what has happened and has been informed by luke that everything has changed. can claire handle the changes? will she be safe? what will happen to luke? what a clidfhanger too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I picked up this book as a suggestion from another author, Jex Lane. And was so VERY effin happy I did.
Kovak speaks my language. This book began with a fast pace, and kept building throughout, which caused me to finish in one sitting. I love this authors take-no-prisoners style. I was laughing, and OMG'ing from beginning to end. And the fight scenes. The twists. I was just, flat-out, AMAZED. The author packs a whole helluva lot in one book. However, I do wish it would have been longer because I just didn't want to eject myself from this world.
This book should have many tags: action, paranormal/supernatural, comedy, drama, fantasy, romance, blood and gore. And is definitely for the 18 and above crowd only. If you are a fan of this type of romance read, then you'll probably devour it like I did. Don't forget to wipe your mouth before appearing in public.
After finishing Fervor, I had to go an snatch up Beauty & Beast. And will probably snatch up everything else from this author. You really can't go wrong here.
Claire Sommers is trying to adjust to having being placed in the "supes" class at college. She has only .0024% succubus DNA but that's all it took to change her life according to the govt. She knows she shouldn't be in class with the vampires, wolves or hyenas but this is her life and she's trying to get through it the best she can. Lucas Masters is the new alpha wolf in the area and as he comes across Claire having a really bad encounter with a hyena shifter he is immediately drawn to her. I really connected with Claire right away. The story took off immediately and I just had to know what was going to happen next! The chemistry between Claire and Lucas was amazing! This book was a downloaded freebie and I couldn't be happier that I chose it. I truly hope Xandrie Kovak continues this story as I am hooked!!
EVERYONE KNOWS MONSTERS EXIST. BUT SHE NEVER EXPECTED TO BE ONE OF THEM…
Thanks to her great- great-grandmother, loner Claire Sommers’ DNA results are succubus positive. To make matters worse, her college is forcing her into the Supernatural program. The last place she wants to be is in a room filled with ferals, vampires, and other monsters from her nightmares. The absolute worst thing she can imagine? Getting hit with her first fervor in the middle of said classroom. Especially in front of the new alpha of the Red Crescent pack, Lucas Masters.
With every Supe in scenting distance caught up in the pheromone frenzy, Claire realizes she’s probably not going to survive the night with her dignity intact. She may not even survive at all…
Thanks Grandma.
This is a really good start to a series and keeps you entertained from the start of the book, would love to read book 2 and find out what happens to Claire in her new job!! Recommended easy to read novella.
Honestly, I can see why a lot of people would want to rate this 'book' less than 3—maybe that's pushing it a bit much—stars. But, I couldn't help myself. This is hella funny-at-the-wrong-moments, pretty gripping, and the characters are likeable... ish.
I'm definitely getting the next book (The Hunter), even though it's £3.28 and kind of not worth it if it's going to be as fast paced as this one. *cries*
The writing is manic, and at some points the language is crude to the point it's not even worth to carry on reading. Maybe that's just me (about the crude cr@p), but the this book is written in a way that reminds me of a teenager's crazy thoughts going from one thing to another.
Here are the typos I found (making the author's life easier, yes): > "Luca was sixteen" instead of Lucas* (Well, his age disturbed me, too, to be honest. Eeek. I hope I get over it when I read Animus.) > "I felt healthy and the more energised than I'd ever experienced." 'The' isn't supposed to be there at all.
These are the only typos, but I also found a lot of comma splices and fused sentences. Yikes. I nearly threw my phone away whilst reading this. I'm glad the story was filled with humour at inappropriate times, because it kept me from deleting this story from my kindle app. I loved the fact that the author knew how to use the em dash. It was a pleasant surprise among all the other orthographic chaos.
Tip for the author: research and incorporate the serial comma into your writing.
I'll be honest: I felt a little naughty reading this. Maybe I'm just silly that way. But it was so good, I finished it in one night. It's short! That's the only complaint that I have! I want more--now.
It's naughty, it's sexy, it's violent--I loved it. Poor Claire has just found out she's got a tiny, tiny bit of succubus blood in her DNA. Which is bad. No, it's worse than bad. Because while it explains why she's had to spend her whole life fending off suitors, it also sticks her in the segregated classes specifically designed for the supernatural population. And while it brings her face to face with the sexy local Alpha, it also starts a bloodbath.
I downloaded Fervor as a free book from Amazon. Kovak may be one of my new favorite authors. I wish the book had been longer, but it was a fast-paced read with great protagonists. I'm enjoying the additional layers of maturity and playfulness since Lucas' introduction in Animus (available directly from the author when you join her newsletter). A great story line-- I was eager to get to the next story until I saw the pre-order price indicates $3.99 for only 88 pages-- errr, I don't think so.
Before purchase, be aware Fervor ends in a cliffhanger, this is a 5-star read, but others may agree with me about the pricing for the next novella.