An Unhuman Journey

Only Human #2

by Candace Blevins

There’s a war brewing between good and evil, and the chess pieces are being set…

Aaron has gone missing, and Mordecai has taken over Kirsten's training. She's learning by leaps and bounds under the god-of-old’s not-so-gentle tutelage, but with Nathan in charge of Drake Security during The Dragon King’s unplanned absence, everything is upside down.

The evil Celrau vampires were banned from creating new offspring, but they’ve bargained for permission to do so in the Underworld, where the Concilio has no authority. As part of their army-building, the Celrau vampires kidnap Kirsten and take her to the Underworld with the intention of making her one of them. Alone in another realm, Kirsten must form unexpected alliances to survive a most Unhuman Journey .

Join bestselling author Candace Blevins on a thrilling adventure into the critically acclaimed sequel to Only Human .

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, BDSM, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Erotica

180 pages, Unknown Binding

First published June 17, 2016

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Blevins writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy contemporary BDSM romance, and two kick-ass motorcycle club series. She’s published more than fifty books. Candace lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two teenaged daughters. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhounds are usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company. Or sometimes not so quietly.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's various paranormal romance series are all sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her Dark(ish) Faerie Tale series gives us a close-up and personal look at Queen Mab, and her Dark Underbelly series is, as you’d expect, dark and (if you’re a little twisted) oh-so-yummy.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com. Feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release.

Only Human series, urban fantasy
• Only Human
• An Unhuman Journey
• Of Humans and Monsters
• Defining Human
• Edge of Humanity
• Infinitely Human
• Unhuman Acts

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club
• Duke
• Brain
• Bash Volume I
• Bash Volume II
• Bash Volume III
• Horse
• Gonzo
• Nix
• Ghost
• Bud
• Razor
• Bubbles
• McGyver

The Birmingham RTMC
• Bobcat
• Dementor
• Frost
• Squatch

Cat out of Hell, series, paranormal romance:
• Cat out of Hell Volume I
• Cat out of Hell Volume II
• Cat out of Hell Volume III

The Dark Underbelly of The Chattanooga Supernaturals
• Pride (A short story featuring The Lion King)
• Indentured Freedom: Owned by the Vampire
• Leashed
• An Elegant Weapon

A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale
• Slave
• Lady
• Consort
• Queen

A Paranormal Halloween, paranormal romance
• Hallowed Destiny – Forged by Darkness
• Unhallowed Murder
• Countdown to Murder
• Unholy Murder

Pleasure Times Four Christmas series, ménage/RH paranormal romance
• Unexpected Gifts
• The Gift
• Present Tense
• Imperfect Gifts

Chattanooga Supernaturals series, paranormal romance:
• The Dragon King
• Riding the Storm
• Acceptable Risk
• Careful What You Ask For
• Uncaged
• Cocky Queen

The Safeword series, intense BDSM contemporary romance
• Safeword Rainbow
• Safeword: Davenport
• Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
• Safeword: Quinacridone
• Safeword: Matte
• Safeword: Matte – In Training
• No Safeword: Matte – The Honeymoon
• No Safeword: Matte – Happily Ever After
• Safeword: Arabesque
• Safeword: Mayday (TBA)

Reviews

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire play, bondage, sensory deprivation, oh my. In this second book, Ms. Blevins pulls out all the erotically hot scenes and makes an edgeplay fetish lover melt. This book should not be read as a standalone. This series must be read in order.

Kirsten et al are still trying to figure out why so many powerful supernaturals are gathering around this area. Kirsten is also taking lessons from Mordecai and it is painful. The training scenes are erotically charged with painful pleasure. I'm not really into pain, but reading Ms. Blevins' stories always entice me to the dark side. Now technically, this is not a BDSM story. It is kinky with the way pain is mixed with pleasure. Well, there is flogging too as well as bondage. If you are confused, so am I. Ms. Blevins tends to write most of her stories with a kinky bent. She wouldn't know vanilla if bit her on the butt. I digress.

The plot of this story is fabulous. Kirsten basically questions if she should be involved in this supernatural war because technically, she is human. Humans should be outside of this yet she blurs the lines because of her unique powers. When she is abducted and taken to the demon world, it forces Kirsten to re-examine her priorities. I can't say I'd blame her. This is where the world building gets interesting. The reader learns more how the worlds are set up and how each supernatural species relates. One of the focuses is on "X" - the demon who shall not be named.

X makes me weak in the knees. The way he gets off is right up my alley - fire, bondage, flogging and temperature play. Did I mention the literally hot dick? The scenes between Kristen and X are carefully dog-eared on my Kindle and I repeatedly drool over them. Ms. Blevins goes from zero to a hundred in less than ten seconds on the sex-o-meter heat indicator. Please note, X is more than just a lovely sex toy; he is key in a bigger picture which is partial revealed in this book. The secondary characters surrounding Kristen are all sorts from friends, lovers to haters. It is a lively mix which makes the story richer.

Through all of this smexy goodness, Ms. Blevins adds in a touch of angst as well as a dose of humour. Her timing for both are perfect and makes this story pull out all sorts of emotions. This engages a reader and draws them deeper into the story. I must confess, I read this all in one sitting because I had to know what would happen next. I'm transported into a fabulous kinky world where the fight between good and evil is not as clearly delineated as one would like. This erotic urban fantasy is highly recommended to kinky readers who like heroines who kicks butts and takes down names.

Beta read this story for the author so I might be bias. A review as not requested, I wrote one anyway




Review to come... absolutely fabulous



AMAZING!

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Badass Kirsten is at it again! In this book Kirsten is captured by the evil Celrau vampires and taken to the underworld where she has to escape or become one of them. Mordecai has been training Kirsten to further her powers and Nathan is handling her aftercare since Aaron has gone missing. Aaron is no where to be found until the very end of the book and where he has been may shock some but it totally sets up his own story. I grew to like Nathan even more in this book and it seems that there is no longer an absolute hate relationship between Nathan and Kirsten but they do not pass that thin line of bringing their hate to love but I am satisfied that they are growing on one another.

Kirsten still has most of the alpha's falling over themselves for her and it is her relationship with one of the alphas that has brought her to the attention of the Celrau. Kirsten will need all of her training and the help of some key people to escape the clutches of the Celrau. They are no joke, saying their Evil is being kind. The Concilio holds no power over them while they are in the underworld growing their numbers and plotting on ways to get even stronger.

I am really enjoying the world of Kristen O'Shea, and while I have read some of the books in the series, and sister series before reading the one that started it all, it did not take anything away from the story. Now that I know more about Kirsten O'Shea's world of paranormal and mythological beings I cannot wait to dive into more of them. I think my next read will be Aaron Drakes, The Dragon King, I have to know more about why he wasn't around for Kirsten in this book.









***This book was provided by the Author through the BDSM group on Goodreads in exchange for my honest review***

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Candace Blevins brings paranormal to a new level with An Unhuman Journey. She mixes kink, with BDSM with the supernatural. She brings shapeshifters, vampires and Gods together in a story that will have you surprised and wishing that the story could continue. Yes, she leaves us hanging! Not. Nice.

Kirsten’s story is intriguing and imaginative. It’s fun, sexy and mysterious. We go to the Underworld and meet the men who could rip everything and everyone that she loves away from her. We meet a few new interesting characters and learn a little bit more about Kirsten. Unfortunately, we still have no idea what she really is. We watch as her friendship with Nathan expands and becomes more. We watch as she shuts Abbott down and faces the possible consequences. Bran? Interesting. Xaephan? More interesting. Rafe? Not sure where he is going to fit in. Martin? Another one that has me a little bit confused. Aquila? Her newest enemy.

When I said that Candace Blevins brings paranormal to a new level I truly meant it. Her characters are a step above what normal paranormal is. There is nothing ordinary about any of her characters. Yes, there are wolves and vampires but not the normal ones we are used to. We also have shifting Dragons, Lions, Bears, Swans, Owls … the list goes on and one. Then we get into the paranormals that are more … Gods, Demons and a woman that no one has any idea what she is. The writing of these characters is flawless to the point where you would absolutely believe that they are real. They are fun, quirky, kinky … serious, dominant and alpha males. Yes, this is Kirsten’s story but these men are something else!

So, I am not sure when we are going to see the next installment of the Only Human series but I hope that we find out where this is all leading soon. I have a feeling that we will see the coming together of our Chattanooga Supernaturals and Rolling Thunder paranormals along with Kirsten, the Gods and the Demons for one hell of a battle between good and evil.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I start reading a book I start my rating process, it various almost to then end of the book. I love it when I can honestly rate and review and ARC that was given to me by the author. Unhuman Journey was just that written by the talented Candace Blevins, well deserves the five stars I give it.

A great mix of detail, storyline and character personality, A perfect length for me that kept me entertained and stressed at some points all the way up to the end.

Politics are not just for the “human world” but in the worlds of the supernaturals. Bargaining at its finest, a very careful play on words. Because to get something one has to give something.

I loved seeing some of the previous characters and still much love for them. Still much love for the Abbot (smiles) Bran was intriguing as was Rafe. Kristen managed to irk me a couple of times but is a solid character and a kick ass female. Nathan yeah still so hot ya just want to lick all over him. Mordecai whew and explanation unto himself

The dangers don’t just go bump in the night, the war of age and fight of light and dark may well be at hand. Action, intense, passion, love but not just love and the way it was incorporated within the BDSM boundaries were amazing. Unhuman Journey will be on my list of favs. I recommend it. Enjoy

[Jeanny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. I'm not crazy with the (kind-a) cliffy ending. I look forward to the war. Kirsten continues to intrigue me. Yes i recommend this series.

Cliterary Genius a to z book challenge letter J

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC copy provided for honest review; also purchased on AMAZON.COM

May I start by saying, this series is quintessential Urban Fantasy, and this reader feels it is one series that should be read in-order for full, dynamic effect. Its not a complex world per se, but there are some character complexities and subtleties that are best experienced in total.

As always with Ms. Blevins, readers will enjoy a strong, self-actualized human-female lead character (Kirsten O'Shea), who happens to exist in a world that isn't all it seems, and damned if she doesn't come equipped with some as-yet-to-be-fully-defined powers of her own. As in all good UF, she has truly supernatural friends and acquaintances whose job it is to help her discover her exact limits, while she also accrues more and more supernatural enemies whose job it is to test those powers.

The discovery and enhancement of said powers, at first blush, takes some unconventional forms and yet, when one considers the spirituality of intimacy with another, reading this vision isn't such a stretch after all. In fact, its quite brilliant because it keeps that edge of reality over fantasy, which is classic UF.

For this reader, the beauty of this series, and of the progressions made in this specific book, are all about Kirsten herself and her refusal to say "die". She takes her lessons to heart, is smart and able to think on her feet and able to use those lessons when she encounters the myriad experiences one expects of supernatural bad guys. But the true beauty of the character is her uncompromising dedication to her principles, while never losing site of herself. She is unwavering in who she is, what she needs and why, and personally I love to see a female lead character with all the strengths and complexities that are so admired in a male lead. I am not a gamer by any stretch, but I'd *love* to see this series made into a game. The feel-goods of the kick-a$$ heroine in such recreation would offset the worst day you could have!

The complexities and subtleties of her supernatural friends and supposed good-guys are explored more fully and the reader can come to an understanding of why they behave as they do. The overall plan of the story seems to fall into place, but there is also still that razor-sharp edge of "what-if", and these what-ifs are beautifully enhanced by the introduction of some new characters. The enemy-at-large is more definitively outlined, but the element of guess work that Ms. Blevins excels at is actually heightened by these new characters. Some are truly bad guys, but what did they know to develop the skills that would make them such virulent enemies in the final fight? And then again, some are an enigma. Are they truly bad or are they a product of geography? Which way will they go when they must choose? Is immortal a relative term?

As the lines in the Smoky Mountains are drawn, the mid-ground between realms is prepared and the pre-emptive battles begin, this reader is sucked further and further into this almost tangible world. Its a 3-D read, all the way, and I am firmly "Team Kirsten". Ok, and "Team Abbott" too, though for entirely different reasons...

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the first book in the series, but still not really loving it so I'm going to skip future books in the series.

[Aya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book following Only Human and The Dragon King and…

…Yep, I really couldn’t get enough of Kirsten O’Shea’s universe. I have to say I found Kirsten irritating at times more so in this book than the previous two. Particularly when she seemed so insensitive to the political ramifications of her actions despite how they could affect her friends. Oh! Re how Kirsten deals with Abbott when she finds out how he ‘claims’ her. I can understand where she’s coming from but the way she dealt with it was like a petulant child.

Anyways, re the other characters… love, love, LOVE! More about Mordecai and his brother please! And Nathan, I also need a lot more of Nathan.

The only negative thing I can say is that there was a line or two that was repetitive but that’s me being nitpicky. Other than that, it was well-fucking-written. I devoured this book and much of the universe. I’m trying to savour that last few I have left.

Once again, Ms. Blevins delivers an action packed plot, filled with all sorts of interesting characters, and delicious scenes. There was so much happening here, so many questions left unanswered leaving you wanting more – not because you’re unsatisfied but simply because you just have to overindulge.

*Free copy provided by the Author through the BDSM group on goodreads

[Heart5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unhuman Journey is definitely one of my new favorite books. Where Only Human focused on the introduction of all the characters and realms, this second book focuses more on the relationships between the characters. Just like with Only Human, the story was very well written. The length of this one was perfect and kept me interested to the very end.

With Aaron missing, Nathan steps up as Kirsten’s main protector. Nathan didn’t really stand out as a character in Only Human, so I was very glad to see him get a little more attention in this second book. With Nathan taking on a bit more of a Domly role with Kirsten he definitely becomes one of the hotter alpha males from the PNR/UF series

The Celrau vampires are still up to no good, and have found a way to secretly build numbers in the underworld for the upcoming war of good and evil. When Kirsten gets taken into the underworld by the Celrau, she reveals some vulnerabilities not revealed in Only Human. For me, that internal struggle makes her a much more interesting character.

The BDSM gets turned up a bit as it becomes a way for Mordecai to push energy into Kirsten and for Xaephan to cleanse her. Bondage takes on a whole new meaning with gods that can bind and blind their partners with a single touch. The intensity of the BDSM encounters is a bit more than what’s been in this series to date, but doesn’t come close to the intensity of The Safeword Series. I’ll be honest, the scene with Xaephan left me wondering if it’s bad to be a little jealous of someone trapped in the underworld.

I received a copy of this book through the BDSM group on Goodreads.

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

So. It’s a bit difficult to write a review about Candace Blevins’ “An Unhuman Journey” without giving away any spoilers but this is my goal. I loved it. It’s raw. It’s naughty. It has shape shifters and vampires and gods and demons and magick and sex and fights and levitating (oops). AND…this is story two in the series, so fair warning, if you elect not to read the first book, you may be lost as we are dropped down right into the middle of everything.

But oh boy, was it good. And there are so many points in the story, namely Kirsten’s internal thoughts and many of her behaviors, where I found it laugh out loud funny. The many men in her life are so incredibly different and her responses to them are as different as they are the same.

This book has hard sex scenes. They aren’t polite, nice or easy to read. They’re hard, fast, painful and orgasmic. If you are easily offended, do not go farther. But if you aren’t, then you definitely want to snatch up a copy. Now. And I will say that this is the first erotica book where I’ve ever shared parts of it with a male friend (he loved it). And yes, I am possession of an ARC and all that goes with it. It’s worth it because I’m a greedy reader.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/3.5 rating.
I'll start off by saying that I didn't read the first book, I just couldn't get into at all and only made it less than halfway through. This book was better but was still just okay for me.
I enjoyed the different supernatural creatures and the different views and mythology that the author created in this world.
What I couldn't get into was the main character. I didn't really care for the MC at all and I didn't personally care for all the BDSM. I get that's supposed to be her lifestyle but it's like every 'alpha guy' she meets she 'sleeps' with.
As far as the story itself it wasn't bad. The pacing could've been a little better there were times I found myself bored with all the play by play details. But I am curious as to where the story is going.
I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review. This is the sequel to Only Human. Kirsten is pulled into the underworld by vampires to be changed. Mordecai has been training her to carry energy to withstand more pain. A surprising person comes to her aid in escaping, but not without a big cost to her and Nathan. Excellent story. Nice kink. Looking forward to seeing who receives any of the "costs".

[Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a journey mixing different species, supernaturals and an extraordinary human. Mrs. Blevins does a great job with this one. Kristen is a tuff and independent heroine with special powers and she seem to be in the middle of the war to come between good and evil. She is smart, brave, proud, funny and sexually submissive.
I liked the philosophical and metaphysical questions that spoke to the nerd in me. The dialogues were smart and entertaining. I liked how it pictured hell and demons and that they are not a priori evil.
Oh let's not forget all the males, shifters and vampires and demons that were jummy.
I did hope for more serious romance with Abbot but I guess it was not meant to be.
I am looking forward to see what journey lies ahead.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me start by saying if you haven't read Only Human yet, you really need to read that book first or you will be completely lost since this is the second book in the series. As you can tell from the book blurb, Aaron Drake is gone "missing" and that leaves Mordecai to handle Kirsten's training. And you get to see right from the first page of this book exactly how he is helping Kirsten's training and why she is improving by leaps and bounds compared to when she trains with Aaron....hotness! Then all of a sudden, Kirsten is kidnapped and realizes she's in hell...literally. The Celrau have kidnapped her and brought her to the Underworld in order to use her in their war against pretty much every other supernatural in existence. The interesting part about her time in the Underworld is when former enemies become new allies, and how all of it plays out in trying to get her back to her own world. But....since I don't want to give too much away, let me just say that you will not be disappointed with how it all plays out!

I think there were more scenes in this book that had me laughing compared to the first one, i.e. Kirsten's thought train while she was in the Underworld, what happens when she finds something out about her lover Abbott, and her interactions with her newest ally. There is a lot more sex in this book compared to the first, and I can't wait to see how the next book goes with regards to the men in her life and what they want from her. Now that I've read these two books, I'm going to go back and start reading Ms. Blevins Chattanooga Supernaturals series since the first book in that series ties into this book. I am loving her supernatural series just as much as her Safeword series!

**I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Gem Larkspur · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unhuman Journey picks up right where Only Human left off with Kirsten’s metaphysical training being orchestrated by the immortal Mordecai. Aaron, the Dragon King is off on a mysterious errand, so Mordecai (yet another sexy supernatural) has taken over. The demons and evil vampires – as opposed to the good vampires – are out in force and targeting Kirsten. As good as Only Human was, An Unhuman Journey is better. The writing is faster-paced and I have a weakness for bad-boys – Xaephan the Demon Prince of Lust is definitely a bad, bad, boy as well as incredibly hawt. I totally love that 34-year-old mom, therapist, and demon-fighter Kristen gets sizzling scenes with these super-hot supes! If you haven’t read any other Candace Blevins and you like your PNR erotica as well as engrossing, start with this series. I can’t wait for the release of book 3.

[Becca Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Candace Blevins has created an amazing world. Kirsten is anything but normal in many ways but her humanity still shines through. This book features dragons, lions, tigers and bears (oh my!). Vampires, werewolves and demons abound. BDSM plays a role here too. This has quickly become one of my favorite series.

[Naughty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, after her Safeword series Blevins was one of my favorite authors. But she's so far from that now and she keeps spiraling. i like fantasy books but not at the expense of the BDSM. She cut off her nose to spite her face and for some unknown reason wrote (clearly against her will) a safeword novella last spring. It was awful and the most severe one written. it was as if she got tired of the honest feedback from her fans and decided to make them pay for wanting that kind of work.
The fantasy books are supposedly leading up to a large war but it seems to me like it's more about keeping her writing what she wants at the expense of what her fans like. ANY BDSM found in her books now isn't good. I'll miss her bc I don't care about the big war now. I'm done with this author. She said the Only human series would have 3 books, it's 4 already and still not done. The main character, a woman who trains and has weekly sessions with the REAL Master James should have some good scenes, WRONG. One book has no sex at all (wth?!!?)

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with book 1, Inhuman Journey contains a heavy D/s and BDSM-lifestyle influence (with more added eroticism compared to the first book). The plot and characters are powerful enough I didn't find the sex as much of a distraction from the storyline, in fact, the BDSM played more of a part in the plot than before.

Kirsten is such a strong, well-developed character, and the secondary characters are just as intriguing, I have to admit I'm hoked, and regardless of my usual price limits on books, I purchased the next two so I can continue the series. Excellent writing, great tension, and a compassionate, honest, and kickbutt protagonist. I've completely rearranged my reading list to prioritize the series, so on to book three...

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. The characters are everything paranormal, dragon shifters, vampires, demons, wolf shifters, a human with supernatural powers. There's hot kinky sex, amazing action, strong female characters, super alpha males, everything I love in a paranormal romance. See this review by Book Addict for the first book in the series. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this adventure, Kristen is taken hostage, broken out by a familiar demon, trading school-yard name calling with a pretty important being, became friends with Nathan (shocked face) , met some new paranormals, broke some rules, made some pledges, missed Aaron, ran the riot act on Abbott, tried to step away, and still ended up with a full time body guard. In other words, this was amazing, sexy, action-packed, intriguing, entertaining, and an awesome read!

[Pansy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating

Kirsten is such a fascinating person. The way her brain works is pretty awesome. Some of those deep, philosophical discussions she had with various people gave me food for thought. However, the abrupt way this story stopped cost this review an entire star. I use the word "stopped" because in no way did this story end. It wasn't a cliffhanger. There wasn't a teaser for the next book. It just stopped. Not cool. Too many loose ends.

[Fritz Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book better than _Only Human_ as the story evolves.

The aspects of Kirsten's like are more reasonably integrated -- her fighting skills, her sexual masochism, the *use* of the masochism in building her power. The facets of the paranormal world are being revealed more thoroughly.

A very good addition to the story line. I will be jumping in to the third book and will be investigating the spin-off series.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Kirsten and how she fits into all the supernatural elements that surround her, and how she somehow holds her own. I also love how she is all about family but she still is true to her own needs too.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to read this series because I want to be there when the big war breaks out. But I am a little taken aback about the development of Kristen. I know this series is about her and her part in all that is to come. However, she seems to be becoming something bigger than what may be coming.

[zoegrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense trip to Hell!!

Kirsten has come to the attention of the Celrau Vampires, the bad guys. They want her & her powers on their side of the fight. And her friends are fighting hard to get her back!

I'm moving on to Duke about the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club.

Enjoy!!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous entry in the Only Human world for Ms. Blevins. We've met new exciting characters that I'm sure will be the start of more interesting stories. Well done!

[Sandy Emary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying reading all three series in order!!

[Pat Orendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book! Again Ms. Blevins introduces new characters in a way to seamlessly interweave them into the storyline. Lots of intense BDSM to satisfy me as usual. But making me wait to finish the story - not nice!
Now I absoluetly have to get the next book and the next one too! I am addicted!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Only Human, the first book in the Kirsten O’Shea series, I could not wait to dive into An Unhuman Journey. Don’t let the Urban Fantasy tag scare you, there are plenty of hot, alpha males to keep you happy. There is a strong BDSM element to this series so if that’s not your thing be warned. If you haven’t read Only Human yet, I strongly recommend you read it first or you’ll be a little lost. This isn’t a hardship since it is an absolutely kickass book and it cements Kirsten as my favorite type of heroine– smart, capable, loyal, and able to take care of business.

The conflicted feelings and situations the characters, especially Kirsten, faced stood out to me. The biggest was that Kirsten ends up torn between her duties as a mother and the responsibility her special talents require of her. Save the world or be a mom is not a choice anyone wants to make. Kidnapped by the Celrau vampires, Kirsten has to face the reality that her activities may not only put her daughter in danger, but they could very well mean her daughter ends up orphaned twice.

I found the politics and rules of the underworld fascinating. For instance, you can maim, torture and cheat to your heart’s content, but you cannot kill anything. Every action taken had to be carefully thought out lest Kirsten inadvertently did something that would tie her there permanently. At times, escape seemed impossible and brought a level of suspense to the story that I greatly appreciated.

I do have to say that one of the solutions to getting rid of the Celrau blood Kirsten ended up infected with was sexy and unbelievably hot in more ways than one. It made me think of a certain demon in a completely different way, plus hope that he’ll eventually end up with his own story and HEA.

The unique worldview presented also fascinated me. Who the old Gods actually were, how the different worlds came into being (earth, the underworld, faerie etc.) and the rules that the supernaturals from all the different planes had to adhere to kept me turning the pages all night long.

Even though Kirsten spends a good part of the book in the underworld, we get lots of time with some of my favorite alphas, especially Mordecai and Nathan. Nathan is growing on me by leaps and bounds now and I just want to know more of him, but I think his unique situation when it comes to relationships just may break my heart. I missed Aaron, but since I’ve already read his book, The Dragon King, I know what he was doing during the timeframe of this one.

When I finished the last page, I once again had a huge smile on my face. Everything about this book worked for me, keeping me enthralled from start to finish. Like most urban fantasy books, although the main “journey” of this book is over, the story is not. I cannot freaking wait for the next one in the series. I really need Ms. Blevins to write faster….

What I Struggled With:

1. Kirsten’s sessions with Mordecai to increase her power.
2. Although some were hot, some of the sex scenes were a bit out of my comfort zone
3. The pure evilness of the Celrau Vampires.
4. The breach of trust in a relationship I had previously been rooting for.

What I Loved:

1. Kirsten’s completely human reactions to things, no matter what her talents are.
2. Kirsten’s continuing to put her daughter first.
3. The growth in Kirsten’s friendship with Nathan.
4. Xaephan– I want to know more about him.

Spice’s Rating: 5 “I Got My Urban Fantasy Cake With Some Hot Alpha Icing” Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Author in exchange for an honest review.

[H.A. Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that I’m a freak for good urban fantasy. Kick ass human or semi-human heroines, sexy supernatural heroes (or vice versa), action, danger, and hopefully, LOTS of smexy-times! The more the better. In fact, the richer the mythology, the more species of creatures and the more magick involved, the better! Throw in some BDSM, and you’re talking my language!

Let’s just begin by saying I read both of these in a row without a break. While the basic universe is reminiscent of Anita Blake, not every creature Kirsten meets is instantly obsessed with her and ready to jump into bed (sometimes everybody all at once). A lot of the characters are fascinated by her, but there are reasons for that explained in the story. Kirsten is also a therapist and part-time consultant for Drake Security, a company run by, and full of various kinds of shapeshifters. (They’re slowly getting their own stories in the offshoot of the Kirsten O’Shea series, The Chattanooga Supernaturals), rather than a necromancer. She has a daughter, and acts as a big sister/guardian to a Chinese exchange student.

In other words, she has a life outside the supernaturals, and her objections to some of the activities she has to take part in with them actually ring true. (You might be able to tell that while I still LOVE the Anita Black series, they have seriously gone off the rails plot-wise.)

Kirsten is also a true masochist. I read a lot of BDSM (and write some), and you rarely see pure sadists or masochists. There’s a difference between kink and getting off on real pain — giving it or getting it. A lot of times when there is Sadomasochism in a story, it’s ugly, scary, or just raunchy in a non-entertaining sort of way. It’s difficult to find a balance. You also don’t very often see a submissive who is NOT one in the rest of their lives. Most BDSM characters tend to be lifestyle BDSM folks. Meaning they don’t leave it in the dungeon.

The Kirsten O’Shea series contains all the best of these. Being inside Kirsten’s head is surprisingly HOT, even though I’m not a masochist myself. There are some serious sex scenes in both of these books, ESPECIALLY UNHUMAN JOURNEY. I can’t name my favorite, since it’s a spoiler, but if I still read paperbacks, this scene would be the one that I folded the corners on and secretly read over and over again in the dark. If you know what I mean.

Half the kids reading this probably have no idea what I’m talking about. I guess now we mark our ebooks — which I did. HAWT.

For a story with so many characters and types of characters, the primaries are written with dimension and personality. I found myself involved with every one, curious and worried about what would happen next. Most of the guys in the book (including a not-so-good guy or two) are sexy as… well, let’s just say “anything,” since “hell,” might be a bit on the nose.

You know that feeling when you read the most current book in an ongoing series, and you’re upset that the new one won’t come out for a while? (Diana Gabaldon and George -R.R. Martin fans especially know how THAT feels!) Well, I read two books in this series back-to-back, and now I’m DOUBLY chomping a the bit for the next one! COME ON, CANDACE!