One rich Moroccan businessman. One autistic cougar shifter. One dangerous religious zealot.
When the pot is stirred, will one misguided confession trigger a catastrophic end?
Elaine Gibbs lives on the fringes defined by labels: autistic, genius, retired military. She walks away from her shifter pack right into the path of danger and love.
Alim Kader grows up under the weight of family expectations. He thrives in the world of business, rarely fazed by anything. All it takes is one fascinating woman to rock him to his core.
If the millionaire and the shifter stand together, can they brave the storm crashing against them?
“Funny, romantic, a bit of angst, and so much more. I love Elaine and the names she calls everyone. It’s her way of showing she cares. Alim knows he has to be patient with Elaine and that she is worth it. I love all the characters in this series and how they are there for each other no matter what.” —Steamy Book Momma
Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.
The Misguided Confession is a witty British PNR complete with an awesome cast. It was so easy to fall for their characters and to celebrate the blossoming romance. The author pushed the narrative along at a perfect pace, using a great blend of suspense and drama to highlight the sweet romance of Elaine and Alim. What I loved especially about this story was the connection the main characters shared. Alim's acceptance of every aspect of Elaine--her autism and shifter nature--made their story truly beautiful.
Elaine Gibbs is an autistic cougar shifter with a special view of the world. A chance meeting with Alim turns her life upside down. Her birth mother unexpectedly places her in the path of a deadly zealot determined to rid the England of abominations. Alim vows to keep Elaine safe but her independence is at war with his protection. Can the two of them along with the Blackbird Security Firm stop this madman? It was a joy to watch Elaine & Alim adapt to each others presence in their lives. (My only criticism was that Elaine cussed more than she talked and seemed mean to those around her. Perhaps this was a side affect of her autism?)
Elaine is quite a unique character to have a story written about. I enjoyed her character in the previous series which is not necessary to have read prior to this but it is useful for background information.
Elaine is an autistic shifter two strikes against her by many people but she has learned how to be herself and be happy with who she is. Finding a mate for her was an interesting twist and I loved the intricacies of their relationship.
Alim is an absolute sweetie and quite perfect for her. He takes things slowly and at the proper pace to make Elaine comfortable.
Their relationship part of the storyline was interesting and worked at a good speed however the other part of the story line was a bit lacking at times especially with the way it resolved after the way everything happened. I would have expected something more intense for the ending however overall I did enjoy the story and I'm excited to have seen even more of this world.
I had the enormous honour of beta reading this book, and as such, my review was written long before the official blurb.
Elaine has lived her life with labels. She isn't happy about any of them. After the gits at the Blackbird Security did what they did last year, she has taken solace in the two things that make her truly happy: her online gaming, and her mate, Alim. Just as they begin to grow into a deeper relationship, Elaine and Alim are faced with a far deadly threat than they have yet to encounter.
This is, almost, the final book in the Blackbird series. But it can totally be read as a stand alone, because the gits and their partners take a part here, and wheat they did to Elaine is recapped.
BUT!!!
I think you should read, Under Fire, Ivy, Natasha, Alicia, Twelve Days and Lorcan, if only to feel of Donovan and her writing, and how Elaine is with everyone.
AND, because I said so!
Elaine is, as much as she can be, happy with Alim. He is patient with her, and goes out of his way to soothe her triggers and symptoms to assist with not setting off her Asperger's and causing a meltdown. He tells her he loves her, but more so, he SHOWS her. When Elaine's life is threatened, you'd have though him the shifter, not Elaine, the way he protects his mate.
Elaine deals with a lot here, not least of which is a religious nut job intent on cleansing the world of all shifters. Emotionally and physically, she is pushed to her limits.
And Donovan portrays all the things Elaine deals with so brilliantly. Partly because she has first hand experience of Asperger's but also because her writing skill is growing, and developing with each and every book she writes.
As I said, I beta read this book. At first Elaine was reluctant to talk about what she and Alim share, on a personal and intimate level. But by the final time, Elaine had relented somewhat and we do get some of their more personal moments. I don't want to call them anything other than that, personal moments, because what Elaine and Alim have, and how Donovan tells about it, it comes across somewhat... special... for want of a better word.
Its always sad to say good bye to a series, but equally, for this pack, its nice to see them all happy with their partners. For the pack to grow and develop and to move on, for Elaine especially, it was right and proper that she did.
I have no doubt, none at all, some people will HATE Elaine, none at all. But please, if you like your characters diverse, and quirky, and funny, give Elaine a chance, give Donovan a chance with this book. I promise, you won't regret it.
5 full and shiny stars, all wrapped up in Alim's university sweatshirt that Elaine is so fond of.
The Misguided Confession is the story of Elaine, who features prominently in Dahlia Donovan's first set, The Blackbird Security series. Although you can read this as a standalone, I personally would recommend you read the prior books, just so you get a complete picture of not only Elaine, but also the relationships she has with people. The characters in this book are connected in one way or another, and seeing those individual relationships change and develop is wonderful.
Alim and Elaine haven't had what you might call a 'normal' courtship, mainly due to Elaine's autism. However, this hasn't stopped either of them from making it work. Even if she can't vocalise it, Elaine knows that Alim is always doing his best for her, and she appreciates it, whilst also understanding that she needs to do her fair share too. Not only do you have the intricacies of their relationship, but you also have a religious 'nutter' on the loose, who is going around killing people he deems demons. You also have the Pack trying to make amends for decisions made involving Elaine, which she doesn't really want.
All in all, this is a packed book, full of action, plus tea and biscuits. Dahlia Donovan produces a story full of British witticisms every time, and I love her for it. It is not very often that you read a story where the main character is autistic, and I personally loved the insight. Full of characters I know and adore, plus realistic situations and places, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read that I have added to my "To Be Kept" folder, along with the rest of Dahlia Donovan's books.
I think that this will be a marmite book - you will either love it, or hate it. Personally, I love it and can't wait to read more of this author's work.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
This is almost the final of (The Blackbird Security Series) by Dahlia Donovan ,and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed this great story. Dahlia Donovan has given us a story with a little angst and so much more in it. The author has written such a well portray about things that Elaine deals with so brilliantly into words ,and it all has to do with her writing skills her she grows and develops more with each and very book she writes. This is Elaine's sweet story ,Elaine was featured in Dahlia Donovan's first set (The Blackbird series ) you can read this book as a stand alone but I really think you need to read the others first,and then you can get a complete picture not only of Elaine ,but also the relationships that she had with the other characters . All the relationships in this story are connected in one way or another. And seeing their individual relationships changes and their development is wonderful. Elaine has always had a difficult life ,not only is she a shifter ,and autistic ,that is why her mother abandoned her because she was different. But a loving and caring couple adopted her ,and helped her so much with loved her for her be different. Social situations are very difficult for her .But the day that she ran into Alim ,make her surprised when he asked her out for tea. Alim is a really wonderful man,who is so prefect to her and he loves her for her. But Elaine knows that Alim is her mate ,but she has so much to learn about relationships and compromise. Alim doesn't want to rescue her ,he wants to stand next to her and help her. Just as Elaine thinks everything is settling down for her, a zealot comes and threatens her life .Can she survive ? And will she be able to handle anything that comes at her? I could tell you more about this sweet story ,but that would spoil it for you .I highly recommend that you read this touching story ,you won't be disappointed.
I absolutely love this book. I have been waiting for Elaine and Alim’s book for a while. I have read all of the others books about the Blackbird Security team. While this book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the other books in the series first to get a complete picture. Elaine has had a difficult life. Not only is she a shifter but she is autistic. Either one by its self would be difficult. She was abandoned by her mother just because she was different. But she was adopted by a lovely couple who helped her so much and loved her more for her differences not less. Elaine has trouble with social situations. So when she runs into Alim to first time she is surprised when he asks her to tea. Alim is a wonderful man. He is perfect to Elaine. He loves her more because of her differences not less just like her parents. Elaine knows that Alim is her mate however she has a lot to learn about relationships and compromise. Her whole life she has worried that people think she is weak or disabled in some way. Alim doesn’t want to rescue Elaine he wants to stand next to her and help her. As if her life hasn’t been complicated enough just when she thinks maybe things may start to settle down a zealot comes out of nowhere and is threatening Elaine’s life. I can’t say enough about this book or the series. It was funny, romantic, had a bit of angst, and so much more. I love Elaine and the names she calls everyone. It’s her way of showing she cares. Alim knows he has to be patient with Elaine and that she is worth it and so much more. I love all the characters in this series and how they are there for each other no matter what. I hope there will be more from the Blackbird group. Another great job Dahlia.
British wit and charm shines through to produce a charming read.
Shifter Elaine has left Blackbird Security after a nasty disagreement with the pack. Elaine is brutally honest with no filter. Having autism makes life challenging like having a relationship. Alim is the man to capture her heart with incredible patience and understanding. And if that wasn't enough for Elaine to deal with, a series of murders hits close to home.
As usual we have a quirky fun read. I always feel comfortable with Dahlia Donovan's writing and Britishisms which feel life a comfy blanket. Alongside the fun side is the more serious side of intolerance from people. A shifter read at its best.
Interesting read. The characters and the story of The Misguided Confession are good. I love how this book differs from Ms. Dahlia's books. I love how unique the characters are, especially Elaine. Anyway, I sometimes find Elaine a bit awkward but well it's her personality - one of the things why I was easily get a reaction and carried away with the character's personality. Alim, I like this guy. He's swoon worthy and there is something about him that you will find yourself easily loving him as the story goes. The story, it's good and I love everything about it. Ms. Dahlia did a fantastic job! Loved it!
This is an excellent read with a mix of romance and suspense that is perfectly balanced.
I loved Elaine's relationship with her mate. It was beautifully written and I was able to see feel her struggles with all her relationships in her life. Her love for her mate was able to overcome some of these obstacles. He was an amazing man, patient and kind, taking his time with Elaine and giving her space when for others it would be difficult to take that step back. That to me is love in it's purest form!
I must say I loved the different types of shifters. A bunny! Everytime he was mentioned I giggled. A good read! You won't be disappointed.
I love the character of Elaine. Her snarky attitude and wit, paired with her colorful language had me laughing out loud many times. Alim is so patient and attentive when it comes to Elaine, their relationship is truly special. This is a great paranormal story with a wonderful characters and a story line that pulls you in and doesn't disappoint. A solid 4.5 star book!
Religion and supernatural never went hand it hand. When pushed to extremes, things could really get ugly. Elaine is an autistic child raised in foster care. Her birth mother, Janice, gave her up after the discovery of her shifting abilities. Elaine avoided contact with her as much as possible. Once, Janice confessed in her drunken state her daughter´s oddity. Unfortunately, this act made Elaine the target of a zealous priest and his cult-like group. With the never-fading support of Elaine´s mate Alim, the two-way hunt might begun. The growing pile of murders and disappearances needed to stop. A very unusual supernatural story with aspects of thriller, drama, and romance. The clashing combination of religion pushed to zealotry and supernatural shifting abilities makes a perfect environment for turbulent story full of faith, hatred, and love. Even the characters, not very typical, provide a great amount of entertainment. Elaine with her foul mouth and snarky attitude certainly isn´t a delicate lady or damsel in distress, and her autistic nature makes her an odd but no less kickass heroine. Although I had a hard time accepting her or connect with her, I could at least understand her and that was the only thing that mattered in the end. Alim, on the other side, won my heart almost instantly, with his patience, gentleness, and protective urges. What would a woman give for such partner. Story full of twists and shaky situations that makes you pause and think about your prejudices and opinions. Not always easy to read, but valuable nevertheless. I got a copy from Hot Tree Publishing and provide my honest opinion.