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Beyond Human #1
Unthinkable
"Smoking hot heroes, driven heroines, and inventive stories--Nina Croft is on my one-click list!" ~ Katee Robert , New York Times Bestselling Author.Betrayed by the government he worked for, Jake Callahan, leader of a group ofpowerful telepaths, will do anything to keep his people safe--and that means uncovering the secrets behind their past. His only hope lies with Christa Winters, the beautiful scientist daughter of Jake's oldboss. But Christa has secrets of her own...
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2016
21 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Nina Croft
88 books1,095 followersGrowing up in the cold, wet, north of England, Nina Croft spent a lot of time dreaming of faraway sunnier places and ponies. When she discovered both, along with a whole load of other things, could be found between the covers of a book, her life changed forever.
Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.
Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.
Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
If you'd like to find out about new releases then sign up for my Newsletter at: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/l...
Later, she headed south, picked up the perfect husband along the way, and together they volunteered to work in Africa. There they discovered a love of exotic places and a dislike of 9-5 work. Afterward they spent a number of years travelling (whenever possible) intermingled with working (whenever necessary.) Eventually they stumbled upon a remote area in the mountains of southern Spain and the small almond farm they now call home.
Nina spends her days reading, writing and riding her mare, Gencianna, under the blue Spanish skies—sunshine and ponies. She reckons this is proof that dreams really can come true if you want them enough.
Nina's writing mixes romance with elements of the paranormal and science fiction
If you'd like to find out about new releases then sign up for my Newsletter at: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/l...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 29, 2016
I really enjoy this authors work and I'm constantly amazed that more of my reading friends have yet to discover her. I'm particularly fond of her somewhat unique paranormal and sci fi stories so this book sounded right up my street and I'm happy to say it was everything I hoped for but and the but is I just didn't want the story to end!
So basically we have a group of somewhat enhanced people who worked for the government but are now on the run. They are the Tribe, descended from a strange race discovered many years ago and kept secret. There are those who will do anything to control these escapees and it appears that their former boss has a huge chink in his armour , his daughter Christa. So taking advantage of that seems pretty straightforward to their leader Jake. Yet he's in for a whole world of hurt when he kidnaps Christa because she is an innocent, with no idea what her father really does. Oh and did I mention she looks at Jake and imagines that he's a stripper sent to fulfill her every fantasy? Yep sexual chemistry is not easy to ignore but is this Stockholm Syndrome or something far more elemental in play?
Without revealing too much I will state that I got pulled into this story very easily . Yes it's amusing reading how Jake and Christa react to each other but the constant ribbing from his fellow Tribe members just felt joyful. After all their lives have been controlled so it made sense that they would revel in freedom and tease each other, life is after all for living! Best of all though are the secrets , the mystery and just how far does the corruption really go as unspeakable and to my mind inhumane acts are used against the Tribe. Yes I did kind of guess something about characters here but the ending had me wanting so much more . Warning, if you read this you will be desperate for the author to write the sequel !
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .
Four and a half from me
So basically we have a group of somewhat enhanced people who worked for the government but are now on the run. They are the Tribe, descended from a strange race discovered many years ago and kept secret. There are those who will do anything to control these escapees and it appears that their former boss has a huge chink in his armour , his daughter Christa. So taking advantage of that seems pretty straightforward to their leader Jake. Yet he's in for a whole world of hurt when he kidnaps Christa because she is an innocent, with no idea what her father really does. Oh and did I mention she looks at Jake and imagines that he's a stripper sent to fulfill her every fantasy? Yep sexual chemistry is not easy to ignore but is this Stockholm Syndrome or something far more elemental in play?
Without revealing too much I will state that I got pulled into this story very easily . Yes it's amusing reading how Jake and Christa react to each other but the constant ribbing from his fellow Tribe members just felt joyful. After all their lives have been controlled so it made sense that they would revel in freedom and tease each other, life is after all for living! Best of all though are the secrets , the mystery and just how far does the corruption really go as unspeakable and to my mind inhumane acts are used against the Tribe. Yes I did kind of guess something about characters here but the ending had me wanting so much more . Warning, if you read this you will be desperate for the author to write the sequel !
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review .
Four and a half from me
November 15, 2016
Holy crap! That was unexpected!
September 25, 2017
Enjoyable paranormal book with a potential sci-fi twist. Croft has created an interesting situation with her "beyond" human characters, and I really liked the characters and the potential story lines. I love Croft's sci-fi books, so I am pleased to see her adapt a new series in this new world. Although this story concludes with this couple the underlying plot is unresolved at the end.
Book source: Purchased.
Book source: Purchased.
September 9, 2016
I had some issues with this one. The premise of the lost ‘tribe’ of telepathic people searching for their roots and lost comrades was solid, and showed great promise; sort of a PNR/SciFi mix. The characters were where I had issue. The members of the tribe were, across the board, extremely juvenile. They were all into Christa and Jake's romance; talking and teasing about it, even during times of great danger. It was all on the pre-teen level of ‘do you like her, check yes or no'. Jake kept peeking into Christa's mind; and the reader is repeatedly and at length treated to all her juvenile gushing thoughts about how cute and manly Jake is. (Even during sex). No, just no.
It got a little better and more interesting later on in the book; but the action still stopped dead to insert a sex scene. The ending had a twist that perked up my interest for the next book; but I just don't know if I can read another book written basically as a YA with a lot of sex and violence. I need it to be more adult level reading than this was. This is a ‘maybe’ series to continue for me.
September 7, 2016
This is the dramatic start to an enthralling science fiction adventure and romance set in contemporary times. It involves a group of paranormally talented people who have been brought up in foster care before being brought together to form a team, the Tribe. They used to think they were working for the good guys but the death of some of them has made them question their orders and escape from where they were being experimented on. That was three months ago and now their former bosses have ordered them to be captured and some of them captured it is up to their leader, Jake Callahan, to endeavour to ensure they can all be free. To do this he instigates the kidnapping of Christa Winters, the beloved daughter of the man who used to be their boss and the man currently holding and threatening the lives of Jake’s team mates. Christa is a science geek who has no idea what her Dad is involved with and who is instantly attracted to Jake - and the attraction is mutual! As more people are murdered, danger lurks from unknown sources and soon Jake is desperate to keep the Tribe and Christa safe . . . .
This is an action packed adventure with well developed characters, a superb plot and that ending is one heck of a cliffhanger! Initially it seems a straightforward story but the author has cleverly interwoven a variety of threads together to create an intriguing story that had me reluctant to put it down, I wanted to know what happened next! Now I can’t wait to read the future books in this amazing series. I have no hesitation at all in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys stories set in the present day but involving science fiction elements together with mystery, adventure and romance!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an action packed adventure with well developed characters, a superb plot and that ending is one heck of a cliffhanger! Initially it seems a straightforward story but the author has cleverly interwoven a variety of threads together to create an intriguing story that had me reluctant to put it down, I wanted to know what happened next! Now I can’t wait to read the future books in this amazing series. I have no hesitation at all in highly recommending this to anyone who enjoys stories set in the present day but involving science fiction elements together with mystery, adventure and romance!
I was gifted a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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September 9, 2016
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2016
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- UNTHINKABLE is the first installment in Nina Croft’s adult, sci-fi BEYOND HUMAN paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of supernatural humans known as the Tribe-descendants from a group of people discovered, over 100 years earlier, by an expedition to the Mountains of the Moon (Congo Free State of Africa). This is leader of the Tribe Jake Callahan, and genetic scientist Christa Winters’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives UNTHINKABLE focuses on discrimination and specieism aimed at the descendants of the Tribe- a race of tall, blue-eyed Caucasians believed to be the product of inbreeding who were transferred to Scotland, given a home and all but forgotten. Fast forward to present day where the survivors and descendants have found themselves the victims of government experiments and manipulation, and in the ensuing time have discovered that each has been blessed or cursed with supernatural powers and psychic abilities as part of their Tribe DNA. Jake Callahan is the current day leader of the Tribe, and a man who is slowly losing the people he loves. Enter Christa Winters, a genetic scientist, who is unaware of the Tribe’s existence but a woman who is closer to the Tribe than she could ever have imagined.
UNTHINKABLE follows the life and death struggle of the members of Jake Callahan’s team of supernatural survivors. With the government and other factions of secret society trying to destroy what remains of the Tribe, our hero has a difficult time when the members of his ‘family’ slowly become victims of experiments and ‘ethnic’ cleansing. When Jake discovers that the man he once considered a father, Colonel Harry Winters, may be behind the Tribe’s slow descent into h*ll, Jake targets his daughter Christa in a game of betrayal and revenge.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of secret government organizations behind the experimentation and eradication of the Tribe. We are introduced to Jake’s team and the people he calls family, as well as a newcomer who may or may not be connected to his Tribe.
The world building focuses on the history of the Tribe; their numbers, their powers and their psychic abilities, as well as their fight for freedom and battle to stay alive but there is plenty of information that has yet to be revealed leaving the reader wanting more. Not everyone will survive the attacks against the Tribe and our hero will struggle with the loss of life and the guilt he places squarely on his shoulders.
UNTHINKABLE is a passionate and fascinating story line about survival, discrimination and fear of the unknown. The premise is inventive, captivating and clever; the characters are tragic, inspiring, courageous and confident; the romance is fated and fascinating-Jake’s ability to read minds makes for some unusual and uncomfortable moments both in and out of the bedroom ;)
Nina Croft’s amazing ability to blend Sci-fi with the paranormal takes the reader on an adventure into the unknown.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2016
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- UNTHINKABLE is the first installment in Nina Croft’s adult, sci-fi BEYOND HUMAN paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of supernatural humans known as the Tribe-descendants from a group of people discovered, over 100 years earlier, by an expedition to the Mountains of the Moon (Congo Free State of Africa). This is leader of the Tribe Jake Callahan, and genetic scientist Christa Winters’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives UNTHINKABLE focuses on discrimination and specieism aimed at the descendants of the Tribe- a race of tall, blue-eyed Caucasians believed to be the product of inbreeding who were transferred to Scotland, given a home and all but forgotten. Fast forward to present day where the survivors and descendants have found themselves the victims of government experiments and manipulation, and in the ensuing time have discovered that each has been blessed or cursed with supernatural powers and psychic abilities as part of their Tribe DNA. Jake Callahan is the current day leader of the Tribe, and a man who is slowly losing the people he loves. Enter Christa Winters, a genetic scientist, who is unaware of the Tribe’s existence but a woman who is closer to the Tribe than she could ever have imagined.
UNTHINKABLE follows the life and death struggle of the members of Jake Callahan’s team of supernatural survivors. With the government and other factions of secret society trying to destroy what remains of the Tribe, our hero has a difficult time when the members of his ‘family’ slowly become victims of experiments and ‘ethnic’ cleansing. When Jake discovers that the man he once considered a father, Colonel Harry Winters, may be behind the Tribe’s slow descent into h*ll, Jake targets his daughter Christa in a game of betrayal and revenge.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of secret government organizations behind the experimentation and eradication of the Tribe. We are introduced to Jake’s team and the people he calls family, as well as a newcomer who may or may not be connected to his Tribe.
The world building focuses on the history of the Tribe; their numbers, their powers and their psychic abilities, as well as their fight for freedom and battle to stay alive but there is plenty of information that has yet to be revealed leaving the reader wanting more. Not everyone will survive the attacks against the Tribe and our hero will struggle with the loss of life and the guilt he places squarely on his shoulders.
UNTHINKABLE is a passionate and fascinating story line about survival, discrimination and fear of the unknown. The premise is inventive, captivating and clever; the characters are tragic, inspiring, courageous and confident; the romance is fated and fascinating-Jake’s ability to read minds makes for some unusual and uncomfortable moments both in and out of the bedroom ;)
Nina Croft’s amazing ability to blend Sci-fi with the paranormal takes the reader on an adventure into the unknown.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 9, 2016
Once upon a time there was a tribe discovered in Africa back in the late 1800's by Malcolm Rayleigh. He brought them back with him to a compound in Scotland , over the years the male generation of Rayleigh's took the Tribe under their wing with the most recent being Martin Rayleigh. The Tribe as they were called helped the US Government as most of them had telepathic skills and were above intelligent and beyond what the normal humans were capable of. This worked well until recently and now the Tribe members are being hunted along with those who were in charge of the tribe committee. Jake Callahan is the oldest of the Tribe members and is their leader and now he wants answers into why his friends and he are being targeted . He sees that the only one who can give him answers is the guy known as "The Colonel". The thing is he isn't talking, well not yet anyway. Jake kidnaps his daughter Christa to use as a bargaining chip , but all is not what it seems as Jake is falling for Christa and vice versa though she claims it's merely a case of Stockholm Syndrome. What will happen though when Christa's true background is revealed ? I have to say the first 1/2 - 1/3 of Unthinkable was quite action-packed and then took a turn of romance in the air for a few characters especially Jake and Christa - who btw Jake Callahan is now being added to my list of Book Boyfriends. The last part of this book and the ending OMFG I so did not see the entire twist coming , I did have a inkling about the original tribe members but that last page. Readers be prepared for a shock and a cliffhanger ending. The other thing that attracted me to this book was the fact that it has an Academic Geek Lit angle with Christa and her science background which I loved. With the way Unthinkable ended, I am now looking forward to reading Book #2 in the Beyond Human Series and reading how Nina explains more about the strange object in the cliffhanger.
September 26, 2016
Why is it that the one you want is the one you should not have. That is at the heart of the relationship between Jake and Christa. He is on the run from her father and has kidnapped her to have some leverage. Both are very interesting and developed characters. The series name,, Beyond Human, says that the characters are going to be different. Jake is part of The Tribe and each has some paranormal ability. They are on the run after members of their group were killed. Read No More Lies a prequel to the series that gives a lot of background. This has a great plot, exciting action, a nice love story and a cliff hanger ending. A great start to a new series.
September 5, 2016
**Background - Many, many years ago, a group was discovered on another continent, a group unlike any the man had seen before. That man relocated them to his home in Scotland and they were never heard of again.**
As the years went by things changed for the group, as well as expanding with new additions, and when current members realized things weren't as they should be, they made a plan. However, that plan resulted in some consequences they didn't see coming. To make things right, Jake, the leader, decides to get the answers they need, there's only one thing to do...they need a bargaining chip to see where the Colonel stands. They also want to discover their origins, where they came from, any information about their lives, information that has never been shared with them.
Christa, the Colonel's daughter, sees only the good in people. The Colonel knows his kind-hearted daughter could never understand some of the decisions he's made, nor his need for power that started him on this journey and has ensured she isn't aware of them. However, he can't control everything or everyone and regardless of the steps he's taken to keep the two sides of his life separate, unfortunately for Christa, they're about to collide with her right in the center of it.
"He fu@&ing loved being in her mind. She was like no one he’d ever encountered before. He loved hearing her quirky thoughts." - Jake
As the pull to be near Christa becomes harder and harder to resist, Jake is torn between what he's coming to crave where she's concerned and his responsibility to his chosen family. As Jake and his team work to free the others and discover all they can about themselves, it seems someone is eliminating anyone in the know about the group. That could mean the Colonel is in danger. Even though they don't trust him, he is working with them as a necessity to keep Christa safe. But what happens when the Colonel learns Christa is specifically being targeted as well?
Will Jake find the members of family that were taken hostage? Will he find the other missing members as well? Can the Colonel be trusted? Who is behind what's happening? Is the same person or people responsible for everything? Or are there more players involved than Jake is aware of? What happens when Christa learns the other secrets her Dad is keeping, ones that specifically involve her? Will Jake and Christa get a chance at a future together?
One-click now to find out the story behind the Tribe, as they're referred to, and discover what they're up against as they try to uncover the truth about their beginnings. Please keep in mind while the book does let us know there is a future for Jake and Christa, the plot is in no way resolved and will continue on in book two. I did find the premise unique and am curious to see how the story will continue.
I do have to say on a side note, there were a couple of things that irritated me and while this is purely a personal preference on my part, I did want to share what they were. First, and this happened very early on in the story and then colored my enjoyment of the remainder of the story. I may have eventually been able to forget about it, but then it was referred to again, therefore refreshing my memory and irritating me all over again. Jake, Quinn, and Rose are traveling to their destination and a comment is made by Quinn, essentially telling Jake he's too tense and needs to get laid. Rose then offers herself up to have sex with him, saying she'd take one for the team. No. Just no. I do not want to have another character offer to have sex with the hero. Then she later referred to her offer again and said Jake should've taken her up on it. (This is after Jake and Christa have met and it's obvious to all the members present that they're attracted to each other and the team disapproves.) Now both times nothing happens between them and we are told that not only has nothing ever happened between them, but that Jake views her, and all the other members, as family and has never thought of the female members that way. Which brings me to my second irritation. I find it icky that she would offer to have sex with him, twice, when they've become family to each other. Third, we have Jake's mental thinking of how it's been three months since he last had sex. Oh no, the horror of it all, right? I hate when it's done like that. It's been three months...which equates to it being forever ago...ugh. Why do people feel the male characters have to essentially be manwhores or they constantly need sex or have just had it recently? There is nothing wrong with a man that isn't like that. In all honesty, that man is more of a hero in my eyes. The fourth and final thing, it got really old really fast that every woman Jake came into contact with, minus the female Tribe members and not including Rose's offer, either flat out flirted with him, mentally thought about him and what they'd like to do to him (psst...he can read minds so we were given this information.), or was obvious in checking him out. We get it, he's hot. That doesn't mean that no woman could be in his vicinity without it impacting her. I didn't feel any of these were necessary nor did they add to the story. In fact, they detracted from it for me.
**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
As the years went by things changed for the group, as well as expanding with new additions, and when current members realized things weren't as they should be, they made a plan. However, that plan resulted in some consequences they didn't see coming. To make things right, Jake, the leader, decides to get the answers they need, there's only one thing to do...they need a bargaining chip to see where the Colonel stands. They also want to discover their origins, where they came from, any information about their lives, information that has never been shared with them.
Christa, the Colonel's daughter, sees only the good in people. The Colonel knows his kind-hearted daughter could never understand some of the decisions he's made, nor his need for power that started him on this journey and has ensured she isn't aware of them. However, he can't control everything or everyone and regardless of the steps he's taken to keep the two sides of his life separate, unfortunately for Christa, they're about to collide with her right in the center of it.
"He fu@&ing loved being in her mind. She was like no one he’d ever encountered before. He loved hearing her quirky thoughts." - Jake
As the pull to be near Christa becomes harder and harder to resist, Jake is torn between what he's coming to crave where she's concerned and his responsibility to his chosen family. As Jake and his team work to free the others and discover all they can about themselves, it seems someone is eliminating anyone in the know about the group. That could mean the Colonel is in danger. Even though they don't trust him, he is working with them as a necessity to keep Christa safe. But what happens when the Colonel learns Christa is specifically being targeted as well?
Will Jake find the members of family that were taken hostage? Will he find the other missing members as well? Can the Colonel be trusted? Who is behind what's happening? Is the same person or people responsible for everything? Or are there more players involved than Jake is aware of? What happens when Christa learns the other secrets her Dad is keeping, ones that specifically involve her? Will Jake and Christa get a chance at a future together?
One-click now to find out the story behind the Tribe, as they're referred to, and discover what they're up against as they try to uncover the truth about their beginnings. Please keep in mind while the book does let us know there is a future for Jake and Christa, the plot is in no way resolved and will continue on in book two. I did find the premise unique and am curious to see how the story will continue.
I do have to say on a side note, there were a couple of things that irritated me and while this is purely a personal preference on my part, I did want to share what they were. First, and this happened very early on in the story and then colored my enjoyment of the remainder of the story. I may have eventually been able to forget about it, but then it was referred to again, therefore refreshing my memory and irritating me all over again. Jake, Quinn, and Rose are traveling to their destination and a comment is made by Quinn, essentially telling Jake he's too tense and needs to get laid. Rose then offers herself up to have sex with him, saying she'd take one for the team. No. Just no. I do not want to have another character offer to have sex with the hero. Then she later referred to her offer again and said Jake should've taken her up on it. (This is after Jake and Christa have met and it's obvious to all the members present that they're attracted to each other and the team disapproves.) Now both times nothing happens between them and we are told that not only has nothing ever happened between them, but that Jake views her, and all the other members, as family and has never thought of the female members that way. Which brings me to my second irritation. I find it icky that she would offer to have sex with him, twice, when they've become family to each other. Third, we have Jake's mental thinking of how it's been three months since he last had sex. Oh no, the horror of it all, right? I hate when it's done like that. It's been three months...which equates to it being forever ago...ugh. Why do people feel the male characters have to essentially be manwhores or they constantly need sex or have just had it recently? There is nothing wrong with a man that isn't like that. In all honesty, that man is more of a hero in my eyes. The fourth and final thing, it got really old really fast that every woman Jake came into contact with, minus the female Tribe members and not including Rose's offer, either flat out flirted with him, mentally thought about him and what they'd like to do to him (psst...he can read minds so we were given this information.), or was obvious in checking him out. We get it, he's hot. That doesn't mean that no woman could be in his vicinity without it impacting her. I didn't feel any of these were necessary nor did they add to the story. In fact, they detracted from it for me.
**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
September 20, 2017
Full review to come.
March 31, 2019
Maybe 3.5 more than 3. I liked it well enough to keep going in the series. I expect there are more because it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
September 14, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
September 1, 2020
3.7 stars!
It took me a while to get interested in this... And to actually finish reading it.
It had it's good points, though... As I found there were some surprises and unexpected things here.
Also, the connection between Jake and Christa was Everything; and was there since the beginning... But it was still a bit too Insta-Lusty. Still, I could get past that quickly and I did feel the Love between them.
The ending wasn't satisfying, though. I don’t think it gave any closure to the story. It wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it definitely pushes you to read the next book of the series.
I do not think I will be continuing with the series. I'm not really that interested in Sadie's story...for now, at least.
It took me a while to get interested in this... And to actually finish reading it.
It had it's good points, though... As I found there were some surprises and unexpected things here.
Also, the connection between Jake and Christa was Everything; and was there since the beginning... But it was still a bit too Insta-Lusty. Still, I could get past that quickly and I did feel the Love between them.
The ending wasn't satisfying, though. I don’t think it gave any closure to the story. It wasn't exactly a cliffhanger, but it definitely pushes you to read the next book of the series.
I do not think I will be continuing with the series. I'm not really that interested in Sadie's story...for now, at least.
September 17, 2016
ARC REVIEW
heads up cliffhanger! damns youse.
First off, cliffhanger I warn you now, so if you hate cliffhangers do not read. I am torn between liking this book and being utterly confused by it. It jumps you into the story, I was a little confused I had to check to make sure this was actually book one in the series. I really liked the plot, I liked the concept. It's one of those big twisted, nothing is what it seems, no one is what they seem kind of stories. Their is deep history with many of the characters and it's kind of summarized but I still felt that so much was left out. I know it will probably revealed in the later books but it left me wanting more like a prequel explaining everything before the point where this book started. The characters are all very interesting and even the "bad guys" you want to know more about their story.
Jake is the leader of The Tribe a group of people with special abilities they were until recently under control of the government, but one of them died and Jake went in search of what happened and was disturbed by what he saw and it lead him and the others to escape. Now that they are free from the confines of the government and their ability repressing drugs The Tribe is discovering a whole new set of talents they never knew they had. They had only a few months of freedom before their former boss raided their safe house and kidnapped several of their people. To get them back Jake sinks to their level and kidnaps the one thing his former boss hold dear, his daughter.
Christa Winters is completely oblivious of her father's activities. Christa is so strongly attracted to her kidnapper she has convinced herself that she's suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. She can't stop thinking about him, and since Jake is telepathic he can read her thoughts he finds her absolutely fascinating. Jake has been drawn to Christa since he first saw her weeks before he kidnaped her. The fact that she is the daughter of the man he wants to kill should keep him from getting too attached but he finds peace when he's with her and when the events unfold and they must run they become closer. Jake tells Christa everything, about The Tribe her father and their supposed origins. Christa is a scientist specializing in DNA and she tries to help find out if the origins they think is the truth is really the truth.
There are so many twists I don't want to say too much and reveal what really happens, it really is a captivating story once you get into it and their are so many surprises it keeps you guessing what going to happen next. Overall, it was a good read once you get into it it's really non stop. I enjoyed the good guys forced to do bad things in order to protect their own.
heads up cliffhanger! damns youse.
First off, cliffhanger I warn you now, so if you hate cliffhangers do not read. I am torn between liking this book and being utterly confused by it. It jumps you into the story, I was a little confused I had to check to make sure this was actually book one in the series. I really liked the plot, I liked the concept. It's one of those big twisted, nothing is what it seems, no one is what they seem kind of stories. Their is deep history with many of the characters and it's kind of summarized but I still felt that so much was left out. I know it will probably revealed in the later books but it left me wanting more like a prequel explaining everything before the point where this book started. The characters are all very interesting and even the "bad guys" you want to know more about their story.
Jake is the leader of The Tribe a group of people with special abilities they were until recently under control of the government, but one of them died and Jake went in search of what happened and was disturbed by what he saw and it lead him and the others to escape. Now that they are free from the confines of the government and their ability repressing drugs The Tribe is discovering a whole new set of talents they never knew they had. They had only a few months of freedom before their former boss raided their safe house and kidnapped several of their people. To get them back Jake sinks to their level and kidnaps the one thing his former boss hold dear, his daughter.
Christa Winters is completely oblivious of her father's activities. Christa is so strongly attracted to her kidnapper she has convinced herself that she's suffering from Stockholm Syndrome. She can't stop thinking about him, and since Jake is telepathic he can read her thoughts he finds her absolutely fascinating. Jake has been drawn to Christa since he first saw her weeks before he kidnaped her. The fact that she is the daughter of the man he wants to kill should keep him from getting too attached but he finds peace when he's with her and when the events unfold and they must run they become closer. Jake tells Christa everything, about The Tribe her father and their supposed origins. Christa is a scientist specializing in DNA and she tries to help find out if the origins they think is the truth is really the truth.
There are so many twists I don't want to say too much and reveal what really happens, it really is a captivating story once you get into it and their are so many surprises it keeps you guessing what going to happen next. Overall, it was a good read once you get into it it's really non stop. I enjoyed the good guys forced to do bad things in order to protect their own.
December 13, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2016/09/...
4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
You know, it's actually been a while since I read a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy. I don't actually read a lot in this genre, but for me what makes this more urban fantasy in my head is the greater action sequences, and the sort of government/military aspect of the characters. I don't think that's actually correct, but just shows where my head is at. Regardless, those were the elements I really enjoyed about this book. It had some great sassy characters, an intriguing paranormal aspect that looks to be setting up for a great new series (I can't help but wonder if the next books will be about Christa and Jake, or other characters in the Tribe), and a good deal of suspense, mystery, and action.
I enjoyed being in both Christa and Jake's heads...and I enjoyed watching Jake read Christa's mind. Christa was such a delight -- innocent and sweet, but with a side of sassy and strong...and quite frankly her head was hilarious. And Jake was the typical broody alpha-ish male who takes a lot on his shoulders, but is taken down by sweet little Christa. They had great chemistry, and I thoroughly enjoyed the steamy scenes.
We had some fantastic secondary characters, especially in the Tribe members. I can see this setting up to be a series where we get to see each Tribe members story, and I can't wait. There's so many I'm curious about.
And the paranormal type aspect kept me engaged...I was definitely curious to find out what the mystery would be, and I received enough answers to leave me satisfied, but with enough still unanswered to make me want to come back for more.
Strangely enough I think I have a few Nina Croft books, but this might be the first I've actually read..no wait, I've read a short story by her in an anthology, and now that I vaguely recall, I wonder if it was about one of the Tribe. I think I need to go reread it. She's very engaging, I will be looking forward to reading more of her in the future.
4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
You know, it's actually been a while since I read a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy. I don't actually read a lot in this genre, but for me what makes this more urban fantasy in my head is the greater action sequences, and the sort of government/military aspect of the characters. I don't think that's actually correct, but just shows where my head is at. Regardless, those were the elements I really enjoyed about this book. It had some great sassy characters, an intriguing paranormal aspect that looks to be setting up for a great new series (I can't help but wonder if the next books will be about Christa and Jake, or other characters in the Tribe), and a good deal of suspense, mystery, and action.
I enjoyed being in both Christa and Jake's heads...and I enjoyed watching Jake read Christa's mind. Christa was such a delight -- innocent and sweet, but with a side of sassy and strong...and quite frankly her head was hilarious. And Jake was the typical broody alpha-ish male who takes a lot on his shoulders, but is taken down by sweet little Christa. They had great chemistry, and I thoroughly enjoyed the steamy scenes.
We had some fantastic secondary characters, especially in the Tribe members. I can see this setting up to be a series where we get to see each Tribe members story, and I can't wait. There's so many I'm curious about.
And the paranormal type aspect kept me engaged...I was definitely curious to find out what the mystery would be, and I received enough answers to leave me satisfied, but with enough still unanswered to make me want to come back for more.
Strangely enough I think I have a few Nina Croft books, but this might be the first I've actually read..no wait, I've read a short story by her in an anthology, and now that I vaguely recall, I wonder if it was about one of the Tribe. I think I need to go reread it. She's very engaging, I will be looking forward to reading more of her in the future.
March 23, 2017
The premise of ‘Unthinkable’ is exciting: steeped in history and myth, with a touch of the paranormal, superhuman capabilities and military conspiracies…all of which I’ve sort of come to associate with authors like Christine Feehan's Ghostwalkers and Rebecca Zanetti’s Sin Brothers series to begin with. I love getting thrown straight into the action, smack in the middle of a thick, juicy plot where there’s a history to plumb and an uncertain future to ride through. And that was what the first few chapters did for me.
But it went downhill quickly from there. The constant emphasis on needing getting laid, very obvious Stockholm Syndrome and getting into each other’s pants became an unwelcome distraction; it made me think of randy teenagers looking for their next hookup instead of men and women with special powers and military-grade training looking to negotiate their way out of a high-stakes situation that is supposed to be tense and suspenseful. Where I’d expected a difficult, push-pull negotiation process with hardline torture and raw emotions, many of the scenes between Jake and Christa were overshadowed by thoughts of them needing to kiss or sex each other up, resulting in a strangely juvenile setup that felt out of place with the given context…and more like Twilight than Homeland or the X-files.
Thankfully the story picked up once again, only to be given an odd Dr. Whovian twist before it ends.
‘Unthinkable’ well, is a mix of quite a few things—urban fantasy, erotica, paranormal— but neither of those are fully realised at this point in time. The entire arc has only just begun and the obvious cliffhanger and strange revelations would probably all make sense by the time the series ends. At the moment however, I’m left floundering, bewildered and somewhat confused.
But it went downhill quickly from there. The constant emphasis on needing getting laid, very obvious Stockholm Syndrome and getting into each other’s pants became an unwelcome distraction; it made me think of randy teenagers looking for their next hookup instead of men and women with special powers and military-grade training looking to negotiate their way out of a high-stakes situation that is supposed to be tense and suspenseful. Where I’d expected a difficult, push-pull negotiation process with hardline torture and raw emotions, many of the scenes between Jake and Christa were overshadowed by thoughts of them needing to kiss or sex each other up, resulting in a strangely juvenile setup that felt out of place with the given context…and more like Twilight than Homeland or the X-files.
Thankfully the story picked up once again, only to be given an odd Dr. Whovian twist before it ends.
‘Unthinkable’ well, is a mix of quite a few things—urban fantasy, erotica, paranormal— but neither of those are fully realised at this point in time. The entire arc has only just begun and the obvious cliffhanger and strange revelations would probably all make sense by the time the series ends. At the moment however, I’m left floundering, bewildered and somewhat confused.
November 14, 2016
What a wonderful read! I had heard so much about this story that when it came up for review I requested it. Jake wants his people back but Christa father won’t give them. Slowly his tribe is dying as they are hunted down by the government he worked for. Jake makes plans to get his people back by kidnapping Christa. I totally loved their first meet it was just too cute and fun. Christa might look all shy and innocent but her thoughts sure are not. I had to laugh as these two meet for the first time the author really puts some thought into this read giving you a cute humorous read full of love, mystery and thrills. She really builds up the story setting up the next book in the series with wonderful characters you can’t wait to get to know more about.
I really loved the connection Jake and Christa have they are really totally different due to the life they have lead. One a little on the wild side the other so pure and innocent. Jake loves sneaking into Christa mind he really finds peace there something he needs very much. Jake has done what they want but he knows the right and wrong which makes him take a turn putting him at the top of their enemy list.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters as well as a few that will be in future books. I found I was so invested in the read that I could not put it down and stayed up late to read as much as I could. The author knows how to hook her readers giving one compelling read that is highly entertaining. You are going to have to hold on to your seat to take the rollercoaster ride as the author throws twists and turns your way. It is a very exciting ride that will have you so invested you will wonder where the time has gone. I can’t wait to see where she takes this series. If you are looking for a exciting, thrilling read that will have you chuckling a time or two this is the story for you.
*************************
I really loved the connection Jake and Christa have they are really totally different due to the life they have lead. One a little on the wild side the other so pure and innocent. Jake loves sneaking into Christa mind he really finds peace there something he needs very much. Jake has done what they want but he knows the right and wrong which makes him take a turn putting him at the top of their enemy list.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters as well as a few that will be in future books. I found I was so invested in the read that I could not put it down and stayed up late to read as much as I could. The author knows how to hook her readers giving one compelling read that is highly entertaining. You are going to have to hold on to your seat to take the rollercoaster ride as the author throws twists and turns your way. It is a very exciting ride that will have you so invested you will wonder where the time has gone. I can’t wait to see where she takes this series. If you are looking for a exciting, thrilling read that will have you chuckling a time or two this is the story for you.
*************************
September 28, 2018
This was really good!
Thank You very much Ms Croft
Ken
Thank You very much Ms Croft
Ken
Read
January 30, 20229/29/17
January 11, 2023
Eight toes. The things that people do. Now my question is, why is it such a big secret that no one knows of their existence?
September 9, 2016
4.25 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2016
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- UNTHINKABLE is the first installment in Nina Croft’s adult, sci-fi BEYOND HUMAN paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of supernatural humans known as the Tribe-descendants from a group of people discovered, over 100 years earlier, by an expedition to the Mountains of the Moon (Congo Free State of Africa). This is leader of the Tribe Jake Callahan, and genetic scientist Christa Winters’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives UNTHINKABLE focuses on discrimination and specieism aimed at the descendants of the Tribe- a race of tall, blue-eyed Caucasians believed to be the product of inbreeding who were transferred to Scotland, given a home and all but forgotten. Fast forward to present day where the survivors and descendants have found themselves the victims of government experiments and manipulation, and in the ensuing time have discovered that each has been blessed or cursed with supernatural powers and psychic abilities as part of their Tribe DNA. Jake Callahan is the current day leader of the Tribe, and a man who is slowly losing the people he loves. Enter Christa Winters, a genetic scientist, who is unaware of the Tribe’s existence but a woman who is closer to the Tribe than she could ever have imagined.
UNTHINKABLE follows the life and death struggle of the members of Jake Callahan’s team of supernatural survivors. With the government and other factions of secret society trying to destroy what remains of the Tribe, our hero has a difficult time when the members of his ‘family’ slowly become victims of experiments and ‘ethnic’ cleansing. When Jake discovers that the man he once considered a father, Colonel Harry Winters, may be behind the Tribe’s slow descent into h*ll, Jake targets his daughter Christa in a game of betrayal and revenge.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of secret government organizations behind the experimentation and eradication of the Tribe. We are introduced to Jake’s team and the people he calls family, as well as a newcomer who may or may not be connected to his Tribe.
The world building focuses on the history of the Tribe; their numbers, their powers and their psychic abilities, as well as their fight for freedom and battle to stay alive but there is plenty of information that has yet to be revealed leaving the reader wanting more. Not everyone will survive the attacks against the Tribe and our hero will struggle with the loss of life and the guilt he places squarely on his shoulders.
UNTHINKABLE is a passionate and fascinating story line about survival, discrimination and fear of the unknown. The premise is inventive, captivating and clever; the characters are tragic, inspiring, courageous and confident; the romance is fated and fascinating-Jake’s ability to read minds makes for some unusual and uncomfortable moments both in and out of the bedroom ;)
Nina Croft’s amazing ability to blend Sci-fi with the paranormal takes the reader on an adventure into the unknown.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 5, 2016
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
•••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars-- UNTHINKABLE is the first installment in Nina Croft’s adult, sci-fi BEYOND HUMAN paranormal, romance series focusing on a group of supernatural humans known as the Tribe-descendants from a group of people discovered, over 100 years earlier, by an expedition to the Mountains of the Moon (Congo Free State of Africa). This is leader of the Tribe Jake Callahan, and genetic scientist Christa Winters’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives UNTHINKABLE focuses on discrimination and specieism aimed at the descendants of the Tribe- a race of tall, blue-eyed Caucasians believed to be the product of inbreeding who were transferred to Scotland, given a home and all but forgotten. Fast forward to present day where the survivors and descendants have found themselves the victims of government experiments and manipulation, and in the ensuing time have discovered that each has been blessed or cursed with supernatural powers and psychic abilities as part of their Tribe DNA. Jake Callahan is the current day leader of the Tribe, and a man who is slowly losing the people he loves. Enter Christa Winters, a genetic scientist, who is unaware of the Tribe’s existence but a woman who is closer to the Tribe than she could ever have imagined.
UNTHINKABLE follows the life and death struggle of the members of Jake Callahan’s team of supernatural survivors. With the government and other factions of secret society trying to destroy what remains of the Tribe, our hero has a difficult time when the members of his ‘family’ slowly become victims of experiments and ‘ethnic’ cleansing. When Jake discovers that the man he once considered a father, Colonel Harry Winters, may be behind the Tribe’s slow descent into h*ll, Jake targets his daughter Christa in a game of betrayal and revenge.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of secret government organizations behind the experimentation and eradication of the Tribe. We are introduced to Jake’s team and the people he calls family, as well as a newcomer who may or may not be connected to his Tribe.
The world building focuses on the history of the Tribe; their numbers, their powers and their psychic abilities, as well as their fight for freedom and battle to stay alive but there is plenty of information that has yet to be revealed leaving the reader wanting more. Not everyone will survive the attacks against the Tribe and our hero will struggle with the loss of life and the guilt he places squarely on his shoulders.
UNTHINKABLE is a passionate and fascinating story line about survival, discrimination and fear of the unknown. The premise is inventive, captivating and clever; the characters are tragic, inspiring, courageous and confident; the romance is fated and fascinating-Jake’s ability to read minds makes for some unusual and uncomfortable moments both in and out of the bedroom ;)
Nina Croft’s amazing ability to blend Sci-fi with the paranormal takes the reader on an adventure into the unknown.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
September 16, 2016
Promising new series; Sci Fi; hot!!!
I like the concept of a group of people with paranormal abilities got together and created the Tribe. They found out they have been misused and are trying to be free. So they have kidnaped one of the bosses daughter. Christa is sweet and naïve. She didn't know what her father was involved with. She and Jake had a crazy chemistry and suddenly he was trying to protect his people and Christa.
A great plot twist at the end that I wasn't expecting. It was WOW!
That end had me wishing for book two right at that second, so I could know what comes next. Yeah, I need to read what will it be!
It was action-packed and thrilling.
It plays with Stockholm Syndrome and the psychology in me always finds this very intriguing.
I love the cover. It's sexy, mysterious, but classy. It's not trashy at all. It's a bit dangerous.
I had problems with the characters in general. They were not a group of teenagers, but the act like teens sometimes. It really confused me because with that amount of sex, I know this is not YA read.
There is a huge cliffhanger. I don't have a big problem with it, but I know some people do, so I believe a warning could be posted at the blurb.
I love plain erotica. I do. I read crap erotica and I love it. But the heat of this book annoyed me sometimes. It was too much. It just didn't always made sense. Really, I like my reads within the high scale of steamy, but this one confused me sometimes. Jake would read her mind all the time, and she was always having dirty thoughts. Like I said, I love Stockholm Syndrome, but I wanted her to be a bit more difficult for him. Maybe see more struggle of feelings.
You MAY read this book because you enjoy science fiction; you SHOULD read this book if you like romance; you MUST read this book if you want to read a very promising new series which comes with spicy sci-fy.
This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros
September 12, 2016
Title: Unthinkable
Series: Beyond Human #1
Author: Nina Croft
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: September 5, 2016
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 300 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
This book was very intriguing. It took me a few chapters to get involved, but once I was there I was in for the duration. Now I am left like so many others waiting to see what will happen to the people of the Tribe. The plot of this story is about a group of people that know very little about themselves. They were brought together and were used to gather intelligence. You see the people of the Tribe can read minds. Now they are being killed and the future doesn’t look bright for them. When Jake Callahan, the leader of the Tribe, kidnaps Christa Winters, the bosses daughter things get more complicated especially when Jake and Christa can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other. There is supercharged chemistry between our two main characters. The story moves at a steady pace and it kept me interested till the very end. Speaking of the end, let me just say I think I have whiplash from the ending. You will have to read it to understand why. There was lots of character development and I am sure that we will learn even more in the next book.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Unthinkable provided by the Entangled for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Series: Beyond Human #1
Author: Nina Croft
Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: September 5, 2016
Genre(s): Paranormal Romance
Page Count: 300 pages
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
Review:
This book was very intriguing. It took me a few chapters to get involved, but once I was there I was in for the duration. Now I am left like so many others waiting to see what will happen to the people of the Tribe. The plot of this story is about a group of people that know very little about themselves. They were brought together and were used to gather intelligence. You see the people of the Tribe can read minds. Now they are being killed and the future doesn’t look bright for them. When Jake Callahan, the leader of the Tribe, kidnaps Christa Winters, the bosses daughter things get more complicated especially when Jake and Christa can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other. There is supercharged chemistry between our two main characters. The story moves at a steady pace and it kept me interested till the very end. Speaking of the end, let me just say I think I have whiplash from the ending. You will have to read it to understand why. There was lots of character development and I am sure that we will learn even more in the next book.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5
Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 4 Stars
ENDING: 4 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4 Stars
Review Copy of Unthinkable provided by the Entangled for an honest Review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
September 7, 2016
Unthinkable
by Nina Croft
Beyond Human, #1
Release info: September 5, 2016 - Entangled Select Otherworld
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Sci-fi (soft), Suspense
Rating: 4 Quills
Heat Level: 1 Flames 
MY REVIEW:
This book is fast-paced and full of thrills!
The sci-fi world that Nina Croft is bringing us with this Beyond Human series is one that will keep you page-flipping all night. The main concept is that there was a "tribe" of people found in Africa a century ago that were caucasian with dark hair and deep blue eyes. They also had incredible psychic powers. This is the heart of the mystery in this series.
In the present day story, Jake and many other members of this tribe are being used by several international governments for their psychic skills. When things take a gruesome turn and Jake leads his team out of the confinements the government put them in, several members are captured and his only choice is to kidnap Christa, the colonel's daughter, to bargain for their release. He doesn't expect that they'll form a bond.
I love all of the characters in this book/group/series. The author has a way of writing so that her characters are "3-D". You can almost see and hear them throughout the dialogue and action of the book. The two main characters, Jake and Christa, are a fantastic couple to read. Jake is the rough, bad boy with superpowers. Christa is the cute-but-quirky scientist. He has the ability to read minds and, though he tells himself not to get into hers, he keeps learning that Christa's thought process is often scattered, usually dirty, and always on him. Their scenes together are all a fun read. I gave this book only one flame for the heat level because, even though the scenes and language are super-hot, this is a plot-driven book and they don't go at it near as much as you'd think for a romance (my opinion only). There are also plenty of other great characters (my favorite is Sadie) and subplots to make this a series that will not get boring.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the formatting for when two or more of the tribe would speak telepathically. It was all in italics with no way other than dialogue tags to differentiate who was speaking. Sometimes the tags were skipped during high-action for tension purposes, but it made determining who was speaking or being spoken to difficult. (Please note that I was reading an ARC/"uncorrected proof copy" and this may or may not have changed in final editing.)
September 6, 2016
4.5 “OMG I need the next one” Stars
I’ll start this review by saying: the next installment of this story better already be in editing stages because I need it now! OMG, this book was so good! The action, intrigue, suspense and paranormal elements, as well as the hot sexiness, were in just the right balance.
Jake is the reluctant head of a team of telepaths self-named “The Tribe”. Until recently, they worked with the military, but when they found out things weren’t as they seemed with the group they not only worked with but lived with, they escaped. Now hunted by the people they once trusted, in an effort to even the playing field Jake decided to kidnap his former superior’s daughter as a bargaining chip.
As a scientist, Christa has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about anything and everything. When her hunky kidnapper tells her about her father’s activities, a whole new world of questions opens up for her. Soon everything they thought they knew is turned upside down. Finding the origins of the Tribe, and finding out who exactly is out to get them become their priority.
Jake was a fantastic leader and as the oldest member and the de facto leader he felt responsible for each and every one of them. Innately a good guy, his military training could not override his code of right and wrong. Even though it complicates everything, his attraction to Christa is too strong to resist and he just can’t stop himself. Besides being incredibly hot and sexy, he was bossy, alpha, and a total protector.
Christa was a hoot. I loved her and her quirky brain. She kept trying to play off her attraction to Jake as Stockholm’s’ Syndrome, though she eventually accepts there’s just something about him that calls to her. I really enjoyed how strong she was, although she wasn’t a trained fighter her emotional and mental fortitude made up for it. No matter what was dumped on her lap, she rallied and waded forth not giving herself the chance to break down in hysterics and believe me, she had more than enough reason to.
I could really feel Jake and Christa’s connection and they quickly accepted the fact that they were meant to be. Both were set on protecting and taking care of the other, which made for some very funny conversations and a very exasperated Jake. Their time together as a couple was really hot and it just took the epic level of this story even higher for me.
Now I need to know when the next book in the series is coming and if Jake and Christa are still the main couple. I have so many questions about the both of them, separately and as a couple. Even though the story ends in a definite HFN, my curiosity has been left at an all time high.
Unthinkable was one of the most interesting and engaging books I’ve read of late and anyone with a drop of geek in their veins will most definitely love it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book*
I’ll start this review by saying: the next installment of this story better already be in editing stages because I need it now! OMG, this book was so good! The action, intrigue, suspense and paranormal elements, as well as the hot sexiness, were in just the right balance.
Jake is the reluctant head of a team of telepaths self-named “The Tribe”. Until recently, they worked with the military, but when they found out things weren’t as they seemed with the group they not only worked with but lived with, they escaped. Now hunted by the people they once trusted, in an effort to even the playing field Jake decided to kidnap his former superior’s daughter as a bargaining chip.
As a scientist, Christa has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about anything and everything. When her hunky kidnapper tells her about her father’s activities, a whole new world of questions opens up for her. Soon everything they thought they knew is turned upside down. Finding the origins of the Tribe, and finding out who exactly is out to get them become their priority.
Jake was a fantastic leader and as the oldest member and the de facto leader he felt responsible for each and every one of them. Innately a good guy, his military training could not override his code of right and wrong. Even though it complicates everything, his attraction to Christa is too strong to resist and he just can’t stop himself. Besides being incredibly hot and sexy, he was bossy, alpha, and a total protector.
Christa was a hoot. I loved her and her quirky brain. She kept trying to play off her attraction to Jake as Stockholm’s’ Syndrome, though she eventually accepts there’s just something about him that calls to her. I really enjoyed how strong she was, although she wasn’t a trained fighter her emotional and mental fortitude made up for it. No matter what was dumped on her lap, she rallied and waded forth not giving herself the chance to break down in hysterics and believe me, she had more than enough reason to.
I could really feel Jake and Christa’s connection and they quickly accepted the fact that they were meant to be. Both were set on protecting and taking care of the other, which made for some very funny conversations and a very exasperated Jake. Their time together as a couple was really hot and it just took the epic level of this story even higher for me.
Now I need to know when the next book in the series is coming and if Jake and Christa are still the main couple. I have so many questions about the both of them, separately and as a couple. Even though the story ends in a definite HFN, my curiosity has been left at an all time high.
Unthinkable was one of the most interesting and engaging books I’ve read of late and anyone with a drop of geek in their veins will most definitely love it.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book*
September 13, 2016
4.5 Stars Rounded Up
For more reviews like this, see my blog: Musings of Madjy
This was awesome!! The mysteries and everything about the Tribe were intriguing, and the way everything was presented and entwined was just an absolute pleasure to read. I am really excited for more of the series!!
In just the first few pages, you get sucked into this world of intrigue and suspense, and it just gets more immersive from there. There really is no one that you don't like at least a little, which I also thought made this story that much more interesting. Jake is part of a group of telepaths that has broken out of a government facility and winds up needing to kidnap the colonel's daughter, Christa. Christa is a seemingly innocent bystander to her father's questionable organization, who winds up getting some incredible surprises.
I thought that Christa was very relatable in her quirkiness and it was fun being in her head. There is a lot of humor in her pages, especially knowing that Jake can hear what she is thinking most of the time. And Jake is the perfect hero: confident, sexy, intelligent, and just an all-around good guy (despite some of the things he's done). We get inside the minds of a few different characters in this, though the focus is on the Jake and Christa. All of the relationships feel very genuine and natural and I feel like they are well-developed. We don't necessarily get to know the other members of the Tribe that well (yet), but there is a solid foundation set here, and you get a definite sense of camaraderie. The entire groups dynamic is a lot of fun and felt very appropriate for their ages (17-28), especially with Jake, the eldest, as their "boss."
Sometimes in a science fiction romance, the romance itself fades to the background and is missing a bit of that something special. Definitely not the case here! The attraction between Jake and Christa sizzles from the minute they see each other, and the tension between them is HOT. They also have several sweet moments that make sure the romance doesn't get lost in their physical chemistry. The romance and chemistry is, very appropriately, ramped up by what Jake keeps hearing and seeing in Christa's mind, which I absolutely loved!
The last thing I'll note here is the dialogue. I've recently read some books that had weak dialogue, so the fact that Nina Croft is obviously skilled in that department stood out that much more. It flows naturally, even when educating us on the history of the Tribe, or Christa's scientific findings.
As I'm sure you've guessed, this ends on a cliffhanger. It's the first book of the series and I hope that there are at least a couple more to follow!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
For more reviews like this, see my blog: Musings of Madjy
This was awesome!! The mysteries and everything about the Tribe were intriguing, and the way everything was presented and entwined was just an absolute pleasure to read. I am really excited for more of the series!!
In just the first few pages, you get sucked into this world of intrigue and suspense, and it just gets more immersive from there. There really is no one that you don't like at least a little, which I also thought made this story that much more interesting. Jake is part of a group of telepaths that has broken out of a government facility and winds up needing to kidnap the colonel's daughter, Christa. Christa is a seemingly innocent bystander to her father's questionable organization, who winds up getting some incredible surprises.
I thought that Christa was very relatable in her quirkiness and it was fun being in her head. There is a lot of humor in her pages, especially knowing that Jake can hear what she is thinking most of the time. And Jake is the perfect hero: confident, sexy, intelligent, and just an all-around good guy (despite some of the things he's done). We get inside the minds of a few different characters in this, though the focus is on the Jake and Christa. All of the relationships feel very genuine and natural and I feel like they are well-developed. We don't necessarily get to know the other members of the Tribe that well (yet), but there is a solid foundation set here, and you get a definite sense of camaraderie. The entire groups dynamic is a lot of fun and felt very appropriate for their ages (17-28), especially with Jake, the eldest, as their "boss."
Sometimes in a science fiction romance, the romance itself fades to the background and is missing a bit of that something special. Definitely not the case here! The attraction between Jake and Christa sizzles from the minute they see each other, and the tension between them is HOT. They also have several sweet moments that make sure the romance doesn't get lost in their physical chemistry. The romance and chemistry is, very appropriately, ramped up by what Jake keeps hearing and seeing in Christa's mind, which I absolutely loved!
The last thing I'll note here is the dialogue. I've recently read some books that had weak dialogue, so the fact that Nina Croft is obviously skilled in that department stood out that much more. It flows naturally, even when educating us on the history of the Tribe, or Christa's scientific findings.
As I'm sure you've guessed, this ends on a cliffhanger. It's the first book of the series and I hope that there are at least a couple more to follow!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
September 6, 2016
Jake Callahan, leader of the Tribe, has always believed he’s one of the good guys. Now, hunted by the government he used to work for, he’s taking a crash course in being bad. What he desperately needs is a bargaining tool, and that’s unfortunate for Christa Winters, daughter of Jake’s former boss.
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
Review:
Alright, so I was totally fooled by where all the mystery behind the Tribe and their origins. That is all I will say about that.
What seemed to start out as a simple kidnapping story turns into a very interesting tale with many twists and turns. The Tribe have been trained since their youth to use their extrasensory abilities to spy and work covertly for the government. When they decide to break from the people they work for and live a "normal" life they become the targets and members get ambushed and kidnapped. Trying to get the others back they kidnap Christa the daughter of their old handler/boss. Things get really interesting from there. There is a lot of mystery, cat and mouse and action, but I am not giving away more than that.
I really loved the story line and the uniqueness of the story. The use of the extrasensory abilities added a great element to the story and made it even more interesting. Of course, there is a blooming romance in the middle of all this action and chaos. Jake is a caring and capable leader. Christa is just too fun for words and her inner dialogue had me laughing even in the middle of her being kidnapped. Together they make a great force in their quest to find the others.
This is the first book in the series and I thought it was an awesome start. I will say that the story does not wrap up at the end, in fact it ends with a major revelation that you will have to wait for the next book to learn more about...which I hope we don't have to wait too soon for because I am Hooked!
4.5Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Christa is a scientist, a total geek, and a good girl with a secret hankering for bad boys. Which turns out to be embarrassingly inconvenient when she’s kidnapped by a stunningly gorgeous—but obviously bad-to-the-bone—man intent on using her against the father she loves. A man with a seemingly uncanny ability to know exactly when she’s thinking about kissing him—which is most of the time.
But people are dying, and it becomes clear that the stakes are much higher than Jake ever imagined. Someone is out to obliterate the Tribe and everyone associated with it, including Christa. Only by working together to uncover the secrets behind the past, can they ever hope to have a future.
Review:
Alright, so I was totally fooled by where all the mystery behind the Tribe and their origins. That is all I will say about that.
What seemed to start out as a simple kidnapping story turns into a very interesting tale with many twists and turns. The Tribe have been trained since their youth to use their extrasensory abilities to spy and work covertly for the government. When they decide to break from the people they work for and live a "normal" life they become the targets and members get ambushed and kidnapped. Trying to get the others back they kidnap Christa the daughter of their old handler/boss. Things get really interesting from there. There is a lot of mystery, cat and mouse and action, but I am not giving away more than that.
I really loved the story line and the uniqueness of the story. The use of the extrasensory abilities added a great element to the story and made it even more interesting. Of course, there is a blooming romance in the middle of all this action and chaos. Jake is a caring and capable leader. Christa is just too fun for words and her inner dialogue had me laughing even in the middle of her being kidnapped. Together they make a great force in their quest to find the others.
This is the first book in the series and I thought it was an awesome start. I will say that the story does not wrap up at the end, in fact it ends with a major revelation that you will have to wait for the next book to learn more about...which I hope we don't have to wait too soon for because I am Hooked!
4.5Stars
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
September 7, 2016
This review was first published on my blog " Lecture toute une Aventure"
Fabulous surprise! I was more than tempted by the book description but the story is , so, so much better than that. There is a lot of violence and deaths but the suspense and tension is wonderfully instilled with a good touch of romance and some humour as well.
Nina Croft managed to surprise me several time and left me wanting for more despite the cliffhanger ( and you know how i hate those)
Really for me this seemed at first more of an paranormal romance suspense than urban fantasy with the investigation going one and it was a good one with still a lot to undercover, the characters are very interesting and it's hard not to feel for them. Jake feels so betrayed and guilty because those in who he believed lied to me and it resulted in the deaths of some dear to him. he wants to protects the other members and for that he thinks he is ready to do anything but deep down he is a good person and still has dreams.....even if he can be deadly
Christa isn't naïve she is trusting, trying to see the positive all the time, she is a bit different from others but it never bothered her, she loves her job and focuses on it until a very handsome male appears and change her world.
One thing i loved is that among the tribe, even females have powers and go for what they want. it's not only a bunch of alpha male, it's a great change. I also loved that they were discovering powers slowly and often very different ones and i can't wait to see what will the powers of those we still don't know.
It's very well written and captivating with a lot of twists to keep you immersed and biting your nails in a light anguish for the characters life.
I really hope and want to continue this series and i recommend it without hesitation!
Fabulous surprise! I was more than tempted by the book description but the story is , so, so much better than that. There is a lot of violence and deaths but the suspense and tension is wonderfully instilled with a good touch of romance and some humour as well.
Nina Croft managed to surprise me several time and left me wanting for more despite the cliffhanger ( and you know how i hate those)
Really for me this seemed at first more of an paranormal romance suspense than urban fantasy with the investigation going one and it was a good one with still a lot to undercover, the characters are very interesting and it's hard not to feel for them. Jake feels so betrayed and guilty because those in who he believed lied to me and it resulted in the deaths of some dear to him. he wants to protects the other members and for that he thinks he is ready to do anything but deep down he is a good person and still has dreams.....even if he can be deadly
Christa isn't naïve she is trusting, trying to see the positive all the time, she is a bit different from others but it never bothered her, she loves her job and focuses on it until a very handsome male appears and change her world.
One thing i loved is that among the tribe, even females have powers and go for what they want. it's not only a bunch of alpha male, it's a great change. I also loved that they were discovering powers slowly and often very different ones and i can't wait to see what will the powers of those we still don't know.
It's very well written and captivating with a lot of twists to keep you immersed and biting your nails in a light anguish for the characters life.
I really hope and want to continue this series and i recommend it without hesitation!
September 17, 2016
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour hosted by Inkslinger PR! <3
Jake Callahan is the leader of a group of people, called the Tribe – who used to work with the government, but have recently found that the same people they trusted are now slowly hunting them. He is a telepath, most of his people are and they communicate in their heads.
Needing a bargaining tool for the man, Colonel, now hunting them, he kidnaps his daughter, Christa Winters, a scientist and a researcher by trade.
This was such a different romance to the recent ones that I have read – not bad, just different. There is a whole lot of introduction to numerous secondary characters, being the first in the series – and another is the introduction to all the science-y stuff relating to the background of the whole tribe.
It was a roller coaster ride, for the plot twists and for the characters as well – Jake and Christa have this beautiful connection; Christa is the pure soul, who rarely has the strength or has even understood the art of manipulation and thus Jake, who has seen the worst minds of mankind with the job he has had to do, loves being inside Christa’s mind, for there is only pure innocence and intelligence in it!
Jake is the strong, loyal and absolute soldier; but he has the mind to do what is right rather than what he is told, making him the top enemy of the state. He was wonderful, dreamy and brilliant – I loved that we got his POV, for it made the experience a whole lot better than if we had only gotten one!
I can’t wait to see where this author takes this series, for there is a lot of unanswered questions left for the plot, that I REALLY WANT answers to!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
Jake Callahan is the leader of a group of people, called the Tribe – who used to work with the government, but have recently found that the same people they trusted are now slowly hunting them. He is a telepath, most of his people are and they communicate in their heads.
Needing a bargaining tool for the man, Colonel, now hunting them, he kidnaps his daughter, Christa Winters, a scientist and a researcher by trade.
This was such a different romance to the recent ones that I have read – not bad, just different. There is a whole lot of introduction to numerous secondary characters, being the first in the series – and another is the introduction to all the science-y stuff relating to the background of the whole tribe.
It was a roller coaster ride, for the plot twists and for the characters as well – Jake and Christa have this beautiful connection; Christa is the pure soul, who rarely has the strength or has even understood the art of manipulation and thus Jake, who has seen the worst minds of mankind with the job he has had to do, loves being inside Christa’s mind, for there is only pure innocence and intelligence in it!
Jake is the strong, loyal and absolute soldier; but he has the mind to do what is right rather than what he is told, making him the top enemy of the state. He was wonderful, dreamy and brilliant – I loved that we got his POV, for it made the experience a whole lot better than if we had only gotten one!
I can’t wait to see where this author takes this series, for there is a lot of unanswered questions left for the plot, that I REALLY WANT answers to!
For more reviews visit For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Do come join us at For The Fictional Worlds Facebook Page
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