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The Awakening #1
Turning Leaf
As a little girl, all Leaf Hatathli dreamed of was growing up and having a family of her own, but fate had something else in mind for her. Instead, she’s spent her life as a mercenary working for the Goddess, acting as her hand of justice in a world torn apart by the reappearance of magic. It’s a lonely business, and Leaf had given up on the idea of ever being someone’s beloved. After all, who could love a woman who’s possessed by a sex demon?
When Mir DePaul, Alpha of the Shiraz Pride, is captured by slavers he never expected rescue to come in the form of his true mate. And he certainly never expected his mate to be a Shadow, a human sharing a body with the spirit of a demon. He shares his body with his tiger spirit, and they both know their mate when they see her. Even if she refuses to believe it. They’ll do everything they can to convince Leaf and her demon that their love is real…as soon as they escape the contingent of death wizards hunting them down.
Everything has a price, and Mir will do anything to keep his mate safe while she tries to save the world from an ancient evil that threatens them all.
In a world full of sex witches and lust demons there is a lot of hanky panky going on, so fair warning you may have some clutch your pearls, or vibrator, moments.
When Mir DePaul, Alpha of the Shiraz Pride, is captured by slavers he never expected rescue to come in the form of his true mate. And he certainly never expected his mate to be a Shadow, a human sharing a body with the spirit of a demon. He shares his body with his tiger spirit, and they both know their mate when they see her. Even if she refuses to believe it. They’ll do everything they can to convince Leaf and her demon that their love is real…as soon as they escape the contingent of death wizards hunting them down.
Everything has a price, and Mir will do anything to keep his mate safe while she tries to save the world from an ancient evil that threatens them all.
In a world full of sex witches and lust demons there is a lot of hanky panky going on, so fair warning you may have some clutch your pearls, or vibrator, moments.
Unknown Binding
First published March 24, 2017
13 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Ann Mayburn
95 books1,973 followersAnn is Queen of the Castle to her wonderful husband and three sons in the mountains of West Virginia. In her past lives she's been an Import Broker, a Communications Specialist, a US Navy Civilian Contractor, a Bartender/Waitress, and an actor at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. She also spent a summer touring with the Grateful Dead(though she will deny to her children that it ever happened).
From a young age she's been fascinated by myths and fairytales, and the romance that often was the center of the story. As Ann grew older and her hormones kicked in, she discovered trashy romance novels. Great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.
Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has learned to type one handed while soothing a cranky baby.
From a young age she's been fascinated by myths and fairytales, and the romance that often was the center of the story. As Ann grew older and her hormones kicked in, she discovered trashy romance novels. Great at first, but she soon grew tired of the endless stories with a big wonderful emotional buildup to really short and crappy sex. Never a big fan of purple prose, throbbing spears of fleshy pleasure and wet honey pots make her giggle, she sought out books that gave the sex scenes in the story just as much detail and plot as everything else-without using cringe worthy euphemisms. This led her to the wonderful world of Erotic Romance, and she's never looked back.
Now Ann spends her days trying to tune out cartoons playing in the background to get into her 'sexy space' and has learned to type one handed while soothing a cranky baby.
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March 28, 2017
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Turning Leaf
Series: The Awakening Book 1
Author: Ann Mayburn
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Publication Date: March 28, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains very explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
After a lifetime of searching, tiger shifter Mir has finally found his true mate...too bad she's a mercenary for the Goddess possessed by a sex demon.
As a little girl, all Leaf Hatathli dreamed of was growing up and having a family of her own, but fate had something else in mind for her. Instead, she’s spent her life as a mercenary working for the Goddess, acting as her hand of justice in a world torn apart by the reappearance of magic. It’s a lonely business, and Leaf had given up on the idea of ever being someone’s beloved. After all, who could love a woman who’s possessed by a lust demon?
When Mir DePaul, Alpha of the Shiraz Pride, is captured by slavers he never expected rescue to come in the form of his true mate. And he certainly never expected his mate to be a Shadow, a human sharing a body with the spirit of a demon. He shares his body with his tiger spirit, and they both know their mate when they see her. Even if she refuses to believe it. They’ll do everything they can to convince Leaf and her demon that their love is real…as soon as they escape the contingent of death wizards hunting them down.
Everything has a price, and Mir will do anything to keep his mate safe while she tries to save the world from an ancient evil that threatens them all.
In a world full of sex witches and lust demons there is a lot of hanky panky going on, so fair warning you may have to clutch your pearls, or vibrator, moments.
My Thoughts:
I am a huge fan of this author and this book didn’t disappoint. There was a little bit of a boggy spot where it seemed redundant, but the story picked back up and never bogged down again.
I loved this dedication that the author put in: “This book is for my dreamers, for my readers that enjoy immersing themselves in an erotic, magic filled world where everything is possible…for a price.” This statement couldn’t be any truer about this book. The way it is written you are totally immersed in a whole different clime and culture. There are humans, Shadows, Twin Souls, wizards, witches, Dark Goddess and Mother Goddess, Purists, Prophets, beings from other dimensions. The world as we know it has totally changed. The concept is totally fascinating!
There are humans that have demons in them that share their soul. They have different needs. Leaf’s demon is a man and he gets his energy from sex. So needless to say, Leaf is a very sexual being and she occasionally will be with a woman to feed her demon. He does get energy from her other encounters, however. Leaf is a mercenary and she was highly trained and works for the Dark Goddess. She has not turned down any request made of her, her duty is to save others and serve the Dark Goddess. Leaf can see evil in people and she marks them for death. She has killed a few herself, but she is usually involved in rescue missions. Mainly helping women and children to cross into the Canada Pride Lands to seek asylum from the corrupt wizards that run the government in the Reformed United States. Her latest assignment, rescue Mir DePaul, Alpha leader of the Shiraz Pride, from slavers before he is sent to Washington DC to be destroyed.
Mir is a very beautiful and powerful man. He has markings of a white tiger as he is a Twin Soul and shares his spirit with the Tiger. When Leaf spots Mir in the cage he is cloaked to look like a weak teenager to others. This is called glamour. Leaf is also cloaked in glamour, but when their eyes meet, they see the person that they really are. Mir immediately knows that this is the mate he has been waiting for all his life. It didn’t matter that she was a Shadow. The Goddess had brought her into his life for a reason and he was going to pursue her.
There is a lot of twists and turns that goes on in this story. There are a few laugh out loud moments as Leaf is very sarcastic! There is some push and pull between Leaf and Mir, as she is a sassy, independent woman with a very possessive alpha mate. She struggles to understand how that could even happen. She just didn’t understand why the Goddess set this into motion. Mir didn’t question why the Goddess made this happen, he trusted that the Goddess had her reasons. The chemistry IS OFF THE CHARTS with these two. This author can write erotic scenes like no other.
This book was so fun and different. The world concept, the different characters and their purposes was wild. I loved it. I loved Mir and Leaf’s story and I can’t wait for more.
ARC kindly provided by for Once Upon an Alpha for an honest review.
Title: Turning Leaf
Series: The Awakening Book 1
Author: Ann Mayburn
Genre: Erotic Paranormal
Publication Date: March 28, 2017
Cliff Hanger: No
4 Stars
*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains very explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+
Synopsis:
After a lifetime of searching, tiger shifter Mir has finally found his true mate...too bad she's a mercenary for the Goddess possessed by a sex demon.
As a little girl, all Leaf Hatathli dreamed of was growing up and having a family of her own, but fate had something else in mind for her. Instead, she’s spent her life as a mercenary working for the Goddess, acting as her hand of justice in a world torn apart by the reappearance of magic. It’s a lonely business, and Leaf had given up on the idea of ever being someone’s beloved. After all, who could love a woman who’s possessed by a lust demon?
When Mir DePaul, Alpha of the Shiraz Pride, is captured by slavers he never expected rescue to come in the form of his true mate. And he certainly never expected his mate to be a Shadow, a human sharing a body with the spirit of a demon. He shares his body with his tiger spirit, and they both know their mate when they see her. Even if she refuses to believe it. They’ll do everything they can to convince Leaf and her demon that their love is real…as soon as they escape the contingent of death wizards hunting them down.
Everything has a price, and Mir will do anything to keep his mate safe while she tries to save the world from an ancient evil that threatens them all.
In a world full of sex witches and lust demons there is a lot of hanky panky going on, so fair warning you may have to clutch your pearls, or vibrator, moments.
My Thoughts:
I am a huge fan of this author and this book didn’t disappoint. There was a little bit of a boggy spot where it seemed redundant, but the story picked back up and never bogged down again.
I loved this dedication that the author put in: “This book is for my dreamers, for my readers that enjoy immersing themselves in an erotic, magic filled world where everything is possible…for a price.” This statement couldn’t be any truer about this book. The way it is written you are totally immersed in a whole different clime and culture. There are humans, Shadows, Twin Souls, wizards, witches, Dark Goddess and Mother Goddess, Purists, Prophets, beings from other dimensions. The world as we know it has totally changed. The concept is totally fascinating!
There are humans that have demons in them that share their soul. They have different needs. Leaf’s demon is a man and he gets his energy from sex. So needless to say, Leaf is a very sexual being and she occasionally will be with a woman to feed her demon. He does get energy from her other encounters, however. Leaf is a mercenary and she was highly trained and works for the Dark Goddess. She has not turned down any request made of her, her duty is to save others and serve the Dark Goddess. Leaf can see evil in people and she marks them for death. She has killed a few herself, but she is usually involved in rescue missions. Mainly helping women and children to cross into the Canada Pride Lands to seek asylum from the corrupt wizards that run the government in the Reformed United States. Her latest assignment, rescue Mir DePaul, Alpha leader of the Shiraz Pride, from slavers before he is sent to Washington DC to be destroyed.
Mir is a very beautiful and powerful man. He has markings of a white tiger as he is a Twin Soul and shares his spirit with the Tiger. When Leaf spots Mir in the cage he is cloaked to look like a weak teenager to others. This is called glamour. Leaf is also cloaked in glamour, but when their eyes meet, they see the person that they really are. Mir immediately knows that this is the mate he has been waiting for all his life. It didn’t matter that she was a Shadow. The Goddess had brought her into his life for a reason and he was going to pursue her.
There is a lot of twists and turns that goes on in this story. There are a few laugh out loud moments as Leaf is very sarcastic! There is some push and pull between Leaf and Mir, as she is a sassy, independent woman with a very possessive alpha mate. She struggles to understand how that could even happen. She just didn’t understand why the Goddess set this into motion. Mir didn’t question why the Goddess made this happen, he trusted that the Goddess had her reasons. The chemistry IS OFF THE CHARTS with these two. This author can write erotic scenes like no other.
This book was so fun and different. The world concept, the different characters and their purposes was wild. I loved it. I loved Mir and Leaf’s story and I can’t wait for more.
ARC kindly provided by for Once Upon an Alpha for an honest review.
March 28, 2017
Leaf Hatathli's latest assignment is pretty straightforward and should be no problem for a seasoned shadow assassin such as herself. Locate and extract Mir DePaul, Alpha of the Shiraz Pride, from slavers who captured him and return him to his pride.
All goes according to plan until Mir claims she is his one and only mate, which is taboo, and the couple find themselves being chased by death wizards.
* * *
This is a new series by a fav author who can really heat up my e reader with smoking hot toe curling adult content. Getting my hands on this baby I settled in as the Mistress (Ann Mayburn) weaved her magic and provided me with my fix of story and smut.
First off. This story is packed with adult content scenes galore. For fans who love their smut it will satisfy even the most demanding of erotica connoisseurs.
Second. The author takes readers on a fanciful alternate reality journey when the world, as we know it, is transformed when the Goddess brings back magic and introduces twin souls, demons, magical beings, and sorcery. Very interesting concept as the world is segregated into different classes and geographical landscapes. Prejudice comes in all shapes and sizes even in this fictional fantasy world which is a shame as "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it".
Third. The story line is heavy on erotica scenes. That means readers should have their beverage of choice and any battery accessories full charged as things play out. I was pretty exhausted by the time I reached the last page, last word.
Problematic though was a core representation premised in this story. Leaf. She is a female shadow which is a being that hosts a demon who feeds off sexual energy. What? Isn't that a succubus? I had to break off and research because this bothered me. End result. There is a strong resemblance and I'm not sure I totally got on board with this new concept. I wanted to share this for potential readers who might have a similar feeling. Apparently there is a difference and it's good to know if any have similar concerns.
Overall this is a story that is heavy on smut, light on story line action/adventure and thus will appeal to those who look for alternate reality fantasy based erotica romance. I appreciated the world building and fact that when a world is so dysfunctional and things look bleak, love can be the bridge to moving forward.
All goes according to plan until Mir claims she is his one and only mate, which is taboo, and the couple find themselves being chased by death wizards.
* * *
This is a new series by a fav author who can really heat up my e reader with smoking hot toe curling adult content. Getting my hands on this baby I settled in as the Mistress (Ann Mayburn) weaved her magic and provided me with my fix of story and smut.
First off. This story is packed with adult content scenes galore. For fans who love their smut it will satisfy even the most demanding of erotica connoisseurs.
Second. The author takes readers on a fanciful alternate reality journey when the world, as we know it, is transformed when the Goddess brings back magic and introduces twin souls, demons, magical beings, and sorcery. Very interesting concept as the world is segregated into different classes and geographical landscapes. Prejudice comes in all shapes and sizes even in this fictional fantasy world which is a shame as "those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it".
Third. The story line is heavy on erotica scenes. That means readers should have their beverage of choice and any battery accessories full charged as things play out. I was pretty exhausted by the time I reached the last page, last word.
Problematic though was a core representation premised in this story. Leaf. She is a female shadow which is a being that hosts a demon who feeds off sexual energy. What? Isn't that a succubus? I had to break off and research because this bothered me. End result. There is a strong resemblance and I'm not sure I totally got on board with this new concept. I wanted to share this for potential readers who might have a similar feeling. Apparently there is a difference and it's good to know if any have similar concerns.
Overall this is a story that is heavy on smut, light on story line action/adventure and thus will appeal to those who look for alternate reality fantasy based erotica romance. I appreciated the world building and fact that when a world is so dysfunctional and things look bleak, love can be the bridge to moving forward.
June 12, 2017
Ann Mayburn’s Iron Horse MC Series is a huge favorite of mine so I was excited when I found Turning Leaf. A paranormal post-apocalyptic page-turner, it was nothing like I thought it would be. This was a sexy adventure with lots of suspense that I had trouble putting down.
The worldbuilding was fascinating and involves a goddess waking up from a long sleep and realizing her children had been very bad. Because she woke magic came back into the world among other things causing chaos and fear. Usually, in books like this the deity ends up not having a lot of character, but that wasn’t the case here. Although we never get to meet her in person, you could tell she had a distinct personality and could get very angry but she had a sense of humor too. She loved her people, and the evil that permeated the world saddened her greatly.
Leaf is a shadow, which means at some point in her life she took on a demon. Shadows work as assassins for the goddess. She is sent to rescue Mir, a twin soul (a person who shares his body with an animal), who is the alpha of the Shiraz Pride. Mir had been captured by slavers and the last thing he expected was to be rescued by a shadow who turned out to be his mate which should have been an impossibility.
Leaf was everything I expect in a kickass heroine. As an assassin for the goddess, she had serious skills and could take care of herself. Her dedication to what she’d been called for was admirable considering when she took on her demon all her hopes and dreams for the future crashed and burned. I also liked her demon who was just as badass if not more than she was. She didn’t have an easy relationship with him, but had learned to live with him. She also had to learn to live with the fact that her demon fed off of sexual energy meaning she had to keep him fed. The fact that the demon liked women and she was partial to men also had to be dealt with.
Mir was quite the alpha tiger and I adored him. It shocked him at first that his mate was a shadow, but he didn’t skip a beat. He accepted the mate the goddess gifted him without hesitation and had no doubt it would all work out no matter how impossible it seemed. He was alpha to his core, but also let his woman be the badass little assassin she needed to be without too much fuss on his part.
As for the bedroom, Mir knew how to make his woman purr and he did it over and over again. When a twin soul finds their mate, a heat kicks in, and when the mate happens to be a shadow that has a demon that feeds off of sexual energy you can ratchet that heat up to a mating frenzy. These two were scorching hot together but I did find myself skimming after what felt like the fifty gazillionth coupling. The author showcased her impressive writing talents by incorporating as much worldbuilding as she did in between all the sexy times.
Turning Leaf was fast paced, suspenseful, full of action and adventure. Ms. Mayburn built a world I want to know more about and inhabited it with characters that were fascinating to me. There is an HEA but also an ongoing story arc that has me wanting the next book now.
Rating: 4 Unexpected Stars
The worldbuilding was fascinating and involves a goddess waking up from a long sleep and realizing her children had been very bad. Because she woke magic came back into the world among other things causing chaos and fear. Usually, in books like this the deity ends up not having a lot of character, but that wasn’t the case here. Although we never get to meet her in person, you could tell she had a distinct personality and could get very angry but she had a sense of humor too. She loved her people, and the evil that permeated the world saddened her greatly.
Leaf is a shadow, which means at some point in her life she took on a demon. Shadows work as assassins for the goddess. She is sent to rescue Mir, a twin soul (a person who shares his body with an animal), who is the alpha of the Shiraz Pride. Mir had been captured by slavers and the last thing he expected was to be rescued by a shadow who turned out to be his mate which should have been an impossibility.
Leaf was everything I expect in a kickass heroine. As an assassin for the goddess, she had serious skills and could take care of herself. Her dedication to what she’d been called for was admirable considering when she took on her demon all her hopes and dreams for the future crashed and burned. I also liked her demon who was just as badass if not more than she was. She didn’t have an easy relationship with him, but had learned to live with him. She also had to learn to live with the fact that her demon fed off of sexual energy meaning she had to keep him fed. The fact that the demon liked women and she was partial to men also had to be dealt with.
Mir was quite the alpha tiger and I adored him. It shocked him at first that his mate was a shadow, but he didn’t skip a beat. He accepted the mate the goddess gifted him without hesitation and had no doubt it would all work out no matter how impossible it seemed. He was alpha to his core, but also let his woman be the badass little assassin she needed to be without too much fuss on his part.
As for the bedroom, Mir knew how to make his woman purr and he did it over and over again. When a twin soul finds their mate, a heat kicks in, and when the mate happens to be a shadow that has a demon that feeds off of sexual energy you can ratchet that heat up to a mating frenzy. These two were scorching hot together but I did find myself skimming after what felt like the fifty gazillionth coupling. The author showcased her impressive writing talents by incorporating as much worldbuilding as she did in between all the sexy times.
Turning Leaf was fast paced, suspenseful, full of action and adventure. Ms. Mayburn built a world I want to know more about and inhabited it with characters that were fascinating to me. There is an HEA but also an ongoing story arc that has me wanting the next book now.
Rating: 4 Unexpected Stars
March 28, 2017
Ohh I was super excited when I heard Ann Mayburn had a new book coming out and it was paranormal romance –type style book. Ms. Mayburn definitely has a hit on her hands! This book has the sizzle, the heat to go along with fantastic story that Ann Mayburn weaves for her readers which is like super juicy book crack because every time I finish reading her books, I find I am jittery and craving more of her heroes and heroines until I am stalking her Author’s website, Facebook and any social media to find out when her next book will be out. That is how awesome this and her previous books are – As for “Turning Leaf” I am all atwitter, hoping to find out if/when we will get more in this new world.
Mir, a Shifter also Twin Soul and known as the Alpha of the Shiroz Pride was taken by horrible slavers. He is saved by Leaf who is a Shadow. She is a mix of human and demon spirit. And let me tell you, Mir finds he craves Leaf-like REALLY craves her. Like hot , wild sexy times.
Not to say there isn’t angst, drama, action and suspense—but there is hot and yummy sex scenes. Leaf and Mir make a mighty fine couple. Mir is a dreamy hot alpha male and he has plans to make Ms. Leaf his mate –and part of that plays into the one of the angsty issues but that shows the readers the strong and independent passions and love the MC have for one another. How do I say it, express it in words to get across how devoted the quickly come to one another? It isn’t a fly by night sort of thing or a weak sort of feeling..Theirs is for keeps. The interaction between them is sweet, sassy, strong, at times silly/humorous/ sometimes solemn but always true to one another.
Kudos to the author for writing such a strong story that took me on a journey that I never wanted to end. I hope we get to come back and visit again …soon.
My rating: 4.8 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Mir, a Shifter also Twin Soul and known as the Alpha of the Shiroz Pride was taken by horrible slavers. He is saved by Leaf who is a Shadow. She is a mix of human and demon spirit. And let me tell you, Mir finds he craves Leaf-like REALLY craves her. Like hot , wild sexy times.
Not to say there isn’t angst, drama, action and suspense—but there is hot and yummy sex scenes. Leaf and Mir make a mighty fine couple. Mir is a dreamy hot alpha male and he has plans to make Ms. Leaf his mate –and part of that plays into the one of the angsty issues but that shows the readers the strong and independent passions and love the MC have for one another. How do I say it, express it in words to get across how devoted the quickly come to one another? It isn’t a fly by night sort of thing or a weak sort of feeling..Theirs is for keeps. The interaction between them is sweet, sassy, strong, at times silly/humorous/ sometimes solemn but always true to one another.
Kudos to the author for writing such a strong story that took me on a journey that I never wanted to end. I hope we get to come back and visit again …soon.
My rating: 4.8 stars ****
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
May 2, 2018
Ann Mayburn’s Iron Horse MC Series is a huge favorite of mine so I was excited when I found Turning Leaf. A paranormal post-apocalyptic page-turner, it was nothing like I thought it would be. This was a sexy adventure with lots of suspense that I had trouble putting down.
The worldbuilding was fascinating and involves a goddess waking up from a long sleep and realizing her children had been very bad. Because she woke magic came back into the world among other things causing chaos and fear. Usually, in books like this the deity ends up not having a lot of character, but that wasn’t the case here. Although we never get to meet her in person, you could tell she had a distinct personality and could get very angry but she had a sense of humor too. She loved her people, and the evil that permeated the world saddened her greatly.
Leaf is a shadow, which means at some point in her life she took on a demon. Shadows work as assassins for the goddess. She is sent to rescue Mir, a twin soul (a person who shares his body with an animal), who is the alpha of the Shiraz Pride. Mir had been captured by slavers and the last thing he expected was to be rescued by a shadow who turned out to be his mate which should have been an impossibility.
Leaf was everything I expect in a kickass heroine. As an assassin for the goddess, she had serious skills and could take care of herself. Her dedication to what she’d been called for was admirable considering when she took on her demon all her hopes and dreams for the future crashed and burned. I also liked her demon who was just as badass if not more than she was. She didn’t have an easy relationship with him, but had learned to live with him. She also had to learn to live with the fact that her demon fed off of sexual energy meaning she had to keep him fed. The fact that the demon liked women and she was partial to men also had to be dealt with.
Mir was quite the alpha tiger and I adored him. It shocked him at first that his mate was a shadow, but he didn’t skip a beat. He accepted the mate the goddess gifted him without hesitation and had no doubt it would all work out no matter how impossible it seemed. He was alpha to his core, but also let his woman be the badass little assassin she needed to be without too much fuss on his part.
As for the bedroom, Mir knew how to make his woman purr and he did it over and over again. When a twin soul finds their mate, a heat kicks in, and when the mate happens to be a shadow that has a demon that feeds off of sexual energy you can ratchet that heat up to a mating frenzy. These two were scorching hot together but I did find myself skimming after what felt like the fifty gazillionth coupling. The author showcased her impressive writing talents by incorporating as much worldbuilding as she did in between all the sexy times.
Turning Leaf was fast-paced, suspenseful, full of action and adventure. Ms. Mayburn built a world I want to know more about and inhabited it with characters that were fascinating to me. There is an HEA but also an ongoing story arc that has me wanting the next book now.
Rating: 4 Unexpected Stars
The worldbuilding was fascinating and involves a goddess waking up from a long sleep and realizing her children had been very bad. Because she woke magic came back into the world among other things causing chaos and fear. Usually, in books like this the deity ends up not having a lot of character, but that wasn’t the case here. Although we never get to meet her in person, you could tell she had a distinct personality and could get very angry but she had a sense of humor too. She loved her people, and the evil that permeated the world saddened her greatly.
Leaf is a shadow, which means at some point in her life she took on a demon. Shadows work as assassins for the goddess. She is sent to rescue Mir, a twin soul (a person who shares his body with an animal), who is the alpha of the Shiraz Pride. Mir had been captured by slavers and the last thing he expected was to be rescued by a shadow who turned out to be his mate which should have been an impossibility.
Leaf was everything I expect in a kickass heroine. As an assassin for the goddess, she had serious skills and could take care of herself. Her dedication to what she’d been called for was admirable considering when she took on her demon all her hopes and dreams for the future crashed and burned. I also liked her demon who was just as badass if not more than she was. She didn’t have an easy relationship with him, but had learned to live with him. She also had to learn to live with the fact that her demon fed off of sexual energy meaning she had to keep him fed. The fact that the demon liked women and she was partial to men also had to be dealt with.
Mir was quite the alpha tiger and I adored him. It shocked him at first that his mate was a shadow, but he didn’t skip a beat. He accepted the mate the goddess gifted him without hesitation and had no doubt it would all work out no matter how impossible it seemed. He was alpha to his core, but also let his woman be the badass little assassin she needed to be without too much fuss on his part.
As for the bedroom, Mir knew how to make his woman purr and he did it over and over again. When a twin soul finds their mate, a heat kicks in, and when the mate happens to be a shadow that has a demon that feeds off of sexual energy you can ratchet that heat up to a mating frenzy. These two were scorching hot together but I did find myself skimming after what felt like the fifty gazillionth coupling. The author showcased her impressive writing talents by incorporating as much worldbuilding as she did in between all the sexy times.
Turning Leaf was fast-paced, suspenseful, full of action and adventure. Ms. Mayburn built a world I want to know more about and inhabited it with characters that were fascinating to me. There is an HEA but also an ongoing story arc that has me wanting the next book now.
Rating: 4 Unexpected Stars
April 18, 2019
I really enjoyed the smut/erotica/sex scenes in this story. I think this is my first book by Ann Mayburn but it sure won't be my last.
My problem with the series, is that it isn't one and it is actually meant to be one. This is 2019 and so far we have only this book for the series. Perhaps A.M. needs to either write the other books she intended for the series or she needs to re-write this one as a standalone book.
I loved the name Mir, loved his character and how when Leaf was against them being actual mates because of their differences, Mir was not letting her deny what was going on.
I loved the tone of the conversations, in that given that Leaf has a sex demon, the conversations are open, frank and that she curses enough for a grown woman.
All in all, enjoyed the book and shall be reading more from Ann Mayburn.
My problem with the series, is that it isn't one and it is actually meant to be one. This is 2019 and so far we have only this book for the series. Perhaps A.M. needs to either write the other books she intended for the series or she needs to re-write this one as a standalone book.
I loved the name Mir, loved his character and how when Leaf was against them being actual mates because of their differences, Mir was not letting her deny what was going on.
I loved the tone of the conversations, in that given that Leaf has a sex demon, the conversations are open, frank and that she curses enough for a grown woman.
All in all, enjoyed the book and shall be reading more from Ann Mayburn.
March 27, 2017
OMG Leaf and Mir connected so great together from the first page I was rooting for leaf to find her HEA. I love the story plot great sex scenes and I was just blown away by how awesome this story was if you love paranormal book with great spicy love scene check out this book. Ann story will have you on the edge of your seat.
May 9, 2017
3.5/3.75 stars
The world created is very interesting and in my opinion original, i love it !
that's what kept me reading, because while it was hot, it felt we spend too much time focuses on their sexual relationship (YES ME, smut lover is saying that lol)
There's potential, but i'm not sure abou reading other books. We will see ...
The world created is very interesting and in my opinion original, i love it !
that's what kept me reading, because while it was hot, it felt we spend too much time focuses on their sexual relationship (YES ME, smut lover is saying that lol)
There's potential, but i'm not sure abou reading other books. We will see ...
July 24, 2017
Interesting dystopian world in this story. I loved the passion of the heroine (Leaf) and Mir. They are a well matched couple - seemingly opposites, but really have core values in common. I wish the heroine hadn’t spent so much time bemoaning that she and the hero would never be allowed to be together. It got a bit tiresome.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
March 28, 2017
Five stars for Turning Leaf by Ann Mayburn
Ann Mayburn’s Turning Leaf was absolutely wonderful! Ms. Mayburn has a knack for storytelling. She grabs your imagination right from the beginning, as she creates a post-world filled with Twin Souls, Demons, Witches, Wizards and evil extensions of humans!
Mir, a Shifter (Twin Soul) Alpha of the Shiroz Pride is taken by slavers. His savior is Leaf, a Shadow (human with a Demon spirit). If that’s not enough, Leaf’s Demon feeds off of sex! Her Demon’s appetite allows for some smoldering erotic sex scenes and Ann Mayburn doesn’t let us down! We learn early on that a Twin Soul and a Shadow are not compatible, but Mir plans to defy all odds and make Leaf his mate. Of course, the Goddess has other plans for them and Mir and Leaf encounter obstacles that they must overcome.
Ann has that ability to make you feel and experience the lust, passion, love, intrigue, and violence in the story. Mir and Leaf are an absolute testament to the strong, emotional and realistic characters she creates. Their sassy, sarcastic, and sexy banter made me laugh out loud more than a handful of times, and their heartfelt emotions had me gasping and cheering for the good guys!
I loved Turning Leaf! I couldn’t put it down! If you haven’t read any of Ann Mayburn’s books yet, this would be a great one to start with.
Ann Mayburn’s Turning Leaf was absolutely wonderful! Ms. Mayburn has a knack for storytelling. She grabs your imagination right from the beginning, as she creates a post-world filled with Twin Souls, Demons, Witches, Wizards and evil extensions of humans!
Mir, a Shifter (Twin Soul) Alpha of the Shiroz Pride is taken by slavers. His savior is Leaf, a Shadow (human with a Demon spirit). If that’s not enough, Leaf’s Demon feeds off of sex! Her Demon’s appetite allows for some smoldering erotic sex scenes and Ann Mayburn doesn’t let us down! We learn early on that a Twin Soul and a Shadow are not compatible, but Mir plans to defy all odds and make Leaf his mate. Of course, the Goddess has other plans for them and Mir and Leaf encounter obstacles that they must overcome.
Ann has that ability to make you feel and experience the lust, passion, love, intrigue, and violence in the story. Mir and Leaf are an absolute testament to the strong, emotional and realistic characters she creates. Their sassy, sarcastic, and sexy banter made me laugh out loud more than a handful of times, and their heartfelt emotions had me gasping and cheering for the good guys!
I loved Turning Leaf! I couldn’t put it down! If you haven’t read any of Ann Mayburn’s books yet, this would be a great one to start with.
March 28, 2017
So when Ann Mayburn brings out a new book i jump to it. Doesn't matter what she turns her had too, weather its a paranormal/shifter read to MC or her submissive wish list reads. Ann Mayburn has such an amazing imagination and story telling i will always devour her books & Turning Leaf was no exception.
Within this new world of the paranormal & magic, Leaf is a Shadow which means she has a demon spirit within her body and her particular demon feeds on sexual energy!!
Leaf has been tasked by the Goddess with saving a Twin Soul (a person & animal). This Twin Soul is very important he is the Alpha of the Shiroz Pride and was taken by slavers.
Mir who's Twin Soul is a white tiger knows instantly that Leaf is his mate. But convincing her will be a task in its self. Knowing that a Twin Soul and a Shadow are not compatible, Mir plans to defy all odds and make Leaf his mate. Of course, the Goddess has other plans for them and Mir and Leaf encounter obstacles that they must overcome to get them back to his pride.
Ann Mayburn takes us on a magical and intriguing intense ride. With lust, passion, love and of course it wouldn't be an Ann Mayburn book if it didn't have the very best very hot sex scenes. I loved Mir and Leaf with their sassy, sarcastic, and sexy banter they were perfect for each other. The ending was perfect and i would love to read more about this world.
I couldn’t put Turning Leaf down! If you haven’t read any of Ann Mayburn’s books i would highly recommend all of her books.
Within this new world of the paranormal & magic, Leaf is a Shadow which means she has a demon spirit within her body and her particular demon feeds on sexual energy!!
Leaf has been tasked by the Goddess with saving a Twin Soul (a person & animal). This Twin Soul is very important he is the Alpha of the Shiroz Pride and was taken by slavers.
Mir who's Twin Soul is a white tiger knows instantly that Leaf is his mate. But convincing her will be a task in its self. Knowing that a Twin Soul and a Shadow are not compatible, Mir plans to defy all odds and make Leaf his mate. Of course, the Goddess has other plans for them and Mir and Leaf encounter obstacles that they must overcome to get them back to his pride.
Ann Mayburn takes us on a magical and intriguing intense ride. With lust, passion, love and of course it wouldn't be an Ann Mayburn book if it didn't have the very best very hot sex scenes. I loved Mir and Leaf with their sassy, sarcastic, and sexy banter they were perfect for each other. The ending was perfect and i would love to read more about this world.
I couldn’t put Turning Leaf down! If you haven’t read any of Ann Mayburn’s books i would highly recommend all of her books.
March 28, 2017
I have been a big fan of Ann Mayburn's for a while now. I loved the Iron Horse MC and Submissive's wish series. This is a new direction for me with her writing, but it was just as amazing.
The story had me from the first word with the post 'Goddess waking' world that Ann has created. It is vivid in its description just as it is in the reality of the world that the characters of Mir and Leaf live in. It is like stepping back in time with religious intolerance, violence against woman, burning at the stake and slavery of those that are different.
Mir is a twin soul (he is twinned with a white tiger - probably one of my favourite animals) captured, and about to be sold into slavery, he is rescued by Leaf, a human with a demon shadow from the Dark Goddess. Moreover, there begins the story. I do not want to give away to much in my review about the plot but it was a great read and the sex...well that was HOT, especially with Leaf's to feed on sex to placate her demon and the extra large bulge that Mir had.
I would recommend this book to readers of paranormal and erotica. It is well-written, and the characters are in depth and well planned out. It leaves you at the end with that warm feeling of happiness but, something that I like draws you into wishing the next book be available straight away.
Brilliant as always Ann xx
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story had me from the first word with the post 'Goddess waking' world that Ann has created. It is vivid in its description just as it is in the reality of the world that the characters of Mir and Leaf live in. It is like stepping back in time with religious intolerance, violence against woman, burning at the stake and slavery of those that are different.
Mir is a twin soul (he is twinned with a white tiger - probably one of my favourite animals) captured, and about to be sold into slavery, he is rescued by Leaf, a human with a demon shadow from the Dark Goddess. Moreover, there begins the story. I do not want to give away to much in my review about the plot but it was a great read and the sex...well that was HOT, especially with Leaf's to feed on sex to placate her demon and the extra large bulge that Mir had.
I would recommend this book to readers of paranormal and erotica. It is well-written, and the characters are in depth and well planned out. It leaves you at the end with that warm feeling of happiness but, something that I like draws you into wishing the next book be available straight away.
Brilliant as always Ann xx
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2017
Title: Turning Leaf
Author: Ann Mayburn
5 amazing stars
I've always had a soft spot for paranormal romances ~ they simply allow you and the author to delve right into a new world of infinite possibilities. The more believable they are, the more I want to live them. When Ann. Auburn wrote Turning Leaf, she took the world as we know it and made it hers, changing history and how the countries were divided. Half demon, also known as a Shadow, Leaf was hired to rescue a Twin Soul, the leader of a Pride of shifters, Mir. After breaking him out of the slavers' clutches, the last thing Leaf expected was to feel so compelled, drawn to the half Tiger/ half man in front of her. Even less she expected to hear him tell her that she's his mate, but before they can begin to understand what is happening, they'll need to put each other and their newfound relationship on the line to save another in need of help.
5 hot and sweaty dreams
I'm not sure how to describe this book. I truly don't, because quite honestly, I'm not sure I can do it justice. I loved it. I really did. It was the kind of book that gave me the biggest fuzzies and hope that even the most unlikely people can be a couple, their bond, physical and emotional can survive the test of just about anything. It was a haunting read, a beautiful on and one that I'll want to read over and over again. Knowing that this is the first book in a new series by Ann Mayburn, I'll be looking forward to the next instalment, to see more of this new world that she created with Mir and Leaf.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
Author: Ann Mayburn
5 amazing stars
I've always had a soft spot for paranormal romances ~ they simply allow you and the author to delve right into a new world of infinite possibilities. The more believable they are, the more I want to live them. When Ann. Auburn wrote Turning Leaf, she took the world as we know it and made it hers, changing history and how the countries were divided. Half demon, also known as a Shadow, Leaf was hired to rescue a Twin Soul, the leader of a Pride of shifters, Mir. After breaking him out of the slavers' clutches, the last thing Leaf expected was to feel so compelled, drawn to the half Tiger/ half man in front of her. Even less she expected to hear him tell her that she's his mate, but before they can begin to understand what is happening, they'll need to put each other and their newfound relationship on the line to save another in need of help.
5 hot and sweaty dreams
I'm not sure how to describe this book. I truly don't, because quite honestly, I'm not sure I can do it justice. I loved it. I really did. It was the kind of book that gave me the biggest fuzzies and hope that even the most unlikely people can be a couple, their bond, physical and emotional can survive the test of just about anything. It was a haunting read, a beautiful on and one that I'll want to read over and over again. Knowing that this is the first book in a new series by Ann Mayburn, I'll be looking forward to the next instalment, to see more of this new world that she created with Mir and Leaf.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books
April 4, 2017
Apocalypticly Awesome!
Ann has managed to wrestle words into a world of intricacy so epic words fail to describe adequately. Thank you Dear Ann for yet another delightful gem that I will re-read again and again.
Ann has managed to wrestle words into a world of intricacy so epic words fail to describe adequately. Thank you Dear Ann for yet another delightful gem that I will re-read again and again.
December 14, 2017
Loved to storyline and the characters. Just wish there was a little more story and a little less sex. Not to much less though! I was really kinda hoping to see Leaf kick some ass! It was a very good read and a pretty cool way to explain how all the supernatural used to be but is no more and could possibly be again?!?! Can't wait for the next!
April 7, 2017
I liked that Leaf was this unassuming badass that knew how to defend herself and was more than capable of surviving in the absolute worst conditions. Of course, that's because she's possessed...semantics.
Mir - I want one. Of him. For myself. LOL. I love that he wasn't at all threatened by her independence. He was possessive and wanted her to be safe, but instead of hindering her, he did what he could to always help her. His devotion, his admiration, his passion for her was absolute and beautiful.
I have to say that I didn't like the cover. Had I not been drawn in by the synopsis and the fact that I'm gaga for shifter romances, I might not have given this book a second thought. While reading I couldn't help but compare that throughout the book it spoke of how Mir towered over Leaf and she was so curvy, but the cover depicts otherwise.
I would recommend this book to others and look forward to reading the next one.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Mir - I want one. Of him. For myself. LOL. I love that he wasn't at all threatened by her independence. He was possessive and wanted her to be safe, but instead of hindering her, he did what he could to always help her. His devotion, his admiration, his passion for her was absolute and beautiful.
I have to say that I didn't like the cover. Had I not been drawn in by the synopsis and the fact that I'm gaga for shifter romances, I might not have given this book a second thought. While reading I couldn't help but compare that throughout the book it spoke of how Mir towered over Leaf and she was so curvy, but the cover depicts otherwise.
I would recommend this book to others and look forward to reading the next one.
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review.**
April 25, 2017
Wow!!!
What a great book!! I just absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next book to come out!! A definite must read!!! Happy Reading!!! :)
What a great book!! I just absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next book to come out!! A definite must read!!! Happy Reading!!! :)
April 26, 2017
Intriguing!
I love stories like this! The paranormal and supernatural. The storyline was super cool. Leaf's ability was very interesting. I really enjoyed her and Mir's journey. I'm glad that some parts of the book were not drawn out. Like the rescue. I thought the book was well written and it kept me interest throughout the whole story. I was so sad for Leaf towards the end with her Shadow ordeal but it ended so well. I really can't wait for the next book. I wonder who it'll be about and what will happen to save the world.
I love stories like this! The paranormal and supernatural. The storyline was super cool. Leaf's ability was very interesting. I really enjoyed her and Mir's journey. I'm glad that some parts of the book were not drawn out. Like the rescue. I thought the book was well written and it kept me interest throughout the whole story. I was so sad for Leaf towards the end with her Shadow ordeal but it ended so well. I really can't wait for the next book. I wonder who it'll be about and what will happen to save the world.
May 1, 2017
It's always so worth the wait!
I love love love an ann mayburn book even though you have to wait for one forever! Always a wonderful hero and spunky heroine. The sex is over the top hot and you get the bonus of a good story plot!!
I love love love an ann mayburn book even though you have to wait for one forever! Always a wonderful hero and spunky heroine. The sex is over the top hot and you get the bonus of a good story plot!!
May 1, 2017
I'm not much of a writer of reviews, suffice to say I loved the book.
Ann is one of my favourite authors.
Ann is one of my favourite authors.
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