Overcoming Stereotypes

Miracle #4

by Shea Balik

In a world where everyone was against them, they needed a Miracle. What no one had expected was to find their salvation in an abandoned town that was ready to collapse. Yet, that is exactly what happened when they moved to the town of Miracle, Oregon.

Kellach Alder hadn’t been given a chance in life to be the man he knew he could be. It never occurred to him that if he wanted others to see him differently, he would have to stand up and be the person he wanted to be.

Trygg Snow was sent to kill Kellach and his friends. Already conflicted about his mission, Trygg knew he wouldn’t be able to complete his assignment when he came face to face with his mate. If only Kellach, a mountain lion shifter, would look past the fact that Trygg was a wolf shifter.

Against all odds, and an army headed their way to destroy them all, Trygg and Kellach must find a way past their differences if they are to survive. The only way to achieve that is by Overcoming Stereotypes.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, M M Romance, LGBT, M M Shapeshifters, Romance, Gay

107 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2017

About the author

Bestselling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Hart Medical Center Series, Miracle Series, and Paranormal Wars Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin.

Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.

Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to Kellach’s story, but unfortunately it’s my least favourite of the series so far.

Kellach discovers that his mate is wolf shifter, Trygg, an assassin sent to kill Kellach and his friends for the crime of being gay. Obviously Trygg has no intention of hurting his fated mate, and is ready to embrace his loved up fate, but unfortunately, Kellach has other ideas about that.

While I liked the continuance of the overarching story, that of the residents of Miracle rebuilding the ghost town as they prepare to defend their lives, I didn’t like the relationship between our two main characters. Kellach was a prejudice asshat. He had a bad past with wolves, so it was understandable that he had reservations about his mating, but there was absolutely no compromise with the cat shifter. He planned on rejecting his mate solely based on his species, but when he discovered his past didn’t really happen the way he believed, he does a total 180 and is excited to get his mating on. I just felt that he needed to soften to the idea of mating a wolf shifter at least a little, to show that his feelings for Trygg were stronger than any prejudice.

Kellach also annoyed me with his habit of speaking his thoughts aloud without realizing it. That’s something that I’ve always hated characters doing, because honestly, does anyone actually do that in real life? And ok, yes, shifters aren’t exactly real life, but that’s just a quirk that bugs the heck out of me. Obviously it won’t annoy everyone.

What I liked best about this installment was catching up with Jari and Harper again, and seeing the progress that these two abused mouse shifters have been making.

I’m definitely looking forward to the next book, where we will hopefully see the no-good council be taken down by some badass shifters.

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/12/2...

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trygg, a wolf shifter, has been raised to believe that his true mate can only be another wolf shifter. Trygg has been sent to hunt down and kill Kellach, one of the mountain lion shifters in Miracle. When Trygg gets close to Kellach he realises that his mission is impossible, Kellach is his mate. Kellach has his own difficulties with his mate because he always seen wolves as arrogant and entitled in the shifter universe, thinking that they're better than anyone else. With a small army from the shifter council advancing on Miracle they need to solve their issues quickly to survive whatever is coming.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one yet

This was the best book in this series so far. I loved both of the MC's and I was caught up in the plot of the book.

[Celestial · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[Dorothy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

Was disappointed with this one ...kept hoping it would get better but it never did....I usually like this author but won't be reading any more of this series

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy did this have some twists I was not expecting and a lot were quite humorous. It definitely teaches people, if they pay attention, never underestimate anyone who is small, effeminate or female. You never quite know what you may end up with. As Kellach's mate, Tyrgg, had to learn the hard way. And with all the crap that Kellach has had to endure at his old pack and especially his father's hand, he learned quick, he had himself to rely on. But with the blow Tyrgg announced to the pack, the fight they were expecting was coming a lot sooner than they expected.And what they were being told was not exactly a shock, but definitely wasn't a pleasant thing. Especially, since Tyrgg was supposed to be the one to enforce it all. But what Kellach and Trygg neither one expected, was that they were mates. Kellach had wanted a mate for so long, but after something else that happened in his life, he refused Trygg and Trygg's heart was breaking. He knew he had to make things right to try to make amends with the blood staining his hands and he hoped and prayed that this would go a long way to redeeming himself. But Kellach had a hard time trusting, until the evidence was in front of his face. And who could blame him? Trygg tried not to let it hurt but he got what Kellach meant. But as Trygg does all he can to make amends, it's coming to a full out war around them as the Council insists they be put down for the sins they've committed. Whether the Gods were involved or not. And it's a matter of who will make it out alive or not.
I love how these two are together. They go through a lot to get to where they are. Trygg loves the fact that his pretty kitty is fiesty and a spitfire. He loves the passion in Kellach and the backbone he has. He loves that he knows his pretty kitty can handle himself and doesn't want to appear weak. Yes, Kellach has to get used to viewing things a bit differently now that he's out from under his father's thumb, but he's learning. He's not going to get it right away and it causes some heartache for a bit. But Trygg refuses to back down and give up without a fight. Kellach makes him want to be a better man. One that can live free of the guilt, even with all the blood on his hands. He wants to be better and love and be loved. They get sassy and snarky and downright crude at times with each other. Knowing they both want each other. But with everything that has occurred in their lives, who could blame Kellach for being the more nervous one. But I love that Trygg was determined to make things right for Kellach. Even if it meant he never got to see his mate again, he would do all he could to make this one thing right for the man. And hopefully go a long way to help wiping his slate a little more clean.
I've met some more interesting characters in this one. I am especially curious of Saber and wondering if he will get a story and what it will be. There's lots more that have shown up that have made things a WHOLE lot more interesting and I can wait to delve more into this series. It's fabulous.

[☔️ Stormy Day Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kellach’s prejudice against ALL wolves including his mate was kinda over the top but sort of made sense. But his reaction to his sister being alive and the fact she basically abandoned him to their parents cruelty was not. I’m so sorry but if a person has such an extreme reaction to one event wouldn’t they have a similar reaction to a similar event? His sister didn’t even tell her mate about her brother! She forgot about him for like 40 years! And he’s just like oh it’s all good sis I’m all fucked up but happy you’re alive. Then he immediately accepts poor Trygg. I’d feel insulted but whatever.

The fighting at the end was confusing. I’d think the people living in Miracle would be pissed that this alpha they don’t know brought a literal war to their doorstep but nope. Of course none of the main characters died and nobody cared that one of their best fighters laid in a truck with his mate even after he was told he’d be fine. He could have at least helped with the wounded. Selfish much?

Anyway, I feel like the author tried to fit way too much in this book including the requisite generic sex scenes. It felt rushed and incomplete. It would have been better if Kellach and Trygg met in a previous book or something so their strained relationship didn’t have that “2 weeks later” thing in which we completely lose the planning and construction of the pub. Hopefully the next book will be less random.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's getting real y'all.
The overall story arc keeps getting more complex even as the guys from the original five are finding their mates. The battles more intense and the danger more prominent but I have faith out guys can handle it. Love is the strongest incentive after all.
www.reviewsforthosewholoveagoodbook.w...

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book along with both of the main characters, Kellach and Trygg. The plot involved a major twist that totally warmed my heart and gave me chills. I really appreciated that precious moment. I love the style of writing and it moved at a smooth pace. The story had action, danger, humor, passion, and love. Exceptional read. =)

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This was a good read, but I didn't care for Kellach until almost the end. His anger and hatred was very offputting, especially when Trygg was giving it his all. But i did love the battle and the other characters that showed up.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and interesting

Good and interesting! Gripping battle, detailed and exciting. The mice are hilarious, as are several others as we get to know them. Really need more Miracle

[Dominique Bast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love death life

This book covers it Ll which is truly beautiful. You feel each emotion pain, fear ,sadness, happiness, love,safety as well as a fight.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick 100 page or so read. Entertaining and Enjoyable.
MM.
Kellach and Trygg story.
Trygg is sent by the council to kill the residents of miracle especially those original 5. Only he discovers Kellach is his mate.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am really enjoying each story. I am looking forward to starting the next one to see what is going to happen next.

[Moomba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ericka Walden · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5****
Ugh.... cliffhanger!!!

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, read. There is always some barrier to the couple's mating and here it resided completely with Kellach. He had internalized lots of toxic messages from his parents (problem one) and lost his loving sister to wolf pack and Trygg is a wolf (problem two). I think the first issue will resonate with readers more, since most of us have some critical and unloving messages hanging around from unkind people in our life. One of the things that I liked was that, while Kellach was "pretty" looking, he was tough and several times able to put Trygg on the floor. The thing that killed me--and nearly cost the rating a star--was Trygg's stupid and highly irritating nickname for Kellach. In all the series stories the more dominant mate will have some endearment that he *endlessly* calls his mate. I thought last book's "my petal" wore on my nerves? Calling Kellach "my pretty kitty" was even more aggravating. In a book about a guy who has been made to feel less than a man for being both gay and delicate looking, that is not a winning nickname. I hope the author stops with these. I also have to say that I almost found the main couple less interesting than the story of the town--the next surprise business going up, the new characters introduced, the dramatic showdown, etc. At the end of the book we have big changes on the horizon but, while several hunky gay guys were introduced, no obvious matings have been set up. I think that the author was a genius to have come up with the idea for the town; usually you get a single pack where there are way too many gay couples after a while. I am very pleased with the series as a whole and I look forward to the next Miracle book!

[Tiferet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aaand I think that's enough for me of this series. It's constructed with very little care and so paint by numbers. *sigh*