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A.L.F.A. #1
Elemental Mating
Their existence was a secret the government stumbled upon. In exchange for continued autonomy, the paranormals entered an alliance with the government. Now they are A.L.F.A.: Alpha League Federal Agency, sworn to protect and serve humanity.
Brilliant scientist Melinda Caster has discovered a new strain of the Zika virus that stimulates synaptic growth in embryos, causing neuron development beyond normal human levels. Way beyond, like ESP-levels of cognitive abilities. When the lab is broken into, Melinda realizes that someone has been keeping tabs on her research and wants it for themselves. A happy accident destroys critical data before it can fall into the wrong hands, but unfortunately that makes Melinda and her perfect memory a target.
A.L.F.A sends in jaguar-shifter Agent Parish Hamel to discover who is after the virus and why. The beautiful scientist acts like catnip to his senses and throws his mating instincts into overdrive. And then she disappears along with the only sample of the virus…. Now Parish must canvas the darkest areas of the supernatural underground to rescue Melinda, and what he discovers is beyond a paranormal’s worst nightmare.
Brilliant scientist Melinda Caster has discovered a new strain of the Zika virus that stimulates synaptic growth in embryos, causing neuron development beyond normal human levels. Way beyond, like ESP-levels of cognitive abilities. When the lab is broken into, Melinda realizes that someone has been keeping tabs on her research and wants it for themselves. A happy accident destroys critical data before it can fall into the wrong hands, but unfortunately that makes Melinda and her perfect memory a target.
A.L.F.A sends in jaguar-shifter Agent Parish Hamel to discover who is after the virus and why. The beautiful scientist acts like catnip to his senses and throws his mating instincts into overdrive. And then she disappears along with the only sample of the virus…. Now Parish must canvas the darkest areas of the supernatural underground to rescue Melinda, and what he discovers is beyond a paranormal’s worst nightmare.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2017
125 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Milly Taiden
494 books4,271 followersMilly Taiden (also writes as April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean (to her) known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.
When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.
She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!
When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.
She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 9, 2017
My first book by this author whose name I've frequently seen pop up and I'm a little on the fence with this one I'm afraid. I really liked that Melinda is a bright scientist doing a job that's really important and not just an average girl on the street. It meant that she could talk about things to Parish that totally confused him which added greatly to the sense of fun. Melinda has discovered something that on paper shouldn't be that dangerous to mankind but this story went in a completely unexpected direction that for this reader just felt a little too far.
This story right from the beginning is told in a way that it's obvious the author wanted her characters to be light and feel approachable although at times I struggled to reconcile the two sides of Melinda , dedicated scientist and horny woman! Parish shifts into a jaguar but the text kept referring to him as a transformer which with recent film offerings meant I had a difficult time not thinking about machines! There is instant chemistry between Melinda and Parish as she's his mate but no instant love as they connect a lot through dreams which meant the actual romance in the physical world didn't seem terribly rushed. I liked the ideas, the setting but I wanted to know more about the organisation Parish works for. Plus as the first in this series I'd hoped that other characters would be introduced so I'd at least have an idea what might happen next. My first book by this author and I think if she hadn't included demons that felt farcical I would have enjoyed it more.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are my honest and I believe fair opinion
This story right from the beginning is told in a way that it's obvious the author wanted her characters to be light and feel approachable although at times I struggled to reconcile the two sides of Melinda , dedicated scientist and horny woman! Parish shifts into a jaguar but the text kept referring to him as a transformer which with recent film offerings meant I had a difficult time not thinking about machines! There is instant chemistry between Melinda and Parish as she's his mate but no instant love as they connect a lot through dreams which meant the actual romance in the physical world didn't seem terribly rushed. I liked the ideas, the setting but I wanted to know more about the organisation Parish works for. Plus as the first in this series I'd hoped that other characters would be introduced so I'd at least have an idea what might happen next. My first book by this author and I think if she hadn't included demons that felt farcical I would have enjoyed it more.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are my honest and I believe fair opinion
July 19, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I will be adding this to my collection in the future!
The cover is awesome, and it is also my favorite kind of shifter cover because it shows both forms of beautiful beasts!
This is the first book in a new series! It is for adults only due to the steamy content. For whatever reason that is beyond me, this is my first time reading Milly’s work yet I own 35 of her books on my kindle. I am going to have to get to work reading them because I know they will be good; it’s why I bought them all. At any rate, I collect her books!
I couldn’t put the book down. It was exciting, and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I was knocked for a loop several times because I didn’t see it coming. Melinda is interesting because she was held back by her family and their beliefs when she had to abide by their rules. She realized that she wasn’t really learning the facts from her family, and she became a student of facts, then a scientist and researcher. She had some bumps along the way which we will call her baggage. Hamel is the sexy agent under cover, and he has his work cut out of him with Melinda and her brain. Their adventure had me pulled into the story, and I loved every moment. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you love adventurous shifter books…you should read this!
I highly recommend to any shifter fan who wants action and a HEA in the end!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I will be adding this to my collection in the future!
The cover is awesome, and it is also my favorite kind of shifter cover because it shows both forms of beautiful beasts!
This is the first book in a new series! It is for adults only due to the steamy content. For whatever reason that is beyond me, this is my first time reading Milly’s work yet I own 35 of her books on my kindle. I am going to have to get to work reading them because I know they will be good; it’s why I bought them all. At any rate, I collect her books!
I couldn’t put the book down. It was exciting, and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. I was knocked for a loop several times because I didn’t see it coming. Melinda is interesting because she was held back by her family and their beliefs when she had to abide by their rules. She realized that she wasn’t really learning the facts from her family, and she became a student of facts, then a scientist and researcher. She had some bumps along the way which we will call her baggage. Hamel is the sexy agent under cover, and he has his work cut out of him with Melinda and her brain. Their adventure had me pulled into the story, and I loved every moment. I don’t want to give anything away, but if you love adventurous shifter books…you should read this!
I highly recommend to any shifter fan who wants action and a HEA in the end!!
March 31, 2017
Elemental Mating by Milly Taiden is something I found while browsing NetGalley. It sounded really good, but it turned a little woo-woo for me around about chapter 15. Plus, the hero and heroine both made so many ridiculous choices based on the circumstances they were in. I can generally set aside all disbelief when reading a PNR, but I just couldn’t this time.
DNF
DNF
July 18, 2017
Just when I start to think it's too difficult to find a good shifter romance series that brings back those feelings I used to have when reading these years back, here comes Milly Taiden with the A.L.F.A. series. And I'm so glad for that! Light, fun and sexy shifters, yes please.ELEMENTAL MATING is a classic fated mates story with "some" military elements. The hero, Hamel, is a jaguar shifter (OMG MY FAVE!) and part of the ALFA team. Think CIA but for the paranormal. His mission is to protect a known scientist working in Uganda that has found a new virus strain. When he meets her for the first time, his jaguar recognizes her as his mate immediately. But he still has a job to do to protect her and figure out who is after her, her research and why.
The premise here really worked for me. I am a big fan of jaguar shifters and the author used the animal side of the hero really well. Cuddly and cute while also growly sexual. This is definitely a more character than plot driven story and we don't get a whole lot of world building in it. The main focus are the two main characters and luckily I was so on board with both of them. The heroine is super smart, the virus issue was also interesting, and I can't wait to find out more about the ALFA team in general since we don't get much of it in this one.
There is also a deviation from a straight up shifter world here including some magic and demons. I'm not so sure this was done to my liking necessarily and this was where I lost some of my interest. But it was still entertaining and I'm happy that this will be a more complete paranormal world.
If you've read Vivian Arend's Tahkini and Granite Lakes series, then you'll definitely enjoy this one as well. I can't wait to see the overall world building develop more in the next one.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
d-n-f
September 6, 2017At least I was warned of the main character's insane levels of horniness on page one and her hatred of men and tendency to go on man-bashing rants by page three. Fuck that noise.
July 17, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
From the moment I saw the cover of Elemental Mating I knew I wanted to read it. I've never before read Milly Taiden but that fact didn't deter me. In fact, it was a plus. I love trying new authors.
Some I love, some I don't, and some, I find so-so.
Elemental Mating turned out to be a so-so for me. After looking so forward to read it I was a bit disappointed in it. I think for me it was the writing. I'm not saying it was bad, just not for me. I tried and tried to love it but I just couldn't.
In the end I read it, but couldn't wait to finish. I did love the idea of the book and the characters, Melinda & Parish are both very likable. You wanted to know their story. I just had trouble getting through it.
And as I said, the idea of the story is a good one, though the main characters actions weren't always what I thought as of smart. Don't get me wrong, if everything went perfect in a romance book it would be a very boring store, but who wants to wonder about the characters intelligence?
I do feel that even though it wasn't my cup of tea that it's worth trying.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
From the moment I saw the cover of Elemental Mating I knew I wanted to read it. I've never before read Milly Taiden but that fact didn't deter me. In fact, it was a plus. I love trying new authors.
Some I love, some I don't, and some, I find so-so.
Elemental Mating turned out to be a so-so for me. After looking so forward to read it I was a bit disappointed in it. I think for me it was the writing. I'm not saying it was bad, just not for me. I tried and tried to love it but I just couldn't.
In the end I read it, but couldn't wait to finish. I did love the idea of the book and the characters, Melinda & Parish are both very likable. You wanted to know their story. I just had trouble getting through it.
And as I said, the idea of the story is a good one, though the main characters actions weren't always what I thought as of smart. Don't get me wrong, if everything went perfect in a romance book it would be a very boring store, but who wants to wonder about the characters intelligence?
I do feel that even though it wasn't my cup of tea that it's worth trying.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
Read
July 21, 2017On hold @ 29 % - I couldn't wait to read this book it sounded really good alas I don't know what I got. The heroine was awful IMO. The Hero was cool and the plot of the story didn't keep me hooked.
June 25, 2019
Mon attrait pour les histoires de loups garous et de dragons aura ma perte intellectuelle^^ non mais quelle bouse, je savais que je ne devais pas m'attendre à trop grand chose, mais à ce point.
Bref pas fini
Bref pas fini
June 18, 2017
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sKyeOu
This was a super fun sexy shirfter read that was non stop from the very start. I love a Mates-at-first-sight type of book. I feel like they are full of need and I love the angst that seems to come with them.
A brilliant, headstrong, and wonderfully sassy scientist, and the man sent to protect her under the guise of being from the CDC. From he very tart I loved the tension between these two. Hamel was smart, alpha, and still a bit goofy. I loved that he tripped over himself for Melinda but truly just wanted to protect her and to things the right way.
Then there was Melinda. She WANTED this man like no other, but she has no idea he isn't who he says he is, or thats he is a shorter and her mate.
ALL THE SECRETS. It was fun. Throw in a demon plot and a virus that could change the world as we know it and things for messy fast.
In the end Melinda had her SMH moments, but I got the ending I was hoping for and the answers I wanted came out.
Milly was a fun author. I loved how she gave us dual POV for some chapters and gave us the depth of insight into other secondary characters. She has a real talent for setting her plot up for success without being too transparent. I can't wait to read more from her.
Synopsis:
Their existence was a secret the government stumbled upon. In exchange for continued autonomy, the paranormals entered an alliance with the government. Now they are A.L.F.A.: Alpha League Federal Agency, sworn to protect and serve humanity.
Brilliant scientist Melinda Caster has discovered a new strain of the Zika virus that stimulates synaptic growth in embryos, causing neuron development beyond normal human levels. Way beyond, like ESP-levels of cognitive abilities. When the lab is broken into, Melinda realizes that someone has been keeping tabs on her research and wants it for themselves. A happy accident destroys critical data before it can fall into the wrong hands, but unfortunately that makes Melinda and her perfect memory a target.
A.L.F.A sends in jaguar-shifter Agent Parish Hamel to discover who is after the virus and why. The beautiful scientist acts like catnip to his senses and throws his mating instincts into overdrive. And then she disappears along with the only sample of the virus…. Now Parish must canvas the darkest areas of the supernatural underground to rescue Melinda, and what he discovers is beyond a paranormal’s worst nightmare.
January 22, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Elemental Mating is the first book in Milly Taiden's A.L.F.A. series. This is also my first experience with this author. A.L.F.A. is a group of secret agents that work for the government. The government knows they are shifters while the world is kept in the dark that they exist. The government uses their special skills on dangerous missions in exchange for leaving the shifters from being outed.
In Elemental Mating, we travel to Uganda where Melinda Caster has discovered a virus that gives infants ESP gifts. Unfortunately they are still working on it when they find that the virus has a high death rate after the special gift is used excessively. Melinda really doesn't think her virus is worth national security so is surprised when someone is sent to watch over her project. She is not pleased to have to work with someone from this organization.
Parish Hamel is no scientist, and pretending to be one is actually harder than he thought it would be. His attempts at following Melinda's conversations about her project were funny. However, his lack of scientific terminology strikes Melinda as odd. Hamel's job is to protect Melinda's project as there is information about it that could lead dangerous people to try and get a hold of it.
It was interesting that Hamel himself just gets introduced to a new paranormal species he thought didn't exist. Now he has to be as open-minded as he needs his mate to be when he explains he is actually the panther she has fallen in love with.
Eternal Mating was a quick read. The world was fairly simple to get to know. There wasn't an overload of world-building information so we were able to get right to the story. I found it interesting that Milly Taiden's heroine's are not your usual Barbie doll imitations, but portray real women.
The time the couple spent in the other dimension was interesting and we seem to setup a connection there that could benefit A.L.F.A. in the future.
I enjoyed the romance between our main couple, and thought it was cute how Hamel used his panther to get close to Melinda. The virus storyline was definitely interesting and the impact it could make in the wrong hands is shocking. I did not suffer from book one syndrome with this book and I'm excited to start book two. Elemental Mating is a great start to a new series.This review was originally posted on Rantings of a Reading Addict
July 18, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
Melinda, a scientist, has discovered something exceptional, something I can't even begin to describe. LOL But, suffice it to say, it could change everything, and some people will do anything to acquire it, including breaking into her lab, which means someone has been watching her and knows exactly what she's found. When vital data is accidentally lost, you'd think the threat to Melinda is over, however, this brilliant woman has a certain ability that makes her invaluable in recovering said data...her infallible memory.
Parish, an A.L.F.A. agent and jaguar shifter, is given the assignment of uncovering who's after the virus and why, and is doing so under the guise of being a doctor. His mission becomes personal though upon meeting Melinda. She's his mate and sends his jaguar into a frenzy, a yearning to make Melinda his, but he knows he needs to tread very carefully as Melinda has no clue paranormals exist. Parish will do everything withing his power, and then some, to ensure Melinda is safe. Unfortunately, that's hard to do when she disappears, along with the only known sample of the Zika virus.
Parish is now tasked with prowling the underground that caters to supernaturals in order to find Melinda before it's too late. What he discovers though is a potential nightmare for all paranormals. Melinda hasn't had an easy life thanks to her childhood. They used their religious beliefs against her, and once Melinda turned eighteen, she left and hasn't had contact with them since. Unfortunately, that's not the only heartache she's experienced from those who are supposed to love and protect her. Melinda's previous employer was the CDC, but after being betrayed by a lover, she left and has since guarded her heart, not allowing anyone else in. But there's something about Parish that calls to her, tempting her to take just one more chance on love.
How will Melinda react upon learning Parish is there under false pretenses? Will she accept his story that not only is he a jaguar shifter, but that she's his mate as well? Will Parish be able to convince Melinda that she never has to fear him betraying her in anyway? Can Parish find Melinda and protect her? Who is after the virus? What are their motives and how far will they go to accomplish them? Will Parish and Melinda prevail and live to have a HEA?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet under false pretenses, but find a love so true it can overcome any obstacle. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Melinda, a scientist, has discovered something exceptional, something I can't even begin to describe. LOL But, suffice it to say, it could change everything, and some people will do anything to acquire it, including breaking into her lab, which means someone has been watching her and knows exactly what she's found. When vital data is accidentally lost, you'd think the threat to Melinda is over, however, this brilliant woman has a certain ability that makes her invaluable in recovering said data...her infallible memory.
Parish, an A.L.F.A. agent and jaguar shifter, is given the assignment of uncovering who's after the virus and why, and is doing so under the guise of being a doctor. His mission becomes personal though upon meeting Melinda. She's his mate and sends his jaguar into a frenzy, a yearning to make Melinda his, but he knows he needs to tread very carefully as Melinda has no clue paranormals exist. Parish will do everything withing his power, and then some, to ensure Melinda is safe. Unfortunately, that's hard to do when she disappears, along with the only known sample of the Zika virus.
Parish is now tasked with prowling the underground that caters to supernaturals in order to find Melinda before it's too late. What he discovers though is a potential nightmare for all paranormals. Melinda hasn't had an easy life thanks to her childhood. They used their religious beliefs against her, and once Melinda turned eighteen, she left and hasn't had contact with them since. Unfortunately, that's not the only heartache she's experienced from those who are supposed to love and protect her. Melinda's previous employer was the CDC, but after being betrayed by a lover, she left and has since guarded her heart, not allowing anyone else in. But there's something about Parish that calls to her, tempting her to take just one more chance on love.
How will Melinda react upon learning Parish is there under false pretenses? Will she accept his story that not only is he a jaguar shifter, but that she's his mate as well? Will Parish be able to convince Melinda that she never has to fear him betraying her in anyway? Can Parish find Melinda and protect her? Who is after the virus? What are their motives and how far will they go to accomplish them? Will Parish and Melinda prevail and live to have a HEA?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet under false pretenses, but find a love so true it can overcome any obstacle. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
July 9, 2017
In my opinion, this is probably my favorite book by Ms. Taiden yet! A scientist, a jaguar shifter, and a virus someone or something is willing to kill for. To me that sums it up. There was so much action that I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Yeah the sex scenes were hot, but the action and mystery are what made me fall in love with this book.
Melinda is a scientist who had discovered a virus, one that causes her to need a bodyguard that she doesn't need to know is there as a bodyguard. In walks Parish Hamel, jaguar shifter, A.L.P.A. agent, and pretend doctor. One sniff and, oh hell, he knows that she is his mate. This assignment just got a little more important to him.
I loved the interaction between these two. The situations they get involved in and that Hamel needs to get out of.
Melinda is a scientist who had discovered a virus, one that causes her to need a bodyguard that she doesn't need to know is there as a bodyguard. In walks Parish Hamel, jaguar shifter, A.L.P.A. agent, and pretend doctor. One sniff and, oh hell, he knows that she is his mate. This assignment just got a little more important to him.
I loved the interaction between these two. The situations they get involved in and that Hamel needs to get out of.
May 18, 2017
I really like Milly Taiden's Paranormal Dating Agency series, so I was looking forward to this new series. However, it didn't grab me nearly as well as PDA did.
Melinda Caster is a scientist working in Uganda on a previously undiscovered virus. It doesn't kill people, instead it seems to give extra cognitive abilities. She's been researching the effects, and trying to come up with some hard facts. That's what she respects, hard facts. She doesn't believe what she can't see. A lot of that is linked to her childhood, and her zealot parents always using their religion as a weapon against her. She left at 18 and never looked back. She doesn't have a good track record with men either. She worked for the CDC until she was betrayed by a former lover who took credit for her work. She'll never make that mistake again.
Parish Hamel is an agent for the A.L.F.A. squad, a federal agency co-op between the American government and shifters. He's a jaguar shifter, and he's been sent to Uganda to watch over Melinda, and find out the details about this virus. He's undercover as a doctor. He knows as soon as he sees Mel that she's his mate. But, she's a scientist and has no idea shifters even exist. How can he explain it all to her where she won't think he's insane?
Hamel and Mel had good chemistry, but I had a bit of a hard time caring about them as a couple. Mostly, I think, because I just wasn't that into Melinda as a character. For an apparently brilliant scientist, she had quite a few TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) moments. She wasn't irredeemable by any means, I just wasn't a huge fan. Meanwhile, Hamel had multiple opportunities to tell Mel the truth about who he was, what he was, and why he was there, but didn't take them. Technically, he was undercover, so he wasn't supposed to tell her, but as his mate, he could have made an exception. That all could've been only slightly problematic, but then, the story took a whole other turn I didn't see coming, and it just didn't work for me. It caught me a little off guard, and I wasn't a big fan of that part of the story line. I can't say anything more about that without spoilers, so I'll leave it there.
The main characters definitely had some insta-lust, and due to the mating situation, insta-love as well, especially on Hamel's side. I have no problem with that at all, in fact I love it. I actually expect it at this point in a shifter romance. I liked the banter between them, and their interactions were mostly fun and sexy, especially in their dreams! Due to the setting, we didn't get to meet any of Hamel's agency cohorts, and we only met his boss via phone calls. So, there wasn't much ability to set up the next book in the series with side characters we'd like to see more of.
Overall, this book was just ok for me. It won't stop me from reading the author in the future, but I'm not sure if I'd read more from this series.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Melinda Caster is a scientist working in Uganda on a previously undiscovered virus. It doesn't kill people, instead it seems to give extra cognitive abilities. She's been researching the effects, and trying to come up with some hard facts. That's what she respects, hard facts. She doesn't believe what she can't see. A lot of that is linked to her childhood, and her zealot parents always using their religion as a weapon against her. She left at 18 and never looked back. She doesn't have a good track record with men either. She worked for the CDC until she was betrayed by a former lover who took credit for her work. She'll never make that mistake again.
Parish Hamel is an agent for the A.L.F.A. squad, a federal agency co-op between the American government and shifters. He's a jaguar shifter, and he's been sent to Uganda to watch over Melinda, and find out the details about this virus. He's undercover as a doctor. He knows as soon as he sees Mel that she's his mate. But, she's a scientist and has no idea shifters even exist. How can he explain it all to her where she won't think he's insane?
Hamel and Mel had good chemistry, but I had a bit of a hard time caring about them as a couple. Mostly, I think, because I just wasn't that into Melinda as a character. For an apparently brilliant scientist, she had quite a few TSTL (Too Stupid to Live) moments. She wasn't irredeemable by any means, I just wasn't a huge fan. Meanwhile, Hamel had multiple opportunities to tell Mel the truth about who he was, what he was, and why he was there, but didn't take them. Technically, he was undercover, so he wasn't supposed to tell her, but as his mate, he could have made an exception. That all could've been only slightly problematic, but then, the story took a whole other turn I didn't see coming, and it just didn't work for me. It caught me a little off guard, and I wasn't a big fan of that part of the story line. I can't say anything more about that without spoilers, so I'll leave it there.
The main characters definitely had some insta-lust, and due to the mating situation, insta-love as well, especially on Hamel's side. I have no problem with that at all, in fact I love it. I actually expect it at this point in a shifter romance. I liked the banter between them, and their interactions were mostly fun and sexy, especially in their dreams! Due to the setting, we didn't get to meet any of Hamel's agency cohorts, and we only met his boss via phone calls. So, there wasn't much ability to set up the next book in the series with side characters we'd like to see more of.
Overall, this book was just ok for me. It won't stop me from reading the author in the future, but I'm not sure if I'd read more from this series.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
July 18, 2017
Elemental Mating by Milly Taiden is the first book in her new A.L.F.A. series. Melinda Caster, our heroine, is a scientist who is working in Uganda. She has discovered a virus and a possible antidote. Parish Hamel, our hero, arrives on the scene a short time after Melinda discovers how the effect of this serum acts on mice. It turns out Hamel is a government agent for A.L.F.A (Alpha League Federal Agency), and he is a Jaguar shifter. Hamel has been assigned to protect Melinda, though she does not know this, and is told he is another scientist interested in her findings.
It seems this virus does not kill, but instead increases their ability beyond that of normal humans. Someone has been tracking Melinda, and looking for the virus; as both her house and workplace were destroyed. A few times, Melinda finds herself saved by a lone Jaguar, which shocks her, but she begins to look at the Jaguar as her savior. Of course, it will be much later when she finds out that Hamel is the Jaguar. Hamel recognizes early on that Melinda is his mate.
This was a very promising story, with some excitement, demons, and a couple that had a lot of sexual chemistry together. However, despite the intended humor, I thought when they both ended up in the Demon realm, the humor was totally off the wall for me.
That being said, Elemental Mating had an interesting and exciting theme, and a sexy couple. If you enjoy a shifter story line, with this type of humor, then you should give Elemental Mating a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
It seems this virus does not kill, but instead increases their ability beyond that of normal humans. Someone has been tracking Melinda, and looking for the virus; as both her house and workplace were destroyed. A few times, Melinda finds herself saved by a lone Jaguar, which shocks her, but she begins to look at the Jaguar as her savior. Of course, it will be much later when she finds out that Hamel is the Jaguar. Hamel recognizes early on that Melinda is his mate.
This was a very promising story, with some excitement, demons, and a couple that had a lot of sexual chemistry together. However, despite the intended humor, I thought when they both ended up in the Demon realm, the humor was totally off the wall for me.
That being said, Elemental Mating had an interesting and exciting theme, and a sexy couple. If you enjoy a shifter story line, with this type of humor, then you should give Elemental Mating a try.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
May 10, 2017
Elemental Mating is the first installment of An A.L.F.A. series by Milly Taiden.
Melinda Caster is a scientist who has discovered a new strain of the Zika virus that enhances the development of a normal human being. However, when her lab is broken into, she realizes that someone has been secretly keeping tabs on her work. Thankfully they didn’t get any information when she destroys the crucial data, but with her photographic memory, she now has a target on her head.
A.L.F.A sends out Agent Parish Hamel a jaguar-shifter to protect Melinda while finding out the basic information of what and why someone wants this virus. But when this Parish meets Melinda, his animal can’t help, especially when she suddenly disappears. Now he’s racing against the clock to find his mate and claim her before anything else happens. But what happens when his worst nightmare becomes reality?
Whoo. Elemental Mating is exactly the kind of shifter book I want to read. There’s an amazing amount of action, sexual tension and who doesn’t like a good chase? There is some serious cat and mouse going on between Parish and Melinda. In addition, I love that Melinda is a sassy lady because her remarks had me giggling throughout the story. This couple was the purrfect combination when it comes down to chemistry.
I highly recommend for those who enjoy shifter novels.
Review on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for Honest Review**
Melinda Caster is a scientist who has discovered a new strain of the Zika virus that enhances the development of a normal human being. However, when her lab is broken into, she realizes that someone has been secretly keeping tabs on her work. Thankfully they didn’t get any information when she destroys the crucial data, but with her photographic memory, she now has a target on her head.
A.L.F.A sends out Agent Parish Hamel a jaguar-shifter to protect Melinda while finding out the basic information of what and why someone wants this virus. But when this Parish meets Melinda, his animal can’t help, especially when she suddenly disappears. Now he’s racing against the clock to find his mate and claim her before anything else happens. But what happens when his worst nightmare becomes reality?
Whoo. Elemental Mating is exactly the kind of shifter book I want to read. There’s an amazing amount of action, sexual tension and who doesn’t like a good chase? There is some serious cat and mouse going on between Parish and Melinda. In addition, I love that Melinda is a sassy lady because her remarks had me giggling throughout the story. This couple was the purrfect combination when it comes down to chemistry.
I highly recommend for those who enjoy shifter novels.
Review on Behalf of Once Upon An Alpha
**ARC for Honest Review**
April 14, 2017
What a marvelously breathtaking story that will sweep you off your feet and carry you into a stunningly ingenious world created to enthrall and entertain every part of your heart and mind. I truly hated to see this journey end because I feel in love so hard with these beautiful and amazing characters. They made me feel and savor them every second that I was a part of their world.
Nothing could have dragged me away from the wonder and brilliance of this incredible adventure!
What do you get when you mix a fun and exciting plot, spirited, larger than life characters, and extraordinary writing talent? You get the perfect story ever! I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started it, but I quickly fell in love with everything about it. I understand why this author stretches her writing talent, and I am so thankful that she ventures into new, unexplored areas of writing. She truly blew this story out of the water!
I have found myself throughout the past couple of years enjoying each book that I have read by Milly Taiden. She had such a fascinating writing style, and I find myself getting lost in her witty and remarkable characters every time. She never fails to pull at my heart and open up a spectacular world to my imagination and appreciation. I hope to be able to read more from her again and for a long time to come.
Nothing could have dragged me away from the wonder and brilliance of this incredible adventure!
What do you get when you mix a fun and exciting plot, spirited, larger than life characters, and extraordinary writing talent? You get the perfect story ever! I wasn’t sure about this book when I first started it, but I quickly fell in love with everything about it. I understand why this author stretches her writing talent, and I am so thankful that she ventures into new, unexplored areas of writing. She truly blew this story out of the water!
I have found myself throughout the past couple of years enjoying each book that I have read by Milly Taiden. She had such a fascinating writing style, and I find myself getting lost in her witty and remarkable characters every time. She never fails to pull at my heart and open up a spectacular world to my imagination and appreciation. I hope to be able to read more from her again and for a long time to come.
May 18, 2017
Wow, just wow!! This new series is going to be freaking amazing if the first book is any sort of indication. Melinda works in Uganda as a scientist identifying new diseases and looking for cures. She is currently working with an unknown virus that seems to significantly increase brain mass and its capabilities. Hamel is a jaguar shifter and has been sent to Uganda to protect Melinda based on rumors of some dangerous parties wanting their hands on the serum she is working with. Who it is that wants it, why they want it and what do they think it will do for them is all unknown, all Hamel knows is that he has found his mate. Ecstatic to have finally found his mate, the timing is terrible, Hamel is undercover to protect Melinda and can't reveal anything to her until the threat has been neutralized. Melinda's character was great, she's a clumsy scientist and I found that to be a lovely bit of irony. She does things a normal person would never even think to do, like get so excited to get a picture of a jaguar, she walks out into the woods by her house saying her kitty, kitty lol. Definitely needs a keeper and Hamel is just the sexy jaguar to do it. Hamel literally lays his life on the line for Melinda more then once to keep her safe, I think that is the ultimate act of love. I can't wait to read the next books in the series!!!!!!
April 2, 2017
Melinda is one snarky lady, “do not call me ‘darling,’‘sweetheart,’ or ‘honey’ or I will turn you into a eunuch before you can even think to cover your balls.” It's like Hamel always knows what to say, “first off, I’m not most men. Secondly, I’m here to protect you. No place better than your bed to do that.” He slid his finger along her smooth cheek and jaw. “Thirdly, I really like you, Melinda.” His finger pushed her chin up so he could see her eyes. “I really, really like you, Melinda.” I really liked this book, Melinda was feisty, and Hamel was protective.
July 22, 2017
Milly Taiden did not disappoint in this story
This story had shifters,witch doctor, demons and scientist. Throw all that together in one book and you have an awesome story. Can the scientist believe what they don't have facts on. Read this book to found out what all these characters together can make happen.
This story had shifters,witch doctor, demons and scientist. Throw all that together in one book and you have an awesome story. Can the scientist believe what they don't have facts on. Read this book to found out what all these characters together can make happen.
July 19, 2017
I never really connected with the characters. The heroine came off as a man hater most of the time and the hero seemed weak/ a push over. The plot was good, the details were awesome.
August 30, 2020
I loved that the heroine, Melinda, was a scientist. She loved animals, was a bit clumsy...and also made some really dumb choices. I liked Hamel, the hero. He was strong, protective, and it was obvious that he loved Melinda. There was action as Hamel did his best to protect Melinda and the virus she was researching, suspense as they tried to figure out who was the thief(whose identity I was half-right about), and the steamy relationship between Hamel and Melinda.
I loved that the story was set in Uganda. Now, I know absolutely nothing about Uganda, but I've never read a book set there before. I found it very unique. The last quarter or so turned a bit different than I was expecting, but in a good way. Well, except for the part where I wanted to shake Melinda for being stupid. I did love Wilson, though.
In the end, this was enjoyable enough. It was steamy and quick. If that misunderstanding hadn't happened so late in the book, I'd probably have liked it more. But then, I do despise the big misunderstanding. I say check this out if you like jaguar shifters who will do anything for their mates, a scientist heroine, a unique setting, and some action scenes.
I loved that the story was set in Uganda. Now, I know absolutely nothing about Uganda, but I've never read a book set there before. I found it very unique. The last quarter or so turned a bit different than I was expecting, but in a good way. Well, except for the part where I wanted to shake Melinda for being stupid. I did love Wilson, though.
In the end, this was enjoyable enough. It was steamy and quick. If that misunderstanding hadn't happened so late in the book, I'd probably have liked it more. But then, I do despise the big misunderstanding. I say check this out if you like jaguar shifters who will do anything for their mates, a scientist heroine, a unique setting, and some action scenes.
November 23, 2022
It was interesting and i liked the story.
We are immediately immersed into the story and we get informations about what is A.L.F.A. along the mission so we are not lost at all. Hamel is a jaguar shifter tasked to protect Melinda and her research not expecting to find her to be his mate. Even more determined to protect her, he is willing to wait to claim her but she is hard to resist.
Melinda is a scientist, she wants to believes facts so paranormal is not something she believe in despite what her research is starting to show...when a "supervisor" suddenly appears she gets on the defensive not matter how sexy he is. However when her work get stolen, she will rely on Hamel to help....while feeling protected by a black big big cat appearing on her property.
It was funny to see how she could be blind to what was evident, i loved how she was protective of the jaguar immediately and how she was not trusting witch doctor when she could see them she can be so blindsided.
The story has a lot of action, the romance is well written ( steamy scenes as well) and the mystery is present until the end so it's perfect
very good suspense military paranormal romance
We are immediately immersed into the story and we get informations about what is A.L.F.A. along the mission so we are not lost at all. Hamel is a jaguar shifter tasked to protect Melinda and her research not expecting to find her to be his mate. Even more determined to protect her, he is willing to wait to claim her but she is hard to resist.
Melinda is a scientist, she wants to believes facts so paranormal is not something she believe in despite what her research is starting to show...when a "supervisor" suddenly appears she gets on the defensive not matter how sexy he is. However when her work get stolen, she will rely on Hamel to help....while feeling protected by a black big big cat appearing on her property.
It was funny to see how she could be blind to what was evident, i loved how she was protective of the jaguar immediately and how she was not trusting witch doctor when she could see them she can be so blindsided.
The story has a lot of action, the romance is well written ( steamy scenes as well) and the mystery is present until the end so it's perfect
very good suspense military paranormal romance
July 18, 2017
This eas a great starter for a new series... This book had me hooked from the beginning. .. Melinda and Parrish could not be anymore different but for Parrish the call to his mate is very strong and the fact that she is in danger will push him to do anything including give up his own life.. This new series is exciting and suspenseful and of course this authors books are always HOT.... Can't wait for the next book...
July 17, 2017
Strange and quirky but I kind of dug it!
January 24, 2018
3.75 stars
January 20, 2018
Cute and fun. Enjoyed the characters, worldbuilding, and storyline, but the end felt a little rushed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2017
3.5 stars. Not my favourite from this author.
I love Ms Taidens’ Paranormal Dating Agency series for its quirky humour, feisty heroines and hot alpha men, so I was looking forward to this new series thinking it would be on the same lines. I know one shouldn’t expect similar but that is Ms Taidens type of writing style.
However, it didn't grab my attention all the way through and I found it very easy to put down and go do something else. An interesting tale but it didn't rush me along on the ride like usual.
Hamel and Melinda had good chemistry right from the first contact, being a shifter romance I expected this on Hamels side, we definitely had some insta-lust from the start but Mel’s attitude further into the story because of a past hurt was over the top and annoying.
Mel being a scientist, does not believe in anything she cannot prove so when this story goes way into woo woo land, I found it very funny she coped better than one would have expected.
Hamel is undercover to protect Mel from unknown threats, to find Mel is his mate is wrong timing but I did love him trying to pretend to be a smart scientist, totally out of his comfort zone.
Once the story took a whole other turn into the demon realm it just didn't work for me. I found it extremely hard to understand what was real and what was dream. I must admit that once in the demon realm it lost what little enjoyment I had found up till then.
This is where I really lost interest and had to force myself to finish the book.
We didn't meet any of Hamel's A.L.F.A. agency cohorts, and we only met his boss via phone calls. So, there wasn't anyone introduced to set us up for the next book in the series.
If I didn't know better, I would not believe this author had written this. Just too silly for me towards the end. It won't stop me from reading this author in the future but I will need to see how this series pans out through the next book.
This is my honest review of this book.
I love Ms Taidens’ Paranormal Dating Agency series for its quirky humour, feisty heroines and hot alpha men, so I was looking forward to this new series thinking it would be on the same lines. I know one shouldn’t expect similar but that is Ms Taidens type of writing style.
However, it didn't grab my attention all the way through and I found it very easy to put down and go do something else. An interesting tale but it didn't rush me along on the ride like usual.
Hamel and Melinda had good chemistry right from the first contact, being a shifter romance I expected this on Hamels side, we definitely had some insta-lust from the start but Mel’s attitude further into the story because of a past hurt was over the top and annoying.
Mel being a scientist, does not believe in anything she cannot prove so when this story goes way into woo woo land, I found it very funny she coped better than one would have expected.
Hamel is undercover to protect Mel from unknown threats, to find Mel is his mate is wrong timing but I did love him trying to pretend to be a smart scientist, totally out of his comfort zone.
Once the story took a whole other turn into the demon realm it just didn't work for me. I found it extremely hard to understand what was real and what was dream. I must admit that once in the demon realm it lost what little enjoyment I had found up till then.
This is where I really lost interest and had to force myself to finish the book.
We didn't meet any of Hamel's A.L.F.A. agency cohorts, and we only met his boss via phone calls. So, there wasn't anyone introduced to set us up for the next book in the series.
If I didn't know better, I would not believe this author had written this. Just too silly for me towards the end. It won't stop me from reading this author in the future but I will need to see how this series pans out through the next book.
This is my honest review of this book.
July 30, 2017
This first book in her new series showcases Ms. Taiden's talents as a world builder and story teller. Very strong well developed characters carry this story from beginning to end. I loved the interactions and the dynamics between all of them.
Melinda Caster is our heroine, a betrayal back when she first joined the CDC by the man she thought she loved has hardened her heart to anyone really loving her. Along with a very religious upbringing that has caused her believe only what she sees and can prove scientifically. She does not believe in the paranormal world, gods or demons. But she lives in Uganda now, and somethings are as much a part of their lives and beliefs as breathing. Will the Demon king win her body?
Parish Hamel is an A.L.P.H.A. jaguar shifter. He has been sent to protect her from threats the home office became aware of. The first time he sees her his whole world is turned upside down and inside out as he knows he's found his mate. When he informs his boss, he is told he has to stay on the job because they have no available other agents that can take over. But to keep his head on his shoulders and keep both of them alive. Can Parish find his way out of his dreams and save his mate?
This story is a blending of demons, science, paranormal, and dreams. Dreams of happy ever afters, and dreams within the demon realm. A nasty, but small, demon king with Napoleon sized dreams of his own. Can a woman who has been hurt so badly before that she willing to believe the worse thing she hears out of a man's mouth without any thought or possibly it might be something else and a man that is more than a just a man make it work? Can they admit their feelings to themselves and each other before the sun set on the demons world? You must read to find out. I loved it, five stars and I cannot wait for the next book.
Melinda Caster is our heroine, a betrayal back when she first joined the CDC by the man she thought she loved has hardened her heart to anyone really loving her. Along with a very religious upbringing that has caused her believe only what she sees and can prove scientifically. She does not believe in the paranormal world, gods or demons. But she lives in Uganda now, and somethings are as much a part of their lives and beliefs as breathing. Will the Demon king win her body?
Parish Hamel is an A.L.P.H.A. jaguar shifter. He has been sent to protect her from threats the home office became aware of. The first time he sees her his whole world is turned upside down and inside out as he knows he's found his mate. When he informs his boss, he is told he has to stay on the job because they have no available other agents that can take over. But to keep his head on his shoulders and keep both of them alive. Can Parish find his way out of his dreams and save his mate?
This story is a blending of demons, science, paranormal, and dreams. Dreams of happy ever afters, and dreams within the demon realm. A nasty, but small, demon king with Napoleon sized dreams of his own. Can a woman who has been hurt so badly before that she willing to believe the worse thing she hears out of a man's mouth without any thought or possibly it might be something else and a man that is more than a just a man make it work? Can they admit their feelings to themselves and each other before the sun set on the demons world? You must read to find out. I loved it, five stars and I cannot wait for the next book.
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