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Lords of Krete #1
Water's Mark: Cancer
She wields the power of Water, but he will leave her parched.
Nymph Cyane can cure any disease. But when a formidable crab shifter captures her and commands her to save his people, she makes a demand of her own. For his trust.
Lord Theron will do anything to save his people. But the scintillating bonded mate he's determined to keep at claw's length is the only one who can save him.
Meet the Lords of Krete. They're bigger, badder, and bolder than your average centaur. Follow them on their journeys of allurement, redemption, and devotion, as these powerful, steadfast males and bold, spirited females battle the elements within themselves to prove that true love stays the course and conquers all.
If you love intensely passionate centaur shifters who simply can't be reined in, and the females brazen enough to fight by their sides, then steel yourself for an epic battle of wills--and hearts.
Nymph Cyane can cure any disease. But when a formidable crab shifter captures her and commands her to save his people, she makes a demand of her own. For his trust.
Lord Theron will do anything to save his people. But the scintillating bonded mate he's determined to keep at claw's length is the only one who can save him.
Meet the Lords of Krete. They're bigger, badder, and bolder than your average centaur. Follow them on their journeys of allurement, redemption, and devotion, as these powerful, steadfast males and bold, spirited females battle the elements within themselves to prove that true love stays the course and conquers all.
If you love intensely passionate centaur shifters who simply can't be reined in, and the females brazen enough to fight by their sides, then steel yourself for an epic battle of wills--and hearts.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 1, 2017
Can a nymph, non-violent by nature, and a crab-shifter warrior find a way to save his people and fall in love?
Thanks to Rachael Slate, they have their shot in Water's Mark: Cancer!
As always, these characters will capture your imagination and your heart, leaving you eager for more about their lives, like that old friend who moved away.
Although connected with the rest of the Halcyon series, this is a gateway to a land only referenced until now: Krete. The Centaurs of that as yet explored land have been referenced in the Centaur Novellas and are officially introduced, briefly, here.
New and old races appear, events that play a large role in the overall story are referenced just enough to give that connected feeling without overpowering the story of Cyane and Theron.
If you've enjoyed the other Halcyon Romances, you'll find this a great addition to the story. If you haven't read any of the others, don't worry. This tale is strong enough to stand on its own...and it just might entice you to try more of the books.
Thanks to Rachael Slate, they have their shot in Water's Mark: Cancer!
As always, these characters will capture your imagination and your heart, leaving you eager for more about their lives, like that old friend who moved away.
Although connected with the rest of the Halcyon series, this is a gateway to a land only referenced until now: Krete. The Centaurs of that as yet explored land have been referenced in the Centaur Novellas and are officially introduced, briefly, here.
New and old races appear, events that play a large role in the overall story are referenced just enough to give that connected feeling without overpowering the story of Cyane and Theron.
If you've enjoyed the other Halcyon Romances, you'll find this a great addition to the story. If you haven't read any of the others, don't worry. This tale is strong enough to stand on its own...and it just might entice you to try more of the books.
September 10, 2018
Water's Mark is a magical story. Theron is a crab shifter, and he fears his people will all die if he cannot find a way to heal them. He captures Cyane, a Nymph of Healing, to save his people, and this action is not without conflict. As she starts to heal the ill, Theron learns the impact it is having on her and struggles with what it means to her and to him. This is a romantic tale. It is filled with plenty of heat, determination, and a few surprises. Loved it!
June 28, 2017
His last hope. 5 MATING POOLS
This one tiny maiden was their miracle. you’re just the nymph I was looking for. Stroke me, if you dare. Oh, my. He was simply…magnificent. Go ahead, lass. You’re too full of light to shine into my dark world. HOLY KRETE!!! What a SPECTACULAR book that lorded over my heart right from the start!! I have been thoroughly "enjoying" - which is way too tame to describe it - Rachael's Halcyon World since the very beginning and have loved every single release, eagerly & impatiently waiting for the next one, and the next one and the next... I love how Rachael blended her phenomenal mythology stories with the Zodiac Shifters World! In my opinion, it takes a truly extraordinarily talented author to be able to do that and Rachael not only did it beautifully, but faultlessly and impeccably as well! Water's Mark is one cracking great story with surprises, twists & turns, secrets, romance, drool-worthy naughty moments and so much more! With her seductively, lush descriptions and captivating storytelling, I was so fully immersed into the story I felt like I truly lived it, experiencing every little element with, for and as the characters! It is one of those stories – and World – that is all encompassing, all consuming and I wouldn’t change that for anything! Rachael's unparalleled talent and genuine gift for crafting the exact kind of stories that I love, Love, LOVE to read, to live, had me laughing, bawling, gasping, cursing, holding my breath, panting, swooning, from beginning to end right alongside the characters I wish I really could be! The sassy, playful, caring, sweet nymph Cyane is one of my favourite characters in this Halcyon World! Then there's Theron. *dreamy sigh* He may be a very hard-headed leader of his people, and just like the crustacean he can become - which is beyond cool, by the way! - he has that tough, almost impenetrable outer layer, but when you get under that shell, he is one hot, Hot, HOT delectable morsel! snicker Sorry Theron! I couldn't resist! wink Once again, Rachael has transported me back into her MYTHTASTICALLY enriched Halcyon Romance World where I NEVER want to leave! Thankfully, it looks like Rachael and my fellow readers love it almost as much as I do, because there are more books on the horizon!! Mythology, paranormal and romance have never looked so RACHELICIOUSLY enchanting!! Only Rachael Slate could leave her Water's Mark on my bookshelf and heart!
This one tiny maiden was their miracle. you’re just the nymph I was looking for. Stroke me, if you dare. Oh, my. He was simply…magnificent. Go ahead, lass. You’re too full of light to shine into my dark world. HOLY KRETE!!! What a SPECTACULAR book that lorded over my heart right from the start!! I have been thoroughly "enjoying" - which is way too tame to describe it - Rachael's Halcyon World since the very beginning and have loved every single release, eagerly & impatiently waiting for the next one, and the next one and the next... I love how Rachael blended her phenomenal mythology stories with the Zodiac Shifters World! In my opinion, it takes a truly extraordinarily talented author to be able to do that and Rachael not only did it beautifully, but faultlessly and impeccably as well! Water's Mark is one cracking great story with surprises, twists & turns, secrets, romance, drool-worthy naughty moments and so much more! With her seductively, lush descriptions and captivating storytelling, I was so fully immersed into the story I felt like I truly lived it, experiencing every little element with, for and as the characters! It is one of those stories – and World – that is all encompassing, all consuming and I wouldn’t change that for anything! Rachael's unparalleled talent and genuine gift for crafting the exact kind of stories that I love, Love, LOVE to read, to live, had me laughing, bawling, gasping, cursing, holding my breath, panting, swooning, from beginning to end right alongside the characters I wish I really could be! The sassy, playful, caring, sweet nymph Cyane is one of my favourite characters in this Halcyon World! Then there's Theron. *dreamy sigh* He may be a very hard-headed leader of his people, and just like the crustacean he can become - which is beyond cool, by the way! - he has that tough, almost impenetrable outer layer, but when you get under that shell, he is one hot, Hot, HOT delectable morsel! snicker Sorry Theron! I couldn't resist! wink Once again, Rachael has transported me back into her MYTHTASTICALLY enriched Halcyon Romance World where I NEVER want to leave! Thankfully, it looks like Rachael and my fellow readers love it almost as much as I do, because there are more books on the horizon!! Mythology, paranormal and romance have never looked so RACHELICIOUSLY enchanting!! Only Rachael Slate could leave her Water's Mark on my bookshelf and heart!
June 27, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
OMG Rachael Slate has created such an amazing Tale, I can't express how much I adored this book!!!! I have read a lot of this author's work and love her writing, I have to say that I love this one the most!!!
There is such vitality to this book, it is definitely more than reading a book, its like living an experience, you are there with the characters, in their world experiencing it all with them. This is definitely a book I could read over and over again!!!! I adored the storyline, its not just about the two main characters, its about a whole community trying to stay safe and care about each other and that family is what you make it, not just about Blood and this is something that is extremely important to be so I could really relate to that aspect of the story. The other thing that I really enjoyed was the fact its crab shifters, it is very refreshing to not read about the same type of shifters, that the thing with this author, she brings us reader tantalising fresh ideas!!!
I really took to the characters. Two very strong personalities and different in so many ways but still made for each other, complementing each other. The thing that I loved about Cyane is that she may be small and gentle, needing to heal people but she is a strong woman with a need for independence and a strong will and determination. She is not to be underestimated!!! I really felt for Theron from the start, he has a rough exterior but you could see he has reasons and it becomes quite clear that his one focus is his people and he will do anything to keep them safe and ensure their survival.
This book definitely deserves my 5* rating and I seriously can't wait to the next Lords of Krete book and people need to get this book it really is amazing in how it captures you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last sentence. Trust me, you won't regret it!!!!
OMG Rachael Slate has created such an amazing Tale, I can't express how much I adored this book!!!! I have read a lot of this author's work and love her writing, I have to say that I love this one the most!!!
There is such vitality to this book, it is definitely more than reading a book, its like living an experience, you are there with the characters, in their world experiencing it all with them. This is definitely a book I could read over and over again!!!! I adored the storyline, its not just about the two main characters, its about a whole community trying to stay safe and care about each other and that family is what you make it, not just about Blood and this is something that is extremely important to be so I could really relate to that aspect of the story. The other thing that I really enjoyed was the fact its crab shifters, it is very refreshing to not read about the same type of shifters, that the thing with this author, she brings us reader tantalising fresh ideas!!!
I really took to the characters. Two very strong personalities and different in so many ways but still made for each other, complementing each other. The thing that I loved about Cyane is that she may be small and gentle, needing to heal people but she is a strong woman with a need for independence and a strong will and determination. She is not to be underestimated!!! I really felt for Theron from the start, he has a rough exterior but you could see he has reasons and it becomes quite clear that his one focus is his people and he will do anything to keep them safe and ensure their survival.
This book definitely deserves my 5* rating and I seriously can't wait to the next Lords of Krete book and people need to get this book it really is amazing in how it captures you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last sentence. Trust me, you won't regret it!!!!
June 13, 2017
As a cranky crab myself, crab shifters were always going to be up my alley!! This is a cross over between Zodiac Shifters and Ms Slate's own Halcyon Romance series.
Cyane dangled herself as bait and her adopted brothers were supposed to come and rescue her. But the best laid plans go awry and Cyane finds herself searching her prison for the vial containing her healing powers. When she is caught and manhandled by a very large figure and then carted off again, she really cannot believe her luck!
Theron is the leader of his people, a race of crab shifters. Faced with the extinction of his race at the whim of a foul disease he is searching for a cure. When he comes across a thief who just consumed the very healing powers he was looking for, he takes the lad off home with him. But once they arrive he realises that this is no lad but a nymph!
I loved this crossover! Mix a pacifist nymph and crab shifter warrior and you have a maelstrom of trouble! Cyane is sweet and snarky at the same time with a very un-nymph like outlook. Theron is beleaguered by family betrayal and the deaths of his subjects, which gave him a slightly skewed and unhinged outlook on life.
Cyane dangled herself as bait and her adopted brothers were supposed to come and rescue her. But the best laid plans go awry and Cyane finds herself searching her prison for the vial containing her healing powers. When she is caught and manhandled by a very large figure and then carted off again, she really cannot believe her luck!
Theron is the leader of his people, a race of crab shifters. Faced with the extinction of his race at the whim of a foul disease he is searching for a cure. When he comes across a thief who just consumed the very healing powers he was looking for, he takes the lad off home with him. But once they arrive he realises that this is no lad but a nymph!
I loved this crossover! Mix a pacifist nymph and crab shifter warrior and you have a maelstrom of trouble! Cyane is sweet and snarky at the same time with a very un-nymph like outlook. Theron is beleaguered by family betrayal and the deaths of his subjects, which gave him a slightly skewed and unhinged outlook on life.
July 15, 2017
OMG, a crab shifter and a nymph, I love it!
Virginal nymph healer Cyane of Krete has traded her watery form for that of a lad intent on recovering her stolen powers, what she had not counted on was getting locked in the pincers of a gorgeous crab! She can't slither into his hard shell, but slowly but surely into his heart.
Theron leader of Karkinos a race of crab shifters is intent on saving what is left of his dwindling people that are being consumed by an incurable disease and Cyane seems to be the cure, but at what cost. Now that she has managed to seep into his heart he becomes aware that in order to save his people, he runs the risk of losing the only woman to ever break through his rock hard shell. What will the mighty Theron chose, his people, or his heart?
I loved the spunk in the little nymph and the brutal passion of the mighty crab shifter.
Virginal nymph healer Cyane of Krete has traded her watery form for that of a lad intent on recovering her stolen powers, what she had not counted on was getting locked in the pincers of a gorgeous crab! She can't slither into his hard shell, but slowly but surely into his heart.
Theron leader of Karkinos a race of crab shifters is intent on saving what is left of his dwindling people that are being consumed by an incurable disease and Cyane seems to be the cure, but at what cost. Now that she has managed to seep into his heart he becomes aware that in order to save his people, he runs the risk of losing the only woman to ever break through his rock hard shell. What will the mighty Theron chose, his people, or his heart?
I loved the spunk in the little nymph and the brutal passion of the mighty crab shifter.
June 27, 2017
I really enjoyed meeting another nymph and wow a crab shifter a first for me. This new series is an offshoot of the series about the war for love as Cyane is a nymph of healing that Philaeus had imprisoned and the Amazons and other centaurs had saved them and released them. However, Cyane wanted her healing gift back so she had to go to an area where Theron too was headed for that same vial. Cyane proved the better thief but Theron then captured her.
I really recommend this story because it shows a variety of emotions during the course of love for this pair. Ms. Slate kept me captivated and riveted to those pages as I devoured this story.
I voluntarily read an advance copy and this is my honest opinion.
I really recommend this story because it shows a variety of emotions during the course of love for this pair. Ms. Slate kept me captivated and riveted to those pages as I devoured this story.
I voluntarily read an advance copy and this is my honest opinion.
June 20, 2017
An incredibly, fast-paced thrill ride. I loved every second of Theron and Cyane's story!Excitement starts at the very beginning and never lets up. Theron thinks he is only using Cyane to cure his people, but his heart has other plans. Cyane's hates Theron for taking her prisoner and forcing her to help the Karkinos, at least her head tells her she does. After spending some time together the two realize there may be more to their meeting than they thought. Can they work together to save his people? You'll have to read the book to find out... Trust me you won't want to miss out on the first installment of the Lords of Krete series. Another winner by the amazing Rachael Slate!!
June 25, 2017
Terrific story of myth, magic and relationships!!
Cyane, a spring nymph, had healing powers and someone always seems to be making her their captive. Theron, leader of the Karkinos (crab shifters), is torn – he can see what the healing takes out of Cyane, but his people will die without her. Cyane is a nymph with no “experience” thanks to her protective brothers – but Theron is drawn to her. Each must work to save their people – but perhaps working together will solve both their problems.
A fabulous story of attraction, myth, family, and putting others before yourself.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Cyane, a spring nymph, had healing powers and someone always seems to be making her their captive. Theron, leader of the Karkinos (crab shifters), is torn – he can see what the healing takes out of Cyane, but his people will die without her. Cyane is a nymph with no “experience” thanks to her protective brothers – but Theron is drawn to her. Each must work to save their people – but perhaps working together will solve both their problems.
A fabulous story of attraction, myth, family, and putting others before yourself.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
June 27, 2017
As a healer, you spend tireless hours trying to heal those that you can. But what do you do when faced with the possibility of your own death if you keep trying to help those in need? This poor, brave heroine did not seek out to be in this dilemma but brought forcibly into awareness of its existence. This talented author sets her characters down this journey and holds us captive as we read page after page hoping for an HEA that keeps looking impossible. Definitely read this amazing story to find out if this brave nymph and impossible crab warrior manage to save their people!
June 28, 2017
Rachael Slate colors such a descriptive tale that you feel as if you are experiencing the world right along with the characters. You can see the rooms and what each character looks like, what they are doing, how they are dressed and how they are feeling. I absolutely LOVE that she made Theron a crab shifter, which I have never seen before. The story unfolds with perfect pacing and I did not want to put it down. It kept me captivated from beginning to end. Once again proving why Rachael Slate will always be a One-click Author to me.
July 1, 2017
Wonderfully amazing! A must-read!
Theron and Cyane both have a mission to save their people. Theron's people are dying from a mysterious illness. Cyane's by an evil King. Can Cyane save Theron's people without loosing herself not only to Theron but also this disease? Can Theron learn to trust in order to save himself and his people? This is an excellent PNR! It draws you in from the start with promises of passion and adventures and delivers! This is part of a series but satisfying on its own! A definite one-click addition to any book-lover's collection!
Theron and Cyane both have a mission to save their people. Theron's people are dying from a mysterious illness. Cyane's by an evil King. Can Cyane save Theron's people without loosing herself not only to Theron but also this disease? Can Theron learn to trust in order to save himself and his people? This is an excellent PNR! It draws you in from the start with promises of passion and adventures and delivers! This is part of a series but satisfying on its own! A definite one-click addition to any book-lover's collection!
November 4, 2017
These books represent alpha males and strong women. Water's Mark is no different, but I was thrilled with a different kind of shifter and the thought and detail that the author puts into the descriptions. I love Cyane and Theron. Theron is as tough as his shell and Cyane is fluid as the water nymph that she is. We all know that crab shells soften with water, so does Theron's heart. This book is well worth reading!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader copy and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader copy and this is my honest opinion.
June 12, 2017
Water's Mark: Cancer by Rachael Slate is Book 13 of the Zodiac Shifters Series and Book 1 of the Lords of Krete series which is a spin-off of the Halcyon series. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. Water’s Mark is Cyane and Theron’s tale and is a wonderfully woven story of love and redemption. Engaging characters, an original storyline, and a vivid, solid world bring this tale to life in a way only Ms. Slate can.
June 22, 2017
I received and voluntary reviewed an ARC of this book.
Amazing!!!
I love all books by Rachael so this shouldn't be a shock I absolutely adore this book. The lead characters are strong and honorable. With the goal of saving his people Theron does some less than stellar actions but ultimately redeems him self. Having a strong female lead pitted against an alpha male tend to make the story that much better.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
Amazing!!!
I love all books by Rachael so this shouldn't be a shock I absolutely adore this book. The lead characters are strong and honorable. With the goal of saving his people Theron does some less than stellar actions but ultimately redeems him self. Having a strong female lead pitted against an alpha male tend to make the story that much better.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
July 9, 2017
This is start of a new series and I'm already in love with it! of course I love anything Rachael writes. This book had me right from the beginning and I hardly could put it down. Rachael just has magic when she weaves her stories. I loved Cyane because she has a big heart, but she is fierce and can kick some butt. I can say this is the first time I've read a book with a crab shifter. This will suck you right in and leave you anticipating the next book.
October 7, 2025
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
A quickie but wholesome read. The insta-attraction didn't put me off like some insta-love romance, and this features a crab shifter (how wickedly original is that?) and a nymph.
Honestly, I'm already a sucker for the unique pairing. The characters were also up my alley with strong convictions and passion that runs hot. What more could I ask for on a week night read?
A quickie but wholesome read. The insta-attraction didn't put me off like some insta-love romance, and this features a crab shifter (how wickedly original is that?) and a nymph.
Honestly, I'm already a sucker for the unique pairing. The characters were also up my alley with strong convictions and passion that runs hot. What more could I ask for on a week night read?
June 25, 2017
Water's Mark by Rachel Slate is a truly entertaining and engaging book. Sexy, sassy and fun, I loved Cyane and Theron. Well written and fast moving this book will grab you at the start and not let go. I loved the chemistry between the characters and the well developed world. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book
June 9, 2017
A crab shifter who desperately needed the healing waters of a nymph - not something you read about everyday! An enjoyable read and a good addition to the Halcyon series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 4, 2017
A wonderful tale with mythical tones that s going to keep you on your toes throughout a heartwarming love story and a captivating plot line. With complex characters and engaging twist and turns this story is a must read for all PNR readers.
I voluntarily reviewed for the arc team.
I voluntarily reviewed for the arc team.
July 14, 2017
Revenge isn't sweet
A healer regains her powers, our hero captures her. A people facing death, the only cure is our heroine. A love that's pure, if they commit. They learn they are stronger together.
A healer regains her powers, our hero captures her. A people facing death, the only cure is our heroine. A love that's pure, if they commit. They learn they are stronger together.
July 17, 2017
A crab shifter what fun! This Author thinks outside the box and gives you a story you just have to finish reading once you start.I received a free copy of this book and liked it so much I also bought a copy.
November 26, 2017
First time that i have read a crab shifter book.
This was a first crab shifter book that I have read. Its unusual shifter but it had everything you look in a book. Love, drama and action. I did like this book
This was a first crab shifter book that I have read. Its unusual shifter but it had everything you look in a book. Love, drama and action. I did like this book
May 31, 2018
She's No Pushover
She's not going to just give in to a bully. She is taking her powers back. He can't let her take her powers and leave. It would condemn his people to death. This is an angst fill,intense, hot read. Enjoy I did.
She's not going to just give in to a bully. She is taking her powers back. He can't let her take her powers and leave. It would condemn his people to death. This is an angst fill,intense, hot read. Enjoy I did.
February 25, 2019
I have had this on my kindle for awhile now but needed a short book for a challenge I participate in so pulled it off my shelf. I just wasn’t in love with it. The story was steamy but not much else. Just wasn’t for me.
September 22, 2017
This story is interesting.
I have to be honest and admit that I don't normally read or enjoy books that deal with the "Gods" but this one wasn't bad. The plot line was easy to read and it held my attention to the end. ☺
I have to be honest and admit that I don't normally read or enjoy books that deal with the "Gods" but this one wasn't bad. The plot line was easy to read and it held my attention to the end. ☺
June 9, 2017
Stars:
4.5 sassy water drops!
I absolutely love Cyane! She's absolutely perfect for Theron, who may be a bit crabby to start out (see what I did there?) Their meeting is unconventional but the love produced from it is absolutely amazing to watch blossom.
I adored getting to know these characters in this fast paced romance! I was able to read it in one sitting!
4.5 sassy water drops!
I absolutely love Cyane! She's absolutely perfect for Theron, who may be a bit crabby to start out (see what I did there?) Their meeting is unconventional but the love produced from it is absolutely amazing to watch blossom.
I adored getting to know these characters in this fast paced romance! I was able to read it in one sitting!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews