Shy

Once Bitten, Twice Shy #2

by Noelle Marie

Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen
Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins
Series: Once Bitten, Twice Shy, Book 2
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-16-17

If Katherine thought that her life would get any easier in the months following her realization that Bastian was her mate, she was wrong. But dealing with the man’s hot and cold behavior – it was like he had two times of the month – and surviving the Recruiting Rites were pieces of cake compared to the fierce emotional storm that envelops her when a secret – a lie – is revealed that turns everything Katherine thought she knew on its head.

Once betrayed, it’s hard to bring herself to trust again.

Once bitten, it’s hard not to be shy.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Young Adult

Audiobook

About the author

Noelle Marie is a full time stay-at-home mom and a part time writer. When not being driven wonderfully mad by her three adorable (read: deranged) children (aged 3, 19 months, and 1 month respectively) or staring woefully at her keyboard, she can be found curled up in a comfy chair reading a book or attempting to bake in the kitchen. Occasionally she might be pestered into golfing with her husband, but is largely an embarrassment to the sport.

Her first novel, Bitten, was published in October 2014, and the sequel, Shy, was released in December 2015. The third book of the series is currently in the works.

Noelle is also the author of The Ever After Collection.

Reviews

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the three book series was very good. I enjoyed seeing how the happy couple dealt with and got through the constant barrage of problems the kept arising. They faced much danger, but faced it all together and with their pack. I love how Bastion was so open with his feelings, was so worried about Kathrine and protective. It took her a while to admit to Bastion that she loved him, I found that weird, since she did love him. I also enjoyed watching the pack and Kathrine bond and really end up caring about each other. I definitely enjoyed the book and the person reading it.

[Christa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well let's begin. Our dear Katherine is recovering from her 2nd or maybe 3rd kidnapping that ended book one. Bastian is now the alpha, even though he is eighteen. I wouldn't let an eighteen year old run anything, but since this is ya I guess it will fly.

Katherine's birthday comes and her pack gives her a surprise party. Most people would be happy about that, but this is the moment Katherine realizes that she will never spend another birthday with her parents. So naturally she runs away and cry and makes nice people feel like crap. Way to go Katherine.

Katherine later overhears the news I've been waiting for her to learn since book one. Her parents survived the attack at her initial kidnapping. Bastian and his pack lied to her. Katherine has an appropriate reaction.

"Let me go! I don't need to listen to a damn word you have to say and if he even dares to try and justify this, I'll pop him one straight in his dirty lying mouth!"

You go girl!

And go she does. She steals a SUV and hauls it back to America. Unfortunately she did not steal money, her identity, or even shoes. Gas runs out so naturally she hitchhikes. The biggest surprise of this book is the trucker is a woman, so there is no raping or kidnapping.

Katherine makes it home. She is somehow surprised when her parents ask her where she has been for the past six months. I have no idea how long it takes to get from Canada to Iowa, but you would think she would have thought of something better than amnesia.

Her parents are delighted to have her back. Her sister Sam and brother in law Chad have stayed with her parents. Clearly Chad is a pervert and tries to rape Katherine. Bastian shows up and nearly kills him and then her parents walk in.


By this point she's forgiven Bastian and tells her dad she's a werewolf before she disappears to Canada. Again.

Things haven't changed in Canada. No one really realized Katherine was gone. You would think they would notice the decrease in amber alerts. Katherine goes to a club with the girls, proceeds to get assaulted. Then she gets kidnapped, there's attempted rape, and Bastian saves the day. He gets shot, but don't worry he gets better.

This book likes to have big reveals in flashback format. It's a bit jarring. Also there is awkward wording. Reflective glass - aka a window. But the editors notes are still in there and it makes me happy to see I'm not the only one with problems with this book. On to book three.



2.5 stars

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel! I adore Bastian and Katherine was very resilient as a main character. The ragtag group of friends was a bonus. There were some twists that I never saw coming. This book was a great follow-up to book one. Five glittery stars!

[Lexy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this book was good

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't even want to read the second book to this series but then I just gave in to temptation and well I don't regret it

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

About 7 months have passed since Katherine went to Canada with the pack and realised Bastian is her mate. She and Bastian are together, but they haven't had sex yet, staying just for the kisses, not because Katherine doesn't want to, it's actually Bastian who prevents something else from happening. This situation is starting to frustrate Katherine, and they are kind of fighting. An unpleasant situation for everyone in the pack.
Then she hears a conversation between Markus and Bastian and finally finds out that after all her parents are alive. Obviously, she runs away and goes back to her parents, who are shocked to see her. As she can't tell the truth, about what really happened the night she disappeared and where she was all this time, she ends up making up that she lost her memory, and that Bastian and other friends found her and welcomed her until she finally started to remember.
Since her disappearance was made public by the news, once the news that she is back spreads Katherine and her family are shrouded in media chaos. After a while, interest fades and Katherine thinks she'll finally going to have peace, but she can't stop thinking about Bastian and the pack, no matter how hard she tries. Although hurt and angry with Batian for having lied to her, she can't help but miss him, and feel a certain disappointment that he didn't even bother to look for her.
But when the full moon arrives, she discovers not only that he's been around from the beginning, but that he's not alone, the pack is all with him, in order to take her back home.
Even though she shows decisiveness in a first moment not to forgive Bastian and to stay with her family, in time she starts to realize that maybe it's not safe for the family that she is with them and that although it was wrong she realizes that what Bastian did was only to try to keep her alive.
After some events she ends up coming back with the pack, but this doesn't mean that the problems are over, she has to make the decision to finally seal the mate bond with Sebatian, since the more time goes by without it happening, the greater is the need for violence on Bastian's part. Besides, other dangers lurk in the shadows.

I think I prefer the first book to this one, however I also liked it a lot. Markus remains incredible. And the interactions between him and Katherine are still some of the things I like best.
Regarding Katherine, I think she was less annoying in this book, and I love how she keeps on banging her foot against Bastian. It was a little interesting to see her coming back home and realize that the the place that was her home for so long, maybe is not really her home anymore. I really liked her father! Her mother and sister not so much. I have to say that Brady, even after everything was still very cute, and I loved that.
Regarding the pack, I still think that both Sophie and Zane are just there.
As I've already said, MArkus is still my favorite. Caleb in this second book, kind of didn't stand out much either.
Bastian, really pissed me off for several moments, he is very possessive, I hope this side of him gets better in the next book, since the mating bond is finally sealed. Despite this I still liked him, and Katherine and him as a couple.
Overall, it was a good book and just like the first one I give this one a solid 4 stars.

[T C · Rating 1 out of 5]

This small brunette cannot stand listening to another second of this book!

I read the first and was truly disappointing but as it ended on a cliff hanger I thought I would listen to the second audiobook and it ended up completely ignoring the main issues you would expect the protagonist deal with after the ending of the first novel (spoiler - i.e. her friend setting her up to die and her would-be love interest's uncle attacking her) - she basically wakes up and is immediately preoccupied by her lack of sex life rather than by the betrayal she underwent, the leap in her and the now head of all the werewolves' relationship and the fact she has not tried to look up what happened to her family... this novel is absurd, lacking in plot, a worthwhile protagonist, and most of all in good writing, or so thinks this brunette...

[MiraJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book series I've read in a very long time. Love this author and her work. She knows exactly how to capture her readers in her books with great romance, drama, action and best of all: awesome views of werewolves! Made a promise to myself that I will read every book Noelle Marie publishes and I have. All I can say is that she does not disappoint, quite the opposite. It only gets better and better!

[Kandace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the first book, this one didn't do it for me like the last one.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 3 out of 5]

THINGS I LIKED
Katherine being mad a Bastian for lying and running off to see her parents (although she should have put more thought into that plan).

Confiding in her dad instead of running away to Canada

Bastian being sweet and protective most times (he did overreact quite a bit but I blame the wolf thing)

Markus…hands down my favorite character because he always kept it real. He was sarcastic, brutally honest and was constantly the voice of reason.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE
Katherine’s impulsive actions which always ended badly.

Her annoying & unnessary insecurity.

Not telling anyone a about pervert Chad (stupid)

Last but not least, her tendency to get kidnapped/assaulted/attacked every other second (I like a good damsel in distress story but come on Katherine! You’re a bit much).

Anyway…it was entertaining enough that I finished it but everything wrapped up nice for me so I’m gonna stop right here.

CONTENT
Romance: Innuendo throughout, on page intimacy (skipped that🙄)
Violence: Mild
Language: Moderate (2 F* bomb)

[Sheila Burke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was SO hoping that the author would find better words to describe the main character other than, "the small brunette". *sigh* Listening via audiobook, I only got 7 minutes into this one before I got fed up with Katherine's spoiled attitude and blatant immaturity before abandoning to find something else. Anything else. I wanted to find out what happened next, but not bad enough to torture myself for it.

[Pene|ope • Temp Hyperfixation: WC & OMV · Rating 3 out of 5]

The editing issues were even worse in this book than in the last. There were a lot of annoying things the mc did, constantly proving what a petulant child she can be...but the story had its shining moments, in regards to family, friendship, parenting, and relationships. Overall, it was a quick read and for the most part, I enjoyed the adventure.

[EleniK. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first book of the series so I had high hopes for the sequel but I was let down.

I still like the characters a lot, although the FL is still a little too immature and brash for me liking. Anyhow, I was really looking forward to seeing they development in the Alpha couples relationship only to practically have them start over from 0 and with more drama (because we all knew the lie about the parents would come back to bite Bastian in the ass). So I groaned and moaned when Kat made a run for it. I understand that she wanted to get away from them for a while but running all the way back home? Not to mention that her going back makes absolutely NO sense! Like yeah, I get that she want to see her family but don't you think that if your family was attacked BECAUSE OF YOU, you would have the good sense to stay away to keep them save? Nope, not Kat. She goes home and even does TV interviews. *sigh* The whole situation with the parents made no sense to me from the beginning. It was clear from book one that Kat getting changed put them in danger, so why not move them to packgrounds? especially since Kat tells her dad what she is anyways and they do move there in the end of Book 3

And then there are the constant assault, almost rape and kidnapping Plots. Its like whenever the author didn't know what to really do next she through one of those in there hoping it would seem dramatic. I get it if a character gets into one or two of those situations two or three time in THE ENTIRE SERIES but 2-3 times EACH BOOK?!? Thats just waaaay to much man. It kinda made me not want to read anymore. And the way Kat dealt with all that abuse was also crazy. She gets almost raped but is not really that shaken only mad because her sister doesn't believe her immediately. She gets attacked again when she goes out with friends and again she doesn't really react, freak or shows real concern. Which is soo unrealistic even for a 'tough werewolf chick'. Guess the author fergot that traumatic experiences like that have real fucking consequences.
Overall, a little disappointing...

[Micheala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this as much as book 1.

I found that, again, Katherine jumps to conclusions and acts dramatic for the sake of the author trying to create pointless drama. If I found out my parents were still alive and I was being lied to, yes of course I would be mad, but if I actually loved or deeply cared for the guy, I think I would hear him out. I suppose his selfish reason wouldn’t have been good enough, but still to give it a chance. Maybe she was still in danger and he was waiting for it to pass? She didn’t know because she took off.

And for weeks too! The man she loves, the pack she’s part of, the werewolf world she’s now a part of...gone just like that. Goes back to thinking...what? She can get back to her human life? But when there, complains that she’s there again and her parents are being too overbearing. I actually don’t know why the author created this so her parents were still alive. When reading this part, I suspected she’d get annoyed, miss Bastian, and just leave. It didn’t end like that and ended in a slightly different way, but still. The whole chunk of the book would have been drama created that served no purpose. Whether her parents were alive or dead, the book carries on the same. In fact, at least when they were dead, she was sad at times and it was a bit more realistic. Also, even though this is 3rd person, it’s still her perspective. So when with her parents, there is no need for the narrator to call them by their first names. “Her mom” “her dad” would suffice.

Even when Bastian is apologizing, for some reason she wants life to be perfect in that moment. As if she didn’t just abandon him without words for weeks. What does she expect from him?

Once they get back to Canada the book got much better. Life moved on for them. They are more officially together--I just won’t give details on this.

I had no complaints about the rest of the book and really enjoyed reading it, especially the overly protective Bastian moments.

[Eliana Martin]

This book pretty much picks up where the first leaves off, and as Katherine starts to get acquainted in her new life with the pack, learning their ways, enrolled in their school and survives her first transformation; things get a bit interesting as she continually manages to get herself in trouble, by either escaping, lying, going against the rules and defying her alpha. The girl has a penchant for trouble and getting herself almost killed. She finds out Bastian has lied about her parents being dead, and this causes her to retaliate by running off, without money or shoes... to go back to her parents... smh.
I think the story is good, the characters are strong and well developed, but Katherine... our main character is just.. well... if she were a real person is whiny, always quick to judge, never recognizing her faults, hard headed? would be the understatement of the millennia. Totally defying things she doesn't understand and putting everyone at risk with her stupidity.
things i don't like about the writing:
the overuse of the word "HOWEVER" practically in every paragraph. The fact that in every chapter she is taking a shower or bath and washing her hair (at least 10 times in a chapter)is very annoying. God, please, if I had to read about anymore hot showers or steaming baths, the unscented soaps or the fragrant shampoos...i would go mad!

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Shy continues Noelle Marie’s paranormal series with a quieter tone and less momentum than its predecessor. While Bitten laid the groundwork with solid pacing and an engaging setup, this second installment felt more subdued, with fewer moments of excitement to keep me fully hooked.

Bastian and Katherine settle into their dynamic, and the story shifts focus toward Katherine uncovering some long-held secrets. The emotional stakes are present, but not particularly gripping, and the character development, while progressing, didn’t quite elevate the story beyond its familiar tropes.

There’s a touch of spice toward the end, but nothing that ventures into truly steamy territory. For listeners like me who typically lean toward audiobooks with mature themes and explicit content, Shy remains on the lighter side. Still, it’s a clean continuation that stays true to the tone of the series.

Despite the slower pace, there’s enough plot movement to keep me curious about the final book. Even if the direction feels predictable, I’m invested enough to see how it all wraps up.

[Big Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book, the sequel to Bitten, was a disappointment on so many levels. Katherine and Zane are very immature. Their relationship isn't all that convincing and the drama which constantly unfolds seems stilted and contrived. The plot is lackluster and while I don't mind a book where you can guess what's going to happen next, it still should be enjoyable or what's the point?

The world building and rules, created by the arthur, seem to be thrown out the window when it comes to Katherine, which makes the book even more ridiculous. It's also hard to overlook all the fights the leading lady gets into and yet finds herself helpless even though at least half of the book #1 was about her learning to fight. I found Katherine to be selfish, inconsiderate, self-absorbed, silly and stupid.

Nothing on this planet will make me purchase book #3.

[Happiness · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audio-book and the only thing that got me quarter way through was the excellent reader - I cannot believe how self-centered, stupid, whiny, naive, childish and spoiled the author made Katherine. ANYONE surely would think twice before allowing a "new race" to be exposed to humans (extermination, medical torture, more hunters, danger to her family etc)- but oh no, air-head Kit allows herself to be medically examined (really?), talk nonsense to the police and then manages to gather massive media attention too... it's always about her and of course NEVER her fault- oh poor me I missed my parents, so let's just run away from a safe community without plan or thought to anyone but her own feelings!! She is mollycoddled beyond sanity or believablity - have teenagers really become this unaware of consequences?
Could not finish it!

[Charlene Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dancing for the whole town....really???

While I applaud the author for trying to think outside the norm of werewolf fiction, I didn't like this book nearly as much as the first one. First of all swearing is one thing but blasphemy is something else altogether. That is one star off. The second star was lost to the ignorance and immaturity of Katherine. She rushed headlong and heedless on an emotionally based series of reactions (mind you not thoughtful actions) never one single solitary time pausing to think about how it would affect those she was running from or those she was running to! The character came across as grossly immature, selfish, and stupid beyond permission and ends up being a character you want to shake until her teeth rattle!!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I’m loving this series, Katherine and Bastian have so many ups and downs it’s unreal, the poor girl just attracts danger, and with so many obstacles trying to keep them apart it’s a wonder they made it this far. Bastian is determined to keep Katherine safe at all costs but will she regret her decisions once danger comes knocking on their door?
Love the story, plot, and characters. The story covers so many different concepts but overall the book is a love story. Some lovely romantic and sweet moments, some very cute intimate moments, some embarrassing scenes and countless fight scenes. Lots of angst and misunderstandings. Would recommend.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I liked reading more about Katherine's daily life, because I always miss that in book surrounding the supernatural. However, I missed a plot in the book. It felt like the book was going into nothing. Also, be done with the sexual assault/almost rape. It is not the only way to make a character go through something tragic. And if you do it, don't have the character experience such thing and then let her act like nothing really happend. Common theme I noticed: most badguys have a really short name🤣

[Zimt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow-up to 'Bitten'.
Even so it seemed to have two climatic scenes which was shortly confusing. After around halfway through came the first narrative peak and the book could have ended. Also Katherine was acting spineless. So there is no reason to let a guy kiss you out of guilt. That the guy would even try after everything and are there not more important matters to discuss. This scene did not feel right at all. Then came the second half of the book which picked up the action again and was therefore slightly more interesting.

[Radiant · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Katherine thought that her life would get any easier in the months following her realization that Bastian was her mate, she was wrong. But dealing with the man’s hot and cold behavior – it was like he had two times of the month – and surviving the Recruiting Rites were pieces of cake compared to the fierce emotional storm that envelops her when a secret – a lie – is revealed that turns everything Katherine thought she knew on its head.

Once betrayed, it’s hard to bring herself to trust again.

Once bitten, it’s hard not to be shy.

Nice

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first book. The author did well writing the love scene. Still could have come up with better descriptions and synonyms for words rather than repeatedly saying "the small brunette" instead of "Katherine" or "She". Unless it is the very first time in the book that Katherine is being described, there's no need to continually refer to her as being a small brunette. That's actually all we ever learn about her other than that she has green eyes.

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that Katherine found herself in trouble most of the time, it seemed to me that the pack was constantly getting her out of whatever shenanigans she was getting into. Though I did enjoy the book very much so, my favorite character of course was Bastian. At this point I don't know whether I'm going to continue on or just stop here. You never know I just may try the third book. Happy reading everyone 😉

[living1000lives · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot of repeat events happening throughout the book..
running away seems like a hobby of Katherine’s
not getting the full story before having a melt down
Bastian being over protective or making decisions without any explanation
aaand the amount of men that want to potentially rape Katherine (which as we all know is always fun to read about.. not)

towards the end though everything came together nicely and all was forgiven with the bullshit Katherine and Bastian put me through

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shy definitely bought a better, strong and more enjoyable story than Bitten. I loved it and was hooked right from the start.
There is lots of drama (a little OTT), plenty of problems and some angst. Also some good grovelling by Bastian.

I loved Bastian and his jealous/possessive and protectiveness when it comes to Katherine. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to keep her safe and happy. I loved how open he is with his feeling towards her.

Katherine had a lot of growth during this story, she had to come to terms with a lot and learn to accept that thing may not always be easy but the can be worth it all. She doesn’t give up and is a fighter, and once she has her mind made up not much will stop her.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby finally catches on that Bastian is her mate and that her attraction to him is because they are mates. However she is still lacking with common sense and continues to make many poor choices.
For the parental review, bad language used throughout and some make out scenes with one scene towards the end where there is sex.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Dit was een tegenvaller. Boek 1 vond ik geweldig maar deze niet. Eigenlijk gebeurde elke keer hetzelfde en dat bleef zich het hele boek herhalen. Geloof dat letterlijk 3x hetzelfde gebeurde... Ik irriteerde me kapot dat ze niet super stoer werd en ze gewoon zou winnen. Ze gedraagt zich als een alpha maar is het totaal niet. Het idee was leuk maar de uitwerking niet