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The Last Emperor
The tribes were his to lose…and theirs to regain.
History taught that rebels executed the imperial family, including young Prince Nika Marisek, and hid the bodies in an unmarked grave. History was wrong.
Decades later, yarn shop owner Nick Goode reclaimed his identity to see his long-dead family decently buried. He’ll do whatever he must to persuade elders who now rule the tribes…even offer to abdicate. Some, however, seek to capitalize on Nick’s survival. Who better to drag the tribes from corruption into freedoms the rebellion had promised if not the prince who became one of the peasantry in exile?
Arit hates politics. When Elder Benjic, his estranged sire, shows up with the celebrity prince to fulfill a pre-war mating pact, Arit refuses. He craves strength on strength, the challenge of an alpha mating another alpha. A damaged omega who knits won’t do. Arit will guide them on an adventure tour exploring their wolf instincts; that’s his job. But that’s all he’ll do.
Except Nick isn’t an omega. He isn’t damaged. And if he seduces Arit to win Benjic’s support, Nick won’t give up his throne, either. He’ll risk everything to realize the ideals of the rebellion…and end his fate as the tribes’ last emperor.
CONTENT WARNING: palace intrigues, mpreg themes, shifter knotting, and two stubborn alphas who must learn to work together to save an empire
63,389 Digital Words
History taught that rebels executed the imperial family, including young Prince Nika Marisek, and hid the bodies in an unmarked grave. History was wrong.
Decades later, yarn shop owner Nick Goode reclaimed his identity to see his long-dead family decently buried. He’ll do whatever he must to persuade elders who now rule the tribes…even offer to abdicate. Some, however, seek to capitalize on Nick’s survival. Who better to drag the tribes from corruption into freedoms the rebellion had promised if not the prince who became one of the peasantry in exile?
Arit hates politics. When Elder Benjic, his estranged sire, shows up with the celebrity prince to fulfill a pre-war mating pact, Arit refuses. He craves strength on strength, the challenge of an alpha mating another alpha. A damaged omega who knits won’t do. Arit will guide them on an adventure tour exploring their wolf instincts; that’s his job. But that’s all he’ll do.
Except Nick isn’t an omega. He isn’t damaged. And if he seduces Arit to win Benjic’s support, Nick won’t give up his throne, either. He’ll risk everything to realize the ideals of the rebellion…and end his fate as the tribes’ last emperor.
CONTENT WARNING: palace intrigues, mpreg themes, shifter knotting, and two stubborn alphas who must learn to work together to save an empire
63,389 Digital Words
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2017
37 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Kari Gregg
30 books678 followersKari Gregg lives in the mountains of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia with her Wonderful husband and three very Wild children. When Kari’s not writing, she enjoys reading, coffee, zombie flicks, coffee, naked mud-wrestling (not really), and . . . coffee!
If you would like to catch up with Kari, caffeinate yourself and head to http://www.KariGregg.com
If you would like to catch up with Kari, caffeinate yourself and head to http://www.KariGregg.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 2, 2018
I was interested to read this book mainly because of two things:
It promised an alphaXalpha pair, which is not that usual in the shifters romances, and I thought it would be an interesting change to the alphaxomega dynamics. The fact that Nick was an alpha who knitted gave me the impression he would be an unusual guy.
The other thing that attracted me to the book was the Anastasia Romanov-like plot. I thought we would get a fair amount of political intrigue, royal maneuvering and such things.
So, let’s start with the romance. I believe the problem here was the lack of chemistry between the MCs, I just couldn’t buy their relationship. The fact that both MCs felt a little one dimensional to me, could have contributed to my disinterest.
Arit had a lot of daddy issues, just saying…
I didn’t get the political intrigue I was hoping for. I felt like there were a lot of conversations in terms of the rebels and how they had failed and yada yada, but nothing was really fleshed out. Also, the amount of time they wasted discussing proper titles, if one would be emperor, high alpha, royal prince or whatever the hell was so pointless!
One more thing, Lydia was annoying. You can be protective of a dear friend without being rude and obnoxious.
It did have interesting moments, and I believe other readers could enjoy it more than I did.
It promised an alphaXalpha pair, which is not that usual in the shifters romances, and I thought it would be an interesting change to the alphaxomega dynamics. The fact that Nick was an alpha who knitted gave me the impression he would be an unusual guy.
The other thing that attracted me to the book was the Anastasia Romanov-like plot. I thought we would get a fair amount of political intrigue, royal maneuvering and such things.
So, let’s start with the romance. I believe the problem here was the lack of chemistry between the MCs, I just couldn’t buy their relationship. The fact that both MCs felt a little one dimensional to me, could have contributed to my disinterest.
Arit had a lot of daddy issues, just saying…
I didn’t get the political intrigue I was hoping for. I felt like there were a lot of conversations in terms of the rebels and how they had failed and yada yada, but nothing was really fleshed out. Also, the amount of time they wasted discussing proper titles, if one would be emperor, high alpha, royal prince or whatever the hell was so pointless!
One more thing, Lydia was annoying. You can be protective of a dear friend without being rude and obnoxious.
It did have interesting moments, and I believe other readers could enjoy it more than I did.
January 6, 2018
I dunno what Kari Gregg was trying to achieve with this story but she failed. Flimsy and confusing world building, inconsistent characters and motivation, and terribly boring. Honestly, her worst book yet.
May 3, 2018
I have conflicted feelings about this book. I liked to see an Alpha pair, they were damn hot together, but at the same time if felt as if this book missed many things. I'd have liked a better backgroud story with more info about Nick's(Nika) family and the rebellion, about what happened btw Arit's parents, about the future... There was a part of the book where I really hoped that at least Nick's youngest sister had survived, bcs that was so sad and my heart broke seeing the poor boy's pain in losing all his family, but in the end nothing of this happened, and it seemed a bit strange since many things let me think that this could be a possibility... as if the author changed her/his mind at the last second.
The finale felt rushed, missed many explanations, also there was no epilogue, when one would have helped in understanding how things were going with Nick and his mate, Arit. I wanted to know if they had kids....
Sure the book didn't have a lot of sexy times, but I liked how their first time happened, and how Nick was sweet and caring with Arit, that also if an Alpha, was still a virgin a 28 years of age. Let's say that Nick, also 28, was the opposite and had tried it all. I loved the fact that none of them was submissive or shy, or how both would change position to please their mate.
I wish there were more books with Alphas mates, bcs damn, they are hot.
This book had a lot of potential but sadly didn't hold to my expectations. Not saying that it was bad, but really I think that the author needed to work a bit more on the story, maybe as much as he/she worked on the wolf's part or the MCs relationship one, bcs those were done good.
The finale felt rushed, missed many explanations, also there was no epilogue, when one would have helped in understanding how things were going with Nick and his mate, Arit. I wanted to know if they had kids....
Sure the book didn't have a lot of sexy times, but I liked how their first time happened, and how Nick was sweet and caring with Arit, that also if an Alpha, was still a virgin a 28 years of age. Let's say that Nick, also 28, was the opposite and had tried it all. I loved the fact that none of them was submissive or shy, or how both would change position to please their mate.
I wish there were more books with Alphas mates, bcs damn, they are hot.
This book had a lot of potential but sadly didn't hold to my expectations. Not saying that it was bad, but really I think that the author needed to work a bit more on the story, maybe as much as he/she worked on the wolf's part or the MCs relationship one, bcs those were done good.
January 12, 2018
This book was engrossing, but I wish it didn't feel so rushed. The romance of the books is okay for the most part, but the political aspect of the book really suffers. Still, Nick and Arit were interesting enough to make me want to finish the book.
January 5, 2018
I am not sure whether Mrs Gregg is a passable writer who happened to embark on so stupid and silly a project that nothing short of a miracle could save it from resounding failure or just your average peddler of gay paranormals who thought that a werewolf rip off of the fall of the Romanov dynasty would make for a great plotline. At any rate, this theme did not work in the least, thanks to abysmal world building (the historical background of the story is told through many chats, unfortunately never in any depth or substantial detail, nor do we get to see for ourselves the remants of the so-called shifter empire, viz the tribes), a trite, boring, and entirely toothless pair of protagonists, and, in lieu of a gripping political narrative as the story unfolds, a truly massive orogenesis of bombastic, courtly titles whose contents the book is never bothered with illustrating in dynamic fashion. The bland writing, infused with incoherent onomastics (the whole cast bears names that fall inside the narrow spectrum between ridiculous and laughable), and the rather feeble romantic values of the tale (the chemistry between Nick and Arit we are asked to take at face value, never actually shown), do not help.
January 6, 2018
Wasn’t my favorite of Kari’s. I went in expecting something different and less focused on politics but came out disappointed. Clearly the book didn’t match my expectations for romance, however I believe that others with a fondness for Anastasia, but centered more on the political maneuvering of such a story, would prefer this.
March 28, 2021
I'm maybe being a bit generous with the rating, here—the worldbuilding is uneven and the motivations are a bit underdeveloped and the emotional connections leave a lot to be desired—but I've read a few books in a row that were a slog to finish, and this one, at least, managed to keep my eyes on the page. I'm going to count it as a win.
January 1, 2018
My first book of 2018 and one I really enjoyed.
I wonder whether the author plans a follow up book - the ending definitely left more story to tell and I would really like more of Arit and Nick's relationship now that the world building is set up and in place.
I wonder whether the author plans a follow up book - the ending definitely left more story to tell and I would really like more of Arit and Nick's relationship now that the world building is set up and in place.
February 23, 2018
The description for ‘The Last Emperor’ seemed to indicate an interesting mix of shifters, humans, politics, treachery, betrayal, and a love story between two very strong men both determined to eliminate the evil in their government, and return their world to what it should be. I looked forward to the worldbuilding to see if the promise of the blurb could, and would, play out.
I was mildly fascinated at the world description in the prologue as it appeared to directly mimic the fall of the Romanov dynasty and Czar Nicholas II’s abdication during the February Revolution of Russia in 1917. In fact, the author’s plot line imitated the story of Anastasia Romanov throughout the novel. The main difference, of course, lying in the paranormal aspect of ‘The Last Emperor’ with shifters referred to as tribes and humans looked down upon.
Nick has been raised in the land of men, aka humans, whose borders between their lands and the tribes were closed after the revolution ended. He has spent a considerable amount of time researching his birth parents and the causes of the revolution, and in no way is Nick unaware of the plight of his people - all of his people. He has made his plans to return to the tribes and expose himself as the sole remaining emperor and attempt to lead his people in the way that benefits all.
“Instead of freeing the people to grow and explore their respective roles and positions, the rebellion constricted what each of us are permitted to do and be. The tragedy was never that the peasantry rose up against us. Even my parents believed more needed to be done for the people. No, the tragedy wasn’t that the revolution happened—it was that the revolution failed.” … “The tribes have lost touch with who they are.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
I was mildly fascinated at the world description in the prologue as it appeared to directly mimic the fall of the Romanov dynasty and Czar Nicholas II’s abdication during the February Revolution of Russia in 1917. In fact, the author’s plot line imitated the story of Anastasia Romanov throughout the novel. The main difference, of course, lying in the paranormal aspect of ‘The Last Emperor’ with shifters referred to as tribes and humans looked down upon.
Nick has been raised in the land of men, aka humans, whose borders between their lands and the tribes were closed after the revolution ended. He has spent a considerable amount of time researching his birth parents and the causes of the revolution, and in no way is Nick unaware of the plight of his people - all of his people. He has made his plans to return to the tribes and expose himself as the sole remaining emperor and attempt to lead his people in the way that benefits all.
“Instead of freeing the people to grow and explore their respective roles and positions, the rebellion constricted what each of us are permitted to do and be. The tragedy was never that the peasantry rose up against us. Even my parents believed more needed to be done for the people. No, the tragedy wasn’t that the revolution happened—it was that the revolution failed.” … “The tribes have lost touch with who they are.”
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
January 3, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up
Well.....It's been just 2 days and I've already forgotten a lot of it. It just really didn't grab my interest.
Well.....It's been just 2 days and I've already forgotten a lot of it. It just really didn't grab my interest.
May 10, 2021
*Waves fist in the air and rails as Ms. Gregg
This book sat on my virtual shelf for a long while. A hidden precious gemstone almost forgotten in my overwhelming TBR pile, I accidentally stumbled across it during my frantic New Year's Resolution in cleaning my Kindle. (And to get caught up in my reviews.) I love Ms. Gregg's books since the very first time I read her book. I also loathe her books. Why? Because they are so well written and the speak to me. In addition, she writes it in a way that it can be expanded into follow up books. At this point in life, I'd even be grateful for just a sequel. But to paraphrase the talented Neil Gaiman, Kari Greg is not my bitch. I can't make her write a sequel. I can bat my eyes and promise my first born child if I could have children and I would still get nothing. There are reasons for that and even if there weren't, it's still okay. I savour her books and read them again.
From the very first few words of this story, I'm pulled in and dreading what will happen next. I've had this book so long I didn't know what it was about and I purposely did not look at the book blurb for a refresher. Within the first few paragraphs, I'm stunned and trying to fathom how such cruelty can happen. It also reminds me of the Russian monarchy.
Nick is the last in his family and the brutal reasons why is more horrifying as the reader continues on in his tale. The atrocities committed against his loved ones makes me rage at the same time cry for the little boy who lost it all. When it comes to drawing blood and yanking a reader through an emotional turmoil, Ms. Gregg excels. And this is why I love her books. She makes me feel so much. I fall in love with Nick. His journey to finally make good on a promises he had to himself is one filled with intrigue, backstabbers and an unexpected mate. I love how Nicks is a survivor and not a victim. He is in control of himself and his actions command respect. I loved his interactions with Arit.
Arit is a straightforward shifter who has the largest chip on his shoulder about his father. When it comes to Daddy issues, Arit is riddled with them. This magical broken world of shifter and humans is intriguing. Ms. Gregg builds a world that draws a reader in and makes them yearn for more. And this is why I hate her books too. That yearning will never cease nor be satisfied. We are left thirsting for something that will never come.
The story is tightly woven and moves at a fast pace. All too soon the story comes to an explosive end. The details in the tail are superb. Ms. Gregg creates a special world filled with gritty hardships of life yet balanced with mystical optimism. A page turner, I did not know what to expect next. Nick's journey back to his roots is only the beginning. His decisions and happily ever after will be filled with challenges, obstacles and true love. This book is highly recommended to masochists who love a story of delayed justice.
This book sat on my virtual shelf for a long while. A hidden precious gemstone almost forgotten in my overwhelming TBR pile, I accidentally stumbled across it during my frantic New Year's Resolution in cleaning my Kindle. (And to get caught up in my reviews.) I love Ms. Gregg's books since the very first time I read her book. I also loathe her books. Why? Because they are so well written and the speak to me. In addition, she writes it in a way that it can be expanded into follow up books. At this point in life, I'd even be grateful for just a sequel. But to paraphrase the talented Neil Gaiman, Kari Greg is not my bitch. I can't make her write a sequel. I can bat my eyes and promise my first born child if I could have children and I would still get nothing. There are reasons for that and even if there weren't, it's still okay. I savour her books and read them again.
From the very first few words of this story, I'm pulled in and dreading what will happen next. I've had this book so long I didn't know what it was about and I purposely did not look at the book blurb for a refresher. Within the first few paragraphs, I'm stunned and trying to fathom how such cruelty can happen. It also reminds me of the Russian monarchy.
Nick is the last in his family and the brutal reasons why is more horrifying as the reader continues on in his tale. The atrocities committed against his loved ones makes me rage at the same time cry for the little boy who lost it all. When it comes to drawing blood and yanking a reader through an emotional turmoil, Ms. Gregg excels. And this is why I love her books. She makes me feel so much. I fall in love with Nick. His journey to finally make good on a promises he had to himself is one filled with intrigue, backstabbers and an unexpected mate. I love how Nicks is a survivor and not a victim. He is in control of himself and his actions command respect. I loved his interactions with Arit.
Arit is a straightforward shifter who has the largest chip on his shoulder about his father. When it comes to Daddy issues, Arit is riddled with them. This magical broken world of shifter and humans is intriguing. Ms. Gregg builds a world that draws a reader in and makes them yearn for more. And this is why I hate her books too. That yearning will never cease nor be satisfied. We are left thirsting for something that will never come.
The story is tightly woven and moves at a fast pace. All too soon the story comes to an explosive end. The details in the tail are superb. Ms. Gregg creates a special world filled with gritty hardships of life yet balanced with mystical optimism. A page turner, I did not know what to expect next. Nick's journey back to his roots is only the beginning. His decisions and happily ever after will be filled with challenges, obstacles and true love. This book is highly recommended to masochists who love a story of delayed justice.
July 16, 2020
I really wanted to like it more but it was just meh
December 27, 2023
DNF @ 64%
A boring, mind-numbing info dump. Exploiting Russian history and the "exotic" location of the Ural mountain range did not help. If anything, it made it worse.
There is not a speck of chemistry between the MCs. Nothing. I got tired of the author shoving "lust" and "heat" and whatever-else-passes-for-sexual-attraction/affection in my face. I didn't believe any of it, because it all went against the grain and finally reached a point of a complete turn-off.
It took me 2 months to get to 64% and I only tried because it's Kari Gregg.
I am a huge KG's fan. The more the disappointment 🫤
1 star
A boring, mind-numbing info dump. Exploiting Russian history and the "exotic" location of the Ural mountain range did not help. If anything, it made it worse.
There is not a speck of chemistry between the MCs. Nothing. I got tired of the author shoving "lust" and "heat" and whatever-else-passes-for-sexual-attraction/affection in my face. I didn't believe any of it, because it all went against the grain and finally reached a point of a complete turn-off.
It took me 2 months to get to 64% and I only tried because it's Kari Gregg.
I am a huge KG's fan. The more the disappointment 🫤
1 star
February 24, 2018
This was not one of her better stories.
It felt like the storyline was rushed and lacking the usual "I can't wait to read this.". Her stories are usually hard to put down and this one lacked that.
It felt like the storyline was rushed and lacking the usual "I can't wait to read this.". Her stories are usually hard to put down and this one lacked that.
Read
January 4, 2022DNF 67%
January 5, 2018
This is such a sad tale. It is a book about taking he horrible things of the past and taking the opportunity to make a better future because of it. It is through remembering and in some instances reliving the past that will make it possible for a brighter future. This is what Nick and Arit plan in doing.
Nick is part of the the noble family that was executed back when the tribal wars was happening. His family was sacrificed and executed and it was believed gay Nick did not survive either. The only reason he is still alive is a man tooknpity on him and was tired of all the useless killings and when he realized that Nick was still alive, he rescued and ran for both of their lives as quickly as he could. Now years later Nick is about to let the world know that he is still alive and well and hat is only possible because a human had the decency to save him and to take care of him and live him and his adoptive brother like they was his own.
After the tribes believeing that no one survived from Nicks family, it is a shock to find out that at least one did survive and that someone is supposed to be on the throne. Not only does Bick have to prove whom he is but he also has to consider past obligations his father had made on his behalf.
Nick was promised to marry one of the children of Benjic. But when Nick finds out that his children are already mated Nick believes himself to be off the hook. But little does he know Benjic has another son, Arit. Arit does not want anything to do with his sore Benjic because he never had anything to do with him in the past. But nonetheless Benjic will not give up. It does not help matters either that once Arit and Nick meet the mating pull hits both men at full speed.
Nick and Arit both have to decide what it is they both want and if they are willing to mate with each other or if they will try and ignore what both feel deep in their bones for he other.
This book is a very sad tale about what happened to Nick and his family. It is the fall and rise again of a family that was thought to be lost. It will take many to set things right with the past and the future. This was a slow burning read but it was definitely an incredible read at the same time. I truly enjoyed this sad tale.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Nick is part of the the noble family that was executed back when the tribal wars was happening. His family was sacrificed and executed and it was believed gay Nick did not survive either. The only reason he is still alive is a man tooknpity on him and was tired of all the useless killings and when he realized that Nick was still alive, he rescued and ran for both of their lives as quickly as he could. Now years later Nick is about to let the world know that he is still alive and well and hat is only possible because a human had the decency to save him and to take care of him and live him and his adoptive brother like they was his own.
After the tribes believeing that no one survived from Nicks family, it is a shock to find out that at least one did survive and that someone is supposed to be on the throne. Not only does Bick have to prove whom he is but he also has to consider past obligations his father had made on his behalf.
Nick was promised to marry one of the children of Benjic. But when Nick finds out that his children are already mated Nick believes himself to be off the hook. But little does he know Benjic has another son, Arit. Arit does not want anything to do with his sore Benjic because he never had anything to do with him in the past. But nonetheless Benjic will not give up. It does not help matters either that once Arit and Nick meet the mating pull hits both men at full speed.
Nick and Arit both have to decide what it is they both want and if they are willing to mate with each other or if they will try and ignore what both feel deep in their bones for he other.
This book is a very sad tale about what happened to Nick and his family. It is the fall and rise again of a family that was thought to be lost. It will take many to set things right with the past and the future. This was a slow burning read but it was definitely an incredible read at the same time. I truly enjoyed this sad tale.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
January 6, 2018
I loved it, even if it was confusing at times. Nope, I'm not going to pretend I got everything - it took me half the book to figure out in what time we were, and how the world functions, but I enjoyed this journey of Nick. Desperate at times, dark, but always there's hope. And Arit. A wonderful dark tale I don't think it's a love story, but the beginning of one. There's respect, and a whole lot of potential for Arit and Nick, and I'm positive that they'll get there in time. (and I don't think it'll take that long.)
On that note o.O Hello Benjic. I really need more closure?!? A backstory, and a satisfying end to his tale would be nice? ^^""" Preferable a HEA with a certain someon? And I need Arit
All in all... this novel was too short. It packs a punch, but the worldbuilding as well as character explanations/introductions/decisions could have been expanded. Sometimes I felt lost, but nevertheless captivated by this complex world. I really need more. :)
There's a strong HFN going HEA, yet I'm still wishing for more. A short story maybe? Pretty please? ❤
I'm knocking the rating down to 3,5✩, rounded to 4 due to research.
Reason in the spoilers.
PS:
On that note o.O Hello Benjic. I really need more closure?!? A backstory, and a satisfying end to his tale would be nice? ^^""" Preferable a HEA with a certain someon? And I need Arit
All in all... this novel was too short. It packs a punch, but the worldbuilding as well as character explanations/introductions/decisions could have been expanded. Sometimes I felt lost, but nevertheless captivated by this complex world. I really need more. :)
There's a strong HFN going HEA, yet I'm still wishing for more. A short story maybe? Pretty please? ❤
I'm knocking the rating down to 3,5✩, rounded to 4 due to research.
Reason in the spoilers.
PS:
July 19, 2020
There's great world-building that really gave us a more modern take on Shifter culture. Instead of instant true mate attraction, we have potential mating.
Usually, mating heat leads to True Mates but here, like any relationship, the pair must work at their mating to make it work.
Also, the focus on the improving the lives of the Tribe members and the interaction with humans was a great addition to the book. It made it feel really lived in. And it also meant that the sole purpose of the book wasn't getting the two leads together.
Don't get me wrong their interactions were great but it was fun to have good plot too. They still have much to learn about each other but I think they are off to a great start. They already act as each other's support systems so I already imagine them with many kids and a stable kingdom :)
Great Read, hope there's a short about their domestic life.
Usually, mating heat leads to True Mates but here, like any relationship, the pair must work at their mating to make it work.
Also, the focus on the improving the lives of the Tribe members and the interaction with humans was a great addition to the book. It made it feel really lived in. And it also meant that the sole purpose of the book wasn't getting the two leads together.
Don't get me wrong their interactions were great but it was fun to have good plot too. They still have much to learn about each other but I think they are off to a great start. They already act as each other's support systems so I already imagine them with many kids and a stable kingdom :)
Great Read, hope there's a short about their domestic life.
January 6, 2018
Rating: 4 stars
I found this to be a bit of a slow read for me. I loved Nick aka Nika as the main character of the story. His brother Rolan and Lydia were great as secondary characters. I think my main problem stemmed from not exactly warming up to Arit’s character at the beginning. Once the two MCs got over their issues, I found the book more enjoyable. I really did love the ending. It brought tears to my eyes. I felt so bad for Nick’s family and what happened to them.
All in all, I did enjoy this story. I highly recommend it.
I found this to be a bit of a slow read for me. I loved Nick aka Nika as the main character of the story. His brother Rolan and Lydia were great as secondary characters. I think my main problem stemmed from not exactly warming up to Arit’s character at the beginning. Once the two MCs got over their issues, I found the book more enjoyable. I really did love the ending. It brought tears to my eyes. I felt so bad for Nick’s family and what happened to them.
All in all, I did enjoy this story. I highly recommend it.
January 18, 2018
For the beginning to be so slow the ending sure was rushed. Granted, the reasoning was probably to give readers a chance to fall in love with the characters but it just irritated me.
The only thing that really bothered me was the false sense of resistance. Why not create a situation where there is true resistance in the mating. Almost immediately they had both given in. Why at the same time saying they wouldn't. It was a pointless addition to the story. I also feel that the ending should have been stretched to at least find the remaining rebels.
The only thing that really bothered me was the false sense of resistance. Why not create a situation where there is true resistance in the mating. Almost immediately they had both given in. Why at the same time saying they wouldn't. It was a pointless addition to the story. I also feel that the ending should have been stretched to at least find the remaining rebels.
January 5, 2019
I wish this had gone into everything a bit more in depth, including how mpreg works in this world, given the standard omega for pregnancy isn't what seems to be required.
There could have been a more realised bad guy than simply 'the bad guys', and I would have liked to know the motivation for each side more. Nick ends up being the hero of the people, but we don't get to see him interacting with them at all.
I liked Arit, and wished we could have seen more of his lodge and tours. It's a shame being the Emporer's mate takes precedence huh?
I'll most likely reread this again at some point.
There could have been a more realised bad guy than simply 'the bad guys', and I would have liked to know the motivation for each side more. Nick ends up being the hero of the people, but we don't get to see him interacting with them at all.
I liked Arit, and wished we could have seen more of his lodge and tours. It's a shame being the Emporer's mate takes precedence huh?
I'll most likely reread this again at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
I haven't read a book by Kari Gregg that I didn't like and this one is no exception. While it is quite a bit tamer than many of her other it books it is still an excellent read. I love the character development and this romance will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. While there are some steamy scenes I wouldn't classify it as smut or erotica. Highly recommend if you like mm romance with a pinch of paranormal.
January 6, 2018
Great
I really enjoyed this. I have loved many of this authors books in the past but this one was quite different (though retained her completely immersive world building and blisteringly hot sex scens). Really loved getting lost in this world, satisfyingly concluded but would still like a sequel.
I really enjoyed this. I have loved many of this authors books in the past but this one was quite different (though retained her completely immersive world building and blisteringly hot sex scens). Really loved getting lost in this world, satisfyingly concluded but would still like a sequel.
Read
April 28, 2018I think this one was just too short. Everything felt rushed the romance, the politicking, the whole thing. Plus it didn't really have a good "bad" guy and I think it needed that as well. At first I figured it was going to be Benji, but clearly that wasn't it. All in all an okay book by an Author who's ideas I always really like, but just seem to fall short for me in the end :(
January 6, 2018
Really liked the start of it, I thought it was great, but I felt the pace of the book was quite slow and despite all the content, I finished the book with an over all sense that not much happened?
I LOVE the World building in this however and thought it was great, really enjoyed that part of it :)
I LOVE the World building in this however and thought it was great, really enjoyed that part of it :)
March 16, 2018
Awesome
As always Kari delivered a great story. I'm the way she writes i could feel all the emotions that Nika was. I wish for more... To see if other shifters exists as speculated. I think it could be a great part 2. See where Nika and his mate are at. Just loved this story.
As always Kari delivered a great story. I'm the way she writes i could feel all the emotions that Nika was. I wish for more... To see if other shifters exists as speculated. I think it could be a great part 2. See where Nika and his mate are at. Just loved this story.
January 1, 2018
4.5 stars.
January 6, 2018
nicht so gut wie Greggs kürzere Titel, aber eine interessante Welt
January 11, 2018
Interesting ideas and compelling setting but unfortunately it felt rushed and unfinished.
February 12, 2018
3 stars. I like the idea of destined lovers, so I don't care that the two MCs fall in love at first sight. But this book focuses more on politics than romance, which really isn't what I've expected.
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