What do you think?
Rate this book
Flesh and Bone #1
Exhale
Two men haunted by the same ghost…
Falling for “the other man” in my marriage was never part of the plan. Then again, according to Nicolae Ursache, I am the other man, and human wedding vows don’t apply. Not to werewolves.
Nicolae is a smug, arrogant alpha male stereotype--and I do mean alpha in the literal sense--but when the same people who killed my wife kidnap my teenage daughter, he’s my only chance at getting her back. The fact that Nicolae was my wife’s rightful mate means that we share a mutual interest in bringing Ellie home, but I never could’ve imagined how he planned to do it.
I will do anything to protect my daughter. Even if it means becoming the plaything, or worse, of the man I loathe most.
This dark shifter romance contains mature subject matter.
**NOTE: There is no mpreg in this universe.**
Falling for “the other man” in my marriage was never part of the plan. Then again, according to Nicolae Ursache, I am the other man, and human wedding vows don’t apply. Not to werewolves.
Nicolae is a smug, arrogant alpha male stereotype--and I do mean alpha in the literal sense--but when the same people who killed my wife kidnap my teenage daughter, he’s my only chance at getting her back. The fact that Nicolae was my wife’s rightful mate means that we share a mutual interest in bringing Ellie home, but I never could’ve imagined how he planned to do it.
I will do anything to protect my daughter. Even if it means becoming the plaything, or worse, of the man I loathe most.
This dark shifter romance contains mature subject matter.
**NOTE: There is no mpreg in this universe.**
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2018
372 people are currently reading
2940 people want to read
About the author
Joel Abernathy
47 books1,277 followersJoel Abernathy, also writing as L.C. Davis, is a trans author of MM romance. He enjoys writing dark and emotional romance about men loving men in all genres.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
March 30, 2018
5 Stars!
What a surprise this book was! I hit another win with this NTMA. I've been having some great luck trying out different authors I've never read before. I took a chance on this one and I am so glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
Murder, kidnapping, werewolves, and ghosts oh my! LOL What a great story this one turned out to be. Jack was a fierce papa and went to any length to make sure his daughter, who was kidnapped because of wars of the werewolves, was brought home safe. That included being mated with his deceased wives past lover. She was suppose to have been Nicolae's mate but ran away before things could be officiated and hooked her claws into Jack. Of course Jack had no clue his new wife came with claws or that their daughter would some day sprout them too.
Jack and Nicolae were in hate with each other for half of the book. It wasn't done overly with a bunch of fights. But they let it known with some cutting words and gestures. But then the mating happens, which was all kinds of steamy hot goodness, and things started to turn into like. They tolerated each other until they couldn't be without each other and love blossomed.
There was little drama and mostly just a really good story where the romance came second but was not a second thought. Jack and Nicolae had great banter. When they were hot and heavy the chemistry steamed off the pages. I loved them together and would love another book of them.
If your in the mood for a great shifter book I totally recommend picking this one out dolls!
Happy reading! xx
*I was given an ARC by Sweet & Spicy in exchange for an honest review.*
What a surprise this book was! I hit another win with this NTMA. I've been having some great luck trying out different authors I've never read before. I took a chance on this one and I am so glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
Murder, kidnapping, werewolves, and ghosts oh my! LOL What a great story this one turned out to be. Jack was a fierce papa and went to any length to make sure his daughter, who was kidnapped because of wars of the werewolves, was brought home safe. That included being mated with his deceased wives past lover. She was suppose to have been Nicolae's mate but ran away before things could be officiated and hooked her claws into Jack. Of course Jack had no clue his new wife came with claws or that their daughter would some day sprout them too.
Jack and Nicolae were in hate with each other for half of the book. It wasn't done overly with a bunch of fights. But they let it known with some cutting words and gestures. But then the mating happens, which was all kinds of steamy hot goodness, and things started to turn into like. They tolerated each other until they couldn't be without each other and love blossomed.
There was little drama and mostly just a really good story where the romance came second but was not a second thought. Jack and Nicolae had great banter. When they were hot and heavy the chemistry steamed off the pages. I loved them together and would love another book of them.
If your in the mood for a great shifter book I totally recommend picking this one out dolls!
Happy reading! xx
*I was given an ARC by Sweet & Spicy in exchange for an honest review.*
November 25, 2018
2.5 stars
It is Me! not the book! I tried to like it but the story was somehow off.
Huh! it took me 9 days to finish this! more so it was Audiobook.
Kirt Graves is an amazing narrator and he did a wonderful job with this story. Too bad, i couldn't connect with the characters.
I also felt that the plot was all over the place. The enemies to lovers part was unbelievable, one minute Nikolae and Jack are enemies, then BAM! they love each other and are mates and Jack is a human Omega? Ummm! well nope! but that is just me.
On the plus side there is Knotting! And i love KNOTTING
It is Me! not the book! I tried to like it but the story was somehow off.
Huh! it took me 9 days to finish this! more so it was Audiobook.
Kirt Graves is an amazing narrator and he did a wonderful job with this story. Too bad, i couldn't connect with the characters.
I also felt that the plot was all over the place. The enemies to lovers part was unbelievable, one minute Nikolae and Jack are enemies, then BAM! they love each other and are mates and Jack is a human Omega? Ummm! well nope! but that is just me.
On the plus side there is Knotting! And i love KNOTTING
September 24, 2018
Audio – 5+++ stars
Story – 3.75 stars
This is one of those books that got better for me as I listened/read. The beginning slow, and while it wasn’t a fluffy read, it wasn’t as dark as I was anticipating. I found the short-lived push and pull between Nicolae and Jack amusing, but the development of romantic feelings between them felt sudden. Maybe, if Nicolae's pov was included in the story it would have felt more natural??
I can see why some of my GR friends loved it and others not so much. Personally, the audio kicked the story up a notch for me. By the end of the end of the book, I was totally feeling the romance. Kirt Graves did an amazing job!!
Story – 3.75 stars
This is one of those books that got better for me as I listened/read. The beginning slow, and while it wasn’t a fluffy read, it wasn’t as dark as I was anticipating. I found the short-lived push and pull between Nicolae and Jack amusing, but the development of romantic feelings between them felt sudden. Maybe, if Nicolae's pov was included in the story it would have felt more natural??
I can see why some of my GR friends loved it and others not so much. Personally, the audio kicked the story up a notch for me. By the end of the end of the book, I was totally feeling the romance. Kirt Graves did an amazing job!!
May 11, 2018
I jumped into this buddy read with just skimming the blurb, and I was surprised how much I really enjoyed this one.
I am not a huge reader of PNR, but I was sucked into this story because of Jack. He was just so real with his emotions and his love for his daughter was just beautiful. He would do anything to keep his daughter, Ellie, safe. After the death of his wife, Jack decides to move to start over. Let’s just say, it was definitely not what he was expecting. He meets a man who he has hated for years, Nicolae, his wife’s “lover”. It is Nicolae that tells Jack the truth. Secrets are revealed and Jack’s world is turned upside down.
The big niggle I had with this story was it was only told from Jack’s POV. I needed to know what Nicolae was going through, what he was feeling. I get that he is a bad ass Alpha, but we don’t know his inner struggles and I honestly didn’t even like him that much.
All in all, a very good story, and I am looking forward to the next one.
I am not a huge reader of PNR, but I was sucked into this story because of Jack. He was just so real with his emotions and his love for his daughter was just beautiful. He would do anything to keep his daughter, Ellie, safe. After the death of his wife, Jack decides to move to start over. Let’s just say, it was definitely not what he was expecting. He meets a man who he has hated for years, Nicolae, his wife’s “lover”. It is Nicolae that tells Jack the truth. Secrets are revealed and Jack’s world is turned upside down.
The big niggle I had with this story was it was only told from Jack’s POV. I needed to know what Nicolae was going through, what he was feeling. I get that he is a bad ass Alpha, but we don’t know his inner struggles and I honestly didn’t even like him that much.
All in all, a very good story, and I am looking forward to the next one.
April 6, 2019
Dark, seductive and addictive shifter romance!
(Edited 4/6/19: The narration for this book is amazing! Kirt Graves, he of Wolfsong fame, knocked it out of the ballpark for my second go at this book!!! I loved it just as much!!)
Original Review:
WOW! This book! I couldn’t put it down. At all. It’s the middle of the night and I have dried-up tear tracks on my cheeks, and a smile on my face.
I mean what was this luscious, dark tale I tore my way through? It was so many things and they all worked so wonderfully together.
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Werewolves ✔️
Murder most foul ✔️
Sexy Romanian Alpha ✔️
Southern Human Coal Miner ✔️
Angsty trans teen daughter✔️
Dastardly Deeds ✔️
Hunts ✔️
Heats ✔️
Knotting ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Love ✔️
Soulmates✔️
Plot✔️✔️✔️✔️
Good Writing ✔️
Awesome Cover ✔️
There’s more, but it’s 3:30 AM. All I can leave you with is that I loved this book. There was no insta love. We had no info dumps. The world building felt solid and unique for a shifter book. This was much darker than most shifter books I’ve read and I was sooooooooooo into it! No fluff. No cute wolves. These were vicious animals who hunted humans (yes, humans) for sport. They killed and ate them (all off page for those of you with sensitive dispositions).
Yet, there was love between our fated lovers....slow to grow, but difficult to deny no matter how much they wanted to do so.
I’m soooo glad I picked up this book by this new to me author. Also thanks to Mindy Lynn who made me pick this up straight away after chatting about it.
Read it, it rocks! HEA included!
(Edited 4/6/19: The narration for this book is amazing! Kirt Graves, he of Wolfsong fame, knocked it out of the ballpark for my second go at this book!!! I loved it just as much!!)
Original Review:
WOW! This book! I couldn’t put it down. At all. It’s the middle of the night and I have dried-up tear tracks on my cheeks, and a smile on my face.
I mean what was this luscious, dark tale I tore my way through? It was so many things and they all worked so wonderfully together.
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Werewolves ✔️
Murder most foul ✔️
Sexy Romanian Alpha ✔️
Southern Human Coal Miner ✔️
Angsty trans teen daughter✔️
Dastardly Deeds ✔️
Hunts ✔️
Heats ✔️
Knotting ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Love ✔️
Soulmates✔️
Plot✔️✔️✔️✔️
Good Writing ✔️
Awesome Cover ✔️
There’s more, but it’s 3:30 AM. All I can leave you with is that I loved this book. There was no insta love. We had no info dumps. The world building felt solid and unique for a shifter book. This was much darker than most shifter books I’ve read and I was sooooooooooo into it! No fluff. No cute wolves. These were vicious animals who hunted humans (yes, humans) for sport. They killed and ate them (all off page for those of you with sensitive dispositions).
Yet, there was love between our fated lovers....slow to grow, but difficult to deny no matter how much they wanted to do so.
I’m soooo glad I picked up this book by this new to me author. Also thanks to Mindy Lynn who made me pick this up straight away after chatting about it.
Read it, it rocks! HEA included!
July 4, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Mostly Good*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I actually, surprisingly, liked this book. When I first started it, I thought it wasn't for me, but then Nicolae entered the picture and everything go better. I liked the plot line, I liked the characters - specially Nicolae - and I liked the chemistry between the two main characters. The one I didn't like was actually Jack's daughter. She was an ungrateful bitch, to be honest. She has no idea what her dad when through to get her back, and she just said that she doesn't need him anymore and that he can go home?! Ungrateful.
That being said, I didn't like that at 72% things turned to fast... like it did one-eighty. In one chapter things were suddenly different and love was in the picture. It was soo good until that moment. I wonder what happened while writing it... Anyways, it was still a good read, and I enjoyed most of the book quite a lot. But because of the sudden change, I have to downgrade the rating from 4 stars to 3. That change really ruined a lot for me for this book.
The book is about Jack, who's wife just died and he finds a love letter from her lover. On top of that, his daughter gets kidnapped and the only one who can help Jack get her back is his wife's secret lover, Nicolae, who opens Jack eyes to a whole new world. Overall, like I said, the book was quite interesting, I liked the story of Jack doing everything he's capable of to save his daughter and in doing so, finally getting a family he's always wanted.
That being said, I wish we had gotten more pack moments, or more supernatural moments. But I didn't even think of that until I was done with the book, and that's saying something. I wish that there had been more of a slow burn series, where in the first book they get together, likes/hates each other, and in second book they learn to love each other, then in third book, they're finally together and need to learn the ways of being in a relationship... It's just wishful thinking as I actually want more of these two men.
The Characters:
The list is long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
“There are some things you need to understand before we land.”
“Okay,” I said warily. He hadn’t talked to me for the first five hours of the flight, not even to tell me where we were going. When I’d asked, he’d simply grunted and opened up his smartphone to do whatever the fuck werewolves did online. Probably stalking vampires on Tinder, because why the hell wouldn’t those be real, too? Of course, he’d taken my phone before we even got into the air.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Nicolae ‘Nick’ ‘Nickey’ Ursache.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Most likely.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes actually.
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 4 (the first 72%) and 3 (from 72% and out) stars. So overall rating is a strong 3 or -3.5
April 10, 2018
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was awesome!!!! Exhale is Joel Abernathy's first novel, however Joel is also L.C. Davis and is a master at telling wonderful shifter stories. I can't wait to see what other exciting stories Joel has in store for us, and I seriously hope it will be more in this world.
The blurb doesn't do this book justice in any way. Jack is human and lives in a coal mining town with his wife and transgender daughter, Ellie. When his wife is murdered Jack (after much deliberation) decides to move away from the (only) small town he and Ellie have ever known and transfer to Nashville. Jack works in the coal mine and knew it was a dangerous job but he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure his daughter didn't suffer from poverty like he did as a kid. Their move to Nashville sparks into motion a feud that has been decades (centuries) in the making. When Ellie is kidnapped, Jack's unlikely ally comes in the form of Nicolae (Jack's wife's contracted mate - whom she ran away from). Jack knows who Nicolae is, or does he? Nicolae tells Jack who he really is, or should I say what? And he shares the fact that Jack's wife and daughter were/are shifters too. This sets up the story, which I won't explain further because there are lots of shockers to come you need to read for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have to say that Joel is an amazingly talented writer who was able to build a full world of shifters with rules and protocol that are easy to follow and make logical sense (which can be rare in shifter stories). Jack and Nicolae have to work together to get Ellie back and they form an unlikely alliance, which grows into something neither of them expected.
The romance between them certainly doesn't start off well. This is classic enemies to lovers trope, and I couldn't have been happier. I loved these guys together and can't wait to see more of them (if we get to). By the end their bond is deeply cemented and I am shocked at the transformation between them. Because enemies is too light a word to describe how they felt about each other early on. Shifters, mating, ceremony, pride, ego - need I say more? Nicolae was deserted by his chosen mate and to find out she chose a human (Jack) over him, he was not happy to put it mildly. But Nicolae is willing to put all of that aside in order to save Ellie.
I can promise you that if you are a shifter fan and enjoy an in depth look into rituals and mating and alpha/omega/knotting relationships, you will enjoy this book. I give this a highly recommended 5 stars!!!
*Note: I was provided an ARC which was unpolished and I found editing misses that I hope were found before final publication. If you read a copy that does have editing errors, I beg you to overlook them because this book is completely worth it!
This was awesome!!!! Exhale is Joel Abernathy's first novel, however Joel is also L.C. Davis and is a master at telling wonderful shifter stories. I can't wait to see what other exciting stories Joel has in store for us, and I seriously hope it will be more in this world.
The blurb doesn't do this book justice in any way. Jack is human and lives in a coal mining town with his wife and transgender daughter, Ellie. When his wife is murdered Jack (after much deliberation) decides to move away from the (only) small town he and Ellie have ever known and transfer to Nashville. Jack works in the coal mine and knew it was a dangerous job but he was willing to do whatever it took to make sure his daughter didn't suffer from poverty like he did as a kid. Their move to Nashville sparks into motion a feud that has been decades (centuries) in the making. When Ellie is kidnapped, Jack's unlikely ally comes in the form of Nicolae (Jack's wife's contracted mate - whom she ran away from). Jack knows who Nicolae is, or does he? Nicolae tells Jack who he really is, or should I say what? And he shares the fact that Jack's wife and daughter were/are shifters too. This sets up the story, which I won't explain further because there are lots of shockers to come you need to read for yourself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and have to say that Joel is an amazingly talented writer who was able to build a full world of shifters with rules and protocol that are easy to follow and make logical sense (which can be rare in shifter stories). Jack and Nicolae have to work together to get Ellie back and they form an unlikely alliance, which grows into something neither of them expected.
The romance between them certainly doesn't start off well. This is classic enemies to lovers trope, and I couldn't have been happier. I loved these guys together and can't wait to see more of them (if we get to). By the end their bond is deeply cemented and I am shocked at the transformation between them. Because enemies is too light a word to describe how they felt about each other early on. Shifters, mating, ceremony, pride, ego - need I say more? Nicolae was deserted by his chosen mate and to find out she chose a human (Jack) over him, he was not happy to put it mildly. But Nicolae is willing to put all of that aside in order to save Ellie.
I can promise you that if you are a shifter fan and enjoy an in depth look into rituals and mating and alpha/omega/knotting relationships, you will enjoy this book. I give this a highly recommended 5 stars!!!
*Note: I was provided an ARC which was unpolished and I found editing misses that I hope were found before final publication. If you read a copy that does have editing errors, I beg you to overlook them because this book is completely worth it!
May 6, 2019
Two Alpha wolf shifters torture a poor omega human mainly emotionally, while the only thing he wants to do is to protect his teenager daughter.
The first Alpha shifter was his dead wife. He stayed with her for almost 16 years trying to raise their child and compromising his health at the mines. She never loved him, while his sense of duty overpowered his need to escape this loveless marriage.
The second Alpha shifter appeared when the omega's wife died and his daughter disappeared. It is the moment that the poor man realises that his wife and daughter are not exactly human. And then his big adventure begins which includes surving betrayals, realizing lies, embracing his true needs and finding true love.
I think the characters were very well developed. I loved that the teenager girl is transgender.
I loved how much her father loved her and how easily he accepted her.
I believe this was a more important and more emotional part of the book in comparison to the paranormal dark parts.
She saw transition as the death of our son, while I saw that every year we begged her to “just wait and see,” the closer we were to burying our daughter.
The first Alpha shifter was his dead wife. He stayed with her for almost 16 years trying to raise their child and compromising his health at the mines. She never loved him, while his sense of duty overpowered his need to escape this loveless marriage.
The second Alpha shifter appeared when the omega's wife died and his daughter disappeared. It is the moment that the poor man realises that his wife and daughter are not exactly human. And then his big adventure begins which includes surving betrayals, realizing lies, embracing his true needs and finding true love.
I think the characters were very well developed. I loved that the teenager girl is transgender.
I loved how much her father loved her and how easily he accepted her.
I believe this was a more important and more emotional part of the book in comparison to the paranormal dark parts.
She saw transition as the death of our son, while I saw that every year we begged her to “just wait and see,” the closer we were to burying our daughter.
April 5, 2018
Cool story, great writing, intrigue, monstrous werewolves, interesting side characters. Loved it! :)
Bonus: No mpreg! :P Sorry guys, not a fan ha ha
Bonus: No mpreg! :P Sorry guys, not a fan ha ha
April 12, 2018
3.75 stars rounded down.
This book had the potential to be a 5 star read for me. I loved the blurb and was super excited to read it. But, I shouldn't have my hopes up too high lol I felt like if there were chapters missing in between when Nicolae and Jack hated each other to when they became lovers. I mean, I blinked and it happened.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the story line. It was different from what I've read in a very long time and it gave me butterflies. It just could've been executed a lot better.
This book had the potential to be a 5 star read for me. I loved the blurb and was super excited to read it. But, I shouldn't have my hopes up too high lol I felt like if there were chapters missing in between when Nicolae and Jack hated each other to when they became lovers. I mean, I blinked and it happened.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the story line. It was different from what I've read in a very long time and it gave me butterflies. It just could've been executed a lot better.
January 6, 2024
went in blind. i think the author is new to me but can't be sure, either way i won't forget him now lol
didn't realize this would be another Alpha/omega jawn but i'm not disappointed. frankly it blew all the others out of the water even tho that's not exactly a high bar. there were a few things i disliked: i felt it should have been longer because the leap to Nicolae and Jack being in love felt sudden. there was good build up in the first 60/70% but then a love declaration that seemingly came from nowhere. maybe it was harder to fall into because it was written from Jack's pov only– another thing i wasn't a fan of.
but overall, i loved the plot. Jack's wife Francesca is murdered so he takes their daughter out of Kentucky and moves to Tennessee. this leaves them vulnerable to the same people who murdered his wife and they come back for his daughter too. insert Nicolae. Franny wasn't a faithful and loving wife, and Jack saw the letter from Nicolae to prove it. finding the old love letter between his wife and the mystery man was enough to make him hate anything to do with Nicolae, but since he was the only competent person invested in finding his daughter, Ellie, Jack tries to smother his contempt.
they're off to a rough start that gets worse the more Nicolae reveals about the stranger Jack realized he married. but what Fran didn't appreciate in Jack, Nicolae is covetous of. there are 3 spicy scenes that did not disappoint. i'm not the type to call sex hot just because it's BDSM themed and this book was pretty brass tacks when it came to the intimacy, but it was soooo good because that intimacy? divine. Nicolae is such a hatin ass bitch at first but watching him be tender with Jack is one big swoon.
i'm already looking forward to the rest of the series tbh.
“Tell me something,” he demanded, brushing his lips over my jaw with tenderness that felt cruel. “Why do I want to open you up and pour myself into you until there is no part of you that isn’t tainted by me?”
“I want to be with you. Not just now, but always. Not just as my mate in name only, or the man I fuck because I can’t convince myself to stay away.” His voice was so raw and full of passion that it might have sounded like anger, if I didn’t know the subtle shades of him so well. “I want to care for you and call you mine for as long as we have. As long as you’ll allow me.”
didn't realize this would be another Alpha/omega jawn but i'm not disappointed. frankly it blew all the others out of the water even tho that's not exactly a high bar. there were a few things i disliked: i felt it should have been longer because the leap to Nicolae and Jack being in love felt sudden. there was good build up in the first 60/70% but then a love declaration that seemingly came from nowhere. maybe it was harder to fall into because it was written from Jack's pov only– another thing i wasn't a fan of.
but overall, i loved the plot. Jack's wife Francesca is murdered so he takes their daughter out of Kentucky and moves to Tennessee. this leaves them vulnerable to the same people who murdered his wife and they come back for his daughter too. insert Nicolae. Franny wasn't a faithful and loving wife, and Jack saw the letter from Nicolae to prove it. finding the old love letter between his wife and the mystery man was enough to make him hate anything to do with Nicolae, but since he was the only competent person invested in finding his daughter, Ellie, Jack tries to smother his contempt.
they're off to a rough start that gets worse the more Nicolae reveals about the stranger Jack realized he married. but what Fran didn't appreciate in Jack, Nicolae is covetous of. there are 3 spicy scenes that did not disappoint. i'm not the type to call sex hot just because it's BDSM themed and this book was pretty brass tacks when it came to the intimacy, but it was soooo good because that intimacy? divine. Nicolae is such a hatin ass bitch at first but watching him be tender with Jack is one big swoon.
i'm already looking forward to the rest of the series tbh.
“Tell me something,” he demanded, brushing his lips over my jaw with tenderness that felt cruel. “Why do I want to open you up and pour myself into you until there is no part of you that isn’t tainted by me?”
“I want to be with you. Not just now, but always. Not just as my mate in name only, or the man I fuck because I can’t convince myself to stay away.” His voice was so raw and full of passion that it might have sounded like anger, if I didn’t know the subtle shades of him so well. “I want to care for you and call you mine for as long as we have. As long as you’ll allow me.”
September 23, 2021
Aceitar ser corno é para poucos 😂😂😂 Não é qualquer um que aguenta chifre não, o troféu de corno manso vai para Jack ( me lembrei daquela música de Claudinho e bochecha). Gente que aceita chifres... merece sofrer( ͠° ͟ ͜ʖ ͡ ͠°) Os ocorridos familiares desse livro superou todos os programas do casos de família do SBT, nem Doutora anahy para compreender toda loucura que ocorreu nessa história. Darei 4 por ter embaralhado minha mente. Sorte que não precisaram ir no DNA do ratinho para descobrir quem era o pai da garota😅
May 10, 2018
Haven’t read a shifter book in a while so this was actually a very enjoyable return. Both men haunted by betrayal and brought together in challenging circumstances. There was a definite formula for this which was predictable but in saying that, it was well written and the characters were appealing ❤️
May 29, 2018
Enjoyed this way more than I thought I would when I first started the book because Nicolae. He's a total arsehole, and I really struggled with his character at first. That said, I really liked the story with all the twists and turns, as well as the world building and am definitely going to continue with the series.
April 2, 2018
Per reviews, the author is L.C. Davis. This was a really good story with a twist at the end. Unfortunately, the conversion from enemies to lovers was totally unconvincing. The relationship development was missing a couple of chapters.
April 10, 2018
This book started off slow but after the midway point it really picked up.
Jack is a coal miner, whose wife was recently murdered. He lives in a small town of Clarksville with his trans daughter Ellie. Jack is trying to pick up the pieces after his wife's, Francesca, death. It appears Francesca kept Jack in the dark about many things in her past. A past that comes knocking on Jack and his daughter door when they decide to move out of Clarksville.
Secrets are revealed. The biggest being Nicolae. The former lover of Jack's deceased wife. After the move from Clarksville Ellie is immediately kidnapped and Nicolae enters the picture. The one man Jack hates the most maybe his only hope in getting his daughter back.
It's an enemy to lover story with a shifter twist. Many secrets are revealed about who Francesca truly was. It was thoroughly entertaining. When they were enemies, I really didn't care for Nicolae, but, once things changed between them I grew to like him. I do think the relationship development was lacking but overall it was an ok read.
Jack is a coal miner, whose wife was recently murdered. He lives in a small town of Clarksville with his trans daughter Ellie. Jack is trying to pick up the pieces after his wife's, Francesca, death. It appears Francesca kept Jack in the dark about many things in her past. A past that comes knocking on Jack and his daughter door when they decide to move out of Clarksville.
Secrets are revealed. The biggest being Nicolae. The former lover of Jack's deceased wife. After the move from Clarksville Ellie is immediately kidnapped and Nicolae enters the picture. The one man Jack hates the most maybe his only hope in getting his daughter back.
It's an enemy to lover story with a shifter twist. Many secrets are revealed about who Francesca truly was. It was thoroughly entertaining. When they were enemies, I really didn't care for Nicolae, but, once things changed between them I grew to like him. I do think the relationship development was lacking but overall it was an ok read.
July 6, 2020
I adored this book.
It was a perfect combination of mystery,paranormal and folklore. The author writing style is mature and awesome. It certainly resonated with me.
This book made me smile,emotional,coo and laugh out loud.
Written fully in Jack’s point of view, it’s a rare treat. The humorous dialogues are so good. Story too. I didn’t expect the twist in the middle. But enjoyed it nevertheless.
I adored Jack more than Anything still all characters are lovable. Looking forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
It was a perfect combination of mystery,paranormal and folklore. The author writing style is mature and awesome. It certainly resonated with me.
This book made me smile,emotional,coo and laugh out loud.
Written fully in Jack’s point of view, it’s a rare treat. The humorous dialogues are so good. Story too. I didn’t expect the twist in the middle. But enjoyed it nevertheless.
I adored Jack more than Anything still all characters are lovable. Looking forward to more from this author.
Recommended.
July 2, 2020
New author. Was interesting. Not sure I'd continue with series tho. Seems like a lot happened and MCs got their HEA, no cliffie, so I can leave it.
And, just checked the other books out. Diff couples. Lower ratings. Nope, not tempted.
And, just checked the other books out. Diff couples. Lower ratings. Nope, not tempted.
August 9, 2020
Book Review: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/08/21/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
September 29, 2018
I went into this book opened minded because I had never heard of this author before and I was looking for a hate/love relationship and that's exactly what I got!!! 😍 One review I read had said that they thought Jack was a door mat but I totally disagree!! Jack, right from the get-go was snarky, disrespectful to an alpha and argumentative as hell and I absolutely LOVED it!! Jack was no push over until it came to his daughter who I thought was a brat. This story keep me not only listening to on audio but also wanting buy the book as well so I could read it as well because I couldn't wait to continue the story until I was on my way to work the next day 😏😊 The narrator Kirt Graves did a phenomenal job with the European accents!! Niclolae and Jack were amazing together and Jack was exactly what the pack needed. 🤩
April 11, 2018
Tbh, I almost dnfed this book about 30% in. I found myself disliking both characters for quite awhile. However, my enjoyment picked up quickly there after. I enjoyed the world building and the plot was intriguing. The 2 characters were brought together under strange circumstances, but ending up being attracted to each other. I did have a problem believing Nicolae's quick turn around of feelings. He went from hatred, attraction, to love too quickly in my mind. I feel like I got whiplash. This was another that I felt the ending was rushed. I still wanted a little more in the end. Overall, I did enjoy this one, and I would definitely read more from this author.
April 6, 2018
What a fantastic enemies-to-lovers story! I loved it and look forward to reading more from L.C. Davis/Joel Abernathy.
I originally read this through Kindle Unlimited, but I liked it so much that I bought a copy. For a limited time, the story is only 99c.
Highly recommend!
I originally read this through Kindle Unlimited, but I liked it so much that I bought a copy. For a limited time, the story is only 99c.
Highly recommend!
July 21, 2024
Knotting, enemies to lovers, ABO vibes all around, teenage and adult drama, werewolf possessiveness and care, and knotting. Did I say knotting? Yeah. That.
November 9, 2018
Audio Review 08Oct2018: No Change
I still haven't read the second one but I'm holding out because I'm not sure if it's gonna be released on Audio...and I enjoyed this one (narrated by Kirt Graves) so much that it might be worth waiting on. (Provided I know that it's in the works...anyone got the 411 on that?)
Original Rating 11May2018: 4.5 Stars
I whole-heartedly second everything my GR brain-twin Eugenia said in her review and can only add that while it was indeed gruesome and more than a little un-fluffy, there was some seriously snappy snark and a bit of dark humor - especially between the MCs, and it's done best when they're working up to or while having sex.
And yeah, the sex is super hot.
I do have to point out what I mentioned in an update...I had NO IDEA this was a pseudo for L.C. Davis because, I gotta be honest, this one read so much better than the Mountain Shifters series (and a few of those I have REALLY liked). But then again, given the mold-breaking Omegas, trans & women characters and subject matter I can totally see it now. Still, I hope to read more like this one, of this quality and depth.
I still haven't read the second one but I'm holding out because I'm not sure if it's gonna be released on Audio...and I enjoyed this one (narrated by Kirt Graves) so much that it might be worth waiting on. (Provided I know that it's in the works...anyone got the 411 on that?)
Original Rating 11May2018: 4.5 Stars
I whole-heartedly second everything my GR brain-twin Eugenia said in her review and can only add that while it was indeed gruesome and more than a little un-fluffy, there was some seriously snappy snark and a bit of dark humor - especially between the MCs, and it's done best when they're working up to or while having sex.
And yeah, the sex is super hot.
I do have to point out what I mentioned in an update...I had NO IDEA this was a pseudo for L.C. Davis because, I gotta be honest, this one read so much better than the Mountain Shifters series (and a few of those I have REALLY liked). But then again, given the mold-breaking Omegas, trans & women characters and subject matter I can totally see it now. Still, I hope to read more like this one, of this quality and depth.
May 5, 2019
Darker than normal but far lighter than many. How's that for an assessment?
I was pretty mesmerized by this one - no shock as this author does pretty well on the line between too gritty/harsh and middle ground. It got a little "romanticky" after a while but it was more enemies to lovers at first. I liked the world and am interested in it - esp. because the personalities are so very different. This is not a shifters are fluffy world - and I thought the "hunt" aspect was pretty fascinating. You'll have to read it to find out what I mean.
I was pretty mesmerized by this one - no shock as this author does pretty well on the line between too gritty/harsh and middle ground. It got a little "romanticky" after a while but it was more enemies to lovers at first. I liked the world and am interested in it - esp. because the personalities are so very different. This is not a shifters are fluffy world - and I thought the "hunt" aspect was pretty fascinating. You'll have to read it to find out what I mean.
Want to read
April 3, 2018The funniest thing about this book is the name Nicolae Ursache... which is the most non threatening and least sexy or least alpha Romanian name you could possibly find
July 7, 2021
Wow! You know when you just read the right book at the right time? I got that with Exhale. Something about it just drew me to it (possibly the cool cover!) and as soon as I started, I was hooked. I haven't found many m/m shifter books that I have been able to connect to, but this one ticked all my boxes. It was well written, both main characters (plus Ellie) were properly established. It had action, humour, hotness, and a great plot. I just loved this book! Even though it finished neatly and without anything left feeling unsaid, I just wish there could be more. I want more of these guys together.
I definitely recommend to any m/m paranormal fans!
I definitely recommend to any m/m paranormal fans!
April 2, 2018
4.25 stars
Great first book by an old author under a new name.
I wouldn't say this was a dark paranormal book it wasn't your average Alpha/Omega shifter stories by any means.
Great first book by an old author under a new name.
I wouldn't say this was a dark paranormal book it wasn't your average Alpha/Omega shifter stories by any means.
April 13, 2025
Urban Fantasy MM
Omegaverse Vibes
Wolf Shifters
Captor/Captive
Enemies to Lovers
Falling for the “Other Man”
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I just devoured this book. It’s an excellent MM shifter read, perfect for what I was craving. I have no idea how this book found its way onto my kindle, but thank you to whoever I nabbed it from. This was a fast paced read that had a bit more heart than I thought it would.
Jack is left taking care of his teen daughter after his wife is murdered. There are clues that she had a past lover than may be the killer but not enough for the local police to go off of. Jack decides to move them out and try to start a new life, but before he can, they are thrust into his wife’s past and have to confront some hard truths. Nicolae is a part of that past.
Nicolae and Jack were actually a lot of fun. Starts off as enemies to lovers but the back and forth quickly shifts and becomes pretty funny and heartfelt. Also for a short book, there is a lot of plot and action. Not one boring moment. Glad I read this one, and will def be reading the others in this series.
Omegaverse Vibes
Wolf Shifters
Captor/Captive
Enemies to Lovers
Falling for the “Other Man”
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I just devoured this book. It’s an excellent MM shifter read, perfect for what I was craving. I have no idea how this book found its way onto my kindle, but thank you to whoever I nabbed it from. This was a fast paced read that had a bit more heart than I thought it would.
Jack is left taking care of his teen daughter after his wife is murdered. There are clues that she had a past lover than may be the killer but not enough for the local police to go off of. Jack decides to move them out and try to start a new life, but before he can, they are thrust into his wife’s past and have to confront some hard truths. Nicolae is a part of that past.
Nicolae and Jack were actually a lot of fun. Starts off as enemies to lovers but the back and forth quickly shifts and becomes pretty funny and heartfelt. Also for a short book, there is a lot of plot and action. Not one boring moment. Glad I read this one, and will def be reading the others in this series.
January 27, 2021
I was weary going into this because I'm not really a fan of the weak omega men trope. It reminiscent of MF novels which I stopped reading because I'm tired of the damsel in distress trope.
However Jack blew me away. His love for his daughter above everything else was exceptional. I had no doubt that this was a man who would willingly go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
I had several issues with this story the majority of it to do with pacing, but Jack and his love for Ellie was not one of them.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Despite some of the comments describing the too sudden love between Nicolae and Jack (I get it and I definitely agree. We're missing some serious chapters in between) it didn't bother me because going in I kind of expected it. Usually isn't that exactly how novels like this go? Mates meet and they can't resist each other, thus they turn to putty?
One of my favorite moments in the book was Nicolae pulling Jack into his arms and they just cuddled on the couch.
So pure and fluffy!
Not to say they didn't have lots of sex, they did but I'm a fluff whore. I tend to be more impressed by the little moments outside of the bedroom.
This novel and storyline definitely has 5 star potential for me. I loved the story... but it felt like book 1
About 70% into the story I went back to read the blurb of book 2 because I was certain there was no way the author could wrap everything up in the last 30% of the story.... but they did in the most unsatisfying way because it felt rushed.
Things I felt were missing:
- Nicolae's back story. We know Mason is his son but... who is the mother? What happened to her? Does he have any other kids? How is Vasil related to him? -0.5 stars
- Jack's family. His mom was an addict, and his grandma saw ghosts? This wasn't wrapped up -0.25 stars
- The Hunt was so lackluster... why didn't we get an ACTUAL hunt? What was Franny's motivation? She never said. She needed help to get away from Jack? What was his hold on her? We'll never know now -0.5 stars
- Jack "met" the pack briefly in the beginning but we didn't see much togetherness. He met Kel, Leonie, Vasil (that other guy) and Mason but I never get that he was part of the pack. -0.25 stars
- Ellie's grandparents... their involvement was wrapped up in a neat little bow. All the drama with them-- although the blurb makes it to be an integral part of the story--was behind the scenes. So is their pack evil or not? We spend most of the story thinking they murdered their own kid but they hadn't... so? -0.25 stars
- There was a lot missing... this would have HIGHLY benefited in a second book. As to not rush the story. HEA though. So -0.25 stars for the rushed ending
Although I loved Jack, but after finishing up their story I'm not even remotely interested in continuing the series. (Now if Ellie had her own novel in this series I actually think I would have given that a shot)
This was a buddy read with the awesome Rosabel
See her review HERE
Overall 3 stars from me
P.S WE STAN A VERSE ALPHA...
Edited to add:
Book 1: Jack & Nicolae
Book 2: Mason & Vasil
Book 3: Andrei & Mikhail
However Jack blew me away. His love for his daughter above everything else was exceptional. I had no doubt that this was a man who would willingly go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
She saw transition as the death of our son, while I saw that every year we begged her to “just wait and see,” the closer we were to burying our daughter.
I had several issues with this story the majority of it to do with pacing, but Jack and his love for Ellie was not one of them.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Despite some of the comments describing the too sudden love between Nicolae and Jack (I get it and I definitely agree. We're missing some serious chapters in between) it didn't bother me because going in I kind of expected it. Usually isn't that exactly how novels like this go? Mates meet and they can't resist each other, thus they turn to putty?
One of my favorite moments in the book was Nicolae pulling Jack into his arms and they just cuddled on the couch.
So pure and fluffy!
Not to say they didn't have lots of sex, they did but I'm a fluff whore. I tend to be more impressed by the little moments outside of the bedroom.
This novel and storyline definitely has 5 star potential for me. I loved the story... but it felt like book 1
About 70% into the story I went back to read the blurb of book 2 because I was certain there was no way the author could wrap everything up in the last 30% of the story.... but they did in the most unsatisfying way because it felt rushed.
Things I felt were missing:
- Nicolae's back story. We know Mason is his son but... who is the mother? What happened to her? Does he have any other kids? How is Vasil related to him? -0.5 stars
- Jack's family. His mom was an addict, and his grandma saw ghosts? This wasn't wrapped up -0.25 stars
- The Hunt was so lackluster... why didn't we get an ACTUAL hunt? What was Franny's motivation? She never said. She needed help to get away from Jack? What was his hold on her? We'll never know now -0.5 stars
- Jack "met" the pack briefly in the beginning but we didn't see much togetherness. He met Kel, Leonie, Vasil (that other guy) and Mason but I never get that he was part of the pack. -0.25 stars
- Ellie's grandparents... their involvement was wrapped up in a neat little bow. All the drama with them-- although the blurb makes it to be an integral part of the story--was behind the scenes. So is their pack evil or not? We spend most of the story thinking they murdered their own kid but they hadn't... so? -0.25 stars
- There was a lot missing... this would have HIGHLY benefited in a second book. As to not rush the story. HEA though. So -0.25 stars for the rushed ending
Although I loved Jack, but after finishing up their story I'm not even remotely interested in continuing the series. (Now if Ellie had her own novel in this series I actually think I would have given that a shot)
This was a buddy read with the awesome Rosabel
See her review HERE
Overall 3 stars from me
P.S WE STAN A VERSE ALPHA...
Edited to add:
Book 1: Jack & Nicolae
Book 2: Mason & Vasil
Book 3: Andrei & Mikhail
Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews