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Gods of War #1
Origins
Former Army Ranger William Logan is serving hard time in Leavenworth for a crime he didn’t commit. With three months left on his sentence, he’s approached by a recruiter for a private military group. The Red River Group make him an offer he can’t refuse—a get out of jail free card and a chance to continue as a soldier, working as a hired gun. He’s sent to join a team already in training for their first mission. The new soldiers are all former elite military but also misfits, like Logan, and recently sprung from brigs across the country.
At the training facility, he meets company man and trainer, Luke Warren, a former Navy SEAL. Logan begins an intense relationship with the prickly but gorgeous man as they get ready for a top-secret mission against the drug cartels in Mexico. The team has to make sure that MARS, a highly addictive and lethal new drug, along with the factory that produces it, is completely destroyed.
When everything on the mission goes wrong and the factory blows up in their faces, the team wakes up to find they not only survived, but the now have impossible enhanced strength and abilities. Frightened and confused, not knowing who to trust, Logan leads the team in a run for the States to find a safe haven, forcing Luke to come with them.
With violence and intrigue swirling around him, Logan relies on his instincts and his ingenuity to discover who his allies and his enemies really are. As they travel across the country, Logan and Luke begin to realize that they have to stick together and they’ll need all their newfound abilities and a lot of luck to make it out of this alive.
At the training facility, he meets company man and trainer, Luke Warren, a former Navy SEAL. Logan begins an intense relationship with the prickly but gorgeous man as they get ready for a top-secret mission against the drug cartels in Mexico. The team has to make sure that MARS, a highly addictive and lethal new drug, along with the factory that produces it, is completely destroyed.
When everything on the mission goes wrong and the factory blows up in their faces, the team wakes up to find they not only survived, but the now have impossible enhanced strength and abilities. Frightened and confused, not knowing who to trust, Logan leads the team in a run for the States to find a safe haven, forcing Luke to come with them.
With violence and intrigue swirling around him, Logan relies on his instincts and his ingenuity to discover who his allies and his enemies really are. As they travel across the country, Logan and Luke begin to realize that they have to stick together and they’ll need all their newfound abilities and a lot of luck to make it out of this alive.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2018
33 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 2, 2018
You know what? Life is too short to be wasted reading bad books. DNF @ 78% and good riddance.
Updated to add: I felt so cheated by this book that I returned it to amazon for a refund. There is NO WAY it should be sold to readers for $4.99. It should still be in the hands of an editor -- someone who can flag the stray first-person sentences popping up in the third-person narrative, among other crimes against the English language. I loved the premise, which is why I gave it 2 stars, and why I slogged it out all the way to 78%... but it's very painful to see a good premise ruined by poor writing.
Updated to add: I felt so cheated by this book that I returned it to amazon for a refund. There is NO WAY it should be sold to readers for $4.99. It should still be in the hands of an editor -- someone who can flag the stray first-person sentences popping up in the third-person narrative, among other crimes against the English language. I loved the premise, which is why I gave it 2 stars, and why I slogged it out all the way to 78%... but it's very painful to see a good premise ruined by poor writing.
April 15, 2018
3.8 Stars
I've never read anything by TS McKinney but I have read a few books by Shannon West...and honestly? With those? I wasn't all that impressed. This book, however, was a good start to a new series and I was hooked on the story and characters right from chapter 1.
The sex was brain-meltingly hot (even if the affection that followed on in the story seemed a little quick) and the action/mystery was very intense. My suspicions about the shadiness of this Institute operation (as I also look at all civilian para-military organizations as untrustworthy) were definitely founded. And how!
Kowalski's exposition of all the things the reader might question about what had happened to them was kind of lack-luster though, and doing it that way was a bit of a disappointment. I almost wish those details would have come to light as the story progressed, in the action and not as regurgitated facts/information. Or like a caricature-based "bad guy" gloating over his success at capturing the "good guys."
And some parts of it reminded me a little of the Metahuman Files books with an explosion and chemical exposure causing mutations. (Or, you know, The Flash.) But with this one we get to see how the characters realize and come to terms with these new abilities as they manifest. That was way cool. I do have to say that it seems like Logan has entirely too many new "powers" but since we don't know much about how the other characters fare (which I hope will be rectified in subsequent books) for all we can tell they each have numerous new abilities. (I especially liked that .)
So, yeah. I'll definitely read the next one when it comes out because I want to know whether Kowalski's info is accurate, whether these guys are the new "expendables" and how much The Institute had to do with what happened to them. A lot of threads left dangling that I hope will be cleared up.
I've never read anything by TS McKinney but I have read a few books by Shannon West...and honestly? With those? I wasn't all that impressed. This book, however, was a good start to a new series and I was hooked on the story and characters right from chapter 1.
The sex was brain-meltingly hot (even if the affection that followed on in the story seemed a little quick) and the action/mystery was very intense. My suspicions about the shadiness of this Institute operation (as I also look at all civilian para-military organizations as untrustworthy) were definitely founded. And how!
Kowalski's exposition of all the things the reader might question about what had happened to them was kind of lack-luster though, and doing it that way was a bit of a disappointment. I almost wish those details would have come to light as the story progressed, in the action and not as regurgitated facts/information. Or like a caricature-based "bad guy" gloating over his success at capturing the "good guys."
And some parts of it reminded me a little of the Metahuman Files books with an explosion and chemical exposure causing mutations. (Or, you know, The Flash.) But with this one we get to see how the characters realize and come to terms with these new abilities as they manifest. That was way cool. I do have to say that it seems like Logan has entirely too many new "powers" but since we don't know much about how the other characters fare (which I hope will be rectified in subsequent books) for all we can tell they each have numerous new abilities. (I especially liked that .)
So, yeah. I'll definitely read the next one when it comes out because I want to know whether Kowalski's info is accurate, whether these guys are the new "expendables" and how much The Institute had to do with what happened to them. A lot of threads left dangling that I hope will be cleared up.
April 12, 2018
Awesome
Shannon`s books are always a fun read with at least a little bit of kink thrown in. Then add a good strong storyline and you have an excellent book. I can't wait for the next in the series. Superhumans, sex, hot guys, kink and government conspiracies are always a fun combo.
Shannon`s books are always a fun read with at least a little bit of kink thrown in. Then add a good strong storyline and you have an excellent book. I can't wait for the next in the series. Superhumans, sex, hot guys, kink and government conspiracies are always a fun combo.
July 24, 2018
2.5 Stars. There was just too much happening with a surface treatment covering all of it. The premise is interesting (although it feels similar to Hailey Turner’s series or Victoria Sue’s Enhanced, so not entirely unique) but the execution left more questions than enjoyment.
First books in a series can be hard with so much to establish.
First books in a series can be hard with so much to establish.
May 21, 2018
Intriguing new series this is shaping up to be! Men from various seemingly unsavory backgrounds are given the opportunity of joining a team of soldiers to be trained and their specialties utilized in secret missions. All were in one branch of the military or another, and all found themselves in bad situations. It doesn’t take much for them to accept the offer, and their training begins right away. They quickly learn their first mission is to take out a drug lab.
Things are a bit sketchy from the get go, but the team is determined to complete their task. Doesn’t take long for things to take a bad turn and the men realize they were double crossed. Now, they don’t know who to trust. Luke, the man who recruited them is front and center, but as he seemed to be affected as well, there is enough doubt for Logan to not turn his back just yet. Add to that the chemistry they shared, and when Logan is tasked with leading the men, Luke must bow to Logan’s commands if he wants to make it out and find the answers they seek. This was a fun turn of events in that roles are reversed – Luke goes from being Logan’s superior to being a submissive to Logan’s more dominant nature.
It takes some convincing for Luke to not want to run back to the company who sent them on the mission. But, Logan and the team give him little choice. Interestingly, in the betrayal/scuffle, it appears the men have all gained some unique powers. So, needless to say, they have a lot of unanswered questions. Each man as a slightly different type of enhancement and it takes some time for them to believe it isn’t all hallucinating on their parts.
There’s not much in the way of romance here, but Logan and Luke are definitely a good match. Things become a little clearer as the story unfolds, but there is still much to learn. I found it to be quite interesting and am definitely looking forward to finding out more in the next installment.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
April 23, 2018
There was plenty of action in this book. It was fast paced and plenty hot with it's fair share of intrigue as well. I became more drawn into the story as it progressed.
Logan tries to work out who he can trust on his team.
There was not a cliff hanger ending but it is definitely not the end of their journey.
I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
Logan tries to work out who he can trust on his team.
There was not a cliff hanger ending but it is definitely not the end of their journey.
I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
June 5, 2018
Pretty good start to a new series I think. So totally don't like cliffhangers though.. ugh!!!! But... intrigued enough to read the next book in the series.
January 18, 2019
Rating 1.5, rounded up because I'm feeling generous in the middle of the chaotic couple months I'm having.
I’m extremely tempted to give it only 1 star, but I’m controlling myself because at the very least, I was entertained.
More than once, my eyebrows disappeared in my hairline, but the coup the grace was when the author tried to tell me the Greek god of war was called Aries (which is the ram, btw) instead of Ares …it killed the book, especially because the name of the series is Gods of War, and even if at first it was a typo, it wasn’t corrected and is a monumental mistake.
Complete review soon, because right now I’m not in the mood.
I’m extremely tempted to give it only 1 star, but I’m controlling myself because at the very least, I was entertained.
More than once, my eyebrows disappeared in my hairline, but the coup the grace was when the author tried to tell me the Greek god of war was called Aries (which is the ram, btw) instead of Ares …it killed the book, especially because the name of the series is Gods of War, and even if at first it was a typo, it wasn’t corrected and is a monumental mistake.
Complete review soon, because right now I’m not in the mood.
May 9, 2019
Minor spoilers:
What really threw me off and had me scratching my head throughout the book is how much Luke's character changed. He's initially an uptight, goody two shoes, asshole, but that only lasts for a bit and then he's pretty easygoing and a pushover. It felt like I was reading about two different people.
Also, some of the power play or dom/sub elements occasionally stray into the uncomfortable. They need to discuss these things beforehand and maybe not laugh at the idea of a safe word.
What really threw me off and had me scratching my head throughout the book is how much Luke's character changed. He's initially an uptight, goody two shoes, asshole, but that only lasts for a bit and then he's pretty easygoing and a pushover. It felt like I was reading about two different people.
Also, some of the power play or dom/sub elements occasionally stray into the uncomfortable. They need to discuss these things beforehand and maybe not laugh at the idea of a safe word.
November 18, 2018
WOW... This book is so awesome! it got me hooked from page one!!! Best of all, it's the first book on a NEW SERIES!
When Logan is contacted to join a particular "mercenary like institute" while spending time in a military prison, he gets his hackers on about why they've choosed him since there were more qualified people available... but since any option is better than the prison, he agrees to become a mercenary.
Luke works for the institute training their mercenaries... so this group shouldn't be any different from the last ones he trained... if it wasn't for a big mouth called Logan that defied his every order and took him out of his mind...
A mission going wrong is all that needs to happen to bring them together - they've a new mission now... to find out what went wrong and why things suddenly seem too unrealistic to be true.
But their journey will lead them way deeper than just a mission... it'll lead them to each other...
Don't miss this GREAT BOOK - CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2 ❤❤❤
Merged review:
WOW... This book is so awesome! it got me hooked from page one!!! Best of all, it's the first book on a NEW SERIES!
When Logan is contacted to join a particular "mercenary like institute" while spending time in a military prison, he gets his hackers on about why they've choosed him since there were more qualified people available... but since any option is better than the prison, he agrees to become a mercenary.
Luke works for the institute training their mercenaries... so this group shouldn't be any different from the last ones he trained... if it wasn't for a big mouth called Logan that defied his every order and took him out of his mind...
A mission going wrong is all that needs to happen to bring them together - they've a new mission now... to find out what went wrong and why things suddenly seem too unrealistic to be true.
But their journey will lead them way deeper than just a mission... it'll lead them to each other...
Don't miss this GREAT BOOK - CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2 ❤❤❤
When Logan is contacted to join a particular "mercenary like institute" while spending time in a military prison, he gets his hackers on about why they've choosed him since there were more qualified people available... but since any option is better than the prison, he agrees to become a mercenary.
Luke works for the institute training their mercenaries... so this group shouldn't be any different from the last ones he trained... if it wasn't for a big mouth called Logan that defied his every order and took him out of his mind...
A mission going wrong is all that needs to happen to bring them together - they've a new mission now... to find out what went wrong and why things suddenly seem too unrealistic to be true.
But their journey will lead them way deeper than just a mission... it'll lead them to each other...
Don't miss this GREAT BOOK - CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2 ❤❤❤
Merged review:
WOW... This book is so awesome! it got me hooked from page one!!! Best of all, it's the first book on a NEW SERIES!
When Logan is contacted to join a particular "mercenary like institute" while spending time in a military prison, he gets his hackers on about why they've choosed him since there were more qualified people available... but since any option is better than the prison, he agrees to become a mercenary.
Luke works for the institute training their mercenaries... so this group shouldn't be any different from the last ones he trained... if it wasn't for a big mouth called Logan that defied his every order and took him out of his mind...
A mission going wrong is all that needs to happen to bring them together - they've a new mission now... to find out what went wrong and why things suddenly seem too unrealistic to be true.
But their journey will lead them way deeper than just a mission... it'll lead them to each other...
Don't miss this GREAT BOOK - CAN'T WAIT FOR BOOK 2 ❤❤❤
May 3, 2018
Good start to a new series.
Not normally a premise I would usually read but the blurb had me intrigued. And I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I really did like it. I didn't want to put the book down and it made me wish I could read faster to know what happens next and how the story ends. There's a lot of suspense and fast paced action, and the dynamic between the main Character Logan and his counterpart Luke was really interesting to read about. The sex between the two in this book was ridiculously Hot and dirty. I look forward to the next book and seeing how this whole series plays out.
Logan is former military, serving time in jail for an accidental death he did not really cause. He is recruited by a private security company and given a get out of jail free card, an offer he basically cannot refuse. Luke is former military as well and in charge of the rag-tag group of "expendable" military rejects the company finds to create a special team. After the very first mission goes horribly wrong they are all on the run. Logan wont let Luke out of his sight for more than one reason. And they ban together to try and determine what went wrong and how they are still alive after the disaster of that mission should have left them dead, but not... They all have these weird abilities they cant seem to control, and that seem to just be getting more intense. Their "mutation/powers" seemed to progress at a really fast pace for the book. That part of the story seemed a little messy, and kind of all over the place I personally feel like that part needed more time to explain and develop so we have more depth and details on their individual powers. But that could very well happen in the next book... I am sure we will get more to the story and hopefully find out what happened and what comes next for these two men. I will be waiting impatiently for book two...
Not normally a premise I would usually read but the blurb had me intrigued. And I'm glad I gave this one a chance. I really did like it. I didn't want to put the book down and it made me wish I could read faster to know what happens next and how the story ends. There's a lot of suspense and fast paced action, and the dynamic between the main Character Logan and his counterpart Luke was really interesting to read about. The sex between the two in this book was ridiculously Hot and dirty. I look forward to the next book and seeing how this whole series plays out.
Logan is former military, serving time in jail for an accidental death he did not really cause. He is recruited by a private security company and given a get out of jail free card, an offer he basically cannot refuse. Luke is former military as well and in charge of the rag-tag group of "expendable" military rejects the company finds to create a special team. After the very first mission goes horribly wrong they are all on the run. Logan wont let Luke out of his sight for more than one reason. And they ban together to try and determine what went wrong and how they are still alive after the disaster of that mission should have left them dead, but not... They all have these weird abilities they cant seem to control, and that seem to just be getting more intense. Their "mutation/powers" seemed to progress at a really fast pace for the book. That part of the story seemed a little messy, and kind of all over the place I personally feel like that part needed more time to explain and develop so we have more depth and details on their individual powers. But that could very well happen in the next book... I am sure we will get more to the story and hopefully find out what happened and what comes next for these two men. I will be waiting impatiently for book two...
May 12, 2018
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
I love paranormal, I love military and action, and I love watching big, tough men show their softer sides. We get most of that in this one…the softer side? Not so much, but it was there, in a super masculine way, if you looked really hard. This story reminded me, a lot, of the Metahuman Files series by Hailey Turner, but was just different enough that I enjoyed myself immensely and was happy to have another series, full of the tropes that I love, to read.
Logan, and his secret government paramilitary band of fighters, were at one time all special forces military men who found themselves in hot water…and prison. Logan’s crime was more being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, without friends, and being an idiot…but he is not a bad guy. Luke is his gorgeous, but very uptight and prickly superior…and a very hot submissive to Logan’s dominant and alpha tendencies. This is not a bdsm book, per se, but a more playful sexual escapades that includes roughhousing and borders on non-con…but doesn’t cross any lines, well not any lines that Luke draws, anyway.
In addition to the growing relationship between Logan and Luke, we have to deal with a mission gone wrong, And somehow, they all now have superhuman strength, We get a lot of closure but there are still some questions to be answered. For the most part, this was a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*
I love paranormal, I love military and action, and I love watching big, tough men show their softer sides. We get most of that in this one…the softer side? Not so much, but it was there, in a super masculine way, if you looked really hard. This story reminded me, a lot, of the Metahuman Files series by Hailey Turner, but was just different enough that I enjoyed myself immensely and was happy to have another series, full of the tropes that I love, to read.
Logan, and his secret government paramilitary band of fighters, were at one time all special forces military men who found themselves in hot water…and prison. Logan’s crime was more being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, without friends, and being an idiot…but he is not a bad guy. Luke is his gorgeous, but very uptight and prickly superior…and a very hot submissive to Logan’s dominant and alpha tendencies. This is not a bdsm book, per se, but a more playful sexual escapades that includes roughhousing and borders on non-con…but doesn’t cross any lines, well not any lines that Luke draws, anyway.
In addition to the growing relationship between Logan and Luke, we have to deal with a mission gone wrong, And somehow, they all now have superhuman strength, We get a lot of closure but there are still some questions to be answered. For the most part, this was a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*
May 1, 2018
This is the first book in The Gods Of War Series. A captivating book the writing was great. I went back and forth on whether to give this book a 4 or 5-star rating. I don’t give out a lot of 5 stars. There are definitely parts of this book that are written 5 stars. What made me choose 4 stars is that there are a few places that I wish had more detail. And there was a time or two that I had to double check on which character was thinking or talking. I think that was because of the names being similar so this might not be a problem for anyone else. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters spellbinding. The characters were developed and thought out. Logan and Luke are the MC’s of this book. There was humor, prison, training, loss, a mission, a club, a truck, a dog, betrayal, ice, a storm a hunt, action, sex and so much more in this book.
Here is a quote from the book, “Logan was surprised enough to focus on what she was saying, even though he didn’t believe in all that hocus pocus stuff. “What? Two auras? What does that even mean?” “One of your auras is pure white, like the snow—a healing aura. You are a healer. But all around the edges of that one is another aura, a darker one. Like old blood.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. Sometimes when a book is in a series it can be hard to know if a book is lacking or whether the info / details will be in another book. Although I think that some detail would round out a few of the events I thought that this was a fantastic book and can’t wait for the next book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
Here is a quote from the book, “Logan was surprised enough to focus on what she was saying, even though he didn’t believe in all that hocus pocus stuff. “What? Two auras? What does that even mean?” “One of your auras is pure white, like the snow—a healing aura. You are a healer. But all around the edges of that one is another aura, a darker one. Like old blood.”. There is more but you will need to read the book which I can highly recommend. Sometimes when a book is in a series it can be hard to know if a book is lacking or whether the info / details will be in another book. Although I think that some detail would round out a few of the events I thought that this was a fantastic book and can’t wait for the next book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
April 29, 2018
Such an interesting concept! Logan has been in prison for almost a year for a crime he doesn't think he committed when he is approached to end his sentence a few months early and work for a secret organization. It definitely seems like it is too good to be true, but Logan is willing to ignore that right away to get out of prison. He meets a ragtag bunch of guys at the Institute as his new team, and they get along as well as a bunch of rough and tumble rule benders could. Luke Warren is the team leader, rule follower, and he seems like he is an utter grump all of the time. One night, while Logan is out at a bar, he finds Luke there. They have conversation and eventually end up in the back room. They start to develop a little bit of an understanding/non-relationship when they get called out out for their mission. The mission goes upside down, and the guys don't know who to trust anymore, especially as they start developing superhuman abilities.
The story was interesting. Luke and Logan strengthen their relationship throughout the trip of returning home to figure out what is going on. There is a slight bit of instalove in that the trip is only over a few days, but they were starting to connect more before they left on the mission. It can be understandable, however, because they were really thrown into a difficult situation and needed to rely and lean on the other person.
I liked the story line, and I definitely want to know what is coming next. There are a few more questions that need to be answered, and I want to know them! Looking forward to the next book and to see how they get out of this!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received from LesCourt Author Services
The story was interesting. Luke and Logan strengthen their relationship throughout the trip of returning home to figure out what is going on. There is a slight bit of instalove in that the trip is only over a few days, but they were starting to connect more before they left on the mission. It can be understandable, however, because they were really thrown into a difficult situation and needed to rely and lean on the other person.
I liked the story line, and I definitely want to know what is coming next. There are a few more questions that need to be answered, and I want to know them! Looking forward to the next book and to see how they get out of this!
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC received from LesCourt Author Services
October 26, 2019
Logan gets an offer he doesn’t quite trust but it sets him free so he takes it. Working with Luke isn’t quite what he expected but he will deal. But when Luke opens a part of him he never knew he had, will Logan meet this new challenge head on?
Origins is first in Shannon West and T. S. McKinney’s Gods of War series. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this story by Ms. West and Ms. McKinney. Logan was so irreverent. He doesn’t seem to take anything seriously. Luke, on the other hand, was strictly by the book. He was so black and white to Logan’s shades of gray. I love that in spite of their differences Logan found a way to help Luke when he needed it. I mean it may have been selfish in the beginning but Ms. West and Ms. McKinney did not let it end there. I love that neither Logan nor Luke knew what to do with the unexpected feelings they had for each other. And they were such men in how they dealt with their unexpected emotions…sex, sex, and more sex. I loved seeing them find a way to deal with not only their growing emotional closeness but also their new reality. While this story began a bit slowly it definitely picked up with a bang. I couldn’t wait to see where Ms. West and Ms. McKinney were taking us as the world changed with a quickness for these men. I loved their journey. The unexpected twists and turns Ms. West and Ms. McKinney provided kept me and the characters on their toes. I love seeing them come to terms with the changes in them even as they struggle to comprehend what happens next. I am enjoying seeing these men grow as individuals even as they fight for themselves. I can’t wait to see where Ms. West and Ms. McKinney will take us next in the new world they are creating.
Five Shooting Stars
Origins is first in Shannon West and T. S. McKinney’s Gods of War series. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this story by Ms. West and Ms. McKinney. Logan was so irreverent. He doesn’t seem to take anything seriously. Luke, on the other hand, was strictly by the book. He was so black and white to Logan’s shades of gray. I love that in spite of their differences Logan found a way to help Luke when he needed it. I mean it may have been selfish in the beginning but Ms. West and Ms. McKinney did not let it end there. I love that neither Logan nor Luke knew what to do with the unexpected feelings they had for each other. And they were such men in how they dealt with their unexpected emotions…sex, sex, and more sex. I loved seeing them find a way to deal with not only their growing emotional closeness but also their new reality. While this story began a bit slowly it definitely picked up with a bang. I couldn’t wait to see where Ms. West and Ms. McKinney were taking us as the world changed with a quickness for these men. I loved their journey. The unexpected twists and turns Ms. West and Ms. McKinney provided kept me and the characters on their toes. I love seeing them come to terms with the changes in them even as they struggle to comprehend what happens next. I am enjoying seeing these men grow as individuals even as they fight for themselves. I can’t wait to see where Ms. West and Ms. McKinney will take us next in the new world they are creating.
Five Shooting Stars
April 24, 2018
I’ve never read West, but I’m a fan of McKinney, so I was super excited to read this. IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!
First of all, I’ve seen comparisons to other “enhanced” humans series, but really the fact that they are enhanced is the only similarity to either series. It’s a new twist both in the mode of enhancement and how it develops. Also having the heros (anti-heroes?) be pulled from detention centers is inspired!! It gives it the “Will power corrupt?” possibility.
The tension and anger between Logan and Luke is so delicious!! Enemies to lovers is my favorite, and this one was so satisfying because magic d*** didn’t suddenly make them ok with each other. They were still enemies, sometimes with a common goal, but still at odds and trying to fight their magnetic chemistry.
It’s not perfect, there were some head scratching moments. I’m not sure if these two have written together before, so it could be attributed to growing pains of each others style. For example, there were parts from Luke’s POV, I know there were...but they were so minor as to really not be needed. Either nothing of consequence happened, or it felt like Logan’s POV anyway (there were a few POV mistakes but I can look over those). Either it needed more from Luke, or just all from Logan’s POV.
But it was still pretty awesome, so much action and suspense. I loved the way the enhancements are being shown, how they are adjusting to them, etc. It’s definitely a different take on the trope. I’m super excited for more in this series, and I’m really hoping it’s more from Luke and Logan as that didn’t feel like the end of their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
First of all, I’ve seen comparisons to other “enhanced” humans series, but really the fact that they are enhanced is the only similarity to either series. It’s a new twist both in the mode of enhancement and how it develops. Also having the heros (anti-heroes?) be pulled from detention centers is inspired!! It gives it the “Will power corrupt?” possibility.
The tension and anger between Logan and Luke is so delicious!! Enemies to lovers is my favorite, and this one was so satisfying because magic d*** didn’t suddenly make them ok with each other. They were still enemies, sometimes with a common goal, but still at odds and trying to fight their magnetic chemistry.
It’s not perfect, there were some head scratching moments. I’m not sure if these two have written together before, so it could be attributed to growing pains of each others style. For example, there were parts from Luke’s POV, I know there were...but they were so minor as to really not be needed. Either nothing of consequence happened, or it felt like Logan’s POV anyway (there were a few POV mistakes but I can look over those). Either it needed more from Luke, or just all from Logan’s POV.
But it was still pretty awesome, so much action and suspense. I loved the way the enhancements are being shown, how they are adjusting to them, etc. It’s definitely a different take on the trope. I’m super excited for more in this series, and I’m really hoping it’s more from Luke and Logan as that didn’t feel like the end of their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy.
May 6, 2018
Rating: 3.5 stars
This book was a bit of a hit or miss for me. The second half of the book was definitely better than the first half. During the first half, both MCs were not particularly likeable. I didn’t really care for Logan’s personality at all in the beginning. Frankly, the reason he took the deal with this para-military organization didn’t make sense to me. I could understand it more if he had more time on his sentence. Luke was a bit more likeable, but his personality didn’t resonate with me until after he was enhanced.
Both Logan and Luke became better characters after they were enhanced. Once that happened, the story itself also got better. I will say that it isn’t the most believable story ever written, but if you can put that aside, it’s enjoyable. There also is an element of BDSM involved with Luke and Logan’s relationship. I don’t mind a bit of BDSM so that didn’t bother me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It left a bunch of unanswered questions and it’s pretty obvious that this is just the start to a new series. I’m interested enough that I will definitely ready future installments.
This book was a bit of a hit or miss for me. The second half of the book was definitely better than the first half. During the first half, both MCs were not particularly likeable. I didn’t really care for Logan’s personality at all in the beginning. Frankly, the reason he took the deal with this para-military organization didn’t make sense to me. I could understand it more if he had more time on his sentence. Luke was a bit more likeable, but his personality didn’t resonate with me until after he was enhanced.
Both Logan and Luke became better characters after they were enhanced. Once that happened, the story itself also got better. I will say that it isn’t the most believable story ever written, but if you can put that aside, it’s enjoyable. There also is an element of BDSM involved with Luke and Logan’s relationship. I don’t mind a bit of BDSM so that didn’t bother me.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. It left a bunch of unanswered questions and it’s pretty obvious that this is just the start to a new series. I’m interested enough that I will definitely ready future installments.
May 4, 2018
I received a copy of this from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
I liked reading about Logan, Luke and the rest of the team. Luke was the trainer of their team, but when things go crazy, Logan leads everyone to safety.
This is the beginning of a new series. We are introduced to everyone and watch the team get changed without their knowledge. Logan and Luke have a connection that keeps pulling them together no matter how many times Luke tries to deny his feelings. While running for their lives, they slowly figure out their new abilities and try to figure out why things happened the way they did.
One of their own turns on them and they need to save themselves and find their missing team members.
This is a good story and a great beginning. This is setting up for the rest of the series which will hopefully give us more time with Luke and Logan.
Give this book a read. Contemporary military with chemically altered abilities. Action adventure with fun times. 😉
I liked reading about Logan, Luke and the rest of the team. Luke was the trainer of their team, but when things go crazy, Logan leads everyone to safety.
This is the beginning of a new series. We are introduced to everyone and watch the team get changed without their knowledge. Logan and Luke have a connection that keeps pulling them together no matter how many times Luke tries to deny his feelings. While running for their lives, they slowly figure out their new abilities and try to figure out why things happened the way they did.
One of their own turns on them and they need to save themselves and find their missing team members.
This is a good story and a great beginning. This is setting up for the rest of the series which will hopefully give us more time with Luke and Logan.
Give this book a read. Contemporary military with chemically altered abilities. Action adventure with fun times. 😉
April 20, 2018
Will Logan was in Leavenworth for involuntary manslaughter. Recruited by the Institute a group of private contractors. He joins an elite gang of misfits gathered from other prisons. All of them fighting for control of their own lives. Not accepting that they have to answer an uptight man they just don't like.
Luke Warren. The trainer for the group of “expendables”. Blonde, well built, Logan calls him pretty. Luke wants order and calm. Him and Logan hook up and when Luke realizes Logan quiets the noises in his head he knows he's in trouble.
Their mission in Mexico goes sideways. They all develop unexplained abilities. Their goal is to get back to a safe place in the states where they can make an assessment of what has happened to them. Along the way Logan and Luke discover that their new normal might just be each other.
I love action stories. Throw in a couple of hot men and I'm hooked. Enjoyed this one.
I received an ARC of this book for review.
Luke Warren. The trainer for the group of “expendables”. Blonde, well built, Logan calls him pretty. Luke wants order and calm. Him and Logan hook up and when Luke realizes Logan quiets the noises in his head he knows he's in trouble.
Their mission in Mexico goes sideways. They all develop unexplained abilities. Their goal is to get back to a safe place in the states where they can make an assessment of what has happened to them. Along the way Logan and Luke discover that their new normal might just be each other.
I love action stories. Throw in a couple of hot men and I'm hooked. Enjoyed this one.
I received an ARC of this book for review.
May 3, 2018
4* Origins is the first book in the Gods of War series by Shannon West and TS McKinney. Will Logan is recruited by the Institute to an elite group of mercenaries from Leavenworth prison, where he is serving a sentence for involuntary manslaughter. Luke Warren is the leader / trainer of this group. Luke wants calm, Logan is loud and fiery, together Logan quiets the constant noise in Luke’s head. The mission sends them to Mexico and is completely “fubar” from the beginning and ending with the team gaining supernatural abilities and going on the run to keep off the radar of the Institute.
This was a really good start to the series and definitely left me wanting more! It has everything in it and is really fast paced: military / former-military guys, government conspiracies, super-humans, sexy times, and lots of action! Oh, and seriously, cage fighting as foreplay… HOT!!
This was a really good start to the series and definitely left me wanting more! It has everything in it and is really fast paced: military / former-military guys, government conspiracies, super-humans, sexy times, and lots of action! Oh, and seriously, cage fighting as foreplay… HOT!!
May 4, 2018
“Sweetheart, my balls feel bigger every time I’m around you.”
Logan and Luke are a little intense at times and when they come together it shows in the extremely hot sex or their intense fighting. Their interaction was captivating and suspenseful. When the two men decide to run I wasn’t surprised I would enjoy the action or how they dealt with their new abilities. Being together they had to learn to trust the other man and what a challenge that was for both of them.
I don’t like that I still have a few unanswered questions and I hope that the rest of the stories in this series pull it all together. TS McKinney has a great way of unfolding a mystery and keeping my attention. I’m not all that familiar with Shannon West’s works, but I did enjoy this story and hope to read the rest.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
Logan and Luke are a little intense at times and when they come together it shows in the extremely hot sex or their intense fighting. Their interaction was captivating and suspenseful. When the two men decide to run I wasn’t surprised I would enjoy the action or how they dealt with their new abilities. Being together they had to learn to trust the other man and what a challenge that was for both of them.
I don’t like that I still have a few unanswered questions and I hope that the rest of the stories in this series pull it all together. TS McKinney has a great way of unfolding a mystery and keeping my attention. I’m not all that familiar with Shannon West’s works, but I did enjoy this story and hope to read the rest.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
May 9, 2018
Origins is a great beginning to a new series that seems like it will be full of action and excitement. It did take a little bit to really get into the story, but once I did I was hooked. I really like the world-building and the super soldier-esque premise.. I think this series is going to be really intriguing and intense. Logan and Luke are definitely interesting characters. They took a little to warm up to, but I ended up really loving them both. They have some serious chemistry and are so hot together. I liked seeing their relationship still develop in the midst of danger and chaos, and how they have to learn to rely on each other and the rest of the misfits for survival. This story is full of action and drama, heat and sex, hot-as-hell men and power.. and I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 7, 2018
Gods...I need more
Let me start off by saying, I loved Logan and Luke! They were awesome and adorable and hilarious together. The story had a plot, made sense, and gave character backgrounds just long enough but also just brief enough. Great sex scenes, if a little short. Logan needs to work on his stamina..wink wink...
I would have given 5 stars, but there were a lot of grammatical errors. Quite a bit I’d say, not enough to stop reading but more than enough to have to re read a few locations b/c I couldn’t tell who was talking or what exactly had been said. Spelling errors are annoying. So a good run through an editor would make this novel a 5 star hit for sure .
But I am definitely looking foreword to continuing this series and can’t wait to find out what happens to the rest of the boys!!
Let me start off by saying, I loved Logan and Luke! They were awesome and adorable and hilarious together. The story had a plot, made sense, and gave character backgrounds just long enough but also just brief enough. Great sex scenes, if a little short. Logan needs to work on his stamina..wink wink...
I would have given 5 stars, but there were a lot of grammatical errors. Quite a bit I’d say, not enough to stop reading but more than enough to have to re read a few locations b/c I couldn’t tell who was talking or what exactly had been said. Spelling errors are annoying. So a good run through an editor would make this novel a 5 star hit for sure .
But I am definitely looking foreword to continuing this series and can’t wait to find out what happens to the rest of the boys!!
June 23, 2018
Interesting premise
I had a bit of an issue with Logan at the beginning of this book. He was set up as a regular guy who seemed to have been set up to take the fall for a murder that he didn't commit, but then he started acting very rapey with Luke pretty clearly saying no, and he ignored it. I found it especially ironic that loan had said that Luke didn't need a safeword because he knew the meaning of 'stop'. It was definitely still in dub-con territory, not felt really close to non-con.
But, once we got into the actual story, I really liked the development of Logan and Luke's relationship. While I definitely expected there to be a twist, I didn't anticipate the one that we got, which was delightfully surprising to me. I am excited to see where this story goes, if/when future books in this world come out.
I had a bit of an issue with Logan at the beginning of this book. He was set up as a regular guy who seemed to have been set up to take the fall for a murder that he didn't commit, but then he started acting very rapey with Luke pretty clearly saying no, and he ignored it. I found it especially ironic that loan had said that Luke didn't need a safeword because he knew the meaning of 'stop'. It was definitely still in dub-con territory, not felt really close to non-con.
But, once we got into the actual story, I really liked the development of Logan and Luke's relationship. While I definitely expected there to be a twist, I didn't anticipate the one that we got, which was delightfully surprising to me. I am excited to see where this story goes, if/when future books in this world come out.
April 21, 2018
Lots of action a bit of kink and an intense love make a terrific story. Logan and Luke are hot together and throw in a sweet dog and you have all the feels. This story-line was terrific and the writing flowed so nicely. Lots of character development had you understanding these guys and their hearts.
Logan and Luke are awesome together and you will enjoy each interaction. We were also introduced to lots of new characters from the 'team' that i will be waiting to find out more about. This book is part of a new series, Gods Of War and i cannot wait for the next book!! Outstanding read!
Logan and Luke are awesome together and you will enjoy each interaction. We were also introduced to lots of new characters from the 'team' that i will be waiting to find out more about. This book is part of a new series, Gods Of War and i cannot wait for the next book!! Outstanding read!
April 19, 2018
This book will keep you on your toes with rarely a dull moment. A group of soldiers receive a "get out of jail free" card when they agree to be part of a special op to destroy a drug lab in Mexico. After a short training period they set off to do the job but things don't go quite as planned.
I loved the characters and the romance in this one as that part of the story shared space with a mystery of what was really going on. Most readers will find it hard to put down and if like me, wishing there was a book two right now!
I loved the characters and the romance in this one as that part of the story shared space with a mystery of what was really going on. Most readers will find it hard to put down and if like me, wishing there was a book two right now!
May 4, 2018
New to me authors and I can't wait to see what they bring next in this series.
Logan and a few other "misfits" are recruited from various other institutions around the country to join a elite group to use their military skills by Luke. It seems these two have some chemistry that neither want to admit but can't help to give in to. When a mission turns deadly and a virus attacks them, the unit must go on the run so they can figure out what is happening to them.
Can Logan & Luke make it thru and still be standing by each other or will fate have other plans for them.
Logan and a few other "misfits" are recruited from various other institutions around the country to join a elite group to use their military skills by Luke. It seems these two have some chemistry that neither want to admit but can't help to give in to. When a mission turns deadly and a virus attacks them, the unit must go on the run so they can figure out what is happening to them.
Can Logan & Luke make it thru and still be standing by each other or will fate have other plans for them.
May 12, 2018
2.5**
Definitely some inspiration taken from another “Logan origin story.” This book for me, lost points because of crappy editing. Based on things said in the book, some timelines definitely did not match. Also, almost the entire book is in 3rd person but there are random sentences thrown in that are in 1st person; some misspellings too. The one misspelling that keeps annoying me was Aries instead of Ares.
Other than that, I liked the premise of the story, but be warned there are moments of dub/non consent.
Definitely some inspiration taken from another “Logan origin story.” This book for me, lost points because of crappy editing. Based on things said in the book, some timelines definitely did not match. Also, almost the entire book is in 3rd person but there are random sentences thrown in that are in 1st person; some misspellings too. The one misspelling that keeps annoying me was Aries instead of Ares.
Other than that, I liked the premise of the story, but be warned there are moments of dub/non consent.
May 21, 2018
OMG I loved this story, the story kept me glued that I had to read it in one sitting then go back and read it again, I can't wait for book two of this series love, love, love Luke and how his past has affected how he feels about Logan. The story really allowed you to understand both men and their issues. The bad boy image of Logan really made you want to either slap him or just make sure he showed Luke who was boss. The cliffhanger has me tapping my fingers in anticipation of what is coming, and I seriously need it like now.
May 1, 2018
A great action-packed story that kicks off a new series. You have great characters centered around a captivating storyline filled with suspense, intrigue, action, really hot sex scenes, and alpha males. The chemistry between Logan and Luke is off the charts but they are total opposites and are always at each other's throat! It's a great ride that will leave you wanting the next one in the series quick!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
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