A bond that surpasses blood. Thorne has found a home as second-in-command among the hybrid bikers, and while he considers his pack mates brothers, he never forgets the stepbrother he was coerced into leaving behind. From first sight, Thorne knew he was meant to protect his stepbrother, Sage and he never stopped, until his parents pushed Thorne out of his home by threatening Sage’s safety. His parents thought their bond was unnatural and while it broke Thorne’s heart to leave, he believed it was what was best for Sage. The pack would protect Sage better than an eighteen-year-old lone hybrid shifter. When the world tells them no. Twelve years Sage has spent getting over losing his protector, his bodyguard, and his only friend. Thorne had been his entire world, until he suddenly wasn’t. Gone without a trace, at thirteen, Sage couldn’t believe the boy who held his heart would leave him. He spent months running away from the compound he lived in with his parents and lion pride. He’d been sure that Thorne was out there, needing his help. But, after several cruel punishments and years without more than an envelope of money sent through the mail from his former savior, Sage had to realize, his soul mate was gone. Gone, but never forgotten. With only a return address, Sage sends a letter hoping it will bring Thorne home while also dreading that it will. They say yes. Thorne worries that returning to his hometown of Dry Creek, Texas will cause more harm than help, but he received Sage’s letter and Thorne has never been able to refuse Sage anything. Except, when he gets there, he finds his hometown in disrepair. Relations between the humans and shifters are at an all-time low, and the sweet, innocent little stepbrother Thorne left in the safety of the pack his now foul-mouthed, sharp-witted and knocked up. Thorne knows the father of Sage’s unborn isn’t his mate. Thorne is Sage’s mate, and he’s spent too long trying to ignore that fact. Thorne has to pick up the pieces of his broken relationship with Sage and put them back together before he loses Sage for good. Or, before the Protectors of the Pure, an anti-shifter group, unveil their latest plan to wipe shifters off the face of the earth. Under His Command is a full-length, stepbrother mpreg romance with sugar, spice and a guaranteed HEA. Trigger Warnings include: mentions of abuse, mentions of drug addiction and alcoholism, and death of a parent.
This the first book I have read by Ms. Burrelli and it will not be my last. Even though this is book three in the series that cause no problems for me, I plan to go back and read books one and two in the near future. I loved the world the author has built to set these books in it is very interesting. The two MCs are complex, well-developed and were a lot of fun getting to know. The story itself was well written with plenty of romance as well as some suspense. Overal this book was a truly enjoyable and fun read!
Forced apart by their parents when they were boys, Thorne and Sage are reunited when Thorne’s mother dies. Even 12 years later, their bond is still strong. Thorne will do anything to protect and claim his mate, even if that means fighting his former pack, and claiming another man’s son.
I enjoyed this very much. I practically devoured it in one sitting, only stopping to take care of kids’ needs.
Thorne and Sage were raised as step-brothers and had a very close connection to each other, up to the day that Thorne left, thus leaving Sage to forge ahead in life on his own. When Thorne returns home over a decade later, he is shocked at the state of their town, and especially at Sage - who is pregnant, stuck in a loveless relationship, and living in a dead-end town. Right when Thorne thinks he will be able to make an escape with Sage, he finds out that the Protection of the Pure are in town and have moved onto a new way to rid of the world of shifters.
UGH, Sage and Thorne were just breaking my heart here. First off - I don't see what makes a step-brother relationship that taboo and why their parents were so set against it. I get that it's a bit weird when you're raised as "siblings" from children to teens, but there's no blood or actual relations involved. Then there's the fact that Sage knew where Thorne was living, and I feel like he CHOSE to stay, same as Thorne CHOSE not to come find him after he knew Sage would have been of age. I don't know - it's like, years and opportunity wasted because neither of them felt like they could go to the other, which makes me frustrated! lol
Luckily, Thorne and Sage are able to reconnect, to find that their chemistry and connection are still just as strong as when they were younger, and they are able to find their way back to each other. I'm so interested in this building plot line of the anti-shifter group and how they're coming up with new things to try against the shifters. I hope that the shifters will be able to put a stop to things once and for all!
This is such a fun series from Kiki, it might be my favorite series from her so far. Can't wait for the next book!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve always liked Thorne and wondered what his story was and now that I’ve read it and bawled my eyes out...sheewww. This is a hard story. Be aware of the Warning. Things aren’t always as they seem. Thorne has been sending money home for years, but no one knows why. And the one person he wants to tell why he’s not home, he can’t. He was forced to go away because of who his mate is. His own step-brother. And Sage has been devastated and living in hell for years. When Thorne goes back home for his mother’s funeral, he finds out how bad it’s really gotten and how much worse it’s about to be. The damn Pure cult is sniffing around and they’ve made a drug that is much worse than before. And for the sake of his claimed mate and the baby, Thorne will go down fighting if that’s what it takes. With the help of the hybrids and his stepfather, they destroy some of what these people are trying to do, but they all know it’s inevitable that another will pop up in its place. But they have to get to the bottom of all this soon, or what is left of the shifters in the world will be no more. I’m one of those who kind of has a hard time with the whole step -brother trope and stuff. So, it was a little hard to read because of that part, just for me. But I still love this series and this story. I mean if it wasn’t for Sage’s father and Thorne’s mother marrying...they wouldn’t even know each other. So technically they aren’t related. All that matters to them, is they’re mates. But not everyone had the same opinion they did and they were broke apart. Which caused both of them to be broken. Sage a lot more than Thorne. At least Thorne found a good family. Sage had to put up with all the beatings and the bull that went with it. It broke my heart. Trying to keep two mates apart. They were kids and adults were determined to break their spirits. It’s shameful. But Thorne was determined, this time, he’d get it right. He stuck his foot in his mouth a lot but he kept going. He kept trying and slowing dropping that wall around Sage’s heart. Especially when Sage finally found out the truth of what really happened. It was sad what these two had endured. What hells they had to go through because of people. But they kept trying to go on. Even when they felt so broken apart. I guess it finally made being home with each other finally, all that more worthwhile.
*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one elses*
This is the third book in the Hybrid Heat Series and can be read as a stand-alone. I’ve read and enjoyed the whole series and would recommend all three.
Thorne’s waited a long time for his HEA with Sage and his wait finally comes to an end but not without loads of drama and danger.
My heart broke for Sage - he’s been through so much over the years and did what he needed to do to survive. His sadness echoed powerfully throughout reminding you of the physical/emotional abuse he’s endured.
Thorne was fierce, protective but always managed to put his foot in it with his silly mouth.
Book Three of The Hybrid series, this time it's Thorne and Sage.
Thorne is our quiet second in command in the MC crew. He keeps to himself but has a secret that his fellow Hybrids don't know.
Sage is that secret and on a last ditch attempt he writes Thorne telling him of their "mothers" death. Sage is unsure if Thorne will come. There is always hope.
This was a great addition to the series and the plot is moving along smoothly. The P.O.P is becoming deadlier and deadlier. Ready for the next book.
******I was giving this ARC for my honest opinion****
This was a very enjoyable read and it was great to see more of this series' world. I did feel it lacked a bit of the intensity of Under His Control, though.
Twelve years ago, Thorne left his mate, who also happened to be his stepbrother, behind, in a vain attempt to protect him. He leaves and stays away for years, without reaching out or checking up on Sage, the love of his life... Thorne's intentions were noble, but his actions only resulted in years of sorrow, pain and abuse for Sage. I didn't much care for his passive stance or at least his gullibility in this instance, but it does make for a very emotional, even shocking reunion with Sage.
When they finally reconnect, Sage is angry and distrustful. And Thorne is in for a rude awakening. Thorne is the ultimate protector, and I loved how that protection immediately also extended from Sage to little Flutter.
Sage has gone through a great deal, and basically spent twelve years being miserable and surviving instead of living and that was hard to read about at times. He is in danger both from threats inside and outside his pride of lion shifters. I liked the tension and suspense we got from the continued threat of the Protectors of the Pure, they're a scary bunch.
The author has a way of drawing you into her world. I can't wait to see what comes next!
While I really enjoyed this book I have one issue: the whole stepbrother troup. While I get the theory of this being a taboo in reality this has never seemed even a little taboo to me. It's not like it's a genetic relationship so what's the big deal?
That said if you ignore that "issue" the characters and story itself is very enjoyable. Thorne is very loyal. He's helped build a motorcycle club that is his chosen family while at the same time sending money to his Mother and stepbrother in Texas. Sage is just trying to survive after Thorne is chased away due to the issue of them being stepbrothers and probable mates. Thorne returns for his mother's funeral and is just in time to save Sage. The hate group Protectors of the Pure have come up with yet another plan to get rid of the shifters. It seems just like hate these guys just won't go away. As this world builds on itself it will be interesting to see what these jerks do next and how the dragons will become involved. I feel like they will have their hand forced at some point. We are left with a few developing plot lines and I'm eager to see where they go.
This book is about Thorne, the VP of the Hybrid club. We know him well from the other books and I was so glad to get his story. He has to leave Pineville and go back to his hometown to attend his mother's funeral so this one has a different setting. When Thorne was a child, his mother married Billy Ray and Sage became his stepbrother. His mate Sage....awkward. Anyways, his mom Tami, sent him away and this is the first time he's seen Sage for twelve years. He's been sending money home since he left and he expected Sage to be happy etc... I never did figure out what happened to all that money. Everyone seemed poor as hell and Sage certainly didn't get it. Everyone talked about how great and nice Tami was but I didn't get that. She sounded like she did help some people but the two that counted on her most were miserable. Sounds like a bitch to me. Anyhooo, the PP group is in this one also and they come up with a different plan, which means Sage and Thorne have to stay around and help save the people/shifters. Blah, blah stuff happens and they finally get to go home to Pineville.
I did really enjoy this one just didn't get the explanation for everything that happened. Odd.
This is a great addition to this series and I really enjoyed it. It is well-written, entertaining, has some surprising twists and I love the characters. Thorne and Sage are meant to be together but they are forced apart by Sage’s father and Thorne’s mother. Thorne hopes that in the twelve years they have been apart that Sage has had a good life and been able to move on. Neither of them was able to forget the other and when Thorne gets a letter from Sage he returns home to find that things there are much worse than he could have ever thought and he can’t leave Sage behind. With the help of his pack Thorne needs to keep Sage safe while they try to fight the Protectors of the Pure and stop their plans to annihilate all shifters. Sage has been mistreated by everyone that he loves but he can’t turn his back on his pack. There is a lot of action packed into this story and several twists as well. I love the secondary characters and the ending is great. I can’t wait to read the next book in this wonderful series.
Thorne and Sage are a shifter and become brother when their parents decided to be mate, but even since they are a little, love has been grown between them. But their parents won't allow them to be mate, so Thorne was banished from his pack, leaving Sage alone and made little Sage thought he was abandoned by his brother. After a decade Thorne finally decided to come home, just to attend his mother funeral and meet the pregnant Sage!
The story is complicated I think, but really good, cool, and awesome! The author can make me feel the character's feeling!!! When Thorne's heart broken, so do I! Also when Sage got so angry, I feel the same! When I read this story, I feel so complicated and so excited in the same time..this is really good, Kiki :) good job!!
note: eventhough I haven't read the prequel yet, I have no problem with the story. So this one can be read as independet story~
Sage and Thorne are step brothers.... But they also have felt a pull to each other since the moment they met. When their parents realized their bond's meaning, the two boys were torn apart. 12 years have past, Thorne is home for his mother's funeral and finds himself looking at his Sage... A very pregnant Sage. What is a Hybrid to do when your true mate has been knocked up by another man? Claim your mate and the child as your own. And don't forget to battle the evil Group trying to bring down all of shifter-kind....
Well written with loveable characters and story line. Highly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend this book.
When mates meet as kids it's hard on everyone. Especially for the families who try to do what's best for them.
Trouble is brewing in Thorne's hometown, where he returns for the first time since being forced to leave. The only thing still there that he wants is his mate Seth. However Seth is not the young innocent boy he used to be, he has become harder and much more defensive. Discover I mention pregnant and almost due to deliver. As they fight for there right to mate, they also must fight for the entire pride against those who would harm them.
A wonderful addition to this dynamic and emotional series!
A wonderful addition to the series. It was truly heartbreaking that Sage and Thorne were apart for so many years for no good reason. Now that Thorne's back, I love seeing them trying to rebuild their relationship and they both have a lot of forgiveness for and acceptance of one another. Sage is truly special, he gives kindness and support even to those who don't deserve it! Sage and Thorne go through so much and they really deserve their HEA! I really loved seeing the members of the club and I can't wait for more!
Thorne and Safe were raised as step-brothers until Thorne turned 18 and was made to leave because their parents didn't like how close they were. Those returns 12 years later for his mother's funeral. Sage is inmates and pregnant and add in some family drama and The Protectors of the Pure, you have a well written story. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I'm always amazed at how realistic, and yet reprehensible, Kiki Burrelli's villains are. The Protectors of the Pure are so frightening because they are so believable in how they prey off of the fears of good people to make them commit horrible acts. I can't wait to see what happens next and how all shifters will handle the changes coming to their world.
Another fabulous shifter story by this talented author
Thoroughly enjoying this new series and cannot wait for more. Loved the main characters' storyline it was truly heartbreaking and loving with a lovely ending for them. However there is definitely more to this storyline regarding the shifter hate group and I want to see more happy couples!! I'm counting down to this author's next book...
The more Kiki Burrelli writes in this universe the more complex and intriguing it gets. The way this hate group operates is scary and I hope at some point the head of it is removed in such a way it can never recover. It was wonderful to see Thorne and Sage finnally get their happily ever after. They certainly earned it after so many years apart due to the packs rigid ideas. They were stepbrothers not blood brothers.
Well written story and well developed characters! You should read this series in the correct order because of people and places that crossover between books. The shifters have enemies! They beat the enemies in the last book. Or did they? Thorn was kicked out of his family when he was young. Now he finds out that his mother is dead and he is going to her funeral. Will they let him?
This is my favourite book in the series so far. For me it seemed to concentrate more on the mystery of the protectors of the pure, but didn't lose the heart of the book which was Thorne and Sage. I loved this couple and reading how they reconnect after so many years apart was bittersweet. I look forward to the next book in this series but who will it be?
Every time I read one of Kiki’s books, it makes me happy. I can immerse myself in a world and forget all of the ugliness in the real world. I can root for the bad boy and know in my heart of hearts, that he truly isn’t bad, he’s just waiting for his chance to prove everyone wrong. I can pick up her books and know that she will deliver every thing my heart desires, every single time.
Bk 3 in the hybrid heat series. Story is of Thorne and Sage. Thorne left the lion pride 12 yrs earlier, when he was given the choice stay and Sage would be killed or leave and he will be safe. Knowing Sage would be safe with his mum he left and sent home what money he could for Sage. Only the life he expected for Sage to have lived is far different from the reality. Great read.
I really liked Under His Command. It was very fast paced and very hot. I liked this book in the series, I like this next part of the series. I liked the dynamic between Thorne and Sage, they were so cute. It was nice to see new characters and another part of the story. And I always like to see previous characters. I would recommend this story. And I look forward to the next in the series.
I love a good stepbrother story. I can’t believe people think there is anything wrong with it. This was my first of the Hybrid series and I didn’t feel lost at all but of course I read all the Bear books but now I’ve got to start wi book one and I can’t wait!
As a rule, I tend to avoid second chance romances but this one was really well done. I liked where the plot went with the Protectors of the Pure and how even the baddies end up having some redeemable attributes. It was my favorite in the series so far.
Good continuation of the series I have enjoyed so much. Thorn and Sage were torn apart by their parents but found their way back to each other. Also continued on with the threat to get rid of all shifters. This has been a good series and I'm excited to read what's next.
The tears. Happy and sad and frustrated! I don't know how throne made it, because I didn't last the hour or so to get that far on the book where he pulled his head out or keester. Sage such a good dude. Great book.
Really enjoyed this third book in the continuing saga from Kiki, two stepbrothers who were torn apart by family reunite and have to battle with the protectors of the pure once again
It took me far longer to read this than usual. It just didn’t hold my attention for long. That being said, I did like it. There were some interesting twists, a little action. I may pick up the next book but I’m in no hurry.