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The Rare and the Unknown #1
The Shifter Bachelor
Imani has always wanted to be just member of her herd but with her overbearing matriarch mother and grandmother; she's never been given much of a chance. When Imani accepts a job several states away from the rest of her family the only thing on her mind is proving that she can be independent and more than just a breeder for the Herd.
Ansel is under constant pressure to mate and have children, many many children as his shifter race is on the verge of extinction. So much pressure, that his mother is hosting an open competition to meet and mate the sexy Alpha. Unfortunately, more than single shifter ladies are after Ansel.
After meeting Imani, Ansel is convinced that the only woman he wants to mate with is Imani.
Ansel is under constant pressure to mate and have children, many many children as his shifter race is on the verge of extinction. So much pressure, that his mother is hosting an open competition to meet and mate the sexy Alpha. Unfortunately, more than single shifter ladies are after Ansel.
After meeting Imani, Ansel is convinced that the only woman he wants to mate with is Imani.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2018
273 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Shai August
36 books82 followersShai August is a country girl with a big imagination, more than a touch of wanderlust and a never-ending desire to live in both an RV traveling the world and a library. Her love language is words of affirmations followed by books, bacon and bourbon. She’s a born and bred Louisiana native, but is currently doing an impression of a yellow rose of Texas. She is fluent in English, sarcasm and memes. Her goal is to write fast paced; character driven paranormal fiction for women of color. She’s found all over the internet and social media as @ShaiAugust (Facebook,Instagram, Pinterest (author assumes no responsibility for your falling into her Pinterest board traps), Twitter,etc.) feel free to follow and start any kind of conversation with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 8, 2022
3 "ALL the potential!" Stars!
Man did this book have a lot of potential! Start over... I liked this story. I could have LOVED this story, but there's something missing. The setting for this book was super familiar to me. In fact, there is mention of my actual home town! Super cool and awesome! I loved that. But because of that, having Herds of elephants be present in ETX was not realistic to me. And car sized birds that can shoot lightning... Ummm??? I could never tell if regular humans were supposed to know about the supernatural world around them. If they do, then I suppose I can fully accept it. If the humans don't know of the supernatural, then how it's kept a secrete was not explained. At all. I couldn't get over it. Also, there were times when I simply wanted more information. Like what species shifter certain characters were. One set of shifters were describes as having vivid red hair and a green tint to their skin, when in human form. Well, what is their animal form? Another set of characters had really wide nostrils and he was a fantastic cook. Again, what was his animal form?
As far as the main characters go, I liked Imani and Ansel both. I love that he recognized she was the stronger of the two and had absolutely no problem with it at all. But again, their relationship was underdeveloped. They were True Mates, so I get that that means insta love. But there were nuisances, little issues that can up in the process that were never resolved or addressed. Plus! There's a big question mark about Imani's power at the end. Completely unresolved.
I think I will at least try book 2 to see if the world gets more developed. I can see that happening. I hope that happens. And I hope to get more info on the state of Imani's power. So fingers crossed! Happy reading!
Man did this book have a lot of potential! Start over... I liked this story. I could have LOVED this story, but there's something missing. The setting for this book was super familiar to me. In fact, there is mention of my actual home town! Super cool and awesome! I loved that. But because of that, having Herds of elephants be present in ETX was not realistic to me. And car sized birds that can shoot lightning... Ummm??? I could never tell if regular humans were supposed to know about the supernatural world around them. If they do, then I suppose I can fully accept it. If the humans don't know of the supernatural, then how it's kept a secrete was not explained. At all. I couldn't get over it. Also, there were times when I simply wanted more information. Like what species shifter certain characters were. One set of shifters were describes as having vivid red hair and a green tint to their skin, when in human form. Well, what is their animal form? Another set of characters had really wide nostrils and he was a fantastic cook. Again, what was his animal form?
As far as the main characters go, I liked Imani and Ansel both. I love that he recognized she was the stronger of the two and had absolutely no problem with it at all. But again, their relationship was underdeveloped. They were True Mates, so I get that that means insta love. But there were nuisances, little issues that can up in the process that were never resolved or addressed. Plus! There's a big question mark about Imani's power at the end. Completely unresolved.
I think I will at least try book 2 to see if the world gets more developed. I can see that happening. I hope that happens. And I hope to get more info on the state of Imani's power. So fingers crossed! Happy reading!
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August 5, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/21/2022)! 🎁
March 6, 2022
Be Still my Shifter Heart
This book is shifter paradise! Imani is Alpha Were-elphant, but she's also a War Elephant due to her lineage through her grandmother the Great War Elephant Seraphine. Imani is tired of being forced into her Alpha training and entertaining bulls from around the globe to mate and make babies. She runs away from her herd home in Atlanta from the "bull-parade" to Texas. She's an esteemed strengthening and conditioning coach and finds a home in Marshall at Wiley College. While it's not Clark Atlanta, she manages to find a shifter group and other Alphas to convene with, as well as a herd of "phants." There is one co-worker she meets her first day who is handsome and electric, but she's not looking for a man as that's what she was running from in the first place...even if he is very Djimon Honsou-esque! Ansel is the Alpha of the Rare and Unknown and when Imani runs into him at the Alpha meeting, that electric attraction is still evident. He's in a similar situation as Imani, find a mate quick. These two may not want a mate, but their animals have recognized each other and have a desire to imprint, but danger is lurking in the shadows that has implications for millions of shifters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/🔥🔥🔥
Quote:
“Pretty Peony, if we weren’t in public, I’d have you naked in my lap while I fed you tiny morsels of food, so you never got full and I could keep you there longer.” Imani gave him a narrow-eyed glare and asked, “You do realize elephants gore people?” Ansel’s hand paused mid-air as he was reaching for something in the center of the table. Quad burst out laughing. “Bruh, I wish you all the luck with this one. She might be more than you can handle,”
This book was simply amazing. Every man should take notes from Ansel because baaaabbbbyyyy, kind, caring, attentive, and EXTRA, EXTRA giving! Especially concerning his Princess Cookie.
This book is shifter paradise! Imani is Alpha Were-elphant, but she's also a War Elephant due to her lineage through her grandmother the Great War Elephant Seraphine. Imani is tired of being forced into her Alpha training and entertaining bulls from around the globe to mate and make babies. She runs away from her herd home in Atlanta from the "bull-parade" to Texas. She's an esteemed strengthening and conditioning coach and finds a home in Marshall at Wiley College. While it's not Clark Atlanta, she manages to find a shifter group and other Alphas to convene with, as well as a herd of "phants." There is one co-worker she meets her first day who is handsome and electric, but she's not looking for a man as that's what she was running from in the first place...even if he is very Djimon Honsou-esque! Ansel is the Alpha of the Rare and Unknown and when Imani runs into him at the Alpha meeting, that electric attraction is still evident. He's in a similar situation as Imani, find a mate quick. These two may not want a mate, but their animals have recognized each other and have a desire to imprint, but danger is lurking in the shadows that has implications for millions of shifters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫/🔥🔥🔥
Quote:
“Pretty Peony, if we weren’t in public, I’d have you naked in my lap while I fed you tiny morsels of food, so you never got full and I could keep you there longer.” Imani gave him a narrow-eyed glare and asked, “You do realize elephants gore people?” Ansel’s hand paused mid-air as he was reaching for something in the center of the table. Quad burst out laughing. “Bruh, I wish you all the luck with this one. She might be more than you can handle,”
This book was simply amazing. Every man should take notes from Ansel because baaaabbbbyyyy, kind, caring, attentive, and EXTRA, EXTRA giving! Especially concerning his Princess Cookie.
October 25, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up
I was going to round down but I do plan to continue the series, so...
I liked a LOT about this book. The power the heroine holds is amazing. The fact the hero isn't bothered by it is amazing. The fact that the hero is the damsel in distress is amazing.
I love the elephant shifters. I love the idea of the War Elephant. I loved the BBQ shop family and the tree loving family.
What wasn’t amazing is the author...didn’t always seem to pay attention to what she was writing and thus contradicts herself. Especially near the end. I also kinda felt like the author didn’t really write the ending in a way I could fully visualize as well.
I also didn’t like the fact the heroine had so many confrontations with males. It felt like the author didn’t have a better way to show how powerful she was. But it was so unnecessary. And hella annoying.
I was going to round down but I do plan to continue the series, so...
I liked a LOT about this book. The power the heroine holds is amazing. The fact the hero isn't bothered by it is amazing. The fact that the hero is the damsel in distress is amazing.
I love the elephant shifters. I love the idea of the War Elephant. I loved the BBQ shop family and the tree loving family.
What wasn’t amazing is the author...didn’t always seem to pay attention to what she was writing and thus contradicts herself. Especially near the end. I also kinda felt like the author didn’t really write the ending in a way I could fully visualize as well.
I also didn’t like the fact the heroine had so many confrontations with males. It felt like the author didn’t have a better way to show how powerful she was. But it was so unnecessary. And hella annoying.
August 22, 2019
It is a good story and I’m all for the ‘fated mates’ trope but I need more. I wasn’t feeling the villain or some of the side characters.
December 22, 2018
This was surprisingly good! The world building was great and I loved that Imani is so powerful, even compared to her mate (who doesn't mind her being more powerful. That's called being sure in your masculinity people!). I love the world that is set up and the many possibilities that have been laid out. I can't wait to read the next book. PLUS! DIVERSITYYYYY. or more like, finally a majority black cast! I think we can all agree that there are too many below average, lousy, and shoddy shifter books out here nowadays. And this is not one of them!
April 26, 2019
The exciting part of this book is the fact this is not your every day story and these are truly rare and unknown shifters. To me it started off a little slow and not what I was expecting. I thought it would be more about Ansel (the bachelor) than Imani. Once the the book picked up and I got into the flow of it I really enjoyed this story.
May 18, 2020
Paranormal romance is a new genre for me. I had to research the meaning of a shifter. Once I found out, I became quickly immersed this shifter story. The author describes each character’s personality as well as their shift in a way that pulls you into the story. I was really intrigued by this world the author creates. The tensions in the plot make the reader wonder what will happen next.
The novel is short so it can be easily consumed in an afternoon. It is also the first in a series. I am shocked to admit I want to read more in the series.
I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is short so it can be easily consumed in an afternoon. It is also the first in a series. I am shocked to admit I want to read more in the series.
I was sent this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2024
the book was ridiculously bad. just no.
i cringed at “werelephants”. the book had more food porn that regular one. cringed at “princess cookie”. some chapters were from very unimportant characters’ povs. they were completely unnecessary.
i found mmc problematic. the way he demanded fmc to tell him she loved him. wtf dude? they mated hours ago.
ew.
it seemed ansel was completely useless and was a shit leader.
loved how the whole book was resolved in one chapter.
i cringed at “werelephants”. the book had more food porn that regular one. cringed at “princess cookie”. some chapters were from very unimportant characters’ povs. they were completely unnecessary.
i found mmc problematic. the way he demanded fmc to tell him she loved him. wtf dude? they mated hours ago.
ew.
“His seed flowed out of him like lava deep into Imani.”
it seemed ansel was completely useless and was a shit leader.
loved how the whole book was resolved in one chapter.
November 13, 2020
This is an interesting series starter. It’s a little all over the place but I’m interested enough to read more. I really like the “unusual shifter” aspect because the same three kinds of shifters all the time are boring. I loved how badass the War Elephant heroine is and I’m always ready for more matriarchal clans.
February 2, 2019
I cant wait for more
I could not put it down from start to finish. I found it refreshing to explore new ware-animal paranormals. I absolutely loved it and story line was done in great detail. I didn't feel like anything was missing especially from each person's back story.
I could not put it down from start to finish. I found it refreshing to explore new ware-animal paranormals. I absolutely loved it and story line was done in great detail. I didn't feel like anything was missing especially from each person's back story.
March 24, 2019
Different Paranormal
This is the first I have read about elephants and birds shifters, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t even imagine war elephants but now I’m hook. I appreciate how she made the elephants strong and queens that they are.
This is the first I have read about elephants and birds shifters, and I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t even imagine war elephants but now I’m hook. I appreciate how she made the elephants strong and queens that they are.
March 8, 2019
Loved it
First time reading from this author.. Very good job. Love how it was different read from the other paranormal stores I have read. But it was the bomb. Can't wait to read the next one.
First time reading from this author.. Very good job. Love how it was different read from the other paranormal stores I have read. But it was the bomb. Can't wait to read the next one.
February 28, 2019
Something new
I do so love when an author changes the direction of a genre. As a sucker for shifter stories, I love that this book is a new set of shifters, they celebrate African heritage but are inclusive. Ansel is so endearing and not arrogant, as I thought he would be. Rather, it's Imani who has the chip on her shoulder and aura of superiority about her. Definitely a go for shifter and paranormal lovers.
I do so love when an author changes the direction of a genre. As a sucker for shifter stories, I love that this book is a new set of shifters, they celebrate African heritage but are inclusive. Ansel is so endearing and not arrogant, as I thought he would be. Rather, it's Imani who has the chip on her shoulder and aura of superiority about her. Definitely a go for shifter and paranormal lovers.
November 24, 2018
Why yes, I did try to lick the cover. Don't judge.
The debut novel has so much going for it. First off, ELEPHANT shifters, and there's wonderful world-building that shows the matriarchal Herd culture that the heroine, Imani, comes from. She's a powerful and engaging character who gives us so much to root for. Then there's her love interest, Ansel, who is a very different kind of sexy shifter, one of the Rare and Unknowns. (Not your average werewolf, lion, bear or dragon - not that there's anything wrong with that.)
Disclaimer: I'm acquainted with the author via social media.
The world building is excellent, and all the details are rich, especially the food, described in loving, tantalizing detail. Where I could quibble is the pacing - the sense of tension between Imani and Ansel, and between them and their enemies, is somewhat uneven, rather than starting high and continuing to build; there are places where it seems to disappear. However, when it's there, it's THERE, and the erotic connection between Imani and Ansel is electric in every sense of the word.
I understand there are going to be additional stories in this world, which makes me very happy, but this works as a stand-alone. Highly recommend.
The debut novel has so much going for it. First off, ELEPHANT shifters, and there's wonderful world-building that shows the matriarchal Herd culture that the heroine, Imani, comes from. She's a powerful and engaging character who gives us so much to root for. Then there's her love interest, Ansel, who is a very different kind of sexy shifter, one of the Rare and Unknowns. (Not your average werewolf, lion, bear or dragon - not that there's anything wrong with that.)
Disclaimer: I'm acquainted with the author via social media.
The world building is excellent, and all the details are rich, especially the food, described in loving, tantalizing detail. Where I could quibble is the pacing - the sense of tension between Imani and Ansel, and between them and their enemies, is somewhat uneven, rather than starting high and continuing to build; there are places where it seems to disappear. However, when it's there, it's THERE, and the erotic connection between Imani and Ansel is electric in every sense of the word.
I understand there are going to be additional stories in this world, which makes me very happy, but this works as a stand-alone. Highly recommend.
May 1, 2019
Nay
I loved the fact that you had different shifters .It flowed very well and was a straight page turner.This was my first book of yours that I have read can't wait to see what you put out next
I loved the fact that you had different shifters .It flowed very well and was a straight page turner.This was my first book of yours that I have read can't wait to see what you put out next
May 2, 2019
Wow
It was destined for them to find each other. His life was in danger and he needed someone strong to have his back.
It was destined for them to find each other. His life was in danger and he needed someone strong to have his back.
February 17, 2019
Spicy read
The story started out a little slow but when it picked up I couldn't put it down. If you want diversity in your Shifter Romance this is surely the book for you.
The story started out a little slow but when it picked up I couldn't put it down. If you want diversity in your Shifter Romance this is surely the book for you.
January 6, 2023
First off a shifter series comprised of Black main Characters let's just start there.
Secondly a world built on diverse shifters that incorporate an urban aspect.
Thirdly I love a tall thick man in my paranormal romance!
Imani is a part of the shifter community and a princess/Alpha as her grandmother is a legendary war elephant. Imani's mother who is the alpha over the herd (were-elephants) in Atlanta, but she's also a war elephant in which is very rare. Her family has started the bull parade (mating prospects) because they need their female numbers to increased and by mating she would breed more females to the herd. Imani isn't ready to settle down just yet so she leaves the herd in Atlanta and takes a job in Marshall at Wiley University in the Athletic department as a conditioning and strengthening coach. Ansel is a part time professor at the college and a chance meeting at the campus coffee shop with Imani sends electricity throughout his body (Literally). Ansel is an Alpha himself, but a very powerful one that he is runs the biggest clan of shifters in the world. Ansel has to find a mate before he goes insane from not having one. The chances of Imani finding a mate she's willingly wants to settle down with is slim well that's until Ansel comes into the picture because fate has other ideas.
There's so many characters in this book that can all have standalone books and I like how easily the author brought them in the mix, but they didn't over shadow the main characters. The world in which all this is happening isn't over saturated with the cliques you see in a lot of paranormal writing and the story building around the Rare and Unknown shifters concept was really good. The importance of every character in the book made it easy to follow and read. Chile the way I squealed when the author described Ansel as looking like Dijmon Honsou but a bigger version in size and the way this man ...alpha...was walking around with a elephant trunk in his panes ...yes lord! I also loved how he didn't feel emasculated that his woman was stronger than him. If anything he was turned on and loved her even more because of it. I truly love this series !!
Secondly a world built on diverse shifters that incorporate an urban aspect.
Thirdly I love a tall thick man in my paranormal romance!
Imani is a part of the shifter community and a princess/Alpha as her grandmother is a legendary war elephant. Imani's mother who is the alpha over the herd (were-elephants) in Atlanta, but she's also a war elephant in which is very rare. Her family has started the bull parade (mating prospects) because they need their female numbers to increased and by mating she would breed more females to the herd. Imani isn't ready to settle down just yet so she leaves the herd in Atlanta and takes a job in Marshall at Wiley University in the Athletic department as a conditioning and strengthening coach. Ansel is a part time professor at the college and a chance meeting at the campus coffee shop with Imani sends electricity throughout his body (Literally). Ansel is an Alpha himself, but a very powerful one that he is runs the biggest clan of shifters in the world. Ansel has to find a mate before he goes insane from not having one. The chances of Imani finding a mate she's willingly wants to settle down with is slim well that's until Ansel comes into the picture because fate has other ideas.
There's so many characters in this book that can all have standalone books and I like how easily the author brought them in the mix, but they didn't over shadow the main characters. The world in which all this is happening isn't over saturated with the cliques you see in a lot of paranormal writing and the story building around the Rare and Unknown shifters concept was really good. The importance of every character in the book made it easy to follow and read. Chile the way I squealed when the author described Ansel as looking like Dijmon Honsou but a bigger version in size and the way this man ...alpha...was walking around with a elephant trunk in his panes ...yes lord! I also loved how he didn't feel emasculated that his woman was stronger than him. If anything he was turned on and loved her even more because of it. I truly love this series !!
March 6, 2022
It seriously gets better every time. I didn’t use to leave reviews so this is actually my first review for one of my all time favorite books. Ansel is the book boyfriend cinnamon roll prototype and Imani is everything I needed in a heroine and didn’t even know it. The first time I read this book was seriously, for me, like Marvel releasing Black Panther. It was that monumental and impactful. I had been reading and in love with PNR since Twilight came out and THIS was the first book I ever read where the woman was plus size and loved for it, with absolutely no desire not to be, might I add. And she was a BLACK WOMAN. Now yes I’m light skin and I see us everywhere and I appreciate that for what it’s worth. But there is just something special about when a Black or Brown girl is representing for us. But we weren’t in the books I loved and we weren’t the ones writing. And maybe because I wasn’t looking. But once I started to look THIS is what I found and it lead me to where I am now. To the books I read now. To the community I love so much.
Anyway. About the book. I love the concept of shifters having different forms. I still haven’t seen that any where else. Shai effortlessly gives you humor and authenticity. And the way Ansel talks to and thinks about Imani is so sweet and so sexy. It’s also a fun and easy read. And every time that man calls her “Cookie” or “Princess Cookie” I melt and get a little jealous. I mean I know why Imani is so resistant but I swear I don’t know how she did it cause…why?!? Lol It such a quick and enjoyable read you really can’t help but wanting to consume one book after another. Hence why this is going to be my fourth time reading through this series.
Anyway. About the book. I love the concept of shifters having different forms. I still haven’t seen that any where else. Shai effortlessly gives you humor and authenticity. And the way Ansel talks to and thinks about Imani is so sweet and so sexy. It’s also a fun and easy read. And every time that man calls her “Cookie” or “Princess Cookie” I melt and get a little jealous. I mean I know why Imani is so resistant but I swear I don’t know how she did it cause…why?!? Lol It such a quick and enjoyable read you really can’t help but wanting to consume one book after another. Hence why this is going to be my fourth time reading through this series.
September 1, 2021
This author has potential. I teetered between rating the book two stars, but three stars reigned due to the premise and atypical types of shifters. All too often, paranormal romance entails the standard vampire, werewolf, or dragon. This one has a female war elephant shifter, wolves, and lightning birds called impundulu.
So what are the issues? I am glad you asked. Shai August gushes about her editor in acknowledgements, but this book is poorly edited. Had I not been reading it on my Kindle, I would have pulled out my red pen and made this book bleed.
Another issue is with The Rare and Unknown Shifter Bachelor. What kind of Alpha is he if he needs Imani to protect him? He cowers in her presence when she uses her powers. Additionally, I get being sexual, because this is a romance, but I easily tired of the Alpha impundulu mentioning giving Imani a million orgasms.
Imani's story line and power are the heart and strength of this short book. Surely she can mate with a better Alpha? But, like many strong women, she sacrifices herself for her mate.
Furthermore, the whole coven of witches , led by the elderly matriarch, whose desire to control the Alpha impundulu and his kind, is weak and too easily eradicated.
Pass until edited, or pull out your red pen.
So what are the issues? I am glad you asked. Shai August gushes about her editor in acknowledgements, but this book is poorly edited. Had I not been reading it on my Kindle, I would have pulled out my red pen and made this book bleed.
Another issue is with The Rare and Unknown Shifter Bachelor. What kind of Alpha is he if he needs Imani to protect him? He cowers in her presence when she uses her powers. Additionally, I get being sexual, because this is a romance, but I easily tired of the Alpha impundulu mentioning giving Imani a million orgasms.
Imani's story line and power are the heart and strength of this short book. Surely she can mate with a better Alpha? But, like many strong women, she sacrifices herself for her mate.
Furthermore, the whole coven of witches , led by the elderly matriarch, whose desire to control the Alpha impundulu and his kind, is weak and too easily eradicated.
Pass until edited, or pull out your red pen.
June 11, 2022
review
3.5
This series came up on my suggested reads. I’m glad I’d downloaded it. In book one, we have a the heir to a powerful herd running away from responsibility only to run into her future by way of the Alpha of the Rare & Unknown.
I liked the explanation of finding fated mates and how each species recognized them. I also liked that the heroine in this edition didn’t put up too much of a fight, which for me as a reader can be exhausting and not enjoyable.
That being said, she did feel the mate pull, but her words would contradict her feelings. I found it odd that an Alpha, such as Ansel, would become so weak when it came to being surrounded by magic i.e. toward the end of the book at the Steward headquarters, but not in the car with the Steward.
I liked the flow, the insight to the world and a few of the factions, as well as, the Ansel character as a whole. I think the book ended in an odd place, but hopefully book two will take care of that feeling.
Overall, I love that I have found a paranormal series with black characters. Until now, I had only really read these types of books by one other author, E. Bowser.
Well on to book two.
3.5
This series came up on my suggested reads. I’m glad I’d downloaded it. In book one, we have a the heir to a powerful herd running away from responsibility only to run into her future by way of the Alpha of the Rare & Unknown.
I liked the explanation of finding fated mates and how each species recognized them. I also liked that the heroine in this edition didn’t put up too much of a fight, which for me as a reader can be exhausting and not enjoyable.
That being said, she did feel the mate pull, but her words would contradict her feelings. I found it odd that an Alpha, such as Ansel, would become so weak when it came to being surrounded by magic i.e. toward the end of the book at the Steward headquarters, but not in the car with the Steward.
I liked the flow, the insight to the world and a few of the factions, as well as, the Ansel character as a whole. I think the book ended in an odd place, but hopefully book two will take care of that feeling.
Overall, I love that I have found a paranormal series with black characters. Until now, I had only really read these types of books by one other author, E. Bowser.
Well on to book two.
January 5, 2024
The worldbuilding was intricate and fascinating (the FMC is an elephant shifter and the author really works with that - they're a matriarchy and the MMC, who is another kind of shifter, absolutely respects the FMC's considerable power and might, at one point declaring that he's alpha enough to hide behind his woman) and the plot moved propulsively forward, but this book had a lot of flaws. The editing was absolutely terrible - there were grammatical errors in basically every paragraph - and if you can't read past those, this won't work for you. It also just felt generally unpolished - telling instead of showing, no real foreshadowing, etc. Despite that it was compulsively readable; in that sense it reminded me of M. K. Eidem's books, where I sometimes wonder why I keep reading and yet... keep reading.
August 6, 2019
3.5 Stars of Enjoyable Shifter Romance!
This is an interesting, entertaining paranormal shifter romance with fantasy elements (magic) that falls more on the light and humorous end of the paranormal romance spectrum. Imani is a powerful elephant from revered bloodlines who is fated mates with the alpha of an unknown conglomerate of breeds called the “Rare and Unknowns.” The great thing about this book, the heroine is by far more powerful than the hero even though he’s alpha and the fact that the society in which this book is set is a matriarchy.
This is a really strong start to a series I can’t wait to continue. It also features a diverse cast of characters including a black hero and heroine. Recommend this if you like fluffy, humorous paranormal romance.
This is an interesting, entertaining paranormal shifter romance with fantasy elements (magic) that falls more on the light and humorous end of the paranormal romance spectrum. Imani is a powerful elephant from revered bloodlines who is fated mates with the alpha of an unknown conglomerate of breeds called the “Rare and Unknowns.” The great thing about this book, the heroine is by far more powerful than the hero even though he’s alpha and the fact that the society in which this book is set is a matriarchy.
This is a really strong start to a series I can’t wait to continue. It also features a diverse cast of characters including a black hero and heroine. Recommend this if you like fluffy, humorous paranormal romance.
July 14, 2021
Good and different.
When Alpha Imani moves away from her Herd to get away from her mounting responsibilities, the last thing on her mind is mating with the handsome Alpha, Ansel. As we all know nothing ever goes the way we think it will, and their relationship blossoms.
I liked this book a lot, it was different from other shifter stories I’ve read, and I loved that in the Herd, women ran things and Imani was a fierce warrior. Now I wished we could’ve seen Ansel be a little more Alpha. Sometimes he seemed a little weak when next to her.
Overall, good story and I would’ve liked to spend more time with this couple.
When Alpha Imani moves away from her Herd to get away from her mounting responsibilities, the last thing on her mind is mating with the handsome Alpha, Ansel. As we all know nothing ever goes the way we think it will, and their relationship blossoms.
I liked this book a lot, it was different from other shifter stories I’ve read, and I loved that in the Herd, women ran things and Imani was a fierce warrior. Now I wished we could’ve seen Ansel be a little more Alpha. Sometimes he seemed a little weak when next to her.
Overall, good story and I would’ve liked to spend more time with this couple.
September 28, 2025
I bought the physical copy of this book at a festival. The potential is so there but it didn’t hit like it could have. The typos were so numerous especially nearing the end-sometimes leading to confusion of what was meant by the author. The ending felt rushed and disconnected. All of the sudden there was a centaur like where the heck did they come from. It was a great build at the beginning but then the MMC started calling the MFC all kinds of crazy nicknames and it felt like this strong woman was reduced to “princess” and “pretty peony”. I don’t plan to read the other books but I wouldn’t mind something with a similar world. Just maybe hire a better proofreader next time.
January 29, 2020
Unique
I really liked this story. I felt it was very unique and original. It's about an elephant shifter and a impundulu shifter. I had to look that latter one up. There's a bit of fatphobia in the beginning of the book, but it's not an issue afterwards. That won't be an issue for every reader. The only reason I did 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were some editing issues that were distracting. There was an instance of "they" instead of "then" and misplaced commas and semicolons.
I really liked this story. I felt it was very unique and original. It's about an elephant shifter and a impundulu shifter. I had to look that latter one up. There's a bit of fatphobia in the beginning of the book, but it's not an issue afterwards. That won't be an issue for every reader. The only reason I did 4 instead of 5 stars is because there were some editing issues that were distracting. There was an instance of "they" instead of "then" and misplaced commas and semicolons.
April 19, 2021
Female Alpha .
If this review were solely for me those two words would sell me . I absolutely love the feminine power radiating from these pages .
The different ‘types’ of shifters and of course mates and all that comes with that is an automatic plus for me . I very much enjoyed the different take on mates and their capabilities.
I do feel the conflict could have been presented better, while it made sense it seemed to have been a forced obstacle on an otherwise normal happily ever after . I did enjoy their triumph nonetheless , and have gone on to continue the series .
If this review were solely for me those two words would sell me . I absolutely love the feminine power radiating from these pages .
The different ‘types’ of shifters and of course mates and all that comes with that is an automatic plus for me . I very much enjoyed the different take on mates and their capabilities.
I do feel the conflict could have been presented better, while it made sense it seemed to have been a forced obstacle on an otherwise normal happily ever after . I did enjoy their triumph nonetheless , and have gone on to continue the series .
March 20, 2022
Great read
I loved this book with its very unusual story line. A new author to me I'm excited to read more. The description of life with a werelephant herd was cool and well done showing matriarch hierchy. The lightening bird description and having a pack of rare and unknowns a fabulous idea. There was much drama, suspended, action, excitement, emotion and more to hold your interest all thru the story with a very dramatic ending to wrap up hints up. I would highly recommend this book.
I loved this book with its very unusual story line. A new author to me I'm excited to read more. The description of life with a werelephant herd was cool and well done showing matriarch hierchy. The lightening bird description and having a pack of rare and unknowns a fabulous idea. There was much drama, suspended, action, excitement, emotion and more to hold your interest all thru the story with a very dramatic ending to wrap up hints up. I would highly recommend this book.
December 24, 2022
Wow!
Threw me for a loop
I love reading Shifter romance. Saw this one on my FYP on tiktok and downloaded through Kindle unlimited, without reading the book blurb.
I'm only half way through the book and loving the dynamics it. I have never read about werelephants. I'm loving the story so far.
Finished the book. Loved the story of the main characters. There were a lot of secondary people and at one point I got lost. Some better editing needs to be done but not a major issue.
Threw me for a loop
I love reading Shifter romance. Saw this one on my FYP on tiktok and downloaded through Kindle unlimited, without reading the book blurb.
I'm only half way through the book and loving the dynamics it. I have never read about werelephants. I'm loving the story so far.
Finished the book. Loved the story of the main characters. There were a lot of secondary people and at one point I got lost. Some better editing needs to be done but not a major issue.
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