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Sarafin Warriors #3
Heart of the Cat
Originally published in the anthology, Embrace the Passion (Pets in Space, #3) published October 2018.
Prince Walkyr d’Rojah’s mission is to find an ancient artifact known as the Heart of the Cat—a powerful gem that connects his people, its magic woven through the Sarafin like his predatory cat is woven into himself. Walkyr’s only clues are an ancient scroll and the legends passed down through generations. However, he isn’t the only one searching for it.
A sect determined to overthrow the royal families of the Sarafin, the Curizan, and the Valdier wants the gem for themselves. They are more than willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it. Trescina Bukov’s affinity with large cats has taken her all over the world, but this time a frantic call from a rescue group compels her to fly to Wyoming in the United States. A new species of leopard was discovered near death, she’s told, and this ‘new species’ sounds enough like a shape-shifter that Trescina hurries to examine this cat.
Their first meeting is explosive, and Walkyr is shocked when the human female connects with his leopard—recognizing what he is and what his weaknesses are, and this is only the beginning of how his mission has gone wrong! Assassins, traitors, and a Goddess with a guiding hand culminate in more than one life-threatening secret….
Prince Walkyr d’Rojah’s mission is to find an ancient artifact known as the Heart of the Cat—a powerful gem that connects his people, its magic woven through the Sarafin like his predatory cat is woven into himself. Walkyr’s only clues are an ancient scroll and the legends passed down through generations. However, he isn’t the only one searching for it.
A sect determined to overthrow the royal families of the Sarafin, the Curizan, and the Valdier wants the gem for themselves. They are more than willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it. Trescina Bukov’s affinity with large cats has taken her all over the world, but this time a frantic call from a rescue group compels her to fly to Wyoming in the United States. A new species of leopard was discovered near death, she’s told, and this ‘new species’ sounds enough like a shape-shifter that Trescina hurries to examine this cat.
Their first meeting is explosive, and Walkyr is shocked when the human female connects with his leopard—recognizing what he is and what his weaknesses are, and this is only the beginning of how his mission has gone wrong! Assassins, traitors, and a Goddess with a guiding hand culminate in more than one life-threatening secret….
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2018
337 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
260 books2,582 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 5, 2019
All over the place.
I really don't know how to rate this book, love the first two in the series, but this last one had me turning the pages rather quickly, The story went from the past to the present , then past , then present , really was confusing at times ,yeah not my favorite
I really don't know how to rate this book, love the first two in the series, but this last one had me turning the pages rather quickly, The story went from the past to the present , then past , then present , really was confusing at times ,yeah not my favorite
March 29, 2019
I am confused, it started of slow then it was fast paced as if the author remembered that time was of the essence. There was no romance, very disappointed.
May 10, 2019
I am obsessed with everything that S.E. Smith writes. She has a very creative imagination that sucks you in. This book was released initial in https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4... an anthology for charity. If you follow her on Facebook she clearly stated that this was part of that anthology and that she will be releasing this story as part of the Sarafin Warriors' series, https://www.goodreads.com/series/90194, as well.
I understand the frustration and the anger of some people who think that Ms. Smith duped them into buying this story twice but she stated on Facebook and in her newsletter that this story was going to be released in the anthology as well as part of the series it belongs to.
Now on to the review of this story, Walkyr is part of the royal family on Sarafin. We have met him briefly in the previous couple of books that deal with his brothers. He wants a nice quiet woman who allows him to go on missions and when he gets home food is on the table ready for him. Little does he know the Goddess is not going to let him has his way.
This book had a lot of different things that were going on within it. There was betrayal, greed, and denial. This book fit it with the Sarafin, Valdier, and the Curizan world. I did enjoy Trescina. She was a strong and independent woman who took no BS from anyone.
I also loved the interaction her and her cat had with one another. I love when we get a peak into the inner cat or the inner dragons in Smith's book. I think they are very funny and I would love a book from their perspective.
I understand the frustration and the anger of some people who think that Ms. Smith duped them into buying this story twice but she stated on Facebook and in her newsletter that this story was going to be released in the anthology as well as part of the series it belongs to.
Now on to the review of this story, Walkyr is part of the royal family on Sarafin. We have met him briefly in the previous couple of books that deal with his brothers. He wants a nice quiet woman who allows him to go on missions and when he gets home food is on the table ready for him. Little does he know the Goddess is not going to let him has his way.
This book had a lot of different things that were going on within it. There was betrayal, greed, and denial. This book fit it with the Sarafin, Valdier, and the Curizan world. I did enjoy Trescina. She was a strong and independent woman who took no BS from anyone.
I also loved the interaction her and her cat had with one another. I love when we get a peak into the inner cat or the inner dragons in Smith's book. I think they are very funny and I would love a book from their perspective.
June 29, 2019
First read in the box set PETS IN SPACE 3. I must admit to buying this book but not rushing to reread it as I have been waiting for the next book to answer some questions from this story.
The beginning has you gritting your teeth at the horror happening.
It starts out going back in time to the Great War and is very upsetting with all the evil and treasonous things happening that make up some of the past history of the Sarafin and the war between the Curizan and Valdier.
I will admit to liking this story very much but not loving it. Found it missing that trademark spark of Ms Smith and lacking the humorous and romantic aspect of the previous books.
Thought the actual Heart of the Cat philosophy was sweet. It is what is inside your heart that matters.
I found it slow going at a couple of parts and then felt rushed at the ending.
Did not do this series justice and has left a lot of things open ended.
It was just too condensed with what happens to Raul, Vlad getting away, with no descriptive explanation from any point of view. We then are jumping weeks and months ahead
Things must be carried over in future books but I do like a tidier ending.
What happened with Vlad the Hunter? His being able to get away from a Sarafin Prince was shocking. He must be returning in Katarina’s, the sisters, story. Did they get any information from Ranker?
The beginning has you gritting your teeth at the horror happening.
It starts out going back in time to the Great War and is very upsetting with all the evil and treasonous things happening that make up some of the past history of the Sarafin and the war between the Curizan and Valdier.
I will admit to liking this story very much but not loving it. Found it missing that trademark spark of Ms Smith and lacking the humorous and romantic aspect of the previous books.
Thought the actual Heart of the Cat philosophy was sweet. It is what is inside your heart that matters.
I found it slow going at a couple of parts and then felt rushed at the ending.
Did not do this series justice and has left a lot of things open ended.
It was just too condensed with what happens to Raul, Vlad getting away, with no descriptive explanation from any point of view. We then are jumping weeks and months ahead
Things must be carried over in future books but I do like a tidier ending.
What happened with Vlad the Hunter? His being able to get away from a Sarafin Prince was shocking. He must be returning in Katarina’s, the sisters, story. Did they get any information from Ranker?
April 17, 2019
Good story but.....Previously published in Embrace the Passion (Pets in Space, #3). Even with an extended epilogue it wasn't worth paying money for it when I had already paid for Pets in Space #3. Although the author stated in the blurb that this was in Pets in Space I automatically buy or pre-order anything Smith publishes when I get a notification from Amazon without reading the blurb as I assumed (I know what that means!) it was a new book. I am certainly not doing this anymore! I like the author, I am just disappointed in the way it was handled.
I am also seeing a trend in Amazon over the last few years. Authors are getting new publishers who reissue books and it looks like its a new book because the published date is current. There isn't a statement that it's been previously published by a different publishing house. I am to the point where I go to my content and devices and put in the author name and review each book to see if it's one I already own.
I am a prolific reader and it is something I immensely enjoy. This added stress of having to watch authors and publishers feels yucky!
I am also seeing a trend in Amazon over the last few years. Authors are getting new publishers who reissue books and it looks like its a new book because the published date is current. There isn't a statement that it's been previously published by a different publishing house. I am to the point where I go to my content and devices and put in the author name and review each book to see if it's one I already own.
I am a prolific reader and it is something I immensely enjoy. This added stress of having to watch authors and publishers feels yucky!
September 3, 2021
3.75 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story...
If significant, why? 3.5 - 4 Stars
Main Character Ratings...
H = 8/10
h = 8/10
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 90%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... H lands on Earth and gets injured while in his cat form. The clinic calls the h to assist.
The Romance... Instalove by the H's cat
The drama explosion... Bad guy tries to do a bad thing.
Did it feel real or contrived? Neither
Was it OTT? No
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly
Final Notes... Good shifter story with minimal sex and a slightly different storyline. I wish that the h had been allowed to save herself.
HEA or HFN? HEA
My rating range of this story...
If significant, why? 3.5 - 4 Stars
Main Character Ratings...
H = 8/10
h = 8/10
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of?
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 90%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... H lands on Earth and gets injured while in his cat form. The clinic calls the h to assist.
The Romance... Instalove by the H's cat
The drama explosion... Bad guy tries to do a bad thing.
Did it feel real or contrived? Neither
Was it OTT? No
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Properly
Final Notes... Good shifter story with minimal sex and a slightly different storyline. I wish that the h had been allowed to save herself.
HEA or HFN? HEA
June 15, 2021
It was ok. I liked the characters. the story felt kind of rushed and somethings didn't really make sense or could have been explained better. i find that these books tend to over explain/ repeat the same things while at the same time not explaining other things. :|
April 7, 2019
Trescina has known she is different from everyone else because she can change into a tiger. She can also communicate with all of the large cats that reside in the Sanctuary. When bad men come to her home when she is around six and kills her mother, her stepfather and half sister Katrina must run for their lives.
Many years later Walkyr is sent to earth because of a prophecy in order to retrieve the "Heart of the Cat" which appears to be some sort of gem. The evil group that wants power is also searching for it. They will do anything to get it. Walkyr gets hurt protecting a human child from them while he is in cat form. He is taken to a different sanctuary and Trescina is called to help.
There is more information revealed about the group and a lot of excitement surrounding a hidden Sarafin community. The goddess also makes several appearances in this book.
Many years later Walkyr is sent to earth because of a prophecy in order to retrieve the "Heart of the Cat" which appears to be some sort of gem. The evil group that wants power is also searching for it. They will do anything to get it. Walkyr gets hurt protecting a human child from them while he is in cat form. He is taken to a different sanctuary and Trescina is called to help.
There is more information revealed about the group and a lot of excitement surrounding a hidden Sarafin community. The goddess also makes several appearances in this book.
March 2, 2019
An addictive series
I love all the series, but this is my favorite of hers.I love the ever evolving ,story lines within and across the series. I love the romantic suspense and the humor that flows through them. I strongly recommend them to anyone who likes romance in a sci fi environment. The only disappointing aspect is that with all the various series, I know it will be a wait until the next book in the series is available-but I'll be watching to pick it up as soon as it is released because I can always count on this author to provide a great read and a return familiar characters as they evolve...
I love all the series, but this is my favorite of hers.I love the ever evolving ,story lines within and across the series. I love the romantic suspense and the humor that flows through them. I strongly recommend them to anyone who likes romance in a sci fi environment. The only disappointing aspect is that with all the various series, I know it will be a wait until the next book in the series is available-but I'll be watching to pick it up as soon as it is released because I can always count on this author to provide a great read and a return familiar characters as they evolve...
April 12, 2022
Exhilarating action, mysterious strangers, and nail biting threats. . .
Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for a solidly entertaining facet of a brilliant, extended saga spanning two worlds, looping time periods, and bringing fate, greed, dishonor, and betrayal into context and to justice according to Destiny and prophecy. Guided by their faith, trust and the heart of their cats, Walker and Trescina bring home the symbol of what makes them stronger as well as strengthening, protecting, the link, trust, honor and alliance of all the top royal houses for generations to come. Quite a lovely, sexy and delightful read.
Four stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 for a solidly entertaining facet of a brilliant, extended saga spanning two worlds, looping time periods, and bringing fate, greed, dishonor, and betrayal into context and to justice according to Destiny and prophecy. Guided by their faith, trust and the heart of their cats, Walker and Trescina bring home the symbol of what makes them stronger as well as strengthening, protecting, the link, trust, honor and alliance of all the top royal houses for generations to come. Quite a lovely, sexy and delightful read.
April 1, 2019
Alien cat vs local cat
This story was well worth the wait. Walkyr and Trescina are a match made in heaven or rather in the cosmo. When the Goddess saves Mia from a madman intent on killing everyone, she throws her into the future.Our future or rather Earths😁. Walker has waited centuries for his mate not knowing she was born centuries ago but Sent to Earth for protection. And guess what he still doesn't know it when he comes face to face with her!lol a good involved story. A must read for S.E. Smith fans
This story was well worth the wait. Walkyr and Trescina are a match made in heaven or rather in the cosmo. When the Goddess saves Mia from a madman intent on killing everyone, she throws her into the future.Our future or rather Earths😁. Walker has waited centuries for his mate not knowing she was born centuries ago but Sent to Earth for protection. And guess what he still doesn't know it when he comes face to face with her!lol a good involved story. A must read for S.E. Smith fans
February 26, 2019
I love “Heart of the Cat!”
I’m so happy to be back with Sarafin warriors! On Earth, on a mission to save the ‘Heart of the Cat,’ Walkyr encounters Trescina and her tiger companions. They each are hiding an important aspect of themselves; both have enemies after them. What an adventure this turns out to be! The backstory of the situation is fascinating, including stories of Trescina’s youth on Earth. I’m looking forward to seeing more of these Sarafins soon (I hope)!
I’m so happy to be back with Sarafin warriors! On Earth, on a mission to save the ‘Heart of the Cat,’ Walkyr encounters Trescina and her tiger companions. They each are hiding an important aspect of themselves; both have enemies after them. What an adventure this turns out to be! The backstory of the situation is fascinating, including stories of Trescina’s youth on Earth. I’m looking forward to seeing more of these Sarafins soon (I hope)!
May 15, 2019
I love this series and this author, just not this particular book.
March 1, 2019
Loved it! This was a very long time coming, but it was a really great read. The time period trick was great and made a lot of sense. The characters are well developed and while this is not a long read, it's a very exciting one. I loved Trescina and Walkyr! They are a great couple and hopefully we will see more of them soon. Great read, now I have to go back and read the other books to remember what was going on.
September 9, 2019
Cats galore
As always ms.smith delivers a rousing tale that intrigues us until the very end! I love her stories and I am a very big fan! This book I had in my library but just had not read it! Glad I did ,because I loved it ,just another see smith book to add to the Rest! By the way , enjoyed the free audiobook about angus and Tilley,didntknow it existed until I read this,another bonus if you ask me! Love your books ms.smith!!!
As always ms.smith delivers a rousing tale that intrigues us until the very end! I love her stories and I am a very big fan! This book I had in my library but just had not read it! Glad I did ,because I loved it ,just another see smith book to add to the Rest! By the way , enjoyed the free audiobook about angus and Tilley,didntknow it existed until I read this,another bonus if you ask me! Love your books ms.smith!!!
January 15, 2022
Fantastic characters & honest, humourous dialogue
Yet again, SE Smith has built on her existing world and brought characters and story lines together. She uses worthy dialogue (both internal and external) to bring realism and a sense of friendship and connection between the reader and those whose story you're reading. Her gifted humour and string, but relatable leads make you want to keep reading and search frantically for the next book when this one is finished all too soon.
Yet again, SE Smith has built on her existing world and brought characters and story lines together. She uses worthy dialogue (both internal and external) to bring realism and a sense of friendship and connection between the reader and those whose story you're reading. Her gifted humour and string, but relatable leads make you want to keep reading and search frantically for the next book when this one is finished all too soon.
January 3, 2024
I personally think this is the best book in this series yet.
A battle on earth to save lives, end the assassin traitors, and find the heart of the cat.
Walkyr is on Earth and was in a fight when he gets hit by a truck in cat form.
Trescina is a Serafin , though she doesn't know that's the name of her species. She also has a gift communicating with Tigers and work to protect them.
Until one day, Trescina is called to help with unusual injured cat. And so the story begins.
A battle on earth to save lives, end the assassin traitors, and find the heart of the cat.
Walkyr is on Earth and was in a fight when he gets hit by a truck in cat form.
Trescina is a Serafin , though she doesn't know that's the name of her species. She also has a gift communicating with Tigers and work to protect them.
Until one day, Trescina is called to help with unusual injured cat. And so the story begins.
January 21, 2025
Great storyline!
I’ve really enjoyed reading the cat shifter series. Riley and her family were a hoot and made for lots of laugh out loud moments in books 1 and 2. In this book the events were much more in-depth and had me shedding a few tears in the first few chapters. There were some funny banter scenes between the main characters but I also loved the bantering between the brothers..oh and between Walkyr and his cat.😹 Great story!
I’ve really enjoyed reading the cat shifter series. Riley and her family were a hoot and made for lots of laugh out loud moments in books 1 and 2. In this book the events were much more in-depth and had me shedding a few tears in the first few chapters. There were some funny banter scenes between the main characters but I also loved the bantering between the brothers..oh and between Walkyr and his cat.😹 Great story!
August 16, 2019
Heart of the Cat:Sarafin Warriors book 3 by S E Smith
Another excellent addition to this fantastic series by S E Smith!💖 Your going to enjoy the wonderful characters and their stories that have plenty of everything in it to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next for them.I'm recommending that you collect all of them!😍
Another excellent addition to this fantastic series by S E Smith!💖 Your going to enjoy the wonderful characters and their stories that have plenty of everything in it to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next for them.I'm recommending that you collect all of them!😍
October 16, 2019
The Leopard and the Lioness is about Pallu. I'm so glad they found out about The Heart of the Cat. It was sad to see what happened about Mia and her husband on earth and now I'm curious about what's gonna happen to Katerina. I'm definitely gonna buy this series one book at a time because I know that I'll like rereading it over again.
July 20, 2021
No character development
I enjoy this series, however I feel like this was rushed, sloppy and just plain boring. There was no character development for neither the male lead or female lead. The characters were extremely shallow and the story itself was choppy, like a stuttering engine who couldn't quite get up to speed before cutting out and dying.
I enjoy this series, however I feel like this was rushed, sloppy and just plain boring. There was no character development for neither the male lead or female lead. The characters were extremely shallow and the story itself was choppy, like a stuttering engine who couldn't quite get up to speed before cutting out and dying.
February 28, 2019
Another hit!
This series continues to bring excellent entertainment and humor to us, the readers. These worlds come alive, and the action is an imaginative adventure. I eagerly await the next book from S. E. Enjoy!
This series continues to bring excellent entertainment and humor to us, the readers. These worlds come alive, and the action is an imaginative adventure. I eagerly await the next book from S. E. Enjoy!
March 10, 2019
Cats are cool
After waiting for a few years it's brilliant to get the next installment in the search for the heart of the cat sexy aliens dangerous foes a happy every after the only problem it ended too soon can't wait for the next bit to come
After waiting for a few years it's brilliant to get the next installment in the search for the heart of the cat sexy aliens dangerous foes a happy every after the only problem it ended too soon can't wait for the next bit to come
February 6, 2020
Loved It
I totally enjoyed this book. I just enjoy reading about the different alien species finding their mates and finding happiness and fulfillment. I am looking forward to the next one.
I totally enjoyed this book. I just enjoy reading about the different alien species finding their mates and finding happiness and fulfillment. I am looking forward to the next one.
May 7, 2021
2.5 stars out 5
This story was definite disappointment, it didn’t compare to the authors previous books. Timelines and genealogy didn’t make sense. The relationship was rushed and lacked it usual affection and heat. A disappointment
This story was definite disappointment, it didn’t compare to the authors previous books. Timelines and genealogy didn’t make sense. The relationship was rushed and lacked it usual affection and heat. A disappointment
March 11, 2022
I love this series.
S.E. Smith has created such an intricate imaginative world. I love visiting and taking a new adventure within these world. She always delivers with humor and adventure in each story. I can't wait to see where she will take us next.
S.E. Smith has created such an intricate imaginative world. I love visiting and taking a new adventure within these world. She always delivers with humor and adventure in each story. I can't wait to see where she will take us next.
July 1, 2022
Enticing, fun read/listen.
Sexy alien warrior meets feisty female on a mission to earth. Lots of action, laughs, and lusty shenanigans.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm off to get the next book in the series.
Sexy alien warrior meets feisty female on a mission to earth. Lots of action, laughs, and lusty shenanigans.
I enjoyed this book so much that I'm off to get the next book in the series.
January 3, 2023
5 After all the books I have read, I am still at a loss to why some books come across as childish no matter what the target audience actually is. This is one of those so can only cautiously recommend this to the younger members of the normal crew.
August 20, 2023
four legged beauties!
This was such a beautiful story, following Walkyr and Trescina as they meet and love. There’s danger from more than one source, and two Siberian tigers. I wish there had been more, it was hard to accept The End.
This was such a beautiful story, following Walkyr and Trescina as they meet and love. There’s danger from more than one source, and two Siberian tigers. I wish there had been more, it was hard to accept The End.
November 10, 2023
This book gives some extra introduction to how some things started and why some conflicts happened, and I'm glad to get a lock on who, how and why sometime. Plus we have a lovely love story, so yay!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews