Ferocious

Secret of Ceres #1

by Stella Williams

The Sanctuary of Ceres is the best-kept secret in the non-human world. Farrah Andromeda is a headstrong Aura PI in the human world. Donovan Mars is a straight-laced Security Force Officer of Ceres. They both want to solve the case of a missing Aura teen, but their methods put them at odds. When clashes of the mind turn to sparks in the bedroom, will they be able to put aside their differences before the world as they know it goes up in flames? Enjoy this tale of mystery, romance, and intrigue by Stella Williams.

Genres: Paranormal Romance

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2019

About the author

Stella Williams is a Blogger and Romance Author, who lives in Washington State. She has a degree in Anthropology from The University of California, Santa Cruz. Stella prides herself in using her studies to create diverse worlds and characters for her novels. You can find more about Stella at her website www.serpentinecreative.com.

Reviews

[Anne Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing you need to know about Ferocious is that it is set in the same world as The Maura's Men series by the same author. I personally struggled a little in the beginning to figure out what was going on. I felt like there was a book I should have read first.

That being said, once the world started to take shape in my head the story was much easier to follow and it turned into a fabulous romance mystery.
There is whole paranormal and sci-fi world hidden in plain sight from humans and somehow Aura girls are going missing on earth. But how? PI Farrah and Security Officer Donovan are put in charge of figuring that out.
Farrah, like many other Auras lives in the human world. Donovan lives within the safety of Ceres. They are both head strong and pretty much set in their ways. SO needless to say they are not happy to have to work together. It doesn't take long however from them to at least try to put their differences aside in order to find the missing girl.
The tension between the main characters is there from beginning to end and their chemistry is spot on.

All in all it was a great steamy paranormal mystery romance.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan. I clearly need to read some books that came before this as it is clear she has already established a world. It feels well crafted with rules that make sense but still keeping a light fun vibe. I think it’s a great thing when one book makes you want to immediately go to the next in the series or at least another book in the same world.
There was great chemistry between Farrah and Donovan and I love her friend group. I needed this.

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique and creative romance. I can't wait to read the second in the series.

[E. Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferocious was a good sci-fi fantasy story.
The story follows cops/investigators who work between the human and the paranormal world. I really enjoyed this book.

[Katara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ceres

I love how this story is about a paranormal/sci fi world hiding in plain site of the human world. I also love the developing relationship between a rebel and one who follows the rules to a tee. Can’t wait for book 2!

[Kaylynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Auras and energies

This story takes you in a journey of people struggling to live between two worlds. The reluctance to accept the attraction between two opposites is frustrating to say the least. This story takes you in a great investigation full of twists. Still the love story in the midst of it all is inspiring.

EyeCU Approved

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (7/19)

“Ferocious” is the first book in the Secret of Ceres series, an intriguing paranormal romance mystery by Stella Williams. Did I say romance? This story is HOT and the steamy, sexual tension builds page after page for a romp you won’t soon forget!

Some Aura girls have gone missing on Earth. But who is taking them? The humans don’t know the Aura exist. Or do they? Farrah Andromeda is an Aura that lives, as many do, among the humans on earth, instead of within the safety of Ceres. An Aura PI, she’s a headstrong woman who knows what she wants, and doesn’t always play by the rules. Donovan Mars is a by-the-book, duty-bound Security Force Officer, who spends his life in service to Ceres. He prefers his tent in Ceres over the modern conveniences of Earth. The two aren’t happy when they are summoned by the Ruling Four to work together on a case involving a missing Aura girl, Daphne, and the tension between them could jeopardize the whole case. But can they keep their clothes on long enough to find Daphne and save Ceres from outside forces?

Stella Williams knows how to tell a story, and “Ferocious” delivers on all accounts. With an opening that promises excitement, intrigue and a bit of reckless abandon, Williams creates an irresistible pull that draws you in and will keep you reading straight through to the end. Stella Williams has a writing style all her own – it’s fresh and jaunty and sexual and in-your-face – it feels like perhaps some of the author’s own personality jumps off the pages and you really get a strong sense of her creative flair while reading.

There is also a full cast of characters, both human and fantastical, to drive this stimulating, emotional plotline. I love the relationship between protagonists Farrah and Donovan – both strong and hard-headed in their own ways, the sexual friction between the two of them is electrifying and it’s a thrill to watch them dance between doing what needs to be done to solve the case and wanting to jump in the sack every time they’re in the same room!

I had so much fun with this story, it was a bittersweet parting when I got to the end. Overall, I highly recommend “Ferocious” by Stella Williams. It’s the first book in what promises to be a super-charged, exciting new series for fans of intrigue, paranormal romance and mystery.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spicy urban fantasy with a diverse cast. The world building was a little confusing for me at first and there’s apparently a set of books before this one so maybe if I read those it would’ve helped me visualize better however once we get into the actual case of the missing teen I found it entertaining. It’s a world where Aura are sectioned off from the human world however there’s something or someone kidnapping young Aura girls. (Aura=they feed/give off energy including mind manipulation)

I loved the friendship between Farrah and her girlfriends and I always appreciate an instalust. I look forward to reading the next one. Farrah and Donovan bump heads but of course that’s basically like foreplay for them.

This one had been on my kindle for a while and now I’m disappointed for not reading it sooner. I imagine if you like Ilona Andrews but want some heat and more diversity this may be for you.

[Shiny Jain · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍️This story takes you in a journey of people struggling to live between the two opposite worlds. This is an interesting read which involves investigation full of twists.
This also portrays a love story with Interesting and engaging characters.

✍️The world of Aura isn't known to humans, and the Aura would like to keep it that way. Farrah Andromeda is a private investigator living in the human world and is taking charge of her life outside of the Sanctuary of Ceres. A headstrong Aura PI, she spends most of her day chasing cheats and scoundrels. When a young Aura goes missing, Farrah is determined to bring the family the answers they crave. Even if she has to suffer the oversight of sexy Security Force officer Donovan Mars to do so.

✍️When Donovan Mars is summoned by a member of the Ruling Four, the last thing he expects is to be partnered with Farrah Andromeda. Known for her reckless behavior and lack of decorum, Farrah is the exact opposite of what Donovan would want in a partner. He is determined not to be distracted by her beauty and unexpected charm.

✍️Can the two avoid setting their world on fire as the mystery unfolds and sparks between them begin to fly?

✍️Ferocious is an intriguing read, it is a perfect blend of mystery, suspense and also some steamy romance.

[Ursula Visser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferocious is an intriguing read, not only does it have a well written suspense story, but also some steamy romance. The world of Aura isn't known to humans, and the Aura would like to keep it that way. Farrah Andromeda is a private investigator living in the human world, but when Donovan Mars is on the same case, sparks begin to fly, because they both work better alone.

I've read Stella's "Maura's Men" series, and really liked her style of writing, with this new series she created another paranormal world.

[T.A. Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ferocious is a paranormal romance book about a PI having to partner with a Security Force Officer in order to solve the case of missing women.

This book took me by surprise. I couldn’t stop reading it. Farrah and Donovan’s characters were so enjoyable to read. The sexual tension between them while trying to investigate the case was driving them crazy and me too.

It had a portal fantasy feel with the barrier being up between the human world and Ceres. The author did a great job with worldbuilding and descriptions so you got a feel of what Ceres was like and why the barrier was important.

I liked that even though this was a romance, it had the mystery of the missing Aura women throughout the book and also had some political angst as well. I was there for the mystery and suspense. The romance was a bonus. It had some steamy scenes but in a good way.

[Alex (HEABookNerd)]

DNF @ 20%

Ferocious just didn't work for me unfortunately. I struggled a lot with the writing which I found to be too choppy. I also felt like while I was being shown everything that was happening I wasn't feeling the underlying emotion of those events or interactions. This left me very disconnected. The places where I did feel strong emotion were scenes with Farrah and her friends. I also found the beginning to be very confusing as I tried to figure out the world. I learned later that this is set in the same world as the author's other series so that is probably where I was lacking information, but I also believe that each new series should stand on it's own as well.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the reading ride she provided. The witty banter, friends and family, and a flavour of enemies to lovers were all pulled together beautifully. I also enjoyed that dichotomy of trying to exist in two different worlds - one mundane and the other, hidden, full of magic and supernatural peeps. Expect mystery, suspense, twists and steamy romance to fully catch and hold your attention, from first page to last. I'm looking forward to the next book :D

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited about this series. It's fresh and unexpected and I can't wait to see how it plays out. It could use some editing but the story more than makes up for it. I love Farrah and her friends and the back and forth between her and Donovan was so hot. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series. This is on my list recommend list.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a really unique concept and it was a really well done concept. The characters were so well done and I enjoyed getting to go through this book with them. It was a great start to the Secret of Ceres series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alldabooksgone · Rating 5 out of 5]

good quick read

I’m looking forward to continuing this series. The world building works and seems to be growing. The characters come across as relatable and realistic and the story draws you in.

[A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like when I got Ferocious a little more than a few years ago, I think I did it almost on whim just because I’m sure the cover drew me with its prettiness, especially that blue — so gorgeous! Anyway, I had no idea that I would pick it to be one of my last reads of February, but I am unbelievably glad that I did because I absolutely loved this book! The world Stella Williams has created was interesting and fun and I loved being immersed in it. She hooked me right from the very first page and held my attention the whole through.

Ferocious made me laugh, it made me nervous and hold my breath at times because I didn’t know how everything was going to go, you know? It’s extremely entertaining, the tension between Donovan and Farrah was palpable and I loved them on their own and together. Gosh, Ferocious was just a bundle of good times, some scares, and can’t drag yourself away from the screen/pages moments. I loved it so much and I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

~ Sonja, 5 Stars

[Bin Userkaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first romance novel and it certainly did not disappoint. I enjoyed it a lot and really hope there is a sequel