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New Species #15
Best Friends
This is the fifteenth book in the New Species series. It is advisable to read the books in order, to get the most enjoyment from the series.
Working together has forged a strong friendship between Melinda York and Mary Muller. So much so, they’re more like sisters.
When two men burst into their diner with murder on their minds, Mel doesn’t hesitate to act. She’ll do anything to protect her friend, as well as their New Species customers . . . especially the one she’s been crushing on for months.
A single act of bravery sparks a series of events that result in Snow getting to know the waitress he’s been obsessively thinking about. He just wants to keep Mel safe. And convince her he’s the male for her.
Mary is the brunt of jokes because of her extreme fear of animals. Phobias aren’t funny. Is she the only one who understands that?
When Mel’s actions link them both to New Species, she’d like to hide from those scary men with fangs. That would make her a crappy best friend, though. She’ll try to be brave . . . right up until the moment she comes face to face with a lion man named Lash. He’ll make her confront her fears in the most unexpected ways possible.
Working together has forged a strong friendship between Melinda York and Mary Muller. So much so, they’re more like sisters.
When two men burst into their diner with murder on their minds, Mel doesn’t hesitate to act. She’ll do anything to protect her friend, as well as their New Species customers . . . especially the one she’s been crushing on for months.
A single act of bravery sparks a series of events that result in Snow getting to know the waitress he’s been obsessively thinking about. He just wants to keep Mel safe. And convince her he’s the male for her.
Mary is the brunt of jokes because of her extreme fear of animals. Phobias aren’t funny. Is she the only one who understands that?
When Mel’s actions link them both to New Species, she’d like to hide from those scary men with fangs. That would make her a crappy best friend, though. She’ll try to be brave . . . right up until the moment she comes face to face with a lion man named Lash. He’ll make her confront her fears in the most unexpected ways possible.
482 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2019
775 people are currently reading
2586 people want to read
About the author
Laurann Dohner
82 books8,721 followersI had a rather short area here telling a little about me but then I had more than a few people ask me to expand it so... here goes. LOL. I'm a full time home 'supervisor' which is a nice word for saying I'm a housewife. I'm married happily, I met my dream guy 20 years ago, and we have 4 children. I live in Southern California and I can't function without iced coffee. I believe in romance, I've always been a daydreamer, and I'm a HUGE fan of books, always have been.
No, I didn't know that I always wanted to write. I inhaled books as a child. I read entire series (Pippi Longstocking, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, Trixie Beldon, The Borrowers, etc) in a matter of days at a time. By the time I was nine years old I had an adult library card where I visited often. I moved on to John Saul, Stephen King, Richard Laymon, Agatha Christie, and then found romance. I was hooked. I wrote poetry in my teens and then moved on to short stories. My first book was started after I read a real bomb of a book that ticked me off with really horrible characters and a plot that was shabby at best and I thought... I could do better. LOL.
I wrote my first book which will probably never see the light of day in the early 90's. I wrote a series of a few books from it. I'm a series fan! I kept writing for fun, wrote MANY books and then in 2009 I decided to try to get published. I wrote my first Sci Fi romance and Ral's Woman came to be. I submitted it and with a little tweaking, Ellorascave sent me an acceptance letter. It was kind of a 'Cinderella' experience for me. It's been a terrific ride so far and I'm really happy that I finally had the time to commit to writing full time. It's a dream come true.
No, I didn't know that I always wanted to write. I inhaled books as a child. I read entire series (Pippi Longstocking, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, Trixie Beldon, The Borrowers, etc) in a matter of days at a time. By the time I was nine years old I had an adult library card where I visited often. I moved on to John Saul, Stephen King, Richard Laymon, Agatha Christie, and then found romance. I was hooked. I wrote poetry in my teens and then moved on to short stories. My first book was started after I read a real bomb of a book that ticked me off with really horrible characters and a plot that was shabby at best and I thought... I could do better. LOL.
I wrote my first book which will probably never see the light of day in the early 90's. I wrote a series of a few books from it. I'm a series fan! I kept writing for fun, wrote MANY books and then in 2009 I decided to try to get published. I wrote my first Sci Fi romance and Ral's Woman came to be. I submitted it and with a little tweaking, Ellorascave sent me an acceptance letter. It was kind of a 'Cinderella' experience for me. It's been a terrific ride so far and I'm really happy that I finally had the time to commit to writing full time. It's a dream come true.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 541 reviews
December 28, 2019
Like every fan of this series, I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for years for a new book. There are so many characters with stories to tell.
And finally WE HAVE A NEW BOOK!
Am I happy that we have the stories of Snow and Lash?
No... there are more characters better introduced in previous books that they could have their stories being told first. I could hardly remember these two guys.
Does New Species storyline move forward at all?
No... it is basically similar storyline to previous stories. Nothing new happened.
Are the stories of Snow and Lash connected somehow?
Yes... since their girls are best friends (hence the title of the book).
Did I like the book?
Hmmm. Yes I suppose. I definitely liked the second story more than the first. Show and Melinda talked too much. Lash was a more action less talkative type of person.
Does the book have any angst?
The first story has an dramatic intense beginning. Later the action becomes less and less and less.
The second story has a smutty start (a lot will remember Valliant's story) and the action accelerates in the end
Do I recommend it?
If you are a fan of the series, HELL YES!
----------------
----------------
Before publication
From Laurann Dohner's Facebook page:
So, the 15th New Species book has officially been sent to my editor. Snow and Lash's stories. I'm changing something so I'm letting everyone know now. I had put out one 2 stories in 1 book before. Numbers. From now on, the 2-in-1's won't have a single word title. They will have two. So sometime in December, Best Friends (the title) will be coming out. :)
And finally WE HAVE A NEW BOOK!
Am I happy that we have the stories of Snow and Lash?
No... there are more characters better introduced in previous books that they could have their stories being told first. I could hardly remember these two guys.
Does New Species storyline move forward at all?
No... it is basically similar storyline to previous stories. Nothing new happened.
Are the stories of Snow and Lash connected somehow?
Yes... since their girls are best friends (hence the title of the book).
Did I like the book?
Hmmm. Yes I suppose. I definitely liked the second story more than the first. Show and Melinda talked too much. Lash was a more action less talkative type of person.
Does the book have any angst?
The first story has an dramatic intense beginning. Later the action becomes less and less and less.
The second story has a smutty start (a lot will remember Valliant's story) and the action accelerates in the end
Do I recommend it?
If you are a fan of the series, HELL YES!
----------------
----------------
Before publication
From Laurann Dohner's Facebook page:
So, the 15th New Species book has officially been sent to my editor. Snow and Lash's stories. I'm changing something so I'm letting everyone know now. I had put out one 2 stories in 1 book before. Numbers. From now on, the 2-in-1's won't have a single word title. They will have two. So sometime in December, Best Friends (the title) will be coming out. :)
December 19, 2019
It's funny after how many years that I enjoyed this series and after trying to read this one I found so many things wrong with it.
Like so much slut shaming. Goodness did this series had this much slut shaming? Shame on fucking me!
How heroes talked they knew how to pleasure women.
How stupid the heroines are. How loosy lips they become in the presence of the hottest specimen and say the most embarrassing shit ever. Btw what kind of drugs was the heroine given to say the stupidest shit?
How inexperienced the heroines are.
And always, always the heroines exes are cheaters.
I just can't finish this because I'm getting so annoyed.
**Edited**
Decided to have a second look. And boy it did not get better can this woman be more stupid and pathetic? In fact it got so much worse.
“Then he opened his jeans, shoving them down.
She was glad she was already seated when he kicked his pants away and straightened, revealing that he was now totally naked, since he didn’t wear underwear.
“Holy cow.” Her gaze jerked away from his very stiff, thick cock. “Or should I say horse?” She laughed then. “Not really. A horse cock is even larger. Farm girl here. I’ve seen them before. I’m glad you’re not that size, but you have bragging rights for sure.”
And second hero criticized his mate when previous heroes have never done that before. And the worst thing here is that the heroine was raped here. I don’t care what the author tried to accomplish here.
Hero purposely scared her to death, rip her clothes. She thought she had no choice but to have sex with this animal because she thought it was either death or sex. I’m so sick how authors think that writing about raping a woman is ok. That it’s supposed to be romantic. I don’t know how many times I’ve said it THERE’S NOTHING ROMANTIC ABOUT RAPE! And it’s disgusting how many women authors decide to write about this!
Like so much slut shaming. Goodness did this series had this much slut shaming? Shame on fucking me!
How heroes talked they knew how to pleasure women.
How stupid the heroines are. How loosy lips they become in the presence of the hottest specimen and say the most embarrassing shit ever. Btw what kind of drugs was the heroine given to say the stupidest shit?
How inexperienced the heroines are.
And always, always the heroines exes are cheaters.
I just can't finish this because I'm getting so annoyed.
**Edited**
Decided to have a second look. And boy it did not get better can this woman be more stupid and pathetic? In fact it got so much worse.
“Then he opened his jeans, shoving them down.
She was glad she was already seated when he kicked his pants away and straightened, revealing that he was now totally naked, since he didn’t wear underwear.
“Holy cow.” Her gaze jerked away from his very stiff, thick cock. “Or should I say horse?” She laughed then. “Not really. A horse cock is even larger. Farm girl here. I’ve seen them before. I’m glad you’re not that size, but you have bragging rights for sure.”
And second hero criticized his mate when previous heroes have never done that before. And the worst thing here is that the heroine was raped here. I don’t care what the author tried to accomplish here.
Hero purposely scared her to death, rip her clothes. She thought she had no choice but to have sex with this animal because she thought it was either death or sex. I’m so sick how authors think that writing about raping a woman is ok. That it’s supposed to be romantic. I don’t know how many times I’ve said it THERE’S NOTHING ROMANTIC ABOUT RAPE! And it’s disgusting how many women authors decide to write about this!
December 18, 2019
SNOW - 2.75 Ok-ish Stars
A single act of bravery that saves the lives of Snow and his friends, means that he finally gets to know the waitress – Mel, that he’s been obsessively thinking about. Mel for her part has taken as many peeks at the gorgeous Snow that she can get, and is more than a little pleased to be getting to spend some real time with him.
For me this book was the stronger of the two even if it wasn’t up to the standard of the earlier books in the series.
LASH - 2 Dissatisfied Stars
Petrified of animals, Mary is more than a little skitch when it comes to New Species. When her betrend Mel’s actions link them both to New Species, she’d like to hide from those scary men with fangs, but alas in her role as best friend she’s forced to suck it up, and she does, right up until the moment she comes face to face with Lash.
I was thinking this would be like Valiant but it so wasn’t. The flow of the story and events, was off and felt rushed.
With this book the line between The scene tried to be similar to Valiant but it just didn’t come across the same to me.
The heroine’s shift in personality/attitude also didn’t work for me – transition was in no way smooth.
Overarching thoughts on the two
I have to say the style of writing and the writing flow at times felt odd, and not what I’m used to when it comes to the author’s New Species series. The attempts at humour fell flat for me.
Neither book is one I want to read again, and I’ll be sticking to re—reading the earlier books in the series that I enjoy, rather than trying any new books that may be released.
A single act of bravery that saves the lives of Snow and his friends, means that he finally gets to know the waitress – Mel, that he’s been obsessively thinking about. Mel for her part has taken as many peeks at the gorgeous Snow that she can get, and is more than a little pleased to be getting to spend some real time with him.
For me this book was the stronger of the two even if it wasn’t up to the standard of the earlier books in the series.
LASH - 2 Dissatisfied Stars
Petrified of animals, Mary is more than a little skitch when it comes to New Species. When her betrend Mel’s actions link them both to New Species, she’d like to hide from those scary men with fangs, but alas in her role as best friend she’s forced to suck it up, and she does, right up until the moment she comes face to face with Lash.
I was thinking this would be like Valiant but it so wasn’t. The flow of the story and events, was off and felt rushed.
With this book the line between The scene tried to be similar to Valiant but it just didn’t come across the same to me.
The heroine’s shift in personality/attitude also didn’t work for me – transition was in no way smooth.
Overarching thoughts on the two
I have to say the style of writing and the writing flow at times felt odd, and not what I’m used to when it comes to the author’s New Species series. The attempts at humour fell flat for me.
Neither book is one I want to read again, and I’ll be sticking to re—reading the earlier books in the series that I enjoy, rather than trying any new books that may be released.
March 4, 2020
ATitle: ➳ Best Friends
Series ➳New Species15#
Author: ➳ Laurann Dohner
Published: December 17th 2019
❤ ❤ ❤
Where to start with this review?
Wow it’s been 5 long years since the last book that was release in this series!
As like in the previous book we got twofer. Snow & Lash
So, the book is somewhat divided up into two books again. Show & Melinda than Lash & Mary
The first story Melinda & Snow follows that traditional formula of NS and is good! Damsel in distress…. Very cute romance
Now the second book, Mary's story was the best in this 2-part compilation.
It wasn’t lost on me that Lesh feared humans almost as much as Mary feared New Species.
My dislikes of this book, you really don’t see much progress in this world… yes I know there are shit ton of racist people out there, but come on -the author didn’t seem let these characters develop much in the last 5 years!
I’m hoping that maybe the author can try to revive this series with both some new & old blood….. Both stories were good. I was happy to get new book from this New Species series,
Mel & Snows story/ 3 star
Lash & Mary's story/ 4or 5 stars
So I’m going to go ahead & rate this twofer as 4 stars
📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕 + Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
Series ➳New Species15#
Author: ➳ Laurann Dohner
Published: December 17th 2019
❤ ❤ ❤
Where to start with this review?
Wow it’s been 5 long years since the last book that was release in this series!
As like in the previous book we got twofer. Snow & Lash
So, the book is somewhat divided up into two books again. Show & Melinda than Lash & Mary
The first story Melinda & Snow follows that traditional formula of NS and is good! Damsel in distress…. Very cute romance
Now the second book, Mary's story was the best in this 2-part compilation.
It wasn’t lost on me that Lesh feared humans almost as much as Mary feared New Species.
My dislikes of this book, you really don’t see much progress in this world… yes I know there are shit ton of racist people out there, but come on -the author didn’t seem let these characters develop much in the last 5 years!
I’m hoping that maybe the author can try to revive this series with both some new & old blood….. Both stories were good. I was happy to get new book from this New Species series,
Mel & Snows story/ 3 star
Lash & Mary's story/ 4or 5 stars
So I’m going to go ahead & rate this twofer as 4 stars
📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕 + Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
December 22, 2019
After reading:
It was everything you love about a NS book. Sweet heroes and the unique women that were meant for them. Now I want a domain just like Lash's, lion man and all!!! 😁
Before reading:
Omg, omg, omg! I'm about to cry. I have longed for another NS book for 4 looooonnnggg years! Even though it isn't for any of the guys I wanted - Jericho, Flame, Harley, Jaded, Dreamer, just to name a few (I'll keep my 🤞🤞 for future books) - I can't wait for this book to be released!!
It was everything you love about a NS book. Sweet heroes and the unique women that were meant for them. Now I want a domain just like Lash's, lion man and all!!! 😁
Before reading:
Omg, omg, omg! I'm about to cry. I have longed for another NS book for 4 looooonnnggg years! Even though it isn't for any of the guys I wanted - Jericho, Flame, Harley, Jaded, Dreamer, just to name a few (I'll keep my 🤞🤞 for future books) - I can't wait for this book to be released!!
May 24, 2023
I am so disappointed.
I am starting to question whether I have changed so much that I can't enjoy these kind of books any longer, or the last few books published by this writer have become that bad.
This particular book has two different narrations:
The first story is extraordinarily bland and foolish.
The second one goes much further than that, right into preposterous territory, while the romantic relationship part is simpleminded and outrageous. I don't want to get too much into it, but there was non-consensual sex and unhealthy controlling behavior right out of the bat.
To summarize the romantic relationships, both stories go like this:
Her: Hi, nice to meet you.
Him:Hi, you are mine, marry me now and lets have babies now.
Her: I love you so much, yes!
I know this is fantasy, but come on...
Fury (New Species, #1)
Slade (New Species, #2)
I am starting to question whether I have changed so much that I can't enjoy these kind of books any longer, or the last few books published by this writer have become that bad.
This particular book has two different narrations:
The first story is extraordinarily bland and foolish.
The second one goes much further than that, right into preposterous territory, while the romantic relationship part is simpleminded and outrageous. I don't want to get too much into it, but there was non-consensual sex and unhealthy controlling behavior right out of the bat.
To summarize the romantic relationships, both stories go like this:
Her: Hi, nice to meet you.
Him:Hi, you are mine, marry me now and lets have babies now.
Her: I love you so much, yes!
I know this is fantasy, but come on...
Fury (New Species, #1)
Slade (New Species, #2)
December 17, 2019
Sex out of fear is rape
The first story Mel and Snow follows that traditional formula of NS and is good. But Mary is written as terrified, in a blind panic. She thinks her choices are death or sex, that makes it rape. To have her fall in love and therefore make it all better is awful. It read like Stockholm syndrome. Worse is the premise of NS being forced to mate in captivity and suddenly it’s ok? Really shocked after waiting for the next book in the series that this was it. If you buy this stop at the wedding. I was so angry reading it. Even all the comments about provoking his mate were so awful, like telling girls boys who pull their hair like them.
The first story Mel and Snow follows that traditional formula of NS and is good. But Mary is written as terrified, in a blind panic. She thinks her choices are death or sex, that makes it rape. To have her fall in love and therefore make it all better is awful. It read like Stockholm syndrome. Worse is the premise of NS being forced to mate in captivity and suddenly it’s ok? Really shocked after waiting for the next book in the series that this was it. If you buy this stop at the wedding. I was so angry reading it. Even all the comments about provoking his mate were so awful, like telling girls boys who pull their hair like them.
December 27, 2019
DNF
I started re-reading the series a few days ago when I learned this book was coming out this month.
But .. soon as I read this.. ahhhh how..
The style and flow of the writing drastically changed from how it was from Book 1
The first story had pages pages paaages of dialogue that strangely passed for background exposition for each of the characters... and I did.not.care.for.it. Please don’t tell, showwww
When I got to the second story, I honestly did not recognize the writing. It felt like it was written by another person. Or is this another kristen ashley thing where the writing gets clippy and cut short.
This book wasn’t for me. But I’ll always love the first books of this series.
I started re-reading the series a few days ago when I learned this book was coming out this month.
But .. soon as I read this.. ahhhh how..
The style and flow of the writing drastically changed from how it was from Book 1
The first story had pages pages paaages of dialogue that strangely passed for background exposition for each of the characters... and I did.not.care.for.it. Please don’t tell, showwww
When I got to the second story, I honestly did not recognize the writing. It felt like it was written by another person. Or is this another kristen ashley thing where the writing gets clippy and cut short.
This book wasn’t for me. But I’ll always love the first books of this series.
December 20, 2019
The second book, Mary's story was the best in this 2 part compilation. The first story wasn't any different than any the other new species books at it's core. and Mel and Snow were a little boring. But, the second was one of my favorites from the entire series. Lash and Mary were a great couple, I love when the author incorporates more wild new species characters! Additionally, Lash and Mary had the chemistry and were the more unique stand out characters compared to the other 2.
3.75 stars overall:
Mel and Snows story/ 3 star rating
Lash and Mary's story/ 4.5 stars for the type of book it is and the massive enjoyment I got out of reading their story.
3.75 stars overall:
Mel and Snows story/ 3 star rating
Lash and Mary's story/ 4.5 stars for the type of book it is and the massive enjoyment I got out of reading their story.
December 18, 2019
I was so happy when I see New Species' return !! That's a 2-in-1 book
First one : Snow-Mel ; pretty standard story, not one of the best, but nice after years without any
Second on : Lash-Mary ; It is horrible !! Mary is terrified by animals, and so by extension, of New Species. She was trying to avoid two New Species, when she fell on Lash's garden, and was terrified.
In brief : First story was great ; second story to avoid absolutly
First one : Snow-Mel ; pretty standard story, not one of the best, but nice after years without any
Second on : Lash-Mary ; It is horrible !! Mary is terrified by animals, and so by extension, of New Species. She was trying to avoid two New Species, when she fell on Lash's garden, and was terrified.
In brief : First story was great ; second story to avoid absolutly
December 24, 2019
I’m disappointed, plain and simple.
On writing: Something happened to the author’s editor, if there was one. The writing didn’t match her other books. There were errors galore as well as repeating information. Some of the sentences were so bad that I read them out loud as an attempt to try and figure out why it was there in the first place. I can get past a few typos, but this entire book was created with them. This is going to sound mean, but this is feedback that is needed. If there was an editor, they failed you. If there wasn’t an editor, you failed not only yourself, but your fans.
Mel/Snow: the story was ok... but it moved so fast that it wasn’t believable. It needed more. The scene at the diner and gun, good. Rest of it was poor. There was no character building. The reader wasn’t given a chance to bond with characters and I’ve already complained about the writing style, so not going there again.
Mary/Lash: I’ve never been raped, nor do I ever want to be. With that being said I can clearly see and was made to feel uncomfortable when Mary met Lash... the scene spells out rape... the female starts off terrified, she’s afraid she is going to be killed so she allows sex to happen, then gets feisty with talking back and elbowing, then demands to be let go because she feels like a hostage, then states oh Lash is worth it forgetting that she may be a hostage, ending in love.... what just happened. Why did it happen? The second story was just bad and shouldn’t have happened.
I really, really enjoyed thus series, but if there are more writing and they turn out like this one... I quit.
On writing: Something happened to the author’s editor, if there was one. The writing didn’t match her other books. There were errors galore as well as repeating information. Some of the sentences were so bad that I read them out loud as an attempt to try and figure out why it was there in the first place. I can get past a few typos, but this entire book was created with them. This is going to sound mean, but this is feedback that is needed. If there was an editor, they failed you. If there wasn’t an editor, you failed not only yourself, but your fans.
Mel/Snow: the story was ok... but it moved so fast that it wasn’t believable. It needed more. The scene at the diner and gun, good. Rest of it was poor. There was no character building. The reader wasn’t given a chance to bond with characters and I’ve already complained about the writing style, so not going there again.
Mary/Lash: I’ve never been raped, nor do I ever want to be. With that being said I can clearly see and was made to feel uncomfortable when Mary met Lash... the scene spells out rape... the female starts off terrified, she’s afraid she is going to be killed so she allows sex to happen, then gets feisty with talking back and elbowing, then demands to be let go because she feels like a hostage, then states oh Lash is worth it forgetting that she may be a hostage, ending in love.... what just happened. Why did it happen? The second story was just bad and shouldn’t have happened.
I really, really enjoyed thus series, but if there are more writing and they turn out like this one... I quit.
January 15, 2020
Decir que ansiaba esta novela es quedarse corta, la saga New Species es una de mis favoritas de todos los tiempos y cuando llego a su fin me causo mucha tristeza, por eso al enterarme de este libro no tarde demasiado tiempo en leerlo.
La historia de Snow no fue nada del otro mundo, es sencilla y sin mucha novedad. Realmente creo que si me entretuvo fue porque me encanta este mundo que ha creado la autora y no tanto debido a que sea una lectura fascinante.
Estuvo bien para pasar una tarde pero no se ha convertido en una de mis preferidas. En cambio la segunda historia me agrado mucho mas.
Lash es similar no solo en apariencia a Valiant, uno de mis personajes favoritos, por lo que tenia buenas sensaciones respecto a su historia de amor, y aunque no alcanzo a ser tan impresionante como la novela de Tammy y Valiant, si que admito que me sorprendio en el buen sentido.
Lash y Mary son una pareja divertida y con mucha quimica, sus conversaciones y discusiones fueron hilarantes, lo unico que no me convencio fue la forma en la que Laurann Dohner decidio resolver su terror a los animales, senti que lo soluciono de una manera muy irreal.
En definitiva, la segunda mitad es mucho mas interesante que la historia de Mel y Snow, aunque reconozco que disfrute pasando las paginas de Best Friends, tal vez porque soy una gran admiradora de esta serie y espere durante muchos años que la escritora creara este nuevo libro.
3 Estrellas!
December 28, 2019
I really don't know what to say about this book. I honestly feel like we have waited for years and maybe that's part of my issue. I built it up so much in my head that I was a little disappointed.
First I still love New Species and I really loved both of them. The female characters weren't annoying or unbearable I think I was just expecting too much because I was looking forward to it for so long. All that said I am still going to be impatiently waiting for the next one.
First I still love New Species and I really loved both of them. The female characters weren't annoying or unbearable I think I was just expecting too much because I was looking forward to it for so long. All that said I am still going to be impatiently waiting for the next one.
July 29, 2022
Y con esta entrega finalizo una serie que me tuvo realmente atrapada en los últimos meses. Me da harta pena porque hay muchos personajes secundarios que merecían su libro, pero al parecer la autora no va a continuar porque esta novela ya es del 2019 y está trabajando en otros proyectos. Creo que no soy la única que opina así, ya que he encontrado un montón de fanfic continuando las historias de las Nuevas Especies.
Respecto de esta última entrega, lamentablemente no estuvo a la altura; Snow y Lash se merecían argumentos más elaborados, aunque reconozco que la última historia –la de Lash– me sacó más de una sonrisa, pero no la puedo poner al nivel de las anteriores entregas.
Respecto de esta última entrega, lamentablemente no estuvo a la altura; Snow y Lash se merecían argumentos más elaborados, aunque reconozco que la última historia –la de Lash– me sacó más de una sonrisa, pero no la puedo poner al nivel de las anteriores entregas.
December 18, 2019
I loved Snow & Mels story, it was beautiful and made my heart happy. The consent was super hot.
Spoilers for Lash & Mary’s story!!!!!!!!
This one bothered me on a very feminine level. Mary was terrified of Lash and she literally thought that if it was a choice between being eaten or submitting to him so he could fuck her well......she would rather not die. That’s a form of assault. I get the whole alpha male thing (alphas are 1000% capable of consent too!) can be a real turn on but this was just painful. Also he KNEW that Mary could get pregnant after they had sex, hell he wanted to get her pregnant....WITHOUT HER CONSENT. That is so so so so very wrong. Mary’s character did a complete 180 too. She was terrified of everything that remotely looked like an animal but within 4 minutes of being assaulted by Lash all of a sudden she’s a badass who can stand up for herself??????? This 2nd story was such a disappointment.
More spoilers for the whole series!!!!!!!!
Why does everyone want a damn baby???????? There are millions of women & men in the world who do not want kids so why is everyone in this world having/being forced to have a baby? Also can something new happen in the world???? I feel like almost every book has the same plot but with different mcs.
Spoilers for Lash & Mary’s story!!!!!!!!
This one bothered me on a very feminine level. Mary was terrified of Lash and she literally thought that if it was a choice between being eaten or submitting to him so he could fuck her well......she would rather not die. That’s a form of assault. I get the whole alpha male thing (alphas are 1000% capable of consent too!) can be a real turn on but this was just painful. Also he KNEW that Mary could get pregnant after they had sex, hell he wanted to get her pregnant....WITHOUT HER CONSENT. That is so so so so very wrong. Mary’s character did a complete 180 too. She was terrified of everything that remotely looked like an animal but within 4 minutes of being assaulted by Lash all of a sudden she’s a badass who can stand up for herself??????? This 2nd story was such a disappointment.
More spoilers for the whole series!!!!!!!!
Why does everyone want a damn baby???????? There are millions of women & men in the world who do not want kids so why is everyone in this world having/being forced to have a baby? Also can something new happen in the world???? I feel like almost every book has the same plot but with different mcs.
May 9, 2020
Almost pained to say this but the first novel was almost meh. But the second one—— Dear almighty, that was delicious!
Lash is a wild zone resident, similar to Valiant... a lion man!
His and Mary’s courtship was full of fire, witty banter, passion and love.
I adored their dialogues and laughed so much.
Will definitely reread this.
Recommended.
Lash is a wild zone resident, similar to Valiant... a lion man!
His and Mary’s courtship was full of fire, witty banter, passion and love.
I adored their dialogues and laughed so much.
Will definitely reread this.
Recommended.
December 20, 2019
I'm glad we're getting new books but I really wish these couples would have gotten their own book. I think I need to stop reading these two novelas put in one book books. They keep disappointing me. The plot is lacking and there’s so much more that could have happened. This was Mel and Snow and Mary and Lash’s story. The girls are best friend. And the men are New Species. I loved that Lash is from the Wild Zone. He’s more animal than human, but that was it. In fact I had such a big problem with Lash and Mary, I’m still sick over this. There are also new characters. Jaded North was introduced and he seems to be closely related to Justice but it was never explained. I’m mad new character are being introduced when we have Jericho the red eyed gorilla alone and sad. He’s so lonely.
December 26, 2019
3 1/2 Bestie Stars!
Both stories were good. I was happy to get new New Species books, but they didn't hit the spot like I wanted them to. But again, they were enjoyable. Happy reading!
Both stories were good. I was happy to get new New Species books, but they didn't hit the spot like I wanted them to. But again, they were enjoyable. Happy reading!
December 19, 2019
I was really disappointed with this. One thing that makes Laurann Dohner’s New Species books so compelling is how she writes the behavioral quirks and actions so vividly of these part human part animal hybrids. That was completely missing in the first story Snow. It was really bland and boring, to be honest. And I have no intention of rereading. The second story started off with a more similar feel to her previous stories, but her “Hero” (and I do mean the quotes here🙄) Lash is a weak-ass little shit. I don’t even want to call what he did seduction. It was rape. We’re all adults here. I thought this book would be similar to Valiant, which is one of my favorites; but it was nothing at all like it. Lash treated the heroine Mary like crap. He could care less about her needs or wants and continuously would say mean or callous things. I felt frustrated through the whole story. Like, what happened to her sweet, adorable Hero’s that I couldn’t get enough of? Not to mention Mary’s supposed Phobia was hardly dealt with. Just, this whole book was so disappointing and a total waste of $5.
March 8, 2020
Mary & Lash’s Story was the best of the two. Mel & Snow were fine.
December 4, 2022
Two stars overall for both stories.
I accepted long ago that the NS books have insta-love and every single book somehow has bad humans attack or harm human women which sends the species males in to fits, but for once, I’d like to read a different story instead of these recycled ones.
It sounds like I don’t even like these books but I love them, that’s why this one pissed me off. It’s been four years since an NS book released and to get two rushed stories is so disappointing. I know how good a book the author can write so I feel somewhat cheated by her.
Mel and Snow
This story was straight forward, and apart from the insta-love and usual human attack, it was a cute, really quick read. I personally felt it was the better story of the two.
Mary and Lash
I was BUZZING for that. You guys have no idea how excited I was.
Mary was set up to be such a challenge for a species male because of how terrified she was of animals, but she literally became a different person two chapters into her own book. Mary that was scared of a kitten was back talking a lion man.
I didn’t appreciate her having sex with Lash out of blind fear. It felt very rapey and was uncomfortable to read.
She was nothing like the Mary in Snow’s part of the book. I get character development, but damn, nothing happened to make her change that fast. I was gutted when everything wrapped up so fast with a bow on it. That story had so much potential but again, it was rushed.
Overall
I needed more from both stories. I have my fingers and toes crossed that the next book is done right. Not rushed or thrown together. I’d wait another four years rather than get a halfa**ed story.
I accepted long ago that the NS books have insta-love and every single book somehow has bad humans attack or harm human women which sends the species males in to fits, but for once, I’d like to read a different story instead of these recycled ones.
It sounds like I don’t even like these books but I love them, that’s why this one pissed me off. It’s been four years since an NS book released and to get two rushed stories is so disappointing. I know how good a book the author can write so I feel somewhat cheated by her.
Mel and Snow
This story was straight forward, and apart from the insta-love and usual human attack, it was a cute, really quick read. I personally felt it was the better story of the two.
Mary and Lash
I was BUZZING for that. You guys have no idea how excited I was.
Mary was set up to be such a challenge for a species male because of how terrified she was of animals, but she literally became a different person two chapters into her own book. Mary that was scared of a kitten was back talking a lion man.
I didn’t appreciate her having sex with Lash out of blind fear. It felt very rapey and was uncomfortable to read.
She was nothing like the Mary in Snow’s part of the book. I get character development, but damn, nothing happened to make her change that fast. I was gutted when everything wrapped up so fast with a bow on it. That story had so much potential but again, it was rushed.
Overall
I needed more from both stories. I have my fingers and toes crossed that the next book is done right. Not rushed or thrown together. I’d wait another four years rather than get a halfa**ed story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2024
Bien.
No puedo decir que espere años, pues descubr�� la saga este; ahora de Numbers a Best Friends esperaba algunas ideas nuevas, tal vez secretos de Mercil, lo de procrear niñas ya dejara pistas. Pero tenemos nuestro querido insta-love con antagonistas que dan chiste.
SNOW, es un nueva especie canina que se enamora de la camarera Melina, una chica de granja con puntería para las armas pero hasta ahí. El romance es calmado y ambos protagonistas no te atrapan al 100%.
LASH, al principio pensé en un segundo Valiant, por la cosa de hombre leon pero no, V es único y su libro lindo.
Su compañera es la mejor amiga de Melina, “Mary” que posee fobia a los animales y esta es muy alta.
Sabemos que estas historias van al insta-love pero el manejo que pusieron con la fobia de la prota no me gusto, cayo con el hombre leon (literal, cayo) en un instante. Su miedo se fue bastante rápido, cuando pudieron desarrollar un tira y afloja que lo volviera más lindo.
En fin, las que esperaron mucho por el libro siento que no cumplirá con todo lo que esperan e incluso un poco decepcionadas pueden quedar.
No puedo decir que espere años, pues descubr�� la saga este; ahora de Numbers a Best Friends esperaba algunas ideas nuevas, tal vez secretos de Mercil, lo de procrear niñas ya dejara pistas. Pero tenemos nuestro querido insta-love con antagonistas que dan chiste.
SNOW, es un nueva especie canina que se enamora de la camarera Melina, una chica de granja con puntería para las armas pero hasta ahí. El romance es calmado y ambos protagonistas no te atrapan al 100%.
LASH, al principio pensé en un segundo Valiant, por la cosa de hombre leon pero no, V es único y su libro lindo.
Su compañera es la mejor amiga de Melina, “Mary” que posee fobia a los animales y esta es muy alta.
Sabemos que estas historias van al insta-love pero el manejo que pusieron con la fobia de la prota no me gusto, cayo con el hombre leon (literal, cayo) en un instante. Su miedo se fue bastante rápido, cuando pudieron desarrollar un tira y afloja que lo volviera más lindo.
En fin, las que esperaron mucho por el libro siento que no cumplirá con todo lo que esperan e incluso un poco decepcionadas pueden quedar.
November 23, 2024
Best Friends is book fifteen in the New Species series by Laurann Dohner.
We get two stories in one. I’m not really a fan of this type of format. I like it better when we get one full story in the series, but I did enjoy both stories in the novel.
The New Species series is a Spicy Hawt read.
We’re back at Reservation and get to see some familiar faces. The story features Melinda and Mary, two best friends who work at a diner in the city by Reservation.
The first story was delightful. Snow and Mel are cute together. Mel has a fun personality and Snow is protective, intelligent and caring. I would have loved more. The second story features Mary and Lash. Mary has a fear of animals and Lash was big on "mine, mine, mine".
Overall, Best Friends was an agreeable read. I’ve enjoyed the New Species series and plan to continue reading.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
We get two stories in one. I’m not really a fan of this type of format. I like it better when we get one full story in the series, but I did enjoy both stories in the novel.
The New Species series is a Spicy Hawt read.
We’re back at Reservation and get to see some familiar faces. The story features Melinda and Mary, two best friends who work at a diner in the city by Reservation.
The first story was delightful. Snow and Mel are cute together. Mel has a fun personality and Snow is protective, intelligent and caring. I would have loved more. The second story features Mary and Lash. Mary has a fear of animals and Lash was big on "mine, mine, mine".
Overall, Best Friends was an agreeable read. I’ve enjoyed the New Species series and plan to continue reading.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
January 20, 2020
I love the New Species series and I'm happy to have read this... more the first than the second though! :)
The first was lovely as much as all the others books in this series, but the second was a Stockholm Syndrome revisitation!
I would rate the first as 3,5 while the second barely deserves 1,5...
All in all this would be 2,5 rounded up to 3... :(((
The first was lovely as much as all the others books in this series, but the second was a Stockholm Syndrome revisitation!
I would rate the first as 3,5 while the second barely deserves 1,5...
All in all this would be 2,5 rounded up to 3... :(((
December 21, 2019
I was so disappointed. I have waited since Numbers was out (2015) for a New Species book, for that ?! It felt like Mrs Dohner thought “Meh, i really have to release a New Species story but i don’t really want to. Well, i will write something quick then i can go back to what i like better.” It felt half hearted at best, in particular since i had read Trayis (VLG series) and Shattered (Nightwind Pack series) not long before. The difference in the general quality of the book, between those and this one, was baffling.
Then, i’d like to mention that i’m not a native speaker. And even like that, i could see the horrible editing, the words switched for another word (that don’t make sense in the sentence), when the words were not just plain missing in the middle of the sentence. I felt like i was reading a draft, which is strange because i don’t remember you had to pay to read a draft. It was sloppy and it spoiled my reading because i kept being dragged out of the story by some of those mistakes. Not good.
The first story is about Snow. It wasn’t the best or the most original story Mrs Dohner ever wrote, in the NS universe or in any other, but it was a good New Species story. Not particularly memorable, but good.
SPOILERS ON THE SECOND STORY AHEAD
The second was about Lash, a former Wild Zone resident. When attending an event in Reservation. Mary somehow takes a wrong turn (no spoil here, you’ll see how it goes) and ends up in Lash’s territory. Lash then proceeds to intimidate her into having sex with him (even if she ends up enjoying it after a while), and explain to her that he claimed her as his mate, that she’s his, and he’s never letting her go. I kept waiting for a plot twist like in Tammy’s book, something that would give the h a little power back over her own life and choices. but it never came. Somehow it’s perfectly normal for a NS, who knows what it’s like to be a prisoner, to take someone else’s liberty from them and claim them wether they want to or not. And the other NS around let him just do it !!! All in the name of “instinct”. Yes, but no. Unless i’m wrong, NS are sensible, intelligent people who happen to have some animal traits. They have instincts humans don’t have and trust them, but in Lash’s story, everyone behaved as if instincts were EVERYTHING and you could do anything to anyone in the name of instincts. Well. Nope.
So i ended up feeling like i was reading a twisted Stockholm Syndrome love story. It doesn’t really feel like she actually chose him, but more that he forced himself on her and locked her up until “no” became “yes”. I really didn’t like it at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
2 generous ⭐
DNF @ 69%
I thought this book was just plain bad. I used to like the New Species series. This book read like it was written by a teenage boy who only thinks of sex.
The story revolves around two best friends and their relationships with two New Species males. Melinda (Mel) and Mary work as waitresses in a diner that New Species stop at to eat. Mel has the hots for Lash. Two men enter the diner intending to shoot the New Species when Mel shoots them first. She's wounded and carted of to Reservation by Snow who has the hots for Mel.
Mary is deathly afraid of animals. Dogs, cats, doesn't matter, animals don't like her either. She's also afraid of New Species. At Mel and Snow's wedding she crawls through duct work to avoid a New Species male and drops into Lash's lair. Mary is afraid and a bit traumatized as Lash decides the way to Mary's heart is sex.
That's where I stopped reading.
Now to the nitty gritty. As if reality isn't enough the book starts with disturbed men trying to execute a mass shooting. Mel and Mary check all the TSTL boxes. They're both inexperienced in relationships so don't question when males think it's OK to use sex as a weapon. Mel is slut shamed and too stupid to realize it. Mary is basically raped and too stupid to realize it.
Lash behaved and spoke like 15 year old bully with insecurities and misogynistic tendencies. I couldn't take any more of Mary being held prisoner and raped until she agreed to be Lash's mate. That's where I stopped.
Both stories were nothing more than sex with the flimsiest of plots. There were editorial and spelling issues. It was the absolute worst Laurann Dohner book I've ever read.
DNF @ 69%
I thought this book was just plain bad. I used to like the New Species series. This book read like it was written by a teenage boy who only thinks of sex.
The story revolves around two best friends and their relationships with two New Species males. Melinda (Mel) and Mary work as waitresses in a diner that New Species stop at to eat. Mel has the hots for Lash. Two men enter the diner intending to shoot the New Species when Mel shoots them first. She's wounded and carted of to Reservation by Snow who has the hots for Mel.
Mary is deathly afraid of animals. Dogs, cats, doesn't matter, animals don't like her either. She's also afraid of New Species. At Mel and Snow's wedding she crawls through duct work to avoid a New Species male and drops into Lash's lair. Mary is afraid and a bit traumatized as Lash decides the way to Mary's heart is sex.
That's where I stopped reading.
Now to the nitty gritty. As if reality isn't enough the book starts with disturbed men trying to execute a mass shooting. Mel and Mary check all the TSTL boxes. They're both inexperienced in relationships so don't question when males think it's OK to use sex as a weapon. Mel is slut shamed and too stupid to realize it. Mary is basically raped and too stupid to realize it.
Lash behaved and spoke like 15 year old bully with insecurities and misogynistic tendencies. I couldn't take any more of Mary being held prisoner and raped until she agreed to be Lash's mate. That's where I stopped.
Both stories were nothing more than sex with the flimsiest of plots. There were editorial and spelling issues. It was the absolute worst Laurann Dohner book I've ever read.
December 5, 2021
So this was by far my least fave. After I've just completed an impromptu re-read of books 1-14, before reading this one for the 1st time, I have to say this is the weakest of the bunch.
BUT... I did still like it. I wish there was definitely more intense build up with both Snow and Lash's stories, when it comes to their mates. When comparing the two, I definitely liked Snow & Mel's story much much better. Many things about their story was on point for me.
Lash & Mary were just meh to me. LASH was crazy, obnoxious at times, sweet, and scary. Mary was just annoying to me. In Snow's story as well as her own... Her "Fears" were grating my nerves. And the fact that she hooked up with the Ultimate Species (Wild Zone Male) inspite of her phobia, for her to STILL be afraid and leery of the less intimidating ones, compared to Lash; was just ridiculous to me...
But overall this book had its good, sexy, and heartfelt moments.
I really hope this was not the last book in this series. I am not ready to say goodbye to the NSO just yet.
If you're a fan, then definitely read this one. If not, but curious, do not touch this one until you've read the previous books first. Preferably in order.
BUT... I did still like it. I wish there was definitely more intense build up with both Snow and Lash's stories, when it comes to their mates. When comparing the two, I definitely liked Snow & Mel's story much much better. Many things about their story was on point for me.
Lash & Mary were just meh to me. LASH was crazy, obnoxious at times, sweet, and scary. Mary was just annoying to me. In Snow's story as well as her own... Her "Fears" were grating my nerves. And the fact that she hooked up with the Ultimate Species (Wild Zone Male) inspite of her phobia, for her to STILL be afraid and leery of the less intimidating ones, compared to Lash; was just ridiculous to me...
But overall this book had its good, sexy, and heartfelt moments.
I really hope this was not the last book in this series. I am not ready to say goodbye to the NSO just yet.
If you're a fan, then definitely read this one. If not, but curious, do not touch this one until you've read the previous books first. Preferably in order.
December 19, 2019
Disappointing
I really love this author and I buy all of her books. I preordered this one and eagerly awaited it's release. I read this one and waited for the climax in the storyline only to be left short. Literally the story ended and another short story begins. Why has New species become only a bundle of short stories? Where are the days of Slade, Fury, and Valiant? I for one was very disappointed.
I really love this author and I buy all of her books. I preordered this one and eagerly awaited it's release. I read this one and waited for the climax in the storyline only to be left short. Literally the story ended and another short story begins. Why has New species become only a bundle of short stories? Where are the days of Slade, Fury, and Valiant? I for one was very disappointed.
December 17, 2019
Meh.
Snow.
It was nothing exciting.
Lash.
I thought it was going to be another Valiant, but... I didn't like the hero. I don't know how that happened.
Snow.
It was nothing exciting.
Lash.
I thought it was going to be another Valiant, but... I didn't like the hero. I don't know how that happened.
December 22, 2019
I Think I am Outgrowing New Species series. The storyline is not evolving. The NS names are becoming more silly and ridiculous. Book 14 Numbers released 4 years ago in Sept 2015. I guess I expected much more after a 4 year wait on a series that used to be one of my favorites.
SNOW: Rescued by Mel when and attempted robbery goes bad at a restaurant she is a waitressing at. She is grazed by a bullet. Taken to Reservations for medical care released then of as usual some NS hater tries to kidnap her. The only interesting thing about Mel is she puts up one heck of a fight beating the man off and escaping to the police. When Snow hears of course as usual she is taken to Reservation for her safety. This is a recycled story. Its to similar to other stories in this series. Its ok just a bit boring.
LASH!! Was a bit better story then Snow. Mary is Mel's best friend and co worker. She is the bridesmaid at Mel and Snows wedding. Mary has an animal phobia she is scared to death of any kind of animal. She is scared of NS. At the wedding reception she decides to hide for awhile. She wrongly overhears a conversation between to species males and assumes they are hunting her. She decides to crawl through the bathroom vent and try to escape to her car but falls through right into Lash's quarters. Lash is a wild zone resident who is trying to live amongst the other NS at Reservation Hotel. He manages to seduce Mary into having sex with her and claiming her as his own. Sort of like Valiant and Tammy's story. Mary gets over being scared of New Species pretty quickly.
I hate that snow wore tank tops all the time. Sounds like work out cloths to me. Lash wears a loincloth Why? He is running around in a loincloth. This doesn't make him have more animal tendency then the other new species. It makes him look stupid and crazy!! and Tank tops on men are just Cheesy hillbilly cloths.
Come on Laurann Dohner you can do better then this cheesy writing!! Remodel Homeland and Reservation giving them resort like living. With swimming pools, movie theaters, Ice skating and Hockey rinks, golf course, better housing, grocery store/pharmacy, clothing store, flower gardens a sport complex. Give the NS better names maybe Hawk, Hunter, Viper, Falcon, Casanova, Eagle or Panther . Stop with the Flirt, Oak, Book, Jinx, Timber and Chimes. These names are so cheesy!! Get Rid of those names.
I am a bit disappointed after a 4 year wait!!
SNOW: Rescued by Mel when and attempted robbery goes bad at a restaurant she is a waitressing at. She is grazed by a bullet. Taken to Reservations for medical care released then of as usual some NS hater tries to kidnap her. The only interesting thing about Mel is she puts up one heck of a fight beating the man off and escaping to the police. When Snow hears of course as usual she is taken to Reservation for her safety. This is a recycled story. Its to similar to other stories in this series. Its ok just a bit boring.
LASH!! Was a bit better story then Snow. Mary is Mel's best friend and co worker. She is the bridesmaid at Mel and Snows wedding. Mary has an animal phobia she is scared to death of any kind of animal. She is scared of NS. At the wedding reception she decides to hide for awhile. She wrongly overhears a conversation between to species males and assumes they are hunting her. She decides to crawl through the bathroom vent and try to escape to her car but falls through right into Lash's quarters. Lash is a wild zone resident who is trying to live amongst the other NS at Reservation Hotel. He manages to seduce Mary into having sex with her and claiming her as his own. Sort of like Valiant and Tammy's story. Mary gets over being scared of New Species pretty quickly.
I hate that snow wore tank tops all the time. Sounds like work out cloths to me. Lash wears a loincloth Why? He is running around in a loincloth. This doesn't make him have more animal tendency then the other new species. It makes him look stupid and crazy!! and Tank tops on men are just Cheesy hillbilly cloths.
Come on Laurann Dohner you can do better then this cheesy writing!! Remodel Homeland and Reservation giving them resort like living. With swimming pools, movie theaters, Ice skating and Hockey rinks, golf course, better housing, grocery store/pharmacy, clothing store, flower gardens a sport complex. Give the NS better names maybe Hawk, Hunter, Viper, Falcon, Casanova, Eagle or Panther . Stop with the Flirt, Oak, Book, Jinx, Timber and Chimes. These names are so cheesy!! Get Rid of those names.
I am a bit disappointed after a 4 year wait!!
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