Trials

Crossing Nüwa #2

by Sean Ian O'Meidhir, Connal Braginsky

With the help of technomage and hacker Theo, rare snake shifter Robbie escaped his mother and clan, who planned to use him as breeding stock. While still working to break through the conditioning and mind control of his past, Robbie is enjoying exploring a new relationship with the worldlier Theo.

But their fight isn’t over yet.

A trip to his aunt’s house for Thanksgiving is highjacked by political intrigue, leaving the couple wondering who their friends really are. They cannot help but be drawn into larger plots while trying to find justice for Robbie at his mother’s trial. When clan rivalries turn deadly, they’ll need their allies—and each other—more than ever.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Gay, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, LGBT

190 pages, ebook

First published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book shows us Robbie and Theo settling into life together with Robbie discovering the world and all that he missed out on about it and Theo trying to let go of his fears and love Robbie the way he deserves. Those two were so sweet and simply adorable. Theo is a giant teddy bear who knows how to cuddle and be there for Robbie, but when the occasion calls for it he is fierce techno mage with many tricks up his sleeves.

Told from dual POV we get to experience Nuwa backstabbing politics and intrigue, Robbie getting justice and two young men discovering love. I enjoyed most of the book, but I have to say that I really wanted a bit more focus on Robbie's aunt and mother and what started their bizarre opinions on Robbie since their Nuwa sisters had overwhelmingly different notions. I enjoyed the snake women having it out with each other, it was rather exciting.

The last 15-20% of the book was, frankly speaking, slightly irritating. Robbie's behavior and the subsequent events that stemmed from it was a bit overused trope that created unnecessary drama. I regarded him better in the beginning of the book, but in the end I wondered about his melodramatic attitude. It kind of ruined my enjoyment of the story. *sorry* Otherwise, it was lovely to see the guys finding their footing and spending quality time together. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was intense. First, let me say, if you have not read book 1, you need to do so or you will be completely lost. This picks up right where book 1 leaves off. It’s an ongoing series. Although the thought of snakes still scares the bejeebus out of me, this is one heck of a series. It’s got everything you need. Good vs evil, creepy characters, good ones, people being betrayed, attempted murder, a bit of mystery, magic and so much more. And in the middle, one young man who has been treated like dirt his whole life, only to find out, he should have been a cherished one.
Robbie has spent most of his life in fear. Until he finally got to break away and get out from under his mother and aunt. Now living with Theo, he’s enjoying life so much. He’s getting to see all the things he’s missed, eating things he never could and reading things that are new to him as well. And let’s not even get started on their new sex life. But what is turning out to be a great new life, is fixing to turn into something bad. They are going back to Robbie’s home for the holidays. He will be around family and such. But it’s now been sprung on him that there will be a trial now, for his aunt and mother as well. And he’s terrified to see them again. Once sentences are passed down, his life is on the line again. But it’s become more than that. Others lives are on the line now too. And none of them may survive. And if they do, what can Robbie do to make everyone leave his friends and family alone?
I thought my heart would break for Robbie in book 1, but man, it’s twice as bad in this one. Just when he finally gets a life of his dreams, people have to come along and mess it up again. Having to face his mother and aunt again is like making him feel like a little kid all over again. They just don’t stop. And it hurts me even more, because him being a rare being of their breed, he was rejoiced by others of their clans. But not those two. They just tortured him to the point of almost no return. It breaks my heart. He’s such a sweet, sweet man. He’s so loving and giving and loves life so much. But everyone seems to want him dead or to take it all away from him. It’s so sad. But the one thing that made me happy, is his one constant has always been Theo. The one who even said he wasn’t a relationship man, now has Robbie living with him and is doing all he can to give Robbie the life he’s always deserved. It’s beautiful. Finally, someone that cares. And unconditionally.
Robbie has a lot to learn still. He still has to learn to fully trust that people have his back. He has to learn that Theo truly loves him for him. And he has to learn that his life will be forever changed because people may try to come after him, yes, but he’s a being to be cherished. Not looked down on. After all he’s been through, it will be a while before he can get some things through his head, but with patience and a lot of love and therapy, he’s getting there, one step at a time.

http://lovebytesreviews.com/

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I'm just knocked out by this world in general, and Robbie and Theo's story in particular.

In this one, we get more info about what Robbie's mom and aunt did to him. His mom was bad, but his aunt Edna was definitely evil. She deserved more than what she got.

I liked seeing Robbie grow and move into himself more, especially with the support of Theo. Theo's insecurities do pop up a couple of times, but luckily Kat is there to kick him in the rear end so that he starts thinking again.

I am absolutely in love with these guys.

[MariF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, giving authors extra credit for the unusual plot, rare shifter types and fast-pacing adventures.
Can't say everything was picture perfect with this installment but they acquitted themselves well with a non-stop action, fast-moving events and never keeping me bored. My attention started to wander off in the first chapter but after MCs arrived to San Diego, events proceeded at the break-neck speed and I was fully engaged in the proceedings.
There were some issues I did not feel resolved or even meaningful and not every drama made sense to be honest. But I'm willing to overlook some week links for the entertainment value and to encourage new authors. Hopefully, they will improve with the later works.

I liked that not every woman was a psycho-bitch, the favorite villain of lots of authors, some were a strong and forward-thinking females that helped their male relatives/friends with a good advice and non-judgmental approach to life and romantic entanglements.
I also liked that authors did not provide the magic cure to physiologic issues and did not sugarcoat Robbie's freezing when he faced situations his brain has associated with the former abuse patterns.

I found the book very entertaining and just what I needed after a tough week. Not to mention that I loved all the technomage tricks Theo was able to do.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Theo and Robbie in the first book and enjoyed seeing them grow their bond. Unfortunately so much of the work Robbie put in, he slid backwards after having to deal with what happened in this book.

I love how much Theo wants to protect Robbie at all costs and everything he would do for him. I was glad to see Robbie begin to take charge of his life again and for them to really begin to build a life together.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.

[Karolina Cebula · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trials" is the second volume of "Crossing Nüwa" series by Sean Ian O'Meidhir and Connal Braginsky. Reading this installment I had the impression that its vibe is somewhat different from the one that accompanied the first part. "Trials" is full of drama and the psychological burden of trauma. The authors managed to write this novel in such a way that the reader really feels its heaviness and depth. However, I must mention that at the same time in the story presented in this volume we have some lighter, "brighter" scenes, thanks to which "Trials" doesn't overwhelm us, but on the contrary, is more and more engrossing, as we follow the characters' story with undying interest and we really want to know how they cope with the problems they face. And let's add that these problems are really serious, as our boys are facing dangers that can cost them lives. I admit that the authors in a truly fantastic way combined a real threat with trauma and love, thanks to which the reader quickly falls for this novel.

In the context of the aforementioned trauma, years of humiliation, fear, control over Robbie's every step, imposing ones will on him, it seems extremely important to me that this young man opens himself up to his beloved almost completely and trusts him to the point that he allows Theo to have a full control over him. This is even more important because it carries not only the sexual meaning, but also gives Robbie the opportunity to find inner peace, and forget about the demons of the past, at least to some extent. If we also take into account the fact that the relationship of the main characters is only a few months old and Robbie still doubts if he's loved, we have the opportunity to see even more of the uniqueness of the connection between young Nüwa and Theo, and it shows us Robbie's strength and courage, as he is not afraid to trust the other person to such an extent that sometimes he simply gives in to Theo's will.

Reviewing this volume I also want to mention the characters. On the one hand, reading "Trials" we fall in love more deeply than ever before with Robbie and Theo, who are simply fantastic, extremely interesting, sweet, and in a word, greatly created. On the other hand, we can get to know some of the side characters better as well, thanks to which our feelings towards them clarify.

"Trials" also develops the universe of the series, which is a great advantage of this volume too, as it undoubtedly hides many secrets that can surprise, delight, and maybe even frighten us. I think only the authors know what really lies beneath the surface of what we already know about their universe. So I hope that soon I will be able to get to know this world better.

In summary, "Trials" is a really great and extremely interesting novel that is worth reading. If you've read the first volume of the series, the second is a must read for you. However, if you have not yet entered the world of "Crossing Nüwa" then I really encourage you to do it. It's worth it!

______________________________

„Trials” to drugi tom serii „Crossing Nüwa” autorstwa Seana Iana O'Meidhir oraz Connala Braginsky’ego. Czytając tę odsłonę serii miałam wrażenie, że jej klimat różni się w pewnym stopniu od tego, który towarzyszył pierwszej części. „Trials” jest bowiem pełne dramatu oraz psychologicznego ciężaru traumy. Autorom udało się napisać tę powieść w taki sposób, że czytelnik naprawdę odczuwa jej ciężar i głębię. Muszę jednak wspomnieć, że jednocześnie w przedstawionej w tym tomie historii pojawiają się lżejsze, „jaśniejsze” sceny, dzięki którym „Trials” nas nie przytłacza, a wręcz przeciwnie, coraz bardziej wciąga, jako że z niegasnącym zainteresowaniem śledzimy losy bohaterów i chcemy dowiedzieć się, w jaki sposób poradzą sobie z problemami, jakim muszą stawić czoła. A wspomniane problemy naprawdę są bardzo poważne, jako że na naszych chłopców czekają niebezpieczeństwa, które mogą kosztować ich życie. Przyznaję, że autorzy w sposób prawdziwie fantastyczny połączyli realne zagrożenie z traumą oraz miłością, dzięki czemu czytelnik szybko traci dla tej powieści głowę.

W kontekście wspomnianej traumy, lat upokorzeń, strachu, kontroli każdego kroku Robbie’ego, narzucania mu swojej woli, niezwykle istotny wydaje mi się fakt, iż ten młody mężczyzna otwiera się na swojego ukochanego niemal całkowicie i obdarza go zaufaniem, które pozwala mu na całkowite oddanie kontroli Theo. Jest to tym ważniejsze, że niesie za sobą nie tylko seksualne uniesienia, ale także daje Robbie’emu możliwość odnalezienia wewnętrznego spokoju, zapomnienia o demonach przeszłości przynajmniej w pewnym stopniu. Jeśli weźmiemy pod uwagę również fakt, iż związek głównych bohaterów ma dopiero kilka miesięcy i wciąż wzbudza w Robbie’m niepewność, co do jego stałości, mamy okazję w większym jeszcze stopniu dostrzec wyjątkowość tego, co łączy młodego Nüwa z Theo, jak również pokazuje nam siłę i odwagę samego Robbie’ego, który nie boi się zaufać drugiej osobie do tego stopnia, by czasami po prostu poddać się jej woli.

Recenzując ten tom chcę również wspomnieć o bohaterach. Z jednej strony czytając „Trials” zakochujemy się jeszcze bardziej niż dotychczas w Robbie’m i Theo, którzy są po prostu fantastyczni, niezwykle interesujący, słodcy – jednym słowem, świetne wykreowani. Z drugiej zaś możemy lepiej poznać niektóre postaci poboczne, dzięki czemu klarują się również nasze uczucia względem nich.

„Trials” rozwija także uniwersum serii, co również jest ogromną zaletą tego tomu, jako że niewątpliwie kryje on przed nami jeszcze wiele sekretów, które mogą nas zaskoczyć, zachwycić, a może nawet przerazić. Chyba tylko autorzy wiedzą, co tak naprawdę kryje się pod powierzchnią tego, co już wiemy na temat ich uniwersum. Mam więc nadzieję, że niebawem będę mogła poznać je dokładniej.

Podsumowując, „Trials” to naprawdę wspaniała i niezwykle interesująca powieść, którą warto przeczytać. Jeśli czytaliście pierwszy tom serii, drugi jest dla Was lekturą obowiązkową. Jeśli jednak nie przekroczyliście jeszcze progu świata „Crossing Nüwa” to naprawdę zachęcam Was by to uczynić. Warto!

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cute and sweet.. these two make me happy.. they are interesting and have a lot of things they figure out.. as individuals and as a couple.. very cute and fast paced. i enjoyed it

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: One of the authors is a friend of mine and kindly sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I picked this up pretty much immediately after I finished the first book, and was very excited to see what would happen to Robbie and Theo next.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this one quite as much as I liked "Escape." It just didn't hold my attention quite as well, but I can't figure out why (I'd call my rating more like 3.5 stars, bumped to 4 *because* I can't figure out why I didn't like it). Maybe I wasn't in the mood for it at the time and should've taken a breather between the two. Maybe I was just more distractible in general. Or maybe the fact that I feel like I can relate to Robbie more than I'd like to admit just caught up with me. I don't know. But whatever it was, it seems to me that it was a personal thing rather than an overt flaw with the book.

I really enjoyed the fact that this could (in my opinion) be picked up and read without having read the first book. Obviously reading the first book will help flesh out the details of Robbie and Theo's relationship, but there was enough reminders of what happened that I feel like I could've followed the story without having done so. Also, the reminders are presented in a way that doesn't beat you over the head too much, so if you *have* read the first book (even as recently as I did), it's not annoying.

Writing wise, things were decent. I did catch some things that might've been caught in another edit (extra words that shouldn't be there), but it wasn't too distracting. Mostly I just found myself re-reading to make sure I'd actually seen what I thought I saw.
This also was most prominent near the beginning, and pittered out as the story progressed, as if both editor and authors found their feet.
Errors happen. I'm not holding this against them. There weren't too many examples, and I've definitely seen way worse!

One thing I do think could maybe use some work, though, was the pacing. But I also think this is where my distractibility might come in.
I feel like things dragged a bit in the beginning. And then they picked up really suddenly really quickly. With a blink-and-you-miss-it bit of action. And then... the ending. The ending was perfect. The ending redeemed things for me.
Having said that, I think I liked it so much because it got back to the emotions of the couple, which I love, so it pulled me back in, away from that wandering mind of mine. It made the journey worthwhile :)

[❤Sharonica-Logic❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you thought your family brought out their dysfunctional best around the holidays, try spending time with arguing clans of Nuwa. This rare, but strong shifter species is female dominant and as such the females make the rules that govern the Nuwa.

Robbie, a rare male Nuwa, and his technomage boyfriend, Theo have gone to visit some of Robbie's family for Thanksgiving and to be a part of the Nuwa trial and sentencing of Robbie's mother and aunt who ​​abused and neglected Robbie for most of his life.

Things, unfortunately, don't go as planned...

What transpires is an action-packed snake shifter sci-fi fantasy fest filled with more fight to the death scenes, angsty guilt fueled moments, and sMMexy goodness than a dessert table is filled with pies at your Granny's Thanksgiving dinner.

Trials definitely seemed to have more action scenes in it than book one did. However, I think they were needed to counterbalance the emotional side of the story. The character of Robbie has gone through so much in his life, both emotionally and physically. Even though Robbie escaped his prison in the first book, he is still a prisoner in his mind. Some days are better than others, however, he still battles his demons and having to face his captors again in this book along with everything else that happens, Robbie retreats back into himself.

This story pulled me in the way the first one did. Trials is not a typical shifter romance, even though there is romance in it. This series is a full-on sci-fi fantasy drama that gives the reader an inside look into what PTSD from past abuse and neglect looks like from the survivor's point of view and from those around the survivor who love and live life with them daily.

While you can read this as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading book one first, just so you get the full relationship dynamic between Robbie and his mother and aunt.

I highly recommend for anyone who loves unique shifter stories and believes that love can heal, as does time.

4.50 techno-shifting-stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐•✨

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an unbiased opinion.📚

[Brit_ta_ny · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Phew, this book really takes Theo and Robbie for a ride! The story picks up right after the ending in the first book so this is one of those times where you really MUST read the books in order.

Theo and Robbie have been living a relatively peaceful life since the whole shebang at Robbie’s mother’s home. Robbie has some wicked nightmares and still suffers with his PTSD but he’s managing. Theo seems like he’s waiting for the other shoe to drop at times with Robbie, but otherwise all is well. Until thanksgiving. Gah, holidays with family are never a good time but throw in a trial, kidnapping, attempted murder AND proper murder can you blame a fella for turning into a snake for a few days?!

I was pretty quickly ready for everyone to pull their heads out of their asses, and fortunately Maggie, Kat, and Abi all helped push the two goons back together. The strong women in Theo and Robbie’s lives are some of my favorite parts of this series and I absolutely loved when they acknowledged the importance of Kat and Maggie in their lives:

“You talked to Maggie, huh?” I asked with a chuckle. He nodded, his large green bloodshot eyes questioning. “I talked to Kat,” I admitted, which brought a small knowing smile to his face. “It’s amazing that we both have women, strong, brilliant, powerful, supernatural women, who are not our moms, in our lives that can set us straight, huh?”

So fucking good! 😍

I think my only complaint with this book was the ending; it felt a bit rushed with too much going on to get things all tied up neatly. Since I know there’s two more book in the series I wouldn’t have minded a bit more unknown at the end 😉 That being said I am absolutely stoked to start the next book and see what’s next for Theo and Robbie!

[Anabela.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice seeing Theo and Robbie settling into their life as a couple, making a home together. They absolutely adore each other, Theo learning to take joy from the smallest things alongside Robbie. They're so cute, all lovey-dovey, and they seem to have found some kind of domestic routine...until everything comes crushing down.

Because Robbie's mother and aunt have to stand trial, with him as a witness. After Escape, I'd hoped that the suffering would end for Robbie. The poor young man has been through so much, with enough battle ahead of him trying to erase years of odious mental conditioning. I feared that facing the two women would be devastating and a major setback.

Not only that, he also finds himself in the middle of political turmoil between clans, which soon turns violent. He has allies and he doesn't face it alone,and I found Theo an absolute delight through all of it. Overprotective and supportive, ingenious with his gizmos and uses of technomagic.

This has been precisely a story of 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀, literally and figuratively. Mostly trials for Robbie's psych, which he seemed powerless to overcome. It was emotional to read through, and I was always cheering and hoping that Robbie and Theo would come out of their troubles stronger than before.

[Susan Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read the blurb for Crossing Nüwa: Escape I found it intriguing. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a weresnake and a technomage before and certainly not where a weresnake was not the villain. I enjoyed it and knew there was more to come. So I was happy to receive a copy of Trials by Sean Ian O’Meidhir and Connal Braginsky from Indigo Marketing and Design and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Overall, I also liked the second volume as well. However, I was a little sad that Robbie has a boyfriend who is unconcerned with society’s standards of attractiveness yet himself is sculpting his body to fit the current norm. That aside, it was fascinating to delve deeper into the world of the Nüwa. I had googled the word when I bought the first book, but the world the authors have created is much more involved than anything I saw online. Part of what I find interesting is that both Robbie and Theo have a strong woman in their life, neither of whom is their mother. What makes it realistic is that Robbie is not magically cured of the effects of his horrific childhood, although he gets some resolution in Trials. It is also fun to see both MCs learning more about their inherited abilities, especially Robbie. I am definitely along for however long the series lasts.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuation of the story from the book “Escape: Crossing Nüwa #1” into this book “Trails: Crossing Nüwa #2” is smooth & flawless. The suspenseful plot continues to be rather intriguing with unexpected events & is told in both POV. The characters have good chemistry & are more emotionally developed although one of the characters is trying to come to terms with the emotional damage done through years of abuse. There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a male weresnake shifter (Robbie) with a history of abuse from his cruel & manipulative mother (Wilhelmina) & aunt (Edna) - is being cared for by his supportive technomage boyfriend (Theo), Robbie’s childhood friend (Abi), twists & turns, intrigue, drama, action, political agendas, clan rivalries, Nüwa communities, a council trial, trust issues, mystery, magic, friendship, allies, threats, danger, enemies, violence, confrontations, devious plans, attempted murder, conflict, emotional turmoil, trauma, PTSD, insecurities, nightmares, manipulations, love, happiness, some steam & a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed reading this weresnake/technomage romance & look forward to future books from this author.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picks up right where book 1 left off. You definitely see to start at book 1 in this series or you will be completely lost. In this book we get to see how Robbie and Theo are settling into life together. Robbie gets to do’s over everything he has missed his whole life and it is so eye opening to him. Robbie and Theo were so very sweet together and they had so many tender moments of love and affection. Their relationship was so beautiful and you could really feel the love between these two. My heart broke for Robbie in this book because his family tries to come along and rip away his happiness like they have done all his life. But Theo would not let that happen. They fought for their love and would not let anyone come between them. It was truly beautiful. Definitely looking forward to diving in to book 3.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

POV: 1st person dual POV

Standalone or series: Book 2 in the Crossing Nuwa Series

Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩

Would I read it again: Most definitely!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding each other was just the beginning for weresnake Robbie and technomage Theo. They head to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with Robbie's non-evil family members, but they find angst and trouble while they are there. Robbie is still full of self-loathing and feelings of unworthiness. He has so much still in his head that he needs to deal with. Theo, who loves watching his boyfriend grow and learn, isn't immune from self-doubt. Add in having to face Robbie's mother and aunt, along with the counsel who will decide their fate and other unexpected situations, and our couple has more on their plate than they can handle without help.
This one is even more emotional than book one, Escape. The intensely emotional and sexual connection is stronger than ever between Robbie and Theo, and they are so protective of each other. I adore these characters and their love story. I feel worn out, as if I have fought alongside them for their chance at happiness. I am happy to recommend these books, which tell an original and exciting story. To the authors, thanks for this adventure. Well done!

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robbie is ready - sort of - to face his new life with Theo at his side.

This continues from book one and yeah you need to read the first to totally understand all the little nuances and to have the necessary connection to Robbie and those around him to get all from this story that the author offers - that being said

Robbie is moving forward quite well and enjoying some of the perks that come with his new independence. Occasionally there are events that others accept as the norm of society that give Robbie pause. When you add in the upcoming trial of his mother and aunt... Thank goodness he has someone to ground him.
Theo is there for the most part but he also has his own insecurities that occasionally weigh him down and might cost him, Robbie

I am still team "Robeo" and know my boys will find their way out of the darkness
This second episode expands on the universe and the Nüwa history and politics
We also get a bit more on the secondary/supporting characters that IMO play a large role in the storyline

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbie is working through the mind control and conditioning he was left with at his mother’s and aunt’s hands. He is also working at establishing a relationship with Theo, his technomage. A visit for Thanksgiving changes everything when politics take over during a trial of his relatives. When everything turns deadly, Robbie and Theo will need all the help they can get from allies and friends.

Robbie is again traumatized and decides to hide. Who can blame him? But the danger is not over and they will need to unite if they are to save friends, family and Robbie as well. The action is tense and nonstop and you never know what will happen next. Robbie is surrounded by love and hopefully that will help him heal. Theo is incredible and steadfast and just what Robbie needs. This series is amazing.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Trials is the second book in the Nuwa series and we see the continuation of the last book. This is a slow-burn fantasy romance with lots of action and adventure. It definitely cannot be read as a standalone and you should read book one before this. I like all the different types of shifters and also mages, and the world-building is really fantastic. But I really liked the growth of Theo and Robbie in this book. They went through a lot of trials together. I really enjoyed the emotional journey that they have in this book. Robbie as he starts to get his first taste of freedom and grows into someone who doesn't need to be cared for and instead can take care of himself. I liked that Theo regardless was always there to lend and protect Robbie whenever he needed it. I liked the other characters that appeared and can't wait to read the third book.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series and cannot be read alone so make sure to read escape first will you be very confused and lost.

We join technomage Theo and shifter Robbie as they settle into their relationship, Theo is helping Robbie discover all the world that he is now exploring. Visiting family for Thanksgiving brings plenty of drama, intrigue and action.

As before this is a well written story I like to have a zest for life and Theo is so sweet and caring of him, the pair has lots of chemistry and are adorable together. Robbie’s aunt and mother are truly awful characters, they are well written but awful. I am enjoying the series and would recommend it if you enjoy paranormal romance stories.

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Shorty for MM Good Book Reviews 4 💖💖💖💖 Hearts

Robbie and Theo are settling in their new lives together when they are pulled into politics that neither are interested in. I liked that Robbie got justice for the way he was treated by his mother. I really did not like that woman and wanted to slap her most of the time.

It was nice seeing Robbie's family in a different light without the constant tension as in the previous book. It was cute watching Robbie and Theo together. They are an adorable couple.

This book was a dramatic story with a satisfying conclusion though had some unnecessary drama near the end. Despite that I enjoyed reading it.

Great read.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the series: Crossing Nuwa. I believe it is important to read the first book first.
Robbie and Theo's relationship continues to develop throughout the second book. Theo turns out to be a big cuddly bear and Theo begins to learn trust.
The trials the title alludes to are both the developing relationship and Theo's breaking free from the matriarchal Numa society.
In many respects I enjoyed the second book more than the first.
Loose ends were tied, the secondary characters came into their own, and Robbie and Theo's love blossoms.
This book is well worth reading and I commend the authors for a job well done.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a very difficult time reading this book, and caring about the characters. I honestly felt that the first book was satisfactory on its own and this one just dragged on.

For a peaceful people, the Nuwa have an amazing number of mid-level leaders who are willing to go to extremes for very unclear reasons. This is especially remarkable considering the very direct lack of patience with BS that the ruling council has. While Robbie and Theo have their problems, and act very much in their characters, the supporting characters just don’t make much sense.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was avidly awaiting this next book in the world of Crossing Nüwa and was not disappointed! We continue with Robbie and Theo's story which endeared me to them even more as we watch their relationship develop whilst following a plot with alot more drama and angst but interjected with lighter moments making this another page turning read that left me wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters as well. Really looking forward to the next in the series to find out what's next!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book focuses more on Robbie and Theo getting to know each other and other people especially trying to figure out who is a friend or not. I love the way Theo is written and how he can use technology but the way that these two authors have written Robbie learning about the world is definitely the best part of this book. While they are still problems and enemies this book is more lighthearted and has more humor in it. I think that they did a good job of not making Robbie the butt of jokes as he is learning about the world as it would have been easy to do. Instead we laugh with him not at him.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment! This book picks up shortly after the first in the series, and we star off seeing a nice slice of life between Theo and Robbie. It’s so obvious the two love each other immensely and are enjoying life together (and their sex life is off the charts)! But of course, like the first book, we’re treated to political scheming, badass technomagery, and terrifying snake women. The ending was a little abrupt and off for my tastes, but I’m still hooked into this story and can’t wait for another!

[Annie Elm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book about snake shifter Robbie and tech mage Theo.

I love Robbie and his innocence, how he finds happiness in little things and how pure his love for Theo is.
But we also got to see Theos insecurities and a past that has hurt him.

And all while Robbie and Theo is still working on their relationship they are once again drawn into the Nuwa snake shifter politics.

This shifter series is awesome and not quite like any other one I have read.
Can't wait for the story to continue.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book in the series, the story of Robbie and Theo continues. As they kept evolving as a couple overcoming their fears to be together, around them the danger is growing and the politics and evilness threatened to destroy them and those they loved. Intense and emotional, full of action, danger and intrigue, the story kept me at edge throughout the book until the very end. I can’t wait for more adventures in this amazing world the authors built for us.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[SFBookReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trials is the second book in the series and continue the story of Weresnake, Robbie, and Technomage, Theo. This is a slow-burn adventure romance filled with good worldbuilding and interesting characters. I liked the fact that the shifter is a snake and the mages are more than just magic. The technology used throughout is interesting and adds a new perspective. There are some trigger warnings for abuse/cult-like behavior. Overall well written and looking forward to reading more in the series as it ends in an HFN. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the series and they definitely need to be read in order, Theo has helped Robbie escape, in this book we see more about how Robbie and Theo’s relationship is developing and also find out more about Robbie’s background and the abuse he suffered emotionally, mentally and physically at the hands of his mother, aunt and clan he receives some justice and the support Theo gives him is sweet but there is still plenty of action, suspense, mystery and mayhem happening in this story that I’m looking forward to reading what comes next in this series.

[Patricia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fantastic, fascinating, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, intense, emotionally charged, fast paced, sexy, exciting, gripping, gritty, definitely different, and totally awesome story was even better than the first one. Filled with mystery, magic, mayhem, danger, suspense, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, I was hooked from the very first page. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this ASAP!! I can't wait to see what happens next.