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Sundance #1
Spiked
A telepath with a lethal twist.
My name is Neely and I'm a telepath-spiker. Not only can I read a person's thoughts, I can also spike deadly power straight into their brain.
But don't worry, I have strict rules about that sort of thing.
I'm hiding again. This time in a California desert truck stop town run by Lucas Blacke, a tiger shifter and alpha leader who's as handsome as Lucifer and twice as slippery. I've been running from alphas like him my whole life. They either want to own me or kill me—there is no middle ground.
Now a homicidal alpha from my past is threatening everything I care about and I know I can't fight him alone. Lucas Blacke is dangerous, and his intentions are murky at best, but I've run out of options. If I want to live, I'm going to have to put my faith in a man I know I can't trust.
If you like urban fantasy with a side order of romance, fast-paced action and slow-burn love, you'll love SPIKED.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2019
1576 people are currently reading
2043 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Rider
19 books333 followersC.P. Rider has worked as a decorative and mural painter, a fitness instructor, and a background investigator for nuclear power plants, all of which prepared her in strange and different ways for writing paranormal and urban fantasy romance.
Originally from the California southwestern desert, she now lives a little closer to the ocean with her family, including 3 dogs, a cat, 2 fish, and the occasional friendly ghost.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 359 reviews
did-not-finish
November 16, 2019Not gonna rate it cuz I didn't finish it, also it's not bad. It just has one of my ultimate pet peeves in it.
I hate the blackmailing, disrespectful, controlling, dominating alpha trope with all my being. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the trope for characters, I hate what people do with it to make something be sexy when it's not. I also hate the 'traitorous body' trope.
It's not charming or sexy to force someone to further your own agenda. It's even worse when you do it knowingly putting them in intense physical and emotional pain. The little 'witty' quips aren't cute. They're demeaning. Yes, please take complete control of my life, destroy everything I've worked for, make me repeat age old trauma again and again, watch me writhe in agony while commenting on my ass. And yes, please let me fall in love with you because you look nice. But oh no he's still a good person, just misunderstood!
Sure.
I don't care how attractive or 'charming' a character is made out to be. A piece of chocolate that tastes like shit is shit.
Where's the rage?? Where's the feelings of betrayal?? Where's the drive for revenge or survival?? I guess it's somewhere behind the view of his nice muscles. Grow some damn self respect MC's out there. Dear god.
I hate the blackmailing, disrespectful, controlling, dominating alpha trope with all my being. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the trope for characters, I hate what people do with it to make something be sexy when it's not. I also hate the 'traitorous body' trope.
It's not charming or sexy to force someone to further your own agenda. It's even worse when you do it knowingly putting them in intense physical and emotional pain. The little 'witty' quips aren't cute. They're demeaning. Yes, please take complete control of my life, destroy everything I've worked for, make me repeat age old trauma again and again, watch me writhe in agony while commenting on my ass. And yes, please let me fall in love with you because you look nice. But oh no he's still a good person, just misunderstood!
Sure.
I don't care how attractive or 'charming' a character is made out to be. A piece of chocolate that tastes like shit is shit.
Where's the rage?? Where's the feelings of betrayal?? Where's the drive for revenge or survival?? I guess it's somewhere behind the view of his nice muscles. Grow some damn self respect MC's out there. Dear god.
January 19, 2020
I didn't like it. I actually found it quite boring. Everything was predictable. I got tired of Neely's refusal to admit she was anything other than human, at 51% we still had that back and forth conversation.
Next comes the secret that was no secret. She is a telepath which is rare and a spiker which is even rarer. Her and her uncle move somewhere else because their previous alpha wanted to control her. They move into the town determined to hide her secret. Couple of pages in half the population of the town knows what she is but it was still a secret. That drove me bananas.
I can say with all certainty that I will not be reading the next one.
Next comes the secret that was no secret. She is a telepath which is rare and a spiker which is even rarer. Her and her uncle move somewhere else because their previous alpha wanted to control her. They move into the town determined to hide her secret. Couple of pages in half the population of the town knows what she is but it was still a secret. That drove me bananas.
I can say with all certainty that I will not be reading the next one.
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October 4, 2019
I am so pleasantly surprised right now!
It's honestly a great feeling when a book you weren't honestly expecting to be very good turns out to be surprisingly awesome. Have a quick plot summary:
Neely is a spiker, a person who can kill others through telepathy. She and her werewolf uncle have fled from pack to pack, being hunted by an evil alpha named Saul Roso, who wants to turn Neely into a werewolf himself. Then she'd be a crossbreed, an insanely powerful paranormal person, and he plans to use her as his own personal weapon. Unsurprisingly Neely now keeps her abilities a closely guarded secret.
Neely and her Tio Jose have ended up in the desert town of Sundance. It's full of paranormals, and the alpha in charge is Lucas Blacke. When members of his pack start getting murdered, Neely is forced to work with Lucas to find out what's up.
The Good
✔️ Spiked has been wonderfully edited. There was nary a typo to be seen, the writing wasn't horribly stilted as so many indie authors' writing is. C.P. Rider is clearly genuinely good at this author thing.
✔️ The entire book was underpinned by a subtle humour which did a lot to bring the characters to life. It wasn't necessarily laugh-out-loud, but Neely and Lucas (and others) were all amusing characters who said and did amusing things. This really helped in terms of fleshing them out.
✔️ Neely is an amazing heroine. Not only is she a person of colour (mother Hispanic, father African-Scottish) she was incredibly relatable, not at all TSTL, and very well-rounded. She's not a bad person but nor does she take things lying down; she's wonderfully strong in a way which reminded me of Andrea Nash from the Kate Daniels series.
✔️ Which brings me onto the fact that... this book reminded me SO MUCH of the amazing Kate Daniels series! Same sort of subtle humour, same strong heroes and heroines, same great secondary characters.
The Bad
❌ Really not much on this front. I'd say that Lucas spent more of this book as a bit of an enigma, but he put me strongly in mind of Curran. I'm not in total love with him yet, hopefully that'll come in later books.
❌ Sometimes the plot felt a little meandering, especially in the middle, where I'd get to the next chapter and Neely would be doing something (e.g. visiting the witches) which hadn't been telegraphed in earlier chapters. This occasionally made the book feel a bit oddly like a collection of individually written chapters, rather than a continuous whole. It certainly didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book but I will admit it was slightly jarring at times.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
It's honestly a great feeling when a book you weren't honestly expecting to be very good turns out to be surprisingly awesome. Have a quick plot summary:
Neely is a spiker, a person who can kill others through telepathy. She and her werewolf uncle have fled from pack to pack, being hunted by an evil alpha named Saul Roso, who wants to turn Neely into a werewolf himself. Then she'd be a crossbreed, an insanely powerful paranormal person, and he plans to use her as his own personal weapon. Unsurprisingly Neely now keeps her abilities a closely guarded secret.
Neely and her Tio Jose have ended up in the desert town of Sundance. It's full of paranormals, and the alpha in charge is Lucas Blacke. When members of his pack start getting murdered, Neely is forced to work with Lucas to find out what's up.
The Good
✔️ Spiked has been wonderfully edited. There was nary a typo to be seen, the writing wasn't horribly stilted as so many indie authors' writing is. C.P. Rider is clearly genuinely good at this author thing.
✔️ The entire book was underpinned by a subtle humour which did a lot to bring the characters to life. It wasn't necessarily laugh-out-loud, but Neely and Lucas (and others) were all amusing characters who said and did amusing things. This really helped in terms of fleshing them out.
✔️ Neely is an amazing heroine. Not only is she a person of colour (mother Hispanic, father African-Scottish) she was incredibly relatable, not at all TSTL, and very well-rounded. She's not a bad person but nor does she take things lying down; she's wonderfully strong in a way which reminded me of Andrea Nash from the Kate Daniels series.
✔️ Which brings me onto the fact that... this book reminded me SO MUCH of the amazing Kate Daniels series! Same sort of subtle humour, same strong heroes and heroines, same great secondary characters.
The Bad
❌ Really not much on this front. I'd say that Lucas spent more of this book as a bit of an enigma, but he put me strongly in mind of Curran. I'm not in total love with him yet, hopefully that'll come in later books.
❌ Sometimes the plot felt a little meandering, especially in the middle, where I'd get to the next chapter and Neely would be doing something (e.g. visiting the witches) which hadn't been telegraphed in earlier chapters. This occasionally made the book feel a bit oddly like a collection of individually written chapters, rather than a continuous whole. It certainly didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book but I will admit it was slightly jarring at times.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
April 4, 2022
Neely is a telepathic "spiker". She can dive into a person's mind and attack them at their very core. She lives in a town with shifters and witches...and some of them want to do her in.
Not a bad book but it lacks originality. Honestly it feels a bit derivative but that isn't a bad thing. Most authors emulate others in their first effort.
Not a bad book but it lacks originality. Honestly it feels a bit derivative but that isn't a bad thing. Most authors emulate others in their first effort.
June 29, 2020
hmm..yeah 2.5 rating for this one
I enjoyed the story for the most part-I liked the h magical background and the supernatural lore...
but the H was kind of giving me pushy alpha bs vibes for a portion of the book, and I wasn't feeling him. No thanks.
I enjoyed the story for the most part-I liked the h magical background and the supernatural lore...
but the H was kind of giving me pushy alpha bs vibes for a portion of the book, and I wasn't feeling him. No thanks.
January 6, 2020
What Nunya said, the only difference is that I forced myself to finish it.
"Inconsistencies early on, poor world building and character development, interactions/reactions/dialogue between characters didn't make sense, the usual tropes of UF especially what is presented as romance or flirting when it really shouldn't be, and more...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I add a nonsensical plot to it, stupidity galore (both character and situation wise), and total lack of situation awareness.
But then this author can't stick to the situation she's writing about, so her character smirks during a horrorific murder scene where the same character was almost throwing up.
"Inconsistencies early on, poor world building and character development, interactions/reactions/dialogue between characters didn't make sense, the usual tropes of UF especially what is presented as romance or flirting when it really shouldn't be, and more...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."
I add a nonsensical plot to it, stupidity galore (both character and situation wise), and total lack of situation awareness.
But then this author can't stick to the situation she's writing about, so her character smirks during a horrorific murder scene where the same character was almost throwing up.
dnf
July 30, 2021if i had the ability to read minds i would simply develop a god complex and become an emotionless sociopath by using it for every gain possible. sorry but i’m built different
December 12, 2019
I’m not a fan of any of the characters or the writing. I am interested in the FMC species & unique ability. I can also appreciate she’s Hispanic. I like when the FMC is a poc or minority & believe UF/Fiction should have more diversity. I am willing to read on. 2.5 stars
May 30, 2021
Meh
This book just didn't work for me and I ended up skimming quite a bit. I was frustrated within the first few chapters when she's carted into the Alpha's bedroom and stripped down while unconscious. She wakes up in his arms-because apparently stripping a woman down and holding her in your bed even though you don't really know her is normal. Then he blames her for his sexual response and makes sexual comments that she doesn't welcome. That's called harassment. But does the book address this? No. I don't care if he's her counterpart, he was gross and creepy and playing it off like it's normal is disturbing. What an awful message to send.
Neely is also an airhead, which always makes for a bad read. While the male love interest can't do anything wrong, she is constantly stepping in it and making bad decisions. On top of it, she's pretty helpless and needs to be rescued despite her gifts. Apparently she needs a man to help her find herself and pull her out of her selfish ways. Again, messaging?! Honestly.
While the world is interesting, I found the plot a bit basic. Character development was limited, but it's a first book in a series so unsurprising. Not sure I will read future books though given the subliminal messaging.
This book just didn't work for me and I ended up skimming quite a bit. I was frustrated within the first few chapters when she's carted into the Alpha's bedroom and stripped down while unconscious. She wakes up in his arms-because apparently stripping a woman down and holding her in your bed even though you don't really know her is normal. Then he blames her for his sexual response and makes sexual comments that she doesn't welcome. That's called harassment. But does the book address this? No. I don't care if he's her counterpart, he was gross and creepy and playing it off like it's normal is disturbing. What an awful message to send.
Neely is also an airhead, which always makes for a bad read. While the male love interest can't do anything wrong, she is constantly stepping in it and making bad decisions. On top of it, she's pretty helpless and needs to be rescued despite her gifts. Apparently she needs a man to help her find herself and pull her out of her selfish ways. Again, messaging?! Honestly.
While the world is interesting, I found the plot a bit basic. Character development was limited, but it's a first book in a series so unsurprising. Not sure I will read future books though given the subliminal messaging.
January 11, 2021
Pretty nice Sunday-like series
It was fun and engaging and fast-paced. Not too deep or too complicated or anything like that, but it was nice.
Yes, nice. Not bad, not good, not anything, just... nice.
I'll go on with the series, sometimes all I'm looking for is a fast weekend-book/series, and this fits perfectly with what I want right now.
Worth reading if you're new to UF and looking for fun or if you're into UF and looking to relax
It was fun and engaging and fast-paced. Not too deep or too complicated or anything like that, but it was nice.
Yes, nice. Not bad, not good, not anything, just... nice.
I'll go on with the series, sometimes all I'm looking for is a fast weekend-book/series, and this fits perfectly with what I want right now.
Worth reading if you're new to UF and looking for fun or if you're into UF and looking to relax
July 20, 2020
I loved this, what a unique and wonderful fantasy. Full of action, humour and emotion. I loved the fact the author made me really care about the characters, it's so sad at one point and your heart breaks (no spoilers) I loved Neely so much and she is a treasonous character, sure with her distrust you find yourself arguing with her, but you understand where she incoming from. Lucas is an interesting character, I love d their chemistry and can't wait to see where that will go.
November 11, 2023
Loved this and I'm crossing my fingers the series holds up to a strong beginning.
I'm a big fan of murder mysteries and this has elements of that. Someone is killing unaffiliated beta shifters. Is Neely's uncle next? While the villain(s) weren't a surprise as the author did some foreshadowing, it still was a great adventure. The book ends on a sad note and I feel for the heroine. We are also left with inklings that there is a hero that cares for her and is going to be important to her.
Neely is a strong heroine who takes on too much responsibility for what evil folks do around her. She's hiding with her uncle in Sundance and is trying to keep her secrets close.
There is murder and death of people Neely cares about... and the author made me care about them, too. It sucks when I have no warning certain people are going to die. But, it was really well written and I loved so many of the characters.
Neely begins to make some friendships in this book, but I'm guessing things will deepen in later books. While there are elements of romance in this, it's so slow burn that nothing really happens here.
The narrator is wonderful and pronounced Spanish words well. She also did great voices for the characters so I knew who was speaking. This book was on the long side but it kept my attention for the whole time and I'm already diving into the next book.
Content warnings: violence, attempted kidnapping, death of loved ones, betrayal, self-recrimination and guilt, secret keeping, self-protectedness, cock-blocking, humor, care and thoughtful actions.
I'm a big fan of murder mysteries and this has elements of that. Someone is killing unaffiliated beta shifters. Is Neely's uncle next? While the villain(s) weren't a surprise as the author did some foreshadowing, it still was a great adventure. The book ends on a sad note and I feel for the heroine. We are also left with inklings that there is a hero that cares for her and is going to be important to her.
Neely is a strong heroine who takes on too much responsibility for what evil folks do around her. She's hiding with her uncle in Sundance and is trying to keep her secrets close.
There is murder and death of people Neely cares about... and the author made me care about them, too. It sucks when I have no warning certain people are going to die. But, it was really well written and I loved so many of the characters.
Neely begins to make some friendships in this book, but I'm guessing things will deepen in later books. While there are elements of romance in this, it's so slow burn that nothing really happens here.
The narrator is wonderful and pronounced Spanish words well. She also did great voices for the characters so I knew who was speaking. This book was on the long side but it kept my attention for the whole time and I'm already diving into the next book.
Content warnings: violence, attempted kidnapping, death of loved ones, betrayal, self-recrimination and guilt, secret keeping, self-protectedness, cock-blocking, humor, care and thoughtful actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
This book had a nice Humor in the beginning.
They didn’t take many things seriously, downside, it was irritating when suddenly they did, especially concerning matters I wouldn’t have while other things I would, which they in turn didn’t.
The plot in itself wasn’t bad, the ideas weren’t either. But inconsistencies, holes and illogical thinking in the world building, unripe characters...made it no fun to read.
The characters didn’t fit their descriptions or the author overdramatised things.
Both I guess.
The story and behaviour was overdramatised, while the characters were immature and naive filling roles of grown ups with immense powers, and those combinations simply didn’t fit. For example an alpha that has indeed a bunch of idiots as his inner circle, when you get to know their thoughts, which are on the Niveau and seriousness level of a teenager. That has no concept of responsibility and effect of ones behaviour.
The reasoning alone points to the limited mental horizon and capacity of the lead character, I am on the run chased by bad people, yet I won’t gather knowledge to help my cause and protect me and my uncle, and I sure as hell won’t use my most powerful advantageous gift because, well, I simply decided I respect human privacy. It is either black or white. And of course I drown in self inflicted guilt because my uncle has to suffer because of me. I am the center of the world, which is of course out to get me, although I didn’t do anything wrong.
Typical teenager mindset.
If you never want your secret revealed, to never be used again, or chased by bad people and are carrying around past traumas.
You don’t act so nonchalant when a bunch of drunken witches reveal them and cons you out of your car. It is simply all ridiculous.
You don’t argue that the heat is too uncomfortable outside to get away from a scenario were you will be used again against your will.
When you repeatedly don’t trust shifters, you simply don’t trust them and don’t suddenly do and spill secrets, blaming it on your runaway mouth. It is like you really take the situation threatening your life not really seriously. Or the situation is overdramatised...which is it? Because the person you spilled your secrets do did nothing much to gain any trust at all.
This all makes the plot and the characters look idiotic. Like a Shakespeare comedy gone horribly wrong.
Words lead to imaginations, and the authors words let me believe her past was really bad, yet her actions in the present don’t fit that scenario. And while the past is slowly revealed, it turns out it wasn’t as bad as the author implied in the beginning.
That is simply bad writing and makes me as a reader frustrated, because nothing fits.
Can’t tell if it is simply not my kind of writing style or it is as bad as I think it is.
It is just amateur writing in my book.
Gave up at around 40%
They didn’t take many things seriously, downside, it was irritating when suddenly they did, especially concerning matters I wouldn’t have while other things I would, which they in turn didn’t.
The plot in itself wasn’t bad, the ideas weren’t either. But inconsistencies, holes and illogical thinking in the world building, unripe characters...made it no fun to read.
The characters didn’t fit their descriptions or the author overdramatised things.
Both I guess.
The story and behaviour was overdramatised, while the characters were immature and naive filling roles of grown ups with immense powers, and those combinations simply didn’t fit. For example an alpha that has indeed a bunch of idiots as his inner circle, when you get to know their thoughts, which are on the Niveau and seriousness level of a teenager. That has no concept of responsibility and effect of ones behaviour.
The reasoning alone points to the limited mental horizon and capacity of the lead character, I am on the run chased by bad people, yet I won’t gather knowledge to help my cause and protect me and my uncle, and I sure as hell won’t use my most powerful advantageous gift because, well, I simply decided I respect human privacy. It is either black or white. And of course I drown in self inflicted guilt because my uncle has to suffer because of me. I am the center of the world, which is of course out to get me, although I didn’t do anything wrong.
Typical teenager mindset.
If you never want your secret revealed, to never be used again, or chased by bad people and are carrying around past traumas.
You don’t act so nonchalant when a bunch of drunken witches reveal them and cons you out of your car. It is simply all ridiculous.
You don’t argue that the heat is too uncomfortable outside to get away from a scenario were you will be used again against your will.
When you repeatedly don’t trust shifters, you simply don’t trust them and don’t suddenly do and spill secrets, blaming it on your runaway mouth. It is like you really take the situation threatening your life not really seriously. Or the situation is overdramatised...which is it? Because the person you spilled your secrets do did nothing much to gain any trust at all.
This all makes the plot and the characters look idiotic. Like a Shakespeare comedy gone horribly wrong.
Words lead to imaginations, and the authors words let me believe her past was really bad, yet her actions in the present don’t fit that scenario. And while the past is slowly revealed, it turns out it wasn’t as bad as the author implied in the beginning.
That is simply bad writing and makes me as a reader frustrated, because nothing fits.
Can’t tell if it is simply not my kind of writing style or it is as bad as I think it is.
It is just amateur writing in my book.
Gave up at around 40%
August 29, 2019
Spiked is one of those books you don’t want to end. The good news is there are more in the series! Woot! This book is full with family and rich in culture. I love the way the author uses Spanish throughout the book but never leaves us wondering what was said. I felt immersed in another time, place, culture…. And oh the bakery. THE BAKERY!
Our Heroine Neely reminds me of Ripley (Alien). She’s kick butt, but not over confident. She’s scared to death, but is determined to save her family even if it costs her her life. She’s also soft and sensitive and not afraid to ask for help. She just isn’t sure who to trust which makes this an absolute thrill ride, full of tension and twists.
Neely and her uncle move to a charming out of the way desert town to escape a few secrets and one powerful alpha shifter who’s bent on exploiting her unique power to spike. She’s trying to keep it under wraps, but when people start dying and her family is in jeopardy she must decide whether to make a deal with the new alpha in town, or go it alone and maybe lose everything.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and the first shifter fantasy I’ve ever read. Both were a fabulous surprise. Great writing and an amazing put together packed with action and adventure story. And wait til you meet the nutty witch sisters. They’re powerful little fruitbaskets.
Can’t wait for the next excerpt. Not a cliff hangar but definitely more stories in this town.
Our Heroine Neely reminds me of Ripley (Alien). She’s kick butt, but not over confident. She’s scared to death, but is determined to save her family even if it costs her her life. She’s also soft and sensitive and not afraid to ask for help. She just isn’t sure who to trust which makes this an absolute thrill ride, full of tension and twists.
Neely and her uncle move to a charming out of the way desert town to escape a few secrets and one powerful alpha shifter who’s bent on exploiting her unique power to spike. She’s trying to keep it under wraps, but when people start dying and her family is in jeopardy she must decide whether to make a deal with the new alpha in town, or go it alone and maybe lose everything.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and the first shifter fantasy I’ve ever read. Both were a fabulous surprise. Great writing and an amazing put together packed with action and adventure story. And wait til you meet the nutty witch sisters. They’re powerful little fruitbaskets.
Can’t wait for the next excerpt. Not a cliff hangar but definitely more stories in this town.
July 23, 2020
I liked it, but I didn't love it.
Alphaholes only work for me as characters if the lead female makes them work for it. Neely got mad when Lucas did super shitty things - his entire acquisition of her, grabbing the charm and forcing her to be his telepath, was so gross that I don't even have words. But her mad disappeared in like 2 seconds, as soon as Lucas gave her a flirty comment or a hot look.
I HATE the constant trope in books, lately, where the guy can be the most narcissistic, manipulative asshole in the world, as long as he's hot. It is so gross.
In the end, she allowed some pretty shitty treatment of her to fly, and that undercuts her in a serious way. It also undercuts him, because he never had to push past that 2-dimensional alphahole bullshit.
She also spends way too much time letting other people make her feel shitty for stuff that was not wrong. The guy she's been on one single fucking half-date with doesn't get to make her feel shitty for spending time in the vicinity of another hot guy. Lucas doesn't get to make her feel shitty for keeping a secret that is literally life-or-death for her. But she accepts this, constantly, and internalizes it, beats herself up over it.
It makes her incredibly weak.
Alphaholes only work for me as characters if the lead female makes them work for it. Neely got mad when Lucas did super shitty things - his entire acquisition of her, grabbing the charm and forcing her to be his telepath, was so gross that I don't even have words. But her mad disappeared in like 2 seconds, as soon as Lucas gave her a flirty comment or a hot look.
I HATE the constant trope in books, lately, where the guy can be the most narcissistic, manipulative asshole in the world, as long as he's hot. It is so gross.
In the end, she allowed some pretty shitty treatment of her to fly, and that undercuts her in a serious way. It also undercuts him, because he never had to push past that 2-dimensional alphahole bullshit.
She also spends way too much time letting other people make her feel shitty for stuff that was not wrong. The guy she's been on one single fucking half-date with doesn't get to make her feel shitty for spending time in the vicinity of another hot guy. Lucas doesn't get to make her feel shitty for keeping a secret that is literally life-or-death for her. But she accepts this, constantly, and internalizes it, beats herself up over it.
It makes her incredibly weak.
June 7, 2020
3.5 stars
This book wasn't perfect, but I appreciate the author's effort to do some things a bit different. Like the heroine, Neely, an Afro-Latina with a special psychic power. Not only can she read minds, she can spike them, frying her opponent with her ability. She's in hiding from the alpha wolf who wants to force her into his pack... and has made a new home for herself with her uncle in a small southern California town named Sundance.
Sundance is filled with supernaturals, all under the rule of the local alpha, Lucas. And Neely takes great pains to keep her gifts under wraps. But when local betas start turning up dead, she gets dragged in to the investigation, making it harder and harder to lay low.
I appreciate having a WOC in the lead role and I thought her power was pretty cool. Lucas is interesting...with secrets of his own, but he suffers from alpha-itis, and imposes his will on Neely in ways I didn't always love. The Spanish phrases are liberally sprinkled in, especially in the beginning, and it felt a little trite. Neely had a bit of self-loathing going on, which got to be... a lot... but I am hopeful that after the events of this book, she'll grow more accepting of who and what she is.
I'll give the next book a try to see where it goes.
This book wasn't perfect, but I appreciate the author's effort to do some things a bit different. Like the heroine, Neely, an Afro-Latina with a special psychic power. Not only can she read minds, she can spike them, frying her opponent with her ability. She's in hiding from the alpha wolf who wants to force her into his pack... and has made a new home for herself with her uncle in a small southern California town named Sundance.
Sundance is filled with supernaturals, all under the rule of the local alpha, Lucas. And Neely takes great pains to keep her gifts under wraps. But when local betas start turning up dead, she gets dragged in to the investigation, making it harder and harder to lay low.
I appreciate having a WOC in the lead role and I thought her power was pretty cool. Lucas is interesting...with secrets of his own, but he suffers from alpha-itis, and imposes his will on Neely in ways I didn't always love. The Spanish phrases are liberally sprinkled in, especially in the beginning, and it felt a little trite. Neely had a bit of self-loathing going on, which got to be... a lot... but I am hopeful that after the events of this book, she'll grow more accepting of who and what she is.
I'll give the next book a try to see where it goes.
August 20, 2019
This book was EXCELLENT!
C.P. Rider is a truly gifted author, and I'm astonished that this is the first book of hers published.
There was so much to love about this book: the main character is intelligent, powerful but vulnerable, with intriguing secrets. The other characters in the book are well-written and dynamic, and the pacing is the absolute perfect blend of dialogue, action, and world-building/background. I've read many books recently with pages of info-dumping and internal monologue, so it was refreshing to read a book that sucks you in from the start and doesn't let up on the action and intrigue, while weaving in necessary background information that deepened my understanding of the characters and their motivations.
This was one of the best urban fantasy books I've read, with a slow-burn romance that I can't wait to see play out more in the future.
I will be eagerly looking out for more in this series and anything else that this author writes.
C.P. Rider is a truly gifted author, and I'm astonished that this is the first book of hers published.
There was so much to love about this book: the main character is intelligent, powerful but vulnerable, with intriguing secrets. The other characters in the book are well-written and dynamic, and the pacing is the absolute perfect blend of dialogue, action, and world-building/background. I've read many books recently with pages of info-dumping and internal monologue, so it was refreshing to read a book that sucks you in from the start and doesn't let up on the action and intrigue, while weaving in necessary background information that deepened my understanding of the characters and their motivations.
This was one of the best urban fantasy books I've read, with a slow-burn romance that I can't wait to see play out more in the future.
I will be eagerly looking out for more in this series and anything else that this author writes.
January 1, 2020
DNF
I did not finish reading this. I could not bring myself to. The entire tone of the book shifted after the sample and became everything I was worried it might be. Inconsistencies early on, poor world building and character development, interactions/reactions/dialogue between characters didn't make sense, the usual tropes of UF especially what is presented as romance or flirting when it really shouldn't be, and more. It was like a forced or scripted UF paint by numbers type of feel to it if that makes sense. It came across like a movie or show where there's over acting and ppl throwing in scenes or scenarios for just the sake of the situation because it's been deemed or proven to be dramatic or something. I didn't get that far and it was just too many cases of me already being like XYZ doesn't make any kind of sense whatsoever and here's another contradiction and so on. Just no....
I did not finish reading this. I could not bring myself to. The entire tone of the book shifted after the sample and became everything I was worried it might be. Inconsistencies early on, poor world building and character development, interactions/reactions/dialogue between characters didn't make sense, the usual tropes of UF especially what is presented as romance or flirting when it really shouldn't be, and more. It was like a forced or scripted UF paint by numbers type of feel to it if that makes sense. It came across like a movie or show where there's over acting and ppl throwing in scenes or scenarios for just the sake of the situation because it's been deemed or proven to be dramatic or something. I didn't get that far and it was just too many cases of me already being like XYZ doesn't make any kind of sense whatsoever and here's another contradiction and so on. Just no....
July 11, 2023
I originally gave this 4 stars, so I'll keep it there, but this second read through (audiobook this time) both of the MC's drove me nuts. The MFC (Neely) was so obnoxious not telling people needed details about her past, putting everyone around her in danger. The MMC (Lucas) was just annoying. I'd give it a 3 stars this go around.
November 8, 2019
Why authors insist on writing in spanish without checking with an actual native speaker, is not too much to ask, especially when is like ten lines in the whole book.
March 8, 2020
**3.5**
I enjoyed this, but there were some holes that bothered me in the story and world building that held this back from being better. I didn't understand what all the biting on the back of the neck thing was, the spiker ability was not 100% clear, and why did Lucas keep disappearing to Vegas and elsewhere when he knew the villain was close/there was danger? But for an urban fantasy, I did really like it.
As for the characters, as an alpha, I liked Lucas a lot as he wasn't as overly controlling and bossy as most alpha characters. I mean he definitely had a few moments, but as the head of a pack/group, it was to be expected. He never tried to tell Neely what to do except when he was trying to actively protect her. Neely on the other hand wasn't as strong for me.
As for the romance, it was a slow burn of sorts, but for some reason something didn't quite work for me. It was obvious there was attraction from the beginning so maybe my issue was that they still hadn't gotten together by the end and it felt like they should have. It reminded me of Ilona Andrews (maybe because I haven't read a ton of UF), but not as strong.
I enjoyed this, but there were some holes that bothered me in the story and world building that held this back from being better. I didn't understand what all the biting on the back of the neck thing was, the spiker ability was not 100% clear, and why did Lucas keep disappearing to Vegas and elsewhere when he knew the villain was close/there was danger? But for an urban fantasy, I did really like it.
As for the characters, as an alpha, I liked Lucas a lot as he wasn't as overly controlling and bossy as most alpha characters. I mean he definitely had a few moments, but as the head of a pack/group, it was to be expected. He never tried to tell Neely what to do except when he was trying to actively protect her. Neely on the other hand wasn't as strong for me.
As for the romance, it was a slow burn of sorts, but for some reason something didn't quite work for me. It was obvious there was attraction from the beginning so maybe my issue was that they still hadn't gotten together by the end and it felt like they should have. It reminded me of Ilona Andrews (maybe because I haven't read a ton of UF), but not as strong.
March 6, 2023
Can’t stand heros/heroines who refuse to use their very useful gifts.
If Neely was actually afraid of being found out, you’d think that her super stealthy gift of reading minds would be CLUTCH for avoiding poachers, predators and anyone who wishes her harm.
But no. She instead gives herself CRIPPLING HEADACHES and pain to suppress her inherent gifts and stubbornly remains 5 steps behind everyone else. Like an idiot.
Neely guards her ignorance jealously, and woe to anyone trying to speak common sense.
If Neely was actually afraid of being found out, you’d think that her super stealthy gift of reading minds would be CLUTCH for avoiding poachers, predators and anyone who wishes her harm.
But no. She instead gives herself CRIPPLING HEADACHES and pain to suppress her inherent gifts and stubbornly remains 5 steps behind everyone else. Like an idiot.
Neely guards her ignorance jealously, and woe to anyone trying to speak common sense.
October 19, 2019
5 Te Amo Mucho Stars
Spiked is the first book in The Sundance Series by C. P. Rider.
The synopsis for this book drew me like a moth to a flame. I attempted to have loose expectations after reading it, in deference to past lessons learned with other novels. It was unnecessary in this instance, Rider did not let me down. It is 6 a.m., I have work in 8 hours, and I have not slept yet. I was unable to put this book down. It tore through me. Neely’s strife gutted me, I loved her from the moment she came across my screen. I always connect more to the stories that tend to reach in and infiltrate your blood and fill it with an undeniable sorrow. It’s always bitter sweet, in a sense. It makes my cry eyes out, unstoppable and endless tears streaming down my face to the point where I have to constantly blink or wipe them away just to clear my impeded grasp on the words before me. However, in the end I always feel more grounded and while having come out the other side of the heavy grief previously weighing me down.
The world building, merely in reference to their little town and basic social structure was superb. The characters are varying degrees of amazing. Rider really captured me in all of their stories and development. I felt what I needed to, and I was present for the whole bumpy ride.
It’s always devastating to experience the death of a favorite character, even if you’re only on the first book in the series. You shouldn’t even know them enough to love them yet, but this character burrowed under my skin and hooked their claws in deep fairly quickly.
The book came to life before my eyes and I’m glad to have discovered it.
Spiked is the first book in The Sundance Series by C. P. Rider.
The synopsis for this book drew me like a moth to a flame. I attempted to have loose expectations after reading it, in deference to past lessons learned with other novels. It was unnecessary in this instance, Rider did not let me down. It is 6 a.m., I have work in 8 hours, and I have not slept yet. I was unable to put this book down. It tore through me. Neely’s strife gutted me, I loved her from the moment she came across my screen. I always connect more to the stories that tend to reach in and infiltrate your blood and fill it with an undeniable sorrow. It’s always bitter sweet, in a sense. It makes my cry eyes out, unstoppable and endless tears streaming down my face to the point where I have to constantly blink or wipe them away just to clear my impeded grasp on the words before me. However, in the end I always feel more grounded and while having come out the other side of the heavy grief previously weighing me down.
The world building, merely in reference to their little town and basic social structure was superb. The characters are varying degrees of amazing. Rider really captured me in all of their stories and development. I felt what I needed to, and I was present for the whole bumpy ride.
It’s always devastating to experience the death of a favorite character, even if you’re only on the first book in the series. You shouldn’t even know them enough to love them yet, but this character burrowed under my skin and hooked their claws in deep fairly quickly.
The book came to life before my eyes and I’m glad to have discovered it.
August 1, 2021
RE-READ 7-2021, still a great story. It was harder for me to get into it the 2nd time around, not sure why other than I already knew what was going to happen? But it is refreshing to get back into all the banter between Neely and Lucas- I had forgotten how honestly they bicker with each other. Worth another read!
This was recommended by Scarlett Dawn as a 5 star read- I totally agree.
I was 25% into the book before I realized how quickly it had sucked me into the story, the world, the people- its fabulous.
I love Lucas- love his sarcasm. Neely- I could have shaken her a few times but ultimately I had to respect her "rules". Sometimes you just don't care what people think. Why bog down your life and emotion with what they think?
Great mystery to unravel, characters are strong- really good story. Shifters galore.
I did see Della as a threat early, but not how I suspected! Cooper, so sorry, struck out to the awesome Alpha :)
This was recommended by Scarlett Dawn as a 5 star read- I totally agree.
I was 25% into the book before I realized how quickly it had sucked me into the story, the world, the people- its fabulous.
I love Lucas- love his sarcasm. Neely- I could have shaken her a few times but ultimately I had to respect her "rules". Sometimes you just don't care what people think. Why bog down your life and emotion with what they think?
Great mystery to unravel, characters are strong- really good story. Shifters galore.
I did see Della as a threat early, but not how I suspected! Cooper, so sorry, struck out to the awesome Alpha :)
January 23, 2020
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters are interesting, even the side characters which isn't always the case (the witches were hilarious). There wasn't a whole lot of backstory(yet), but there was enough for it all to make sense. I enjoyed the banter between the MCs at times and can see why it was mentioned in so many reviews. There is drama and betrayal and past trauma, but it all fits into the story well.
There are some parts that are a bit predictable, but not enough to ruin the story or make it boring.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter fast paced drama/action with a splash of romance.
I really enjoyed this book.
The characters are interesting, even the side characters which isn't always the case (the witches were hilarious). There wasn't a whole lot of backstory(yet), but there was enough for it all to make sense. I enjoyed the banter between the MCs at times and can see why it was mentioned in so many reviews. There is drama and betrayal and past trauma, but it all fits into the story well.
There are some parts that are a bit predictable, but not enough to ruin the story or make it boring.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter fast paced drama/action with a splash of romance.
February 23, 2025
I thought this would be another fairly typical urban fantasy. I was surprised to find that it was much better. It was well developed, great characters and showed real, honest, close-knit family feelings. There is drama and action and it flows well. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 9, 2020
(4.5 stars)
September 20, 2020
This was good. A Mexican bakery and a town with shifters and paranormals, a leading lady with a secret and lone shifters are being murdered.
April 27, 2020
I loved this.
After a streak of meh books, I can’t tell you how happy I was to stumble across this little PNR gem. This has all the feels, and the central plot was so good. Nelia is a sweet, but troubled character who has been running from her past for too long. It all comes to a head when local shifters are found murdered, and the Alpha, Lucas Blacke, discovers her ability and ropes her into the hunt for the killer.
I did like Lucas, but it was a little dicey at the start thanks to his disregard of Nelia’s well-being and emotional stability regarding her telepathy. Thankfully he shows some empathy and humor, but his arrogance did make me want to kick him in his nether regions at times. As for the other characters, they were interesting and played a well balanced role in supporting Lucas and Nelia, as well as moving the story forward at a nice pace.
Fingers crossed the series is from Nelia’s perspective as I’m not sure I want to read about the happenings in Sundance from any other character.
4 stars ⭐️
After a streak of meh books, I can’t tell you how happy I was to stumble across this little PNR gem. This has all the feels, and the central plot was so good. Nelia is a sweet, but troubled character who has been running from her past for too long. It all comes to a head when local shifters are found murdered, and the Alpha, Lucas Blacke, discovers her ability and ropes her into the hunt for the killer.
I did like Lucas, but it was a little dicey at the start thanks to his disregard of Nelia’s well-being and emotional stability regarding her telepathy. Thankfully he shows some empathy and humor, but his arrogance did make me want to kick him in his nether regions at times. As for the other characters, they were interesting and played a well balanced role in supporting Lucas and Nelia, as well as moving the story forward at a nice pace.
Fingers crossed the series is from Nelia’s perspective as I’m not sure I want to read about the happenings in Sundance from any other character.
4 stars ⭐️
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