1. I am a fae 2. I am an empath 3. I am collecting hot AF fae boyfriends like they're going out of style 4. My two dads are both kind of jerks
After twenty years as a not-quite-human, wondering where I belong, I've finally found my place among the fae in Avalon and my dads want to take it away.
All I want to do is avoid my family, stay under the radar, learn about my magic, and get up close and personal with my suitors. But, of course, the gods have other plans for me.
Change-the-world-save-the-fae kinds of plans.
Turns out I'm not really a save-the-world kind of girl. Honestly, I don't want any of this.
The Unwanted Challenge is book two of the Empath Found trilogy. It’s a fated-mates-with-a-twist, medium burn reverse harem. Suitable for readers 18+
Empath Found Trilogy: 1. The Terrible Gift 2. The Unwanted Challenge 3. The Reluctant Keeper
Colette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
It is a little amateur, and it feels like Ffion is a little more airheaded.
And I really, seriously, dislike Bryn. He's a whiny dickbag. Let me walk you through. From the moment he met her, he has been shitty and hostile to her. He hated that he felt a mating pull, and so his grand plan was to be a dick. And then officially start courting someone else, and publicly mack on her at every opportunity, while shooting anger and resentment and frustration at the empath. Then he gets angry that sue doesn't trust him when she's in trouble - this guy who has never given even a hint of care for her - and acts like an even bigger angry baby about it.
And by the end, he's flipping hot/cold constantly. Shows interest, pushes her away. Rinse and repeat.
I just want one of the characters to kick him firmly in the junk.
Then Fi goes so far as to think (in her POV) that he was right to be mad at her. Yeah, he was a grumpy douche, but apparently that's no excuse for her to think poorly of him. After all, her existing - this mate bond - gives him a sad, and she should feel bad about that.
Gross. That kind of internalized misogyny is just so gross to me.
And then her other fucking mates act like the situation is so fucked between her and Bryn because they are both so stubborn. As if she should just fall in the floor with her legs spread for a guy who has always been an asshole to her.
In some ways, The Unwanted Challenge was better than the first book. However, in other ways, I had major problems with how things turned out here.
I liked that there was some sort of development in the plot, no matter how slow or fast that plot came about. There is an overall reason to all this stuff that keeps happening to Fi. I just wished it didn’t seem to have such a weird pacing when it came to pivotal moments. It was either slow moving, or just in your face and giving you a plethora of facts about what is happening/what is to come.
There were also some great relationship/sexier scenes here. Hell, in the first 14% of the book we got three of them. Although, at times, it seemed unnecessary and too much, especially after Fi’s kidnapping. I was like, “damn I know the girl misses her dudes, but now seems to be more of the time for healing and comfort than just full on sex.” More my thinking, but whatever, power to Fi for diving back in.
I had some major conflicting feelings about using such a traumatic experience as being kidnapped and cut apart for more than a month just to A). Have some sort of plot there in the story for her to “grow” from, and B). For Bryn and Fi to grow closer from the experience. Don’t get me wrong. There can be good stories where this takes place and it’s used as a effective means of growth, IN A POSITIVE WAY... but I don’t think that was the case here. It was used merely to get Fi to rely more on her mates and suitors, and make her more of a victim to the circumstances of her “specialness.” Don’t even get me started on how wrong it feels that the author used this moment to make Bryn, who granted was facing his inner dilemma over his mate pull even before Fi’s kidnapping, as a means for Fi to gain perspective and realize that Bryn isn’t the only one to blame here for his dickish-ness. Granted, I also felt there were interesting scenes from this overall, like Saffir, and it pushes the plot into the final stages of the book (even if I’m so annoyed by how it came about).
Again, the characters were mostly one-dimensional and didn’t really have the depth or growth I was looking for, except from Bryn and Saffir. They were the only characters that seemed to have more than surface level motivations or feelings. And then, Bryn is so fucking hot or cold throughout the book that it just makes me want to yell. He’s supposed to understand her the most (which in a way he does) but his own trauma and stubbornness is getting in the way fo accepting Fi and she doesn’t want to have anything to do with his decision on their relationship, especially since she thinks he’s still with Saffir. Ugh. The unnecessary drama.
This is a non-committed book that doesn’t really get past the shallow end of things, but it’s entertaining nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Like I said in my review for the first book in this series, these novels feel more like a rough sketch of what the story could've been. At this point it's not really surprising but I will still mention that the characters are kinda one dimensional, there's hardly any world-building - just some ideas/facts thrown in when the plot required it. There's no really shock factor to whatever revelations this book brings forward...
I think this series would have been great had it had a sprinkle of *Sarah J. Maas' - A court of Mist and Fury* vibe and slow building towards something that that book has going on (but maybe that's just me). In absence of that... it feels underwhelming
This book was even better then the first one, I seriously did not think that was possible. If I could give this series more then 5 stars I would without even having to think about. Writing style was perfect, characters were lovable, chemistry between Fi and her men were both romantically and sexually perfect. All around a perfect book. I'm beyond excited for the final book in both this series and any other book written by this author. Amazing series! Great job Colette Rhodes!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Yes yes yes. What a great follow up to book one! I'm a big fan of this harem so far. Its got a great mix that helps keep it interesting. The story line continues to hold my interest and I cant wait to see where she goes with book 3!
I enjoyed this series! It does need a bit more world building and content, but the quickness and levity of it was welcome.
Fi is a solid character, and I really like Marlen, Arthus, and Eamon. Bryn........ even by the end of the series wasn’t my favorite. I think I just didn’t like the way it was handled. He started courting someone else because he didn’t like the pull of the mating bond, and so he treated her badly. Sure, he comes to her rescue when she needs it, but it wasn’t enough for me. He never actually apologizes for the things he did. And Fi at one point even feels bad for him. That was one plot point I didn’t appreciate.
But the rest was enjoyable! The characters are nice and they have a clear mission from the gods. Like I said, some more world building and content would have definitely been preferred to elevate this, but nonetheless I enjoyed it.
Well this is no Three Bears duet, I’ll tell you that.
I don’t know how I’ve read 600+ pages and yet still know so little about the characters. Characters who I had an *extremely* hard time telling apart. All of their voices sound exactly the same.
I’m just not at all invested in these characters or the storyline, and the sex isn’t good enough to keep me reading. (One, maybe two, tame threesomes and that’s it.)
It was good but I'm so sick of the heroine falling the hardest for the guy that treats her like shit. I'm just done. As soon as she let him into their mating circle, I stopped. I just need a stronger female lead.
The Unwanted Challenge is the second installment in the RH series Empath Found by Colette Rhodes.
Rhodes’ work in these pages paled in comparison to her previous, with this series. While my enamored connection to the prosperity of these characters definitely kept my interest, the fluidity and prose ensured a difficulty in enjoying their journey as wholly as before.
The smutty/romantic sexy scenes weren’t as smooth as showcased in the last book. After Fi was in a certain state, and their relationships in that regard felt forced. A lot of pretending to be types of feelings, all around.
New addition to possible mates. Enfys is hard to flesh out. He’s so full of arrogance and hero worship for the council as a whole. Has a weird and intense hatred for Bryn, with a superiority complex over Marlen. I don’t think he’s a good fit, but he doesn’t seem entirely bad.
Okay so the writing during Fi’s imprisonment dropped off a bit. Everyone started having these annoying doubt-fueled whiny moments. Which made absolutely no sense. Her capture and mistreatment didn’t fit into the story as well as it should, given the darkness the spirits warned her of. Very forced, more so seeming to be added as an after thought even with it being the focus of half the book.
Vast improvement from the first book. Still annoyed by how Fi is always called independent and strong and self-possessed. Like the first few times it was flattering, but now it's just irritating how often it's mentioned. She'll literally just breathe a certain way and her mates will be all over her, complimenting the way her throat moves against the soft white column of her neck. See what I mean? And tbh, Fi has always felt like a bit of a flat character to me. I have no idea why? I think it's because she never actually made her own decisions and did things on her own? Like she never took control over her storyline, she just reacted for the entire plot. It might also be how her internal narrative isn't that interesting. I like my FMCs with a little spice yk, a little snark or at least some humor. In all honesty Fi would not stand out well on her own. Like take away her mates and her abilities and she would've faded into the wall already. This review is becoming so negative I have no idea why I'm still giving it a four stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thoroughly enjoyed this follow up book of Fi and her guys.
The twist and turns kept things interesting and the pace was pretty good. I enjoyed the multi POV to read what everyone was thinking. I enjoyed the different men and their attributes and what they brought to the mating circle.
It was nice to read more from Bryn in this book. I was surprised a little bit that we didn't get to read more of Marlen, Arthus and Fi together in the bedroom and out. It was like it just stopped and it seemed like a bit of time had moved on but we didn't get any togetherness just everyone and everything else that was going on which was a shame.
I thought the first night they spent together at Arthus place or when Fi and Arthus had become mates that it would have been a significant event for not just them two but for Marlen as well but there was nothing.
An enjoyable series and can't wait for book 3 to see where this story takes us...
I love the characters in the series and the first book of the series was insanely good. While this book is still an enjoyable read, it was not a page turner. Although the evil villian is intended to create drama and suspense, I thought it was boring, predictable and worthy of an eye roll. The world saviour idea is also a bit silly and I would have far more enjoyed some frivolous fun at the academy, with some naughty trouble-maker bits.
It seems that authors are married to the idea of super villains and super heros in extraordinarily circumstances that span thousands of words. Instead it might be far more powerful and entertaining to focus on the simple joys of life and creating a story that ends while the reader still craves more.
This is still a better read than the third book though.
I recieved a copy of this book from the author Ann's I can't thank her enough! Fi has been built through trials. The men in her life being exactly what she needs to continue to grow. Perfect characters that aren't at all actually perfect. The flawed really being them to life. Bryn finally coming to terms with his past to move forward with Bryn is beautiful. I'm proud of his growth and that of Fi. I don't think I could've waited to read this book after finishing the first one earlier today. Again one sitting to read because the story swallows you whole and immerses you in the land of Avalon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fi has read books about the chosen one. She doesn't have any desire to be one. She doesn't get a choice; it's up to the gods.
This series is improving as it goes. Marlen and Arthus are a good pair. Marlen's lighthearted sweetness and Arthus's protective demeanor offset and complement each other. Eamon is a good addition. Bryn is nearing the point of no return and will need to tread carefully for me to accept him in the future. I understand his character, but still. Enfys is quite horrid but I do like the pressure he brings. I wish that the author had written in more humor. There's plenty of action, conflict, and sex, however, I love it when we get quips or moments of silliness.
I do enjoy this series even though a lot of things are written where they are told, not experienced with the heroine.
Fi and her men have a lot going on in this book. I really don’t understand Bryn’s issues and I seriously dislike how much he avoids Fi. We saw him first but barely know anything about him. Honestly I don’t feel like we know enough about the men in Fi’s life, only because everything is told to us. I’d rather have a more intimate and emotional impact. Overall though the story has me wanting to know what happens next, and where it is going. Despite it being written in the telling format. For a first series from a new to writing author, it’s great.
I liked this book every bit as much as the first one. I give the author major credit for 1) giving injured characters the time and space to emotionally heal. I feel like fat too many novels torture their characters and then force them to jump right back into the fray. 2) not being afraid of a slow burn. Dragging out the stepping stones of courtship gives the readers more time to cheer for their favorite ships. Finished this book late at night and still had the impulse to download the next one right away!
I'm so glad that this book had more chapters from the guys POV, they each are so different and knowing what's going on in their heads had me counting the chapters between POV swaps. When I read the first book I wasn't entirely sold on the overall story arc, but after Fi gets kidnapped and outed as an Empath I was sucked it completely. I'm, also, really excited to see how she ends up claiming Bryn in the end, because Im (nearly) certain she will.
This is a total binge read for me, I love/hate trilogies, I need an ending but hate when it does. I hope the last book does the story justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3.5 stars. I thought the second book in this series was even better than the first. The author resolved some of the grammar issues and the pacing problems improved. I found the story interesting enough to continue with the next book.
I would recommend this book to fans of romance, paranormal, and reverse harems. This is definitely an erotica romance, so there are a lot of steamy scenes. It is probably not for romance readers who don't like graphic or "adventurous" sex scenes.
What a great follow up to the 1st book I enjoyed this more than the first and found the pace was set better. Loved the development of the characters, I wanst expecting a 4th older Male as a part of the harem. What steamy sex scenes, the sex scenes were definitely very adventurous. This book had some really interesting mini adventures and I enjoyed reading them. The added trauma really helped to set the scene. Would recommend if you love romance, fantasy and reverse harem genres.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow - the intensity, and the steaminess, ramp up in this story. Ffion is becoming more comfortable with her guys and Avalon. Then she meets a new guy - who I love btw :) - and shortly after her life is turned upside down again. My heart hurt for her. I also loved that we get more from Bryan’s perspective. I also like that each guy brings a different aspect to the relationship. I am hooked on this series and am glad I can just go download book 3 now :)
Darn those spirits. They know how to make ruin a moment. Things get worse for Fi, and her secret is blown out of the water at the end of a rather traumatic experience. An old foe becomes a tentative friend, and a snobby Council lackey thinks he’s the bees knees and a shoe-in for a spot as Fi’s mate.
Excellent second installment! So many things happen to Fi and she is able to grow so much as a character. Unfortunately not everything that happens is happy. Can’t have a quest story without hardships though and this one is shaping up into a very good one.
I can’t wait to have Fi complete her mate bonds and gain access to her full powers!
Oh, there are some very nice steamy scenes that definitely had me biting my lip and fanning myself.
Really enjoyed this story! I would actually reread this series in the future too. The relationship building aspects are vital to the developing longterm story and I think that balance was managed well. The chemistry is well incorporated and challenges for the main character appropriately progressed. I hope book 3 continues in this vein! Thanks for the opportunity.
Love this author. Great characters, both the mfc and mfc. All the secondary characters are well fleshed out and Colette Rhodes invented a wonderful world, can’t wait to see what happens next with this series. There must be more of this world than just this series as I want to find out more!
This series just gets better. Has to be one of my favourite reads this year. The guys are all amazing in their own way. Fi is amazing she is such a strong character. So glad the next book is already out as i dont know if i could cope with the wait! This series finally got me out of my book slump :D
Another fanatic read from Colette Rhodes, I honestly cannot believe this series is her first. Well written and a story line that keeps you wanting more!!! All the characters are strong and deep. The love you feel for Fi and her men is truly amazing. I love this series, I can't wait to read the next one!!
So much yes. I love this book/series. I love the guys! Their relationships are developing, the plot is developing and I am so excited. I have a favorite but also not because they are all amazing. I am most excited to see Bryn's character development - I think he's really going to blossom in book #3.. Definitely a good read that is not too heavy but keeps you interested.