Daring Provocation

Shadow Veil Academy #3

by Heather Renee

Sometimes patience isn't a virtue.

Facing off with Malina didn't go quite how Raegan hoped, but she isn't one to give up easily. Now, she's back at school and more than eager to do whatever is necessary in order to protect those she loves most.

When a team is assembled and training begins in class, Raegan and Enzo grow closer than ever, but their happily-ever-after isn't within their grasp just yet. As one obstacle after another appears in their path, it will take ever bit of patience Raegan doesn't have in order to make it through.

With the final showdown drawing near, their team travels to New Orleans in hopes of keeping the battle away from school, but even then, the collateral damage might be more than any of them could have ever predicted. With more than one life at risk, Raegan will be forced to make choices she might never be able to recover from.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Audiobook, Young Adult, Shapeshifters, Magic

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2019

About the author

Heather Renee is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in Oregon. She writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels with a mixture of romance, humor, and sass. Her love of reading eventually led to her passion of writing and giving the gift of escapism.

When Heather's not writing, she's spending time with her loving husband and beautiful daughter, going on their own adventures. She loves to hear from her fans, so visit her website: www.HeatherReneeAuthor.com and check out the Contact Me page for ways to connect.

Reviews

[Wendi Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending!

Daring Provocation is a great wrap up to an amazing series. With humor, action, and heartbreak, the final showdown with Malina will leave you reeling. The final moments with these characters are satisfying and heart warming. Great book!

[Tassi (Read Ramble Repeat) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it’s time for another ramble fest for the 3rd and final story in the Shadow Veil Academy Series. Cue ugly crying.



I was so not ready to say goodbye to this series or to ever let it go. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget or move on from this world created. I love so much about it. It’s just perfect and heartbreaking and everything in-between.



But first off before I get too carried away…I received the ARC a couple of days ago and read it in like a day and a bit…I didn’t want to read it too fast but I also really struggled to slow myself down. It was like a really exhausting game of tug-a-war going on in my head. I guess being sick helped but didn’t at the same time because it really slowed my reading mojo down. Anywho, as all of you probably know by now I’m a HUGE Heather Renee fan, so if you haven’t read any of her books…



This book releases in just a couple of days guys, on the 18th October! You can find it here! So late comers this is like seriously the best time to start reading these books because there won’t be any cliffhangers or anything. Lucky guys lols. But to be honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. All part of the reading experience is the build-up between books, as much as we complain and wail about it. Yeah it would 100% be like da best thing in the world to have it then and there because I don’t think you’ll find anyone more impatient then a book nerd. Am I right? lol 😂…Some of us really can get damn near scary without that book…not me of course…I’m just an angel 😇 😂

So no spoilers…spoilers stink donkey butt and I always do my best not to run my mouth…you guys seriously don’t know how hard that is. But lucky for you all I’m just that awesome. 😁Also I just keep finding new ways to torture people in my reviews, by keeping them pretty oblivious but all the while giving them enough, to well, finally convince them to read the book. Soo that’s talent right?



But enough about my amazing skills. Let’s talk about the book, because this is just a perfect story to close the chapter of this part- I say ‘this chapter’ because I’m determined that there has to be more. I can’t, not believe there won’t be more.

So this story picks up at the start of a new year and her friends have just finished their holiday in New Orleans…and we get to meet a very special character that you are going to love! Raegan’s Meme. Right from the moment you meet her you are just going to love her sassiness and ways. Like all Rae’s friends and family (excluding Malina because boo family isn’t just blood), she is also loyal and protective and this is what I love seeing in Heather’s characters. That unwavering love and loyalty they have with one another. Let me share just two little excerpts.

“Did you blackmail him, Meme?” I laughed. Her hand went to her chest innocently.

“That would be unladylike. Of course, I did.”

“She (Meme) was pointing fingers and moving her hands animatedly as she told people what to do. I loved it. She was life goals, and I hoped to be half as awesome as her when I got older.”

I don’t know about you guys but I agree with Raegan she is totally life goals.

So with a new school year starting and Malina gone quiet after the battle at the end of Deadly Declaration, this does leave everyone a little worried…because well that means planning right?! And no good thing comes when that crazy Doyen plans. But it does give our guys time to prepare and train a little and that’s exactly what happens.

All the guys ban together under a new schedule to be taught more advanced skills to take on Doyen. So we have seven of some of the strongest students working together creating stronger ties with one another and find friendships that we know won’t break. Raegan, Enzo, Gemma, Talon, Finley, Peyton and Lyssa get a speed course in all things that could help in the upcoming war…and if you don’t already have a healthy dose of fear for Phox, one of their teachers and a Dragon Seer, then you definitely will create it in this book, because well, in my opinion, she’s just a wee bit on the crazy side. Can I just say burying people under the ground wouldn’t be my first go-to method of teaching them to connect with the earth…but hey



For once I’m struggling to know what to say without bursting out into a repetitive chant of evil “i know, I know…I know all the answers..” But I don’t think you’d appreciate that any lol…but…



So what I will say is. From page one right up until the last, you will be sucked right in and it’ll be like you just went portal travelling.



It’ll take you on an epic adventure of love and friendships and sacrifice. It is truly a well crafted world and you won’t regret reading it!



These guys are willing to give it all to save the world and the future they all want with the ones they love. Don’t underestimate the things people will do when love is involved. There is no fiercer determination or will force then when you fight to protect the ones you love…something so tiny as the need for power never has the same driving force.

I can’t help it but I need to talk about Raegan and Enzo…this couple is seriously one of the best. They are so hilarious and adorable together, amusing me to no end. Like, Raegan will do something just because she likes to push his buttons and then he will literally always give payback later on lol. Least neither of them will ever get bored I guess haha.

“There will be payback. I don’t know when and I don’t know how yet, but when it happens, it will be epic.”

Follow Raegan and her team as they embark on a mission of a lifetime and one they know they may not be coming back from.

The buildup this story has to the final battle with Malina is epic and heartbreaking…some of those end scenes were devastating and pulled at my heart soo majorly. My mind was playing through sooo many emotions all at the one time. I felt like Daemon down below but instead I was talking to myself which is kinda crazy in its own right lol.



but seriously my emotions were all over the place...and yours will be too.

If you're just like me have all the goodies on hand; Coffee, ice-cream, chocolate whatever I can find and I’ll be good.



See like I said my brain is a crazy place. So thanks Heather for all those crazy inducing rollercoasters of emotion. You are one of the authors that always bring out the weirdest things from me. So as long as you like crazy we’re good right?

If I haven’t convinced you to read the book well damn, I don’t know what else to say….but this is one series that will stick with me forever.

Thank you so much Heather Renee for keeping me around on your ARC team…it seems my crazy hasn’t made you run for the hills. Which is a good thing…because I LOVE being there. You’re such an amazing and talented woman and friend 🙂

Okay I think we will leave it at that.

Happy Reading My Book Nerdy Friends

[Nisareen · Rating 3 out of 5]

“There will be payback. I don’t know when and I don’t know how yet, but when it happens it will be epic.”

Following their showdown with Malina, the team spend a much needed vacation in New Orleans with Raegan’s grandmother, Amalia, to recharge. Upon their return to the Academy, they resume their training in preparation for Malina’s next attack. When students start disappearing and are found murdered by a vampire, another traitor is revealed to be in their midst.

Meanwhile, Malina’s assault on Drakken leads to many casualties as well as Onyx’s escape. In a final epic showdown, shocking revelations will come to light, allegiances will shift and more than one person close to Raegan will be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice....

Daring Provocation is the third and final instalment of the Veil Academy series that sees Raegan confront Malina in a battle that will have far reaching consequences. While the climax was tense, I did feel that the pacing suffered somewhat due to the fact that 3/4 of the book was spent on training, character bonding and waiting for Malina to make the next move. Malina and Raegan didn’t interact until the end. Having said that, Raegan’s sassy grandmother was a welcome addition and the strengthening bond between Raegan and her father was touching to read. I also liked that we had several chapters from Enzo’s point of view as I’ve struggled to ship their relationship from the offset.

All in all, despite the loss of two favourite characters, I was happy with the way all the loose ends were tied up.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Einde vond ik meh. Weinig werd uitgelegd en ineens ging het allemaal erg snel. Jammer want verder was het best een oké serie. Maar het einde verpesten de serie een beetje voor mij.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Follow me peasants."

"Dammit Dragon, you're supposed to agree with me and be my support system"


Wonderful conclusion to the Shadow Veil series! There are some HILARIOUS LOL moments. Its got the epic final battle, which had a lot less casualties than I expected. So thanks for that Heather! There's a few chapters from Enzo's POV and it totally mind F*ed me. Ms Moyen is so incredibly talented!! Obviously she's been narrating the whole time but it was just something else to hear more than just a few lines as "Enzo". She's seriously just absolutely fabulous.

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

This is the last in this series, but hopefully we will see more of these amazing characters. Once I started reading this book, I knew I was in for an adventure of epic proportions and Heather did not disappoint. The way everything comes together is amazing and bittersweet and makes me so happy that I am a reader.

[Hetal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man I loved this series.
The battle with Malina comes to a point and both sides suffer losses.
We get to know Lissa, her prickly spikes and all. It's an endearing story, and Reagan is stereotypical nothing but good to Lissa. We also get to know Finley and Peyton better which was awesome since they were just pushed to the side in the past two books.

I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the frustrations the core group feeling useless. But I loved how they stayed put and listened to the adults who had more experiences instead of being teenagers who know better and are off to save the world without any adult guidance.

The adults and these young adults worked together, listened to each other, and took guidance from those with more knowledge. It was so fresh from the annoying YA fantasy trope that teens know better.

Enzo, while endearing, was a bit boring in this book, entirely dedicated to Reagan without any drama, argument, or doing anything wrong? What? Relationships always have drama, fun, and mistakes. I want mischief!!! It was a sweet strong romance, but I missed his teasing and banter with Reagan.

I enjoyed that ending wasn't all happy rainbows and daisies. There are losses, sacrifices, and big changes. However, the ending wraps up cleanly giving enough information to feel satisfied and complete (Thank you Heather Renee, thank you!!)

I'll miss this series, the strong friendships, and the fun quirks of all the characters. I'd definitely like to now explore more of this author's books!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Renee has quickly become one of my favorite authors. While all of the books of hers that I have read have kept me glued from beginning to end this book takes the cake. While I read the first two books I did listen to the audio-book version of Daring Provocation because of adulting responsibilities as well as having to finish a blanket for my mini-monster, as well as long trip due to a few family emergencies, I had originally finished almost all of the book but then due to the unexpected road trip I decided to re-start it so that I could pay attention to it as well as what was going on around me. The narrator was well chosen for this book, & I am not sure that I could imagine someone else telling the story as well as she did. There was one small issue within the first few chapters, but if you’re not paying attention then you would never realize that she says that the other dragon Seers name is Olivia & not Ophelia.

The last year at Shadowveil Academy finds Reagan, Enzo & her entourage in New Orleans with her adopted mother’s family on what is a much-needed vacation. When they return to Shadowveil the first day is as crazy as any other day for the team with missing students who no one is sure if they’re just goofing off or if they’ve been lured away from campus by one of Malina’s goons. Talon & Enzo find one of the missing students as well as a few humans stashed in a nearby barn. This means that they not only have to worry about Malina’s antics but also losing more students.

When the time comes the battle definitely gave me a few heart-stopping moments, I was desperately wondering if Renee was going to pull a Roth & take her main character out of the story for good, with so much happening during the battle I do have to say that she had me ugly crying before running into getting a pizza. This book is amazing, heart-wrenching & action-packed. A well thought out conclusion to a well-written series. While I will always hope for more of this world, I think she gave us an ending that we can all live with & appreciate.

[Sharon Gillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad it's over...but best book ever in a trilogy

This book book ended in the best battle scene since LOTR: Return of the King. I will thoroughly miss Rae, Enzo and all their friends and I'm so happy that the author had Rae and Enzo settling in my favorite home away from home of New Orleans. I will think fondly of Amalia, and all the other characters, the next time I visit and stop at Café du Monde for Beignets in the FQ.

The author said it best: It’s always a bittersweet moment when a series is finished. There is the excitement of “Yay, readers will be happy there are no more cliffhangers!”. Sorry about those by the way… sorta. Then there is the emptiness of “I’ve just spent months with these voices in my head and how I am supposed to let them go”. Shadow Veil Academy was a loosely plotted adventure that soon became complete chaos. I lost all control of the characters and often found myself feeling like I was reading it instead of writing it. Raegan and Enzo took complete control and I loved every word and moment of it.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep in mind that this is the third book in a trilogy that has to be read in order so make sure to pick up the first 2 books to read!

Without giving away any spoilers for this series, just know that this is easily one of my favorite academy reads, full of magic, action, and all the romance I could have hoped for. I knew this was the last book going into it, and I was glad I prepared myself for possible heartbreak. That being said, while there was a lot of danger and sadness, this had the best ending I could have hoped for and I am so glad that I got to go on the journey with Raegan and Enzo. This is my second series by this author and I loved it just as much, and I can't wait to see whatever books she wants to create. Side note, I also love the narrator for this series, she is one of my favorites so if you like audiobooks pick up the audio. This series is perfect for anyone who likes the magical academy genre, NA level of romance with a little bit of steam, all kinds of paranormal creatures, mating bonds and action packed battles to the death.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is the third and final installment of the Shadow Veil Academy world and it was a whirlwind!!
From the very beginning of the series I very much enjoyed the world building that the author did. I was able to immediately connect with Raegan and Enzo.
The other characters that come into the picture were also amazing or if they were the bad guys you hated them. The last book does not disappoint. I enjoyed every second and let me tell you to have some Kleenex on standby. I prob cried my eyeballs on two occasions. This academy is unlike others I have read and I truly enjoyed it. I really hope at some point we can revisit Raegan and Enzo or get glimpses into their lives and maybe get a spin-off series of the dragon world. Sigh, one can hope!!

I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic. All three books were narrated by Vanessa Moyen. She does a fabulous job bringing all of the characters to life as well as bringing the book to life. I highly recommend.

[Inga O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free audio copy of this book directly from the author for an honest review.

It’s so hard to review a book without giving anything away when you enjoy it so much! I absolutely loved this finale book with its fast paced showdown. Some very bittersweet moments and some very amusing moments too especially with the introduction of Meme who is literally awesome! I really wish she had been introduced a lot sooner. Quite a nice touch to include a few chapters of Enzo’s point of view too. Poor man was a little bit whipped though wasn’t he bless him but he gives as good as he gets!

Hopefully these characters will come up in future stories because I’m not sure anyone is ready to give them up yet!

[Monster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed book 1 and 2. But unfortunately, not so much for the 3rd book.

Enzo's possessiveness and protectiveness were getting a bit much, got on my nerves. Don't really like Gemma in all 3 books and not so much for Raegan (but only the ways she treated Enzo sometimes) too in this book. Major turn off when both girls like bossing their boyfriends around with all the removing their balls threats. Just too much. Making the guys look stupid.

Wanted to give up at 53% into the story but I wanted to know how they would defeat Malina, the super evil and crazy woman, so I started scanning through the pages to get to the end.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final book of the shadow veil trilogy is a good continuation and conclusion of the story. I especially continue to enjoy the character interactions and level of snark built into the dialogue and story. Despite the serious issues they are constantly faced with, there are moments of levity and camaraderie that are very enjoyable. And even though we have passed the romantic tension part of the story, the relationships don’t fall to pieces or even into the background, but are very much a part of the fabric of the story. Overall a very satisfying, if not at times bittersweet, ending to the trilogy.

I received this audiobook free in exchange for my fair and honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Raegan and Enzo and all the rest of our main characters return to Shadow Veil Academy to prepare for a final showdown with Makina, the stakes have never been higher for both Earth and Drakken. The way the core group bands together, the friendships that only get stronger, and the development of Raegan’s relationships with her newfound family members are all stellar. Moyen brings heart to Raegan’s interactions and expresses the full range of emotions when the most devastating things happen. I truly enjoyed this trilogy and the way it concluded and I’m looking forward to listening to more Heather Renee titles!

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the series wrapped up, I was sad to see it was ending, but the final battle is finally here! I feel like it’s been building up forever and we finally get to see the epic conclusion to this series. The characters and their abilities were unique, and despite their differences, it was really uplifting to see them united in their fight against Malina. The relationship between Enzo and Raegan is a little cinderella-y to me with everything being finally forgiven and forgotten without much discussion or resolution. There is a bit of wait-around as the plot develops to the final battle and wraps up some loose ends, but isn’t as bad as some books. The ending itself was sad, but I applaud Renee from not choosing the easy route and letting everyone live because she’s too attached to her characters to recognize losses in times of war. It was NOT what I was expecting, but it tied up most loose ends nicely and I’m satisfied with where it leaves off.

[M.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe it's over!

This story has everything! Action, magic, romance, drama. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I'm sad that it's over. I can't wait to read more of Heather Renee's books!

[Bdavey414 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad it’s over

This is one of those books where you get so attached to the characters that you have a book hangover after. I’m sitting here wondering what on earth to read now that will cure the problem

[Maria Barra · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so good. its was so sad just when she was getting close to her real dad he ends up. well can't say, so many good ppl lost there lives. but the end made up for all the sadness. got to say I love it. again Vanessa you did an awesome job on the narration. 🥰😢💔💗

[Carol Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panty Burp

I never had so much fun saying 2 words in all my life. Thank You. Also the two main characters were well thought out, and all 3 books held my attention. Since I am a voracious reader, I would like 👍 more stories like this one. Keep them coming.🤗

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but picks up

Slower start than others but about half point story goes breakneck speed. Last chapters never saw coming and had few moments need take breather way too close to home for October.

[dawn roper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I know another Academy book but this one is a must read!

What a great series! From start to finish it had me on the edge of my seat. It's hard to write more than one book and not just end up wandering around till the next. Not this author! She kept it moving.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good ending to the series, although the very end was pretty bittersweet. The series kept my attention well, and I love how much the characters grew throughout. I'll be reading more by this author in the future.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do think this was the weakest of the 3 and didn’t really get me excited until the end. Although I did enjoy it I found most of it quite predictable. The series on a whole was really good especially for those that like dragon shifters which are a weakness of mine 😂

[Nicole Yaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

WOW WHAT AN ENDING! THIS SERIES WAS SO GOOD! I WISH I HAD HER TALENT! BUT SENCE I DONT IM SO GLAD PEOPLE DO AND THAT I CAN ENJOY READING THIER BOOKS! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AUTHOR AND HER SERIES! HAPPY READING!

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-packed, pulse-racing fantasy romance with all the emotions.

Sometimes sacrifices must be made.

Oh my goodness! This book had me in tears by the end. Such heartbreak and love all throughout.

[Misty Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

I loved this series! As soon as I finished one book, I started reading the next. I gave it 5 stars because the books were very attention grabbing

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a awesome series.
I laughed and cried.
Gonna miss them all like crazy.
I'm sad it's over now .....

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful ending

I cried like a baby at the end. This book was a beautiful ending to the Shadow Veil Academy series.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

The characters were likeable and believable. The plot was strong and like in real life we don't know when our time is up. I other words I loved it.