What do you think?
Rate this book
Sundance #3
Sabotaged
A telepath with a lethal twist.
My name is Neely and I live among shapeshifters in the desert truckstop town of Sundance, California. As a telepath-spiker, I can read a person's thoughts.
I can also spike deadly power straight into their brain.
I've got my hands full navigating an undefined relationship with Lucas Blacke, the sexy tiger alpha of the Sundance shifter group, and trying to run my bakery, La Buena Suerte Panaderia, while dodging random alpha leaders bent on turning me into a weapon. But when one of the would-be kidnappers finally gets lucky and grabs me, I find myself in a whole new world of trouble.
Trapped and on my own, I've only got myself to depend on. The rules I've always lived by have been swept aside and second-guessing myself is no longer an option.
If I want to get out of this alive, I'll have to spike my way out.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with a side order of romance, fast-paced action, and a dash of humor, pick up SABOTAGED today!
My name is Neely and I live among shapeshifters in the desert truckstop town of Sundance, California. As a telepath-spiker, I can read a person's thoughts.
I can also spike deadly power straight into their brain.
I've got my hands full navigating an undefined relationship with Lucas Blacke, the sexy tiger alpha of the Sundance shifter group, and trying to run my bakery, La Buena Suerte Panaderia, while dodging random alpha leaders bent on turning me into a weapon. But when one of the would-be kidnappers finally gets lucky and grabs me, I find myself in a whole new world of trouble.
Trapped and on my own, I've only got myself to depend on. The rules I've always lived by have been swept aside and second-guessing myself is no longer an option.
If I want to get out of this alive, I'll have to spike my way out.
If you enjoy urban fantasy with a side order of romance, fast-paced action, and a dash of humor, pick up SABOTAGED today!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2020
586 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
C.P. Rider
19 books332 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
July 23, 2020
There is just way, way, way too much that she lets slide. People who abuse her that she decides to let live and go free.
Her father is frankly unforgivable, but Neely forgives everyone and does what they say, so ... yeah. No surprise there. What Neely went through in this book is utterly unforgivable, and she let way too many people responsible for it just go about their lives. Because she's apparently just that weak.
It is wrecking this series for me. I can't do a UF series with a heroine that talks like a badass, has super uber powers that leave everyone in awe, and then in the end is a spineless asshole who is everyone's doormat. I just can't.
And Lucas, for all his alpha-hole posturing, also just lets them all live. Given all the blah blah we got about how scary he is, that was especially surprising.
And disappointing.
**2.5**
Her father is frankly unforgivable, but Neely forgives everyone and does what they say, so ... yeah. No surprise there. What Neely went through in this book is utterly unforgivable, and she let way too many people responsible for it just go about their lives. Because she's apparently just that weak.
It is wrecking this series for me. I can't do a UF series with a heroine that talks like a badass, has super uber powers that leave everyone in awe, and then in the end is a spineless asshole who is everyone's doormat. I just can't.
And Lucas, for all his alpha-hole posturing, also just lets them all live. Given all the blah blah we got about how scary he is, that was especially surprising.
And disappointing.
**2.5**
June 14, 2020
I've got to say, I was starting to wonder if every book in this series was going to feature a megalomaniac alpha trying to steal Neely to turn her into a crossbreed. After all, that's what happened in both prior novels and the novella. But this story took a different turn and it was better for it. Don't get me wrong, the idea of kidnapped supernaturals being held captive in a facility isn't exactly new ground. Kelly Armstrong's Otherworld series and Kresley Cole's IAD books immediately come to mind. But it was a change of pace this series sorely needed.
Not only that, but the relationship between Neely and Lucas is advancing. Neely's ex-fiance makes an unexpected return from the grave. Oh yeah, and we meet Neely's dad. Perhaps the best part, though, is that she is finally coming to terms with her power.
And while I'm not sure everyone here got what was coming to them, I did enjoy the book. And I feel like this series is getting better with each installment. I'll be back when book 4 rolls out.
Not only that, but the relationship between Neely and Lucas is advancing. Neely's ex-fiance makes an unexpected return from the grave. Oh yeah, and we meet Neely's dad. Perhaps the best part, though, is that she is finally coming to terms with her power.
And while I'm not sure everyone here got what was coming to them, I did enjoy the book. And I feel like this series is getting better with each installment. I'll be back when book 4 rolls out.
July 21, 2020
I think this was the best of the three so far, what a ride, was on the edge of my seat and axioms with this one, poor Neely what she went through and then her Dad. I really hope there will be future books, I need more , to see her get her answers, deal with her Dad, I need more Chandra too. But definitely need more, you can’t just leave it there.
Although seriously her Dad left her there , she should have kicked off way more and I hope she meets up with Ibarra and he gets what’s coming to him !!
Although seriously her Dad left her there , she should have kicked off way more and I hope she meets up with Ibarra and he gets what’s coming to him !!
September 11, 2020
I'm so impressed
I don't think that I have read another book with a "spiker" as a lead character. You get your usual vampire mind messing but clearly nothing like this.
Neely is a struggling character in many ways. She struggles with loss of her treasured uncle Jose, she struggles with her place in her community, with relationships, and mostly with her abilities.
This third book in the Sundance series is a vital turning point. Faced with numerous attempts to either drug and kidnap her, in order to change her into some Alpha's pet destroyer, Neely has to decide if running away from what she is or if prioritising her knowledge of her abilities is what she needs to do.
Kidnapped and taken to a "Sanctuary" facility, Neely has to kill or be killed. Heartbroken at her non choice, she decides to use her skills for the greater good.
I am so impressed that the author didn't allow Neely to evolve into a killer with no conscience.
I love her peripheral characters. Lucas, Neely's Tiger shifter boyfriend, is written with a mutual respect, lots of sarcasm, humor and passion. Throw in a touch of tenderness and corny lines and I'm all in. The witch sisters, Dot and Delores, are her older friends and guides. Say nothing of the naked hot springs and prickly pear margaritas nights. Chandra, hyena shifter and Lucas' second, shows her vulnerability and true friendship.
This book is a crossroads. From here on out I can't wait to see what comes next in Sundance.
I don't think that I have read another book with a "spiker" as a lead character. You get your usual vampire mind messing but clearly nothing like this.
Neely is a struggling character in many ways. She struggles with loss of her treasured uncle Jose, she struggles with her place in her community, with relationships, and mostly with her abilities.
This third book in the Sundance series is a vital turning point. Faced with numerous attempts to either drug and kidnap her, in order to change her into some Alpha's pet destroyer, Neely has to decide if running away from what she is or if prioritising her knowledge of her abilities is what she needs to do.
Kidnapped and taken to a "Sanctuary" facility, Neely has to kill or be killed. Heartbroken at her non choice, she decides to use her skills for the greater good.
I am so impressed that the author didn't allow Neely to evolve into a killer with no conscience.
I love her peripheral characters. Lucas, Neely's Tiger shifter boyfriend, is written with a mutual respect, lots of sarcasm, humor and passion. Throw in a touch of tenderness and corny lines and I'm all in. The witch sisters, Dot and Delores, are her older friends and guides. Say nothing of the naked hot springs and prickly pear margaritas nights. Chandra, hyena shifter and Lucas' second, shows her vulnerability and true friendship.
This book is a crossroads. From here on out I can't wait to see what comes next in Sundance.
July 12, 2023
Ok. ... I enjoyed this book (for the most part). It did contain the "mind control" trope, which I hate, but overall, the characters showed progression and the story took an interesting turn which makes me want to read more.
January 11, 2021
Still cute and nice, it ends just like you'd expect, but it does have a twist: the chick finally becomes badass(ish), so, if this world continues, I might give it a try.
Worth reading?
Well, yeah, if you're looking for a pizza sort of book. It's nice but easy to forget.
Worth reading?
Well, yeah, if you're looking for a pizza sort of book. It's nice but easy to forget.
September 27, 2020
I super like this series! I had to re-read books 1 and 2 because I couldn't remember a bunch of stuff. I'm glad I did, got me hooked into this one. The characters keep growing! I want the next book!
Side note: While the author hasn't writen about non-binary characters yet, she has written her characters to be very accepting of all peoples gender ID and sexuality. Which is very welcoming and refreshing in a book. Something I find this genre is lacking.
Side note: While the author hasn't writen about non-binary characters yet, she has written her characters to be very accepting of all peoples gender ID and sexuality. Which is very welcoming and refreshing in a book. Something I find this genre is lacking.
September 1, 2020
Big 5 stars!
Packed full of emotion and action. This story delves into the deep dark places in all of us reaching toward the peak of immoral actions that only true selfless love can breach. It is where divine forgiveness is most powerful. A powerful third installment in this winning series. Don’t give up on Neely, she’s a piece of us all.
These books need to be movies!
Packed full of emotion and action. This story delves into the deep dark places in all of us reaching toward the peak of immoral actions that only true selfless love can breach. It is where divine forgiveness is most powerful. A powerful third installment in this winning series. Don’t give up on Neely, she’s a piece of us all.
These books need to be movies!
September 5, 2020
So sad
I have read the whole series in a day and now I have to wait for more books. I love how Neely is coming into her powers. I can't wait to see where this leads her
I have read the whole series in a day and now I have to wait for more books. I love how Neely is coming into her powers. I can't wait to see where this leads her
June 29, 2020
As I said in a the review for book 2 of the series, it’s ADDICTING
After reading this book, I am so hoping this is not the last book in the series. I devoured the first three books in two days. I want to see where Neely and Lucas go next!
After reading this book, I am so hoping this is not the last book in the series. I devoured the first three books in two days. I want to see where Neely and Lucas go next!
June 8, 2021
Oh Neely
Neely is so aggravating.Sometimes you just want to shake her a bit. Overall, I guess the good thing abt this is she finally fully comes into and uses her powers. The whole "I may be a bad person for using my powers" thing gets old. I thought after her loss she would wizen up.
A person from the past comes to haunt Neely but in doing so brings her face to face with what she has feared the most. Neely must find a way to save herself or die. We learn some things about Neely and the next book should be interesting. This wasn't as great as the first book but worth a read. Loved that there was no cliffhanger. The story had a resolution.
Neely is so aggravating.Sometimes you just want to shake her a bit. Overall, I guess the good thing abt this is she finally fully comes into and uses her powers. The whole "I may be a bad person for using my powers" thing gets old. I thought after her loss she would wizen up.
A person from the past comes to haunt Neely but in doing so brings her face to face with what she has feared the most. Neely must find a way to save herself or die. We learn some things about Neely and the next book should be interesting. This wasn't as great as the first book but worth a read. Loved that there was no cliffhanger. The story had a resolution.
July 7, 2020
3 1/2 stars. I love Neely. She's a great character; she seems so real with hangups and quirks but with some tough steel under her soft exterior. Plenty of drama is this one that will be bound to change her. The bickering between her and Lucas was annoying at times but I think they made some real progress at the end.
Another strength of this series are the secondary characters. Some provide laughs and others are changing and growing. I look forward to seeing them in the future as well. The sense of community and relationships adds another great thing to this series.
Another strength of this series are the secondary characters. Some provide laughs and others are changing and growing. I look forward to seeing them in the future as well. The sense of community and relationships adds another great thing to this series.
July 14, 2020
Good solid UF series. I like where it's going. Really my only complaint is the female lead can get on my nerves when she gets in her head too much, which is why you see 4 and not 5 stars, actually. Love the side characters though which make up for the somewhat whiny main character.
July 31, 2021
This book was so awesome! I loved it. Neely went through hell in this book, but she came out strong in the end. I can't wait to read more.
November 17, 2023
3.5 stars. I have many complicated feelings about this book.
I loved the audiobook narrator. I think she does an amazing job. And I really do love so many of the characters.
However, this had so many batsh*t things in the book... like so many crazy things happen and I don't comprehend how this works as a series. Is there an overarching storyline? I can't tell.
Last book, we ended with the heroine getting together with an awesome guy... and then, most of this book, they are either fighting over stupid crap and he's keeping secrets from her, she's refusing his help cause "she needs to do it on her own", or she's captured and away from him. It kinda sucked.
Plus, what was up with her dad!? And her ex-fiance? And all the many numbers of people coming to capture her and getting killed? But then the most evil characters are the only ones that remain alive! Why? I don't understand.
The next book in the series isn't in audibook form and I'm not sure I have it in me to read it. If it was an audiobook, I definitely would because the writing is pleasurable and the narrator is fantastic... but there isn't anything really pulling me to keep reading this series enough that this can compete with the gazillion books on my TBR that also are not audiobooks.
I loved the audiobook narrator. I think she does an amazing job. And I really do love so many of the characters.
However, this had so many batsh*t things in the book... like so many crazy things happen and I don't comprehend how this works as a series. Is there an overarching storyline? I can't tell.
Last book, we ended with the heroine getting together with an awesome guy... and then, most of this book, they are either fighting over stupid crap and he's keeping secrets from her, she's refusing his help cause "she needs to do it on her own", or she's captured and away from him. It kinda sucked.
Plus, what was up with her dad!? And her ex-fiance? And all the many numbers of people coming to capture her and getting killed? But then the most evil characters are the only ones that remain alive! Why? I don't understand.
The next book in the series isn't in audibook form and I'm not sure I have it in me to read it. If it was an audiobook, I definitely would because the writing is pleasurable and the narrator is fantastic... but there isn't anything really pulling me to keep reading this series enough that this can compete with the gazillion books on my TBR that also are not audiobooks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
This might be my favorite book of the series, I really liked Neely with an attitude.
Lucas brings out the sarcasm and even though there were some horrible circumstances, Neely shines in this story as her own person. She is main stage for this one.
I almost didn't read it, torn between reading it now and having a strong book hangover and waiting until the next book comes out and reading them together.
Glad I read it now- really funny and its a great world. Beware the cookies cravings...
Lucas brings out the sarcasm and even though there were some horrible circumstances, Neely shines in this story as her own person. She is main stage for this one.
I almost didn't read it, torn between reading it now and having a strong book hangover and waiting until the next book comes out and reading them together.
Glad I read it now- really funny and its a great world. Beware the cookies cravings...
April 21, 2025
THESE ARE SOOO GOOD
Honestly I don't know why it took me so long to read them
Honestly I don't know why it took me so long to read them
April 9, 2023
This stuff is candy to my brain--I love the humor, the action is excellent, and the emotional payoff is so satisfying.
November 22, 2021
When I was prepping to initially buy this book for ereader, one of the reviews had a slight spoiler unmarked and I kept trying to figure out if I wanted to read it anyway. I decided to and, holy hell, I'm glad I did. Two words for why this book in the Sundance series stands out the most: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.
The whole sanctuary thing is incredibly hard to read (props for good writing). I...don't think I have a ton to say overall? If you've been waiting for Neely to grow up/grow, this is the book for you. It was hard HARD to read through the torture stuff. In addition to the spoiler thing, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one due to that. There was not a cliffhanger and if readers decided to stop reading after this book, it would be ok. I wouldn't but if I decided to it's possible. There are still things I don't agree with and things I am concerned about, and a lot of that I can't say here because it's technically a spoiler, but overall the series is really good and, in general, I am glad that there are some plots that aren't reruns of old ones.
*Spoilers below*
The whole sanctuary thing is incredibly hard to read (props for good writing). I...don't think I have a ton to say overall? If you've been waiting for Neely to grow up/grow, this is the book for you. It was hard HARD to read through the torture stuff. In addition to the spoiler thing, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this one due to that. There was not a cliffhanger and if readers decided to stop reading after this book, it would be ok. I wouldn't but if I decided to it's possible. There are still things I don't agree with and things I am concerned about, and a lot of that I can't say here because it's technically a spoiler, but overall the series is really good and, in general, I am glad that there are some plots that aren't reruns of old ones.
*Spoilers below*
June 15, 2020
It was a good book, but perhaps not on par with the previous two. The dialogue remained great and side characters were still amazing contributors. The pacing was also engaging and kept you reading. But there were some issues
Lucas and Neely’s relationship felt more like a toxic high school match of where they just can’t stop hurting each other and can’t stop loving each other and the drama felt petty and childish. For a slow burn romance I had higher expectations. To be quite honest the mercurial moods of the main characters had a staccato effect on the plot, because very suddenly someone would be leaving or angry or emotionless or sweet or raging and the triggers for the moods felt insignificant. I felt like both Lucas and Neely were going through their first period and just didn’t know how to cope and the result was a whiplash of emotions for readers.
The sanctuary plot felt too engineered for Neely’s character. We have a character who was too sweet, too principled and overpowered but under skilled. So the author put her in a situation where she was forced to compromise her principles and forced to hone her skills. Et voila, a 1 week boot camp from hell and every flaw that other characters pointed out in her were fixed and New Neely emerged. It was too convenient while also being horrible and the character transformation felt like something that was done to Neely rather than a journey of empowerment. And I don’t love that
I really hope the dad doesn’t get a redemption arc. That’s just a personal note. It again feels convenient. Parental figure died? Ok let’s dust another one off and bring him into the picture. I would love to have his character fleshed out but I hope he isn’t stepping in to be the New Neely’s, New Father figure, like an accessory to suit her personality makeover.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s a decent book. I’m just better at being a critic than giving praise.
Lucas and Neely’s relationship felt more like a toxic high school match of where they just can’t stop hurting each other and can’t stop loving each other and the drama felt petty and childish. For a slow burn romance I had higher expectations. To be quite honest the mercurial moods of the main characters had a staccato effect on the plot, because very suddenly someone would be leaving or angry or emotionless or sweet or raging and the triggers for the moods felt insignificant. I felt like both Lucas and Neely were going through their first period and just didn’t know how to cope and the result was a whiplash of emotions for readers.
The sanctuary plot felt too engineered for Neely’s character. We have a character who was too sweet, too principled and overpowered but under skilled. So the author put her in a situation where she was forced to compromise her principles and forced to hone her skills. Et voila, a 1 week boot camp from hell and every flaw that other characters pointed out in her were fixed and New Neely emerged. It was too convenient while also being horrible and the character transformation felt like something that was done to Neely rather than a journey of empowerment. And I don’t love that
I really hope the dad doesn’t get a redemption arc. That’s just a personal note. It again feels convenient. Parental figure died? Ok let’s dust another one off and bring him into the picture. I would love to have his character fleshed out but I hope he isn’t stepping in to be the New Neely’s, New Father figure, like an accessory to suit her personality makeover.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s a decent book. I’m just better at being a critic than giving praise.
May 26, 2023
I had a little more trouble getting through this one. It wasn't bad by any means, but it had a lot of deeper themes, and I felt like sometimes it got a bit too on-the-nose with the message. Also the little pro-cops line was not my fave. Don't see why it was necessary to squeeze that in there. This book was mostly entirely new characters too since the FMC spent half of it in captivity, so it was just a lot to process, and I was tired while reading it. Got kind of bored. That all said, I liked her little character arc, though the whole Lucas tether to morality was kinda of... annoying. Like. Idk. She was being more ruthless like he wanted so idk why she used him to keep her 'humanity.' I think my problem is now is the FMC is becoming my least favorite character. I like Chandra and the witches wayyyy more than. Whenever the FMC is by herself I'm kinda just like... okay... so... what is it this time? Pity party? Whining? Random personality change of trying to remind everyone how powerful you are while simultaneously crying about having to use said power? She was better by the end, but only after being traumatized.
All in all, I've really enjoyed these books, but I think I'm gonna have to end this series here. All Neely did for this entire book was get on my nerves. I'm glad she finally agreed to actually use her powers, but I never enjoy the part of a romance when they acknowledge their feelings, get boring, and probably have kids. Not saying that'll happen, but I'd be surprised if it didn't. I'm here for the angst, which has officially left the building. I'd def read more books by this author though!
All in all, I've really enjoyed these books, but I think I'm gonna have to end this series here. All Neely did for this entire book was get on my nerves. I'm glad she finally agreed to actually use her powers, but I never enjoy the part of a romance when they acknowledge their feelings, get boring, and probably have kids. Not saying that'll happen, but I'd be surprised if it didn't. I'm here for the angst, which has officially left the building. I'd def read more books by this author though!
September 19, 2020
“Sabotaged” is one wild ride in the life of telepath and spiker, Neely MacLeod. This time Neely and the gang have been constantly fighting off a barrage of Alphas attempting to drug her and take her away to turn her into a crossbreed. They fail each time until one day when a trancer comes to town. His name is Samuels and he has the ability to hypnotize his prey including Neely. Before she knows it she is on her way to a government facility where they will attempt to control her.
Once she arrives Neely meets with a Denzel Washington looking government head who makes it clear he has big plans for her and he is not above killing kids to get her to cooperate. Oh course, there are plenty more betrayals ahead especially when Neely discovers who arranged for her capture.
This was a pivotal point in this series. We learn a lot about her past, parentage and her increasing abilities. Oh course Lucas Blacke will do everything in his power to rescue his “Sugar Cookie” and it is endearing to read. Although this was a more serious read there was still some moments of snarkiness. I also enjoyed reading how the character of Nelly has evolved. She has really come into her own. What I don’t know is if there will be any more books in this series. There was a kind of finality to this read. I truly hope that I am wrong and we will be reading more about Neely and Lucas in the future. If you haven’t discovered the Sundance series don’t waste any more time and start with the first book. You won’t regret it!
Once she arrives Neely meets with a Denzel Washington looking government head who makes it clear he has big plans for her and he is not above killing kids to get her to cooperate. Oh course, there are plenty more betrayals ahead especially when Neely discovers who arranged for her capture.
This was a pivotal point in this series. We learn a lot about her past, parentage and her increasing abilities. Oh course Lucas Blacke will do everything in his power to rescue his “Sugar Cookie” and it is endearing to read. Although this was a more serious read there was still some moments of snarkiness. I also enjoyed reading how the character of Nelly has evolved. She has really come into her own. What I don’t know is if there will be any more books in this series. There was a kind of finality to this read. I truly hope that I am wrong and we will be reading more about Neely and Lucas in the future. If you haven’t discovered the Sundance series don’t waste any more time and start with the first book. You won’t regret it!
July 8, 2021
‘Sabotaged’ is book three in C.P. Rider’s The Sundance series. Previous books in series are recommended to be read prior to this.
More and more alpha’s are attempting to take Neely to their packs to make her their crossbreed weapon. With each new attack Neely has to face her Spiker powers grow stronger and more addictive. Just as things between Neely and Lucas are heating up major trouble comes to Sundance.
This book would have to be the best in this series so far.
This review is going to be very vague as I do not want to give any spoilers away. But I can say that the trouble that comes to Sundance this time is not from a single Alpha Leader but from something bigger and unexpected.
Nail biting, edge of your seat read jam packed full of action, angst, suspense, romance and witty banter. There is major character growth in this book. New faces, new enemies and old acquaintance make appearances.
My heart broke for Neely and Lucas in this book. I still find Neely’s attitude towards her “trust” issues with Lucas to be irrational and stupid. Lucas has proven himself over and over again to Neely that he doesn’t want her as a weapon but wants her as a person.
The witches and Chandra had me in stitches these ladies have separate and individual personalities but they work out perfectly together.
I’m hoping that after the events in this book that Neely will find a new attitude towards joining the Blacke Group.
More and more alpha’s are attempting to take Neely to their packs to make her their crossbreed weapon. With each new attack Neely has to face her Spiker powers grow stronger and more addictive. Just as things between Neely and Lucas are heating up major trouble comes to Sundance.
This book would have to be the best in this series so far.
This review is going to be very vague as I do not want to give any spoilers away. But I can say that the trouble that comes to Sundance this time is not from a single Alpha Leader but from something bigger and unexpected.
Nail biting, edge of your seat read jam packed full of action, angst, suspense, romance and witty banter. There is major character growth in this book. New faces, new enemies and old acquaintance make appearances.
My heart broke for Neely and Lucas in this book. I still find Neely’s attitude towards her “trust” issues with Lucas to be irrational and stupid. Lucas has proven himself over and over again to Neely that he doesn’t want her as a weapon but wants her as a person.
The witches and Chandra had me in stitches these ladies have separate and individual personalities but they work out perfectly together.
I’m hoping that after the events in this book that Neely will find a new attitude towards joining the Blacke Group.
February 7, 2021
I was apprehensive before reading this book due to some reviews. I kept expecting the book to turn south, but it never did. It was a pleasant surprise that what unfortunately didn’t work for other people was perfectly fine to me.
By the end of the book, Neely has FINALLY accepted her spiker status and acting on the fact that her life is constantly in danger and she needs to read people and defend herself. Good for her.
I saw some people complaining that she lets people who abused her go. But it’s not like she chose to. She was weak and tired and traumatised. She didn’t just choose to let the trancer leave.
And as for Julio, that was a good thing she did. She gave him a new chance. Killing someone that was once her fiancé would have wrecked her even more.
I am still loving this series. I know the next book is already out but I’d like to see Neely and Lucas tackle someone else’s problems for a change. Like a string of murders or someone running from something and they have to help, but not necessarily connected to people hunting Neely down.
Also, Lucas and Neely need to learn to communicate better.
By the end of the book, Neely has FINALLY accepted her spiker status and acting on the fact that her life is constantly in danger and she needs to read people and defend herself. Good for her.
I saw some people complaining that she lets people who abused her go. But it’s not like she chose to. She was weak and tired and traumatised. She didn’t just choose to let the trancer leave.
And as for Julio, that was a good thing she did. She gave him a new chance. Killing someone that was once her fiancé would have wrecked her even more.
I am still loving this series. I know the next book is already out but I’d like to see Neely and Lucas tackle someone else’s problems for a change. Like a string of murders or someone running from something and they have to help, but not necessarily connected to people hunting Neely down.
Also, Lucas and Neely need to learn to communicate better.
March 15, 2025
Neely is trying to get on with her life, figuring out her powers, her relationship with Lucas Blacke, her bakery, and dealing with alpha shifters that want to capture her, there is a lot happening.
Distracted by her ex, Julio, she is captured and taken to a “sanctuary”, a compound that imprisons paranormals, to be used in experiments.
Partially controlled by a Trancer, someone who can get into minds and control them, she is forced to kill to defend herself. The overall plan is to make her into a crossbreed, a shifter-telepath-spiker, under the control of the alpha who changed her.
Neely has to take care of herself, she has not idea if she will be rescued or not. When the trancer controls start to fail, her captors resort to blackmail. They want to train her power and get her willing to be changed.
There is a fair amount of action and violence in this book but there are also some awesome characters and an interesting story. The witches are also around for some touches of humour.
There is also a couple of big surprises that could affect Neely’s future. Although one surprise is sort of expected.
Distracted by her ex, Julio, she is captured and taken to a “sanctuary”, a compound that imprisons paranormals, to be used in experiments.
Partially controlled by a Trancer, someone who can get into minds and control them, she is forced to kill to defend herself. The overall plan is to make her into a crossbreed, a shifter-telepath-spiker, under the control of the alpha who changed her.
Neely has to take care of herself, she has not idea if she will be rescued or not. When the trancer controls start to fail, her captors resort to blackmail. They want to train her power and get her willing to be changed.
There is a fair amount of action and violence in this book but there are also some awesome characters and an interesting story. The witches are also around for some touches of humour.
There is also a couple of big surprises that could affect Neely’s future. Although one surprise is sort of expected.
October 7, 2023
I admire the fact that Rider made some real changes to Neely, her life experience, and her attitude towards her powers and use of them over the course of this book. A lot of urban fantasy authors are afraid of radical change and development (whether good or bad). That said, there was a lot of "Are you serious?" in here, particularly as regards the
July 19, 2020
Secrets and lies will do it every time.
I had no idea a third book was out until I stumbled upon this, and in no time flat I was back in the world of Neely and her struggles with Lucas and the other shifters.
This time, however, things go from bad to worse for Neely as it seems like every Alpha out is trying to kidnap her. Her relationship with Lucas is rocky, and then a figure from her past makes an appearance and that’s where things Neely’s life spirals into complete hell.
I loved that Neely had a lot of time away from Lucas and was essentially isolated from all her support networks. She developed asa character, and had me in tears when certain truths came to light. It was fast paced, action packed, and emotionally draining, and by far the best book of the series so far. The ending was handled well and really set things up for book four.
4 stars ⭐️
I had no idea a third book was out until I stumbled upon this, and in no time flat I was back in the world of Neely and her struggles with Lucas and the other shifters.
This time, however, things go from bad to worse for Neely as it seems like every Alpha out is trying to kidnap her. Her relationship with Lucas is rocky, and then a figure from her past makes an appearance and that’s where things Neely’s life spirals into complete hell.
I loved that Neely had a lot of time away from Lucas and was essentially isolated from all her support networks. She developed asa character, and had me in tears when certain truths came to light. It was fast paced, action packed, and emotionally draining, and by far the best book of the series so far. The ending was handled well and really set things up for book four.
4 stars ⭐️
June 17, 2020
Can’t wait till the next book!
Neely is one of my favorite protagonists and this book totally delivers. Even though I hate hot weather and reptiles, I’d consider moving to Sundance and hang out with Earp, not to mention tasting every treat in the panaderia. Lucas is as dreamy as ever. I sometimes get frustrated with Neely for not growing fast enough to know what a treasure she has in him. But this book tells us more about Neely’s past and what they may face in the future. I devoured this book whole in one evening and as Ms. Rider says at the end of the book, it’s time to get some sleep since I do have work tomorrow,
Neely is one of my favorite protagonists and this book totally delivers. Even though I hate hot weather and reptiles, I’d consider moving to Sundance and hang out with Earp, not to mention tasting every treat in the panaderia. Lucas is as dreamy as ever. I sometimes get frustrated with Neely for not growing fast enough to know what a treasure she has in him. But this book tells us more about Neely’s past and what they may face in the future. I devoured this book whole in one evening and as Ms. Rider says at the end of the book, it’s time to get some sleep since I do have work tomorrow,
August 6, 2020
This series is enough different and full of action and quirky characters that I always enjoy it and look forward to the next installment. In book 3 the lead female character learns to accept her dangerous power. By accepting it she can maybe start accepting herself. She finds out family secrets that throw her for a loop; but through it all she has her mate and best friends to help her navigate through these little mind fields. The dialogue is fun; I love how the 2 main character communicate with each other and understand that they have each other to get them through the hard times. Great world building. Can't wait for the next installment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews