Aeternus

The Immortalle #1

by D.M. Shane

She's a damaged soul. He's an alpha who thrives on control.

Aislin Barrington is just trying to make it through the day. When a brutal attack claims the lives of her best friend and boss, she is thrust into a new and terrifying world where monsters of legend are real.

Arkkadian Rime is shocked to discover his mate living among humans, clueless about her true nature. When Aislin's family history is revealed, it not only endangers her life, but that of everyone in the pack. Arkkadian will do anything to protect Aislin, even if it means facing an old enemy.

Aislin is drawn to the beautiful stranger claiming to be her destined mate, but can she accept the twisted turn her life has taken? Will the threats upon her life bring them together as fate demands or tear them apart forever?

WARNING: 18+

AETERNUS is a paranormal romance containing mature themes that might make some readers uncomfortable. Please be advised that this book contains strong language, graphic violence, spanking, and scenes of sexual assault/abuse that may be triggering.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Supernatural Romance, Fantasy

292 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2020

About the author

D.M. Shane is a military wife and a mother of two amazing kids. She loves animals, collects butterflies, enjoys the outdoors, and her favorite color is purple. D.M. enjoys country line dancing and reading every single day. Not a day goes by without a book in hand. She can often be found enjoying an epic story with a good cup of coffee in the quiet moments before dawn, when the rest of the world is still fast asleep. Currently, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Reviews

[Lynn Saucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action from the first page. A non-traditional love story that pulls you into to the animal attraction. Aislin & Arkkadian journey through as Aislin learns who she really is and why she is so attracted to Arkkadian. A chilling yet exciting journey through this paranormal love story. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!!! Unbelievable such a great story is from a brand new author, can’t wait for more!!

[Nicole Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe that this is a new author!! And this is her first book!! I am hooked!!
I love love loved the beginning of this new series!! This book held me captive from beginning to end! I read it all in one sitting!!

******I WILL NOT POST SPOILERS ******

Aislin is are MC and she has had a really rough life!! Her story really pulled at by heart strings. But man I loved her so much!! Her strength to get through everything was amazing

And Arkkadian oh man he is amazing and I am so glad he came when he did!!

I will not say any more except!!! I NEED MORE! This LOVED this so much I never wanted it to end! I can’t wait for book 2!!!!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE INTENSE ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Incredible! Shane hits the motherload, brooking no resistance and trampling rebellion, revving up the stakes and keeping it real, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Chicanery runs rampant and violence is rife, noting the drama, turmoil, intrigue, revelations, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations, along with a boatload of danger while dodging disaster, you have one block busting adventure. Twixt, combined and tightly coiled, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's simplicity and awe-inspiring in it's depth, drawing our characters closer than they could have ever anticipated. Balancing the load and bearing the burden, delivering one action packed, nail-biting, spine tingling, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping bombshell, propelling this gem to life beautifully. Cognizant of the instant realization and charged atmosphere, showcasing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, along with a bevy of wicked twists and sleek turns, putting our characters through their paces. Shattering the lines and crushing the boundaries, limitations are amplified and exploited, kicking this gem into overdrive, slamming it into a tailspin with astonishing impacts. The raw magnetism, undeniable attraction and sizzling chemistry collides with such intensity, exposing thrilling emotions, drawing our characters closer until you feel the electrifying hum running rampant through your veins. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and diversity, transforming into charismatic personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Shane, thanks for sharing this fabulous gem with us.

[Victoria Maruyama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "secret paranormal royalty" and "fated eternal soulmates" themes are like Twilight or Underworld and the worldbuilding based on paranormal species tropes was fairly good. Aislin's mysterious origins, hinted at by her scars and dreams but locked under amnesia starts to be uncovered after meeting a dark, handsome stranger. There's an exciting new reveal at the end and a glimpse into her background that will hopefully be expanded on in book 2. The writing is a little florid for my taste ("cerulean orbs staring right into my soul") but I like that she doesn't mince around with explicit language, especially in dialogue and in the sex scenes. There are some thrilling action scenes, and atmospherically gritty settings. A word of warning though: there's non-consensual spanking in this!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laurie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early copy of Aeternus to read and review. There were some noticeable grammatical issues starting in the very beginning of the book, and I was concerned that it would become a distraction for me during the reading. (I would encourage the author to use a different editor for her future novels). Thankfully, the author's passion for her story, and for her characters, was evident from the beginning as well. She jumps right into the action!

Though the basis of the storyline may sound all too familiar, D.M. Shane throws in some interesting plot twists and turns that keeps the reader engaged. The scenes were easy to imagine and immerse yourself into, though at times the dialogue felt a bit unnatural and forced. This is an easy book to lose yourself in for a few hours, I read it straight through from beginning to end. My go to description of this book would be a mix between Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey. (Don't leave it lying around where your child may open it up!). Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I'm impressed with the author's debut novel and I look forward to reading the next two books in the series.

[Rashell Jeannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, for a first book by a new author, I was surprised! It is written as if D.M. was an old hand and had written SEVERAL books!
I fell in love with her characters and the raw sensuality and fearlessness that she wrote this book with left me hanging for more!
If you are looking for a new author that will titillate your brain cells and enflame your heart as well as your nether regions, D.M. Shane is the author you need to read!
Can't wait for the next book! She has me reading her work forever!!!

[Amanda Shenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and sexy book that kept my attention from the first page until I finished. You get invested in the characters and it leaves you wanting more. Can’t wait for the second book!

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love Aeternus Book One!! Captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat! D.M. Shane hit the ball out off the park and I cannot wait until the next book in this series!

[Raveen Vann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book by this author. I was completely and utterly addicted to it from page one until the end. Aislin and Arkkadian were great and I really enjoyed these two a lot. She has no clue as to who she really is. The things she had to go through had my heart breaking for her but I love that she doesn't give up. The strength and will to keep on going was absolutely amazing and I especially adore that Arkkadian is there right by her side through it all. I truly can not wait for the next book because I definitely need more.

[Beth Ostrosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read!

Loved it! The characters were so amazing and well thought out! Who doesn't love a paranormal love story. The plot was good with some twists and turns. Try it!

[JenMcJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good first effort but experience would have made this a stronger book. This book was probably about twice as long as it needed to be because it was repetitive. I admit that I skimmed often because there was so much internal dialogue that was just repeating and restating the same thing over and over. The climactic ending was a huge WTF? None of the ending made sense for a maniacal villain to do and then just run away. I get it that it sets up the drama for the next book but I'm not interested anymore. This isn't a cliffhanger but at the same time it feels manipulative to drag me to the next book but unfortunately, if that book isn't out in a few days, I'm not going to remember this book enough when the next book carries forward with the Immortalle idea. To be fair, series books always have to entice you to the next book but that's part of experienced writing, I don't want to feel dragged and manipulated to go there.

There was no sex in this book until the very end but they lived together for about 3/4 of the book so I found that - odd and it diluted all the chemistry the author tried to build up. The Alphaness of the H felt uneven as well.

I hated that this has "magic" mental health care. The h is a very mentally tortured young woman with a slew of triggers and trauma, yet by the end of the book, she is a completely mentally changed woman. It's a huge disservice to the brave people and their loving, supportive partners that actually have to work at their problems not just meet the right person and get cured by magic bonded love. I know this is fantasy, but even in fantasy, part of a loving relationship is finding the person to help you fix yourself and take you as you are and as you expect them to be.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

AETERNUS by D.M. Shane is addicting! From the first chapter, I was snagged hook, line and sinker to keep reading til the end. The compelling love story between "bent but not broken" heroine Aislin and HOT Alpha hero Arkkadian evolves in a classic tale that the writer tells beautifully and makes her readers want more, more, more! Personally, I will be impatiently waiting for the next books in the Immortalle series. This new author has a genuine gift for creating stories that consistently keep you entertained and I predict huge successes in her future.

[Deborah McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the book leaves me speechless yet sets the tone to a story full of characters to fall in love with. An absolute page turner while savoring the lines that take your breath away. This book will leave you feeling protected by wolves and longing for book two in the series.

[bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf at 44%

I rarely dnf but this book bothered me. The heroine is a traumatized and abused victim and yet her soul mate can’t wait to “punish” her. No means no and this was totally violated when he held her down against her will and spanked her and yet it was okay because he knew what was best for her and knew she wanted it?

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Overall meh.

Aislin is an Aeternus which basically means she’s the fated mate of a Lycan. Arkkadian senses her and she doesn’t understand her attraction.

This book feels like a 1980s Harlequin romance to me. She’s a mess and needs her big, strong mate to save her. Throw in the “she’s a virgin” and all naive and innocent and I just couldn’t get into this one. I’m not opposed to the virgin storyline, however, it was painful to read toward the end how he wouldn’t bond with her until the handfasting ceremony. Ugh.

[It’s Me · Rating 1 out of 5]

I skimmed most of the book, I’m honestly surprised I finished it. I hated both of the main characters, and what is it with authors and the whole memory block thing, this is the 3rd shifter book I have read in the last month with the heroine having a memory block 🤦🏼‍♀️. And what kind of “soulmate” punished his traumatized, abuse victim of a mate because she was scared and rightly upset about the situation. Gah!

[Mahone White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually (Some spoilers)

Okay!!

So I was 1/2 and 1/2 on whether or not to read this. I can see how some people see this book as bad. However, I am a sucker for weird stuff. If you’re not tolerable with Mutilation in a story, I wouldn’t recommend. The store carries the details of the main females mutilation throughout the book.

First off, I LOVE ARKKADIAN! I usually like a more dominate character, however DW Shane wrote this character with some heat! I absolutely loved the desire he expressed for Aislin through the book.

The VILLAINS- are sadistic. Mutilation, torture and possibly of forced sex but doesn’t happen with the main. I liked the nervousness I got from the storyline with this characters.

Aislin, unfortunately is a little too weak for my liking for a female lead. She get ALOT of coddling from Arkkadian which is usually what we like, right? Usually, they get more dominant after some intensity but the author wrote Aislin as a female who at first I thought had potential to be a strong lead but fell downhill with her past and her fits and nightmares. I felt like toward the end there it started to pick up so with her becoming who she is meant to be, I hope the author makes that side more wild or dominant.

Lastly, I LOVE Sara. I hope they bring more to the story with her and Gideon.

I actually am looking forward to the next book just for the fact they have a really good cliffhanger that needs explaining!!

[Dezi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 5 stars for me this one was a solid 4 stars which is good but still some things that bothered me about this book was the typical victim type of behavior portrayed by the Aislin. I wished the author made her a little stronger than what she did especially being a female author but it is what it is. I think this first book definitely was dragged out a little bit and I get it there’s two other books I’m assuming will tell the rest of their story but for me I felt that a lot more could have been told and done with this first book. For as much as it dragged it then went quick at the end like this is what I waited for lol so that was disappointing but other than that this book was good and I will definitely be reading the other books in this series. Hopefully they have dates listed since I usually don’t like starting cliffhangers and then having to wait a whole year for the next. I read wayyy too much majority of the time to keep up with books whose story isn’t finished within the first.

[Kris House · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out, and really enjoyed it at that time. Recently, doing some spring cleaning, I came across the book again in my book case and decided to read it a second time. The characters are complex and the author's descriptive style really pulls you into the story. You can fully imagine what they are feeling, seeing, smelling etc. every single moment. Yes, there are some triggering moments that are quite shocking, but they also give you the complete picture that Aislin has had an extremely difficult life. Holy cow, what a twisted path! You find yourself rooting for her and Arkkadian's way of protecting her. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series to see where Aislin and Arkkadian's path leads.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn into this book from the very beginning. Some of the writing style at the beginning wasn’t quite for me, some descriptions were almost too wordy where I found myself thinking, “yes I got it.” But this book kept me reading quickly the entire time and it was easy to feel engaged with the characters and I feel the writing improved as the book went on. It’s a great story that is a mix between 50 Shades of Grey and Twilight, maybe with a bit more violent themes. I’m very much looking forward to the second book!

[Brie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Creative and very different story line.
Some pacing of the story felt off. Especially in the beginning.
Some of The conversations and interactions with the male lead were awkward. Often cheesy and didn’t flow well. You like a book to read like a movie in your head, that you can picture it scene by scene...
Sometimes with the sexual scenes this felt like a soft porn. That’s what I thought when I was reading it. That Unnatural feeling.
I think the author has potential, the creativity is there but a lot of room for improvement

[Melissa Oborne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to

I just couldn’t! The first two chapters and I was done. The stripy kind was so intriguing but the writing was not!!!! The author repeated the inner dialogue in such a childish manner. And the first chapter I reread the same thing let alone sentence multiple times. Not to mention the first chapter is not fir anyone who is triggered easily. I would not have expected the first chapters dialogue let alone for the writing to turn into what it did. So just beware.

[Celeste · Rating 2 out of 5]

Missed the mark

The way submissiveness was written in this book stopped me from reading it about 1/3 of the way in. I mean seriously a woman who experiences this trauma and then is supposed to just be ok and not mad. And then be expected to submit without a conversation about it. Please. If I was almost raped and daw my friends die I would not be ok or trust a man who has brought me to his home. Wolf or not.

Did not like it. Did not appreciate the way it handled trauma.

[Mindy Martinez Borda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book for quite some time, waiting for the perfect time to be read, and boy if ending 2021 and starting 2022 wasn't the perfect setting to finally immerse myself in this universe.
The story grabbed me completely. I could hardly put the book down. The plot left me shaking, breathless and a crying mess more than once. It was a beautiful yet kind of sad love story with an action packed HEA.
I would love to read more of this series for sure.

[Kennedy Morris · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 14%

I liked it well enough from the girls perspective but when it got to the guys.. he just kept jacking off and he didn’t even speak 3 sentences to her yet. It felt wayyyy too fast. There wasn’t a good description of what the characters looked like, he’s going on and on about how he wants to claim her and just.. yeah no thanks.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

No means no

I read the warning for this book but it wasn't enough. No means no. Consensual spanking and beam play: ok. A women being held down and spanked against her will while she tries to fight back: not ok. For some reason this scene was with her "soul mate" and not the other man who tried to rape her. Stop fetishising abuse. It is not sexy.

[Emma Border · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book from the start. Yes there were graphic moments but overall that just made me want to cheer on for the main characters even more! The pace throughout the book was perfect and the details were written beautifully. I'm anxious for the next book to come out.

[Dominique · Rating 1 out of 5]

Irritated

Hated this. Started out great. But when he starts with dark shit with put her knowing what was even happening is like another form of non consent. Took the whole alpha male thing to a different level. Might as well been her captor.

[lisa jung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shifter mate

She's is human or is she? He finds his one working in a bar being stalked by a rogue wolf but she is so much more than an alpha mate. She's an innocent who knows nothing of her background that will find a new life and love.

[Sherri Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable great reading

I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters and how they came together. I can't wait to see what will happen next for them especially since Rafe knows about her.