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Abriya & Clarence #1-2
Becoming Aware
She was no one, but he kissed her like she was everything.
And she would be.
Abriya hates her life. She has no parents, she’s bullied at school for being different, and she has an unrelenting crush on someone that has no hope of becoming anything more than just that.
Or so she thinks…
A secret revealed on a death bed leaves her completely alone in the world soon after, but it also sucks her into an unknown one, full of fated mates, fights, lies, magic, and flaming, intense passion she never could’ve imagined existed.
But more importantly, after being made to believe she was worthless her entire life, it soon becomes quite clear that Abriya is someone special.
And so is her mate.
Thrust into a new life with no way to escape, she has to work through her issues to become the woman she was born to be. But it won’t be easy, especially when she learns that she won’t only have to deal with her own thoughts and feelings rushing through her, but someone else’s, too…
What if you could be connected to someone so deeply, you could feel them, be inside their mind, hear their every waking thought?
Jump into the James Pack Wolves to find out.
Note to reader:
This rewritten series has been previously published under the title: The Abriya & Clarence Series 1-5. This is also the first series linked to a current work titled The Alpha’s Virgin (Also titled Awakening Ariella James). If you do not like strong female characters, protective, passionate, Alpha males, or steamy scenes, this book is not for you. HEA guaranteed. No cheating.
And she would be.
Abriya hates her life. She has no parents, she’s bullied at school for being different, and she has an unrelenting crush on someone that has no hope of becoming anything more than just that.
Or so she thinks…
A secret revealed on a death bed leaves her completely alone in the world soon after, but it also sucks her into an unknown one, full of fated mates, fights, lies, magic, and flaming, intense passion she never could’ve imagined existed.
But more importantly, after being made to believe she was worthless her entire life, it soon becomes quite clear that Abriya is someone special.
And so is her mate.
Thrust into a new life with no way to escape, she has to work through her issues to become the woman she was born to be. But it won’t be easy, especially when she learns that she won’t only have to deal with her own thoughts and feelings rushing through her, but someone else’s, too…
What if you could be connected to someone so deeply, you could feel them, be inside their mind, hear their every waking thought?
Jump into the James Pack Wolves to find out.
Note to reader:
This rewritten series has been previously published under the title: The Abriya & Clarence Series 1-5. This is also the first series linked to a current work titled The Alpha’s Virgin (Also titled Awakening Ariella James). If you do not like strong female characters, protective, passionate, Alpha males, or steamy scenes, this book is not for you. HEA guaranteed. No cheating.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2012
153 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
LeeSha McCoy
70 books224 followersMother. Author. Wellness Blogger.
Lover of Music. Believer of Romance. Dirty Minded.
LeeSha McCoy is the author of all things African American Romance. She released her first book in 2012 and currently writes African American Urban Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romantic Comedy, and Steamy Contemporary Romance under the pen name Karmen Kane.
With over 40 books published to date, representation is important to her, so you will always find positive representations of black men and women in her books, with a focus on family bonds, growth, and above all, strong fiery heroines and the heroes that love the hell out of them for it.
Writing novels that make her readers 'feel' is her mission; she does not just write stories to be read, but for her readers to experience. As someone who has lived through many up and downs in her personal life, she uses those experiences in all of her stories, priding herself on the realism in her work, regardless of genre.
She began writing in the late 90's, although it was mostly song lyrics she wrote to escape her loneliness. As one of only a handful of bi-racial children living in her small hometown of Banbury, she struggled to make friends and to be accepted, so she spent most of her childhood alone.
She currently lives in England, but her family is spread all across the United States, including the states of Baltimore, Colorado, and Texas.
As a mother to four beautiful children, she spends her spare time playing Roblox and finding new places to walk with them, helping others discover self-love through her wellness blog, binge reading dirty romances, or watching food review shows on YouTube.
Find her on...
https://linktr.ee/Leeshamccoy
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/leeshamccoy.7
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leeshamccoy...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LeeshaMcCoy
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leesh...
Radish Fiction, iReader & Clubhouse.
Lover of Music. Believer of Romance. Dirty Minded.
LeeSha McCoy is the author of all things African American Romance. She released her first book in 2012 and currently writes African American Urban Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romantic Comedy, and Steamy Contemporary Romance under the pen name Karmen Kane.
With over 40 books published to date, representation is important to her, so you will always find positive representations of black men and women in her books, with a focus on family bonds, growth, and above all, strong fiery heroines and the heroes that love the hell out of them for it.
Writing novels that make her readers 'feel' is her mission; she does not just write stories to be read, but for her readers to experience. As someone who has lived through many up and downs in her personal life, she uses those experiences in all of her stories, priding herself on the realism in her work, regardless of genre.
She began writing in the late 90's, although it was mostly song lyrics she wrote to escape her loneliness. As one of only a handful of bi-racial children living in her small hometown of Banbury, she struggled to make friends and to be accepted, so she spent most of her childhood alone.
She currently lives in England, but her family is spread all across the United States, including the states of Baltimore, Colorado, and Texas.
As a mother to four beautiful children, she spends her spare time playing Roblox and finding new places to walk with them, helping others discover self-love through her wellness blog, binge reading dirty romances, or watching food review shows on YouTube.
Find her on...
https://linktr.ee/Leeshamccoy
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/leeshamccoy.7
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leeshamccoy...
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LeeshaMcCoy
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leesh...
Radish Fiction, iReader & Clubhouse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 26, 2012
What do you do when your whole life changes and nothing is as it seems? Abriya Rodriguez is about to find out.
Abriya has spent year being bullied by other students in school. She’s been called fat and ugly. She’s been tripped and had food dumped on her. Then Clarence defends her. He’s the hottest boy in school. At the end of school he tells her he’ll be back for her in a few years. It’s not their time yet. Then he walks out of her life.
Years later she’s in university, her grandmother dies and she finds out she’s a werewolf. How much worse can it get?
I LOVED this story. I love shape-shifter stories. Shape-shifter stories that are erotic and hot as hell are even better! A.T. Ebanks has introduced us to a new world of shape-shifting hotties! Clarence is a gentleman, a shape-shifter, and OMG HOT! Abriya is a wonderful heroine. She’s taken charge of her life. She’s gotten in shape, made new friends and doesn’t take crap from anybody! When Clarence comes back for her, her whole world changes.
Abriya is a strong character. I like how A.T. Ebanks made her character strong enough to take on the enemy and protect Clarence. She’s tough and feminine. Clarence is strong as well. He’s the alpha male, strong, caring, and secure enough in himself to not feel threatened when Abriya defends him. He insists on taking care of her but has no problems letting her take care of him when need be.
Abriya handles all of these changes as well as can be expected. She has her moments when she lets it all fly and her frustrations, questions, and insecurities come to the surface. Clarence handles it all in stride. He’s not perfect, but love Abriya and gives her what she needs to deal with all of this.
The passion between Abriya and Clarence is HOT! They can’t keep their hands off each other and anytime they’re alone, the clothes fly…..OFF! Not only does Clarence dominate out of the bedroom, he dominates in it as well. He takes such sweet care of Abriya.
I have to warn you, at one point in the story you will need Kleenex! I was bawling my eyes out. It was so sad. Clarence gets hurt and doesn’t remember Abriya. He had no clue who Abriya was. I was crying! It was impressive that she didn’t leave. She stayed away from him until he approached her, but she stayed. She endured the pain of him not knowing her. Wondering if he would remember her. It would have been easier for her to leave, but she didn’t. You don’t abandon those you love just because it gets difficult.
This was a fantastic beginning to a wonderful series. A.T. Ebanks has a way with words that sucks you into a new world. I’m very excited about this series and I’m looking forward to the next one!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
Pretty good story. Good characters and development. The main female protagonist is somewhat aggravating with her constant need of affirmation, though her childhood is definitely to blame, but at some point you gotta leave the chrysalis and become the beautiful butterfly that you were meant to be. I am definitely interested in completing the trilogy though.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
December 24, 2012
This was a great book. It was very detailed and gave you the background of characters and the details of their relationship. Abriya and Clarence are hot, hot, hot for each other. They were destined to be together, however things can change. There are many obstacles in their life and some who will do anything to keep them apart. The ending just about killed me and definitely left me screaming for the next book. I can't wait for book 2 to come out.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2013
Smuttastic, coming of age romance, that will having you sighing for various reasons x
December 21, 2021
3.5 stars for me.
January 6, 2013
This book was amazing. So there's a storyline! Awesome! And it's well thought out!! Can't wait to find out what the little gold key is for....
Okay, so the minor faults..... This book needs some serious proofing. So many grammar slip ups, accompanied by the occasional syntax error makes for a little bit of a slap in the face. You're reading...getting really involved....then WHAM! Wrong use of their. Or similar. The other thing that got me was the structure isn't quiiiite right. Climax is way off cue, for example. I'm hoping this is just because its part of a saga. I'm also hoping to see a little more variation in the couples' sexploits.
Back to the good stuff! Te sex is phenomenal. Well written, intense, believable. There are obviously influences, but they are well used and many are yet to be fully expounded upon. The story is just really getting going, with a young heroine who is just coming into her own, and her nigh on tortured mate. Clarence is a well planned character, with secrets and experience that can be explored so easily. Abriya is a beautiful woman who is typical of an early nineties girl, or any girl really. No self belief, self trust, or esteem. The way this is being handled is ...different. As an introvert myself, with an extrovert partner, I feel Abriya's pain as she is thrust into situations she doesn't feel comfortable in. I love how this girl fights to maintain a sense of self, when she could so easily just be what people want from her. Clarence supports her in this, as much as he can. This, to me, is what makes this book. Well formed characters with a sense of self.
Go read it!!
Okay, so the minor faults..... This book needs some serious proofing. So many grammar slip ups, accompanied by the occasional syntax error makes for a little bit of a slap in the face. You're reading...getting really involved....then WHAM! Wrong use of their. Or similar. The other thing that got me was the structure isn't quiiiite right. Climax is way off cue, for example. I'm hoping this is just because its part of a saga. I'm also hoping to see a little more variation in the couples' sexploits.
Back to the good stuff! Te sex is phenomenal. Well written, intense, believable. There are obviously influences, but they are well used and many are yet to be fully expounded upon. The story is just really getting going, with a young heroine who is just coming into her own, and her nigh on tortured mate. Clarence is a well planned character, with secrets and experience that can be explored so easily. Abriya is a beautiful woman who is typical of an early nineties girl, or any girl really. No self belief, self trust, or esteem. The way this is being handled is ...different. As an introvert myself, with an extrovert partner, I feel Abriya's pain as she is thrust into situations she doesn't feel comfortable in. I love how this girl fights to maintain a sense of self, when she could so easily just be what people want from her. Clarence supports her in this, as much as he can. This, to me, is what makes this book. Well formed characters with a sense of self.
Go read it!!
January 14, 2013
This book surprised me. A.T. Banks is a new author and I didn't really know what to expect but Becoming Aware is a great read.
The story is told in 1st person POV and that can get irritating but I enjoyed the book. There's a lot of passion and action and wonder what will happen next so I was greatly entertained.
I hope Part 2 answers all of the open questions and of course shows the class reunion lol.
Oh and this book has an awesome soundtrack I was jamming the whole time.
The story is told in 1st person POV and that can get irritating but I enjoyed the book. There's a lot of passion and action and wonder what will happen next so I was greatly entertained.
I hope Part 2 answers all of the open questions and of course shows the class reunion lol.
Oh and this book has an awesome soundtrack I was jamming the whole time.
December 19, 2012
Really really good! Can't wait for book 2.
September 2, 2020
I am sorry but this book is BAAAAD. It looks like something I would write for literature class and get MAXIMUM a decent 30/100.
Sorry, Not Sorry.
It had the potential to be GOOD Y'ALL.
POC Characters ---- HELLZ YAAAAAHHH
Paranormal ----- HELL FREAKING YAAAAHHH
Werewolves ---- ALL THE HELLZ YAH IN THE WORLD BABY
Unfortunately it read like something circa 2007.
I HATED the heroine. The hero, *insert eyeroll* A cardboard had more personality than him.
IN SUMMARY.... DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.
Sorry, Not Sorry.
It had the potential to be GOOD Y'ALL.
POC Characters ---- HELLZ YAAAAAHHH
Paranormal ----- HELL FREAKING YAAAAHHH
Werewolves ---- ALL THE HELLZ YAH IN THE WORLD BABY
Unfortunately it read like something circa 2007.
I HATED the heroine. The hero, *insert eyeroll* A cardboard had more personality than him.
IN SUMMARY.... DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.
April 27, 2022
good start to a series
This is a good start to a story. I love the details. I like the book overall but don’t like Abriya. She is not a strong female as described in the book blurb/description.
Spoilers below
Abriya is……. annoying. Cuz like why do you feel this down about yourself and why not ask more questions? About anything. Like you never even asked your dads name? Abriya saying she’s a fast learner but was a horrible student. She also didn’t even give Clarence a chance. He didn’t recognize her off the bat and she goes into a deep depression. She didn’t even try to make him remember. She had the nerve to call her “brother” weak. Abriya’s character is weak as hell.
Will we get an explanation for why he’s so big? The author pointed it out like it was important and made sure to say that it didn’t apply to all werewolves. Like was there a reason for mentioning that outside of him being celibate?
I would think if you were born to two weres, you wouldn’t have to wait until you were 20 to change. I’m also assuming most female weres are changed not born.
This is a good start to a story. I love the details. I like the book overall but don’t like Abriya. She is not a strong female as described in the book blurb/description.
Spoilers below
Abriya is……. annoying. Cuz like why do you feel this down about yourself and why not ask more questions? About anything. Like you never even asked your dads name? Abriya saying she’s a fast learner but was a horrible student. She also didn’t even give Clarence a chance. He didn’t recognize her off the bat and she goes into a deep depression. She didn’t even try to make him remember. She had the nerve to call her “brother” weak. Abriya’s character is weak as hell.
Will we get an explanation for why he’s so big? The author pointed it out like it was important and made sure to say that it didn’t apply to all werewolves. Like was there a reason for mentioning that outside of him being celibate?
I would think if you were born to two weres, you wouldn’t have to wait until you were 20 to change. I’m also assuming most female weres are changed not born.
March 30, 2022
Love it
I couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait to start the next one. I’ve read a lot of great books and these stories are by far some of the best I’ve ever read I’m hooked. I found this author on another app and I’m so damn glad I did. I am devouring these stories. Read a couple with stupid coins hated the concept of that but I’m buying everyone of her books I can get my hands on.
I couldn’t put the book down and can’t wait to start the next one. I’ve read a lot of great books and these stories are by far some of the best I’ve ever read I’m hooked. I found this author on another app and I’m so damn glad I did. I am devouring these stories. Read a couple with stupid coins hated the concept of that but I’m buying everyone of her books I can get my hands on.
October 7, 2020
AMAZING!!!
Love love love this author!! I read and buy each one her books every time she releases one. Not my first time reading this series and definitely won't be my last as with all her other books. Each time I read any of her novels its just like I'm reading them for the first time❤❤
Love love love this author!! I read and buy each one her books every time she releases one. Not my first time reading this series and definitely won't be my last as with all her other books. Each time I read any of her novels its just like I'm reading them for the first time❤❤
June 30, 2022
I loved it
This was my first book from Mrs McCoy. It was soooooo good. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way she made Abrogate have depth to her character. She wasn't just a noisy teenager. Clarence is love. I wonder what he thought of as a baby LOL. That part was a little different but I liked it. I like his family and can't wait to learn more about Abriya's father. I'm now hooked on this story. On to part 2.
This was my first book from Mrs McCoy. It was soooooo good. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way she made Abrogate have depth to her character. She wasn't just a noisy teenager. Clarence is love. I wonder what he thought of as a baby LOL. That part was a little different but I liked it. I like his family and can't wait to learn more about Abriya's father. I'm now hooked on this story. On to part 2.
April 27, 2025
I already know I’m gonna finish this series fast. I love Abriya and her power. I love Clarence and the way he loves her. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I wish I had read these before the ones about Ariella. I might (will probably) reread everything in order. Didn’t even really mind the sex tbh. Can’t wait to read how A&C grow together.
September 13, 2020
So Much Love 💕
I’m so happy to see an Alpha female, but still thinks of her mate as dominant. Their love is incredible and intimacy is off the charts. This is a must read for everyone. A love story that is paranormal.
I’m so happy to see an Alpha female, but still thinks of her mate as dominant. Their love is incredible and intimacy is off the charts. This is a must read for everyone. A love story that is paranormal.
April 5, 2022
Becoming Aware
This book was good. A little slower than I would have liked. Abriya and Clarence were meant to be together but when they first meet it wasn’t their time and they are reunited later. Abriya discovers new things about herself. Overall story is good.
This book was good. A little slower than I would have liked. Abriya and Clarence were meant to be together but when they first meet it wasn’t their time and they are reunited later. Abriya discovers new things about herself. Overall story is good.
October 26, 2022
Wheww
I love everything about this story. I hope things change for Gamba though. I feel like more secrets are going to come out and cannot wait to start book 2. I’m new here but you’ve definitely gained an avid reader.
I love everything about this story. I hope things change for Gamba though. I feel like more secrets are going to come out and cannot wait to start book 2. I’m new here but you’ve definitely gained an avid reader.
April 14, 2023
Nice start to the series.
Abriya and Clarence seem like they are made for one another. I'm surprised she took what she is so calmly and has embraced her new self. Wondering what her father is really up to. Can't wait to find out.
Abriya and Clarence seem like they are made for one another. I'm surprised she took what she is so calmly and has embraced her new self. Wondering what her father is really up to. Can't wait to find out.
August 20, 2024
Steamy
I love her stories. The representation of black people being werewolves, rich, and "Urban" is wonderful. I like seeing those pictures in her stories and the sex is always hot and steamy.
I love her stories. The representation of black people being werewolves, rich, and "Urban" is wonderful. I like seeing those pictures in her stories and the sex is always hot and steamy.
April 16, 2025
A Little Too Much
I know they’re shifters and they view sex differently but literally all they did was have sex. In every single chapter. That was an overkill. More time should have been spent on developing the plot. If so, then probably could have condensed it down to one book.
I know they’re shifters and they view sex differently but literally all they did was have sex. In every single chapter. That was an overkill. More time should have been spent on developing the plot. If so, then probably could have condensed it down to one book.
September 6, 2020
❤️
Man this is my second time reading and I so love Clarence for how he loves hard. Can’t wait to read part 2 again
Man this is my second time reading and I so love Clarence for how he loves hard. Can’t wait to read part 2 again
October 18, 2020
I love it
This book is so amazing I love the Rider die lick it everything and she really put in a lot of work for bullying hope she be creative with Ending
This book is so amazing I love the Rider die lick it everything and she really put in a lot of work for bullying hope she be creative with Ending
April 18, 2022
Great book
This is a great book. If you love paranormal romance than I suggest you read this. The story line is great, she has an excellent reading style and crazy s*x scenes!!!!
This is a great book. If you love paranormal romance than I suggest you read this. The story line is great, she has an excellent reading style and crazy s*x scenes!!!!
March 31, 2023
Let's Go!
Ready for Book 2. I was again happy to see the positivity surrounding love and family. This shows our families being healthy and strong while facing obstacles. Love it!
Ready for Book 2. I was again happy to see the positivity surrounding love and family. This shows our families being healthy and strong while facing obstacles. Love it!
June 2, 2024
3.5✨️✨️✨️
June 7, 2024
excellent read
This is my first book by LeeSha McCoy but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
This is my first book by LeeSha McCoy but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
May 19, 2014
Tormented at school for being overweight, Abriya can't wait to get the hell out of there. To top it all off, her crush, Clarence James seems completely out of reach - until he unexpectedly kisses her after an Arts lesson.
Something changes after their kiss and Clarence avoids her afterwards, but as the exams finish and school is finally done, they find themselves alone together again.
Abriya is special, Clarence tells her as much and although he has to leave her for a couple of years, he soon returns to help her through her change. However, she soon discovers that changing was the easy part, it's what comes after that hurts.
Abriya was blown away by being kissed by Clarence. But then he keeps his distance from her till the end of school only to say goodbye…for now. Unknown to Abriya, she is more important to Clarence and his kind than she could ever imagine.
I am not normally into paranormal romance, but this book changed my mind. I love the whole premise of this book. The underdog becomes a powerful and strong women, gives up everything she has ever known to grab onto something she wants. Abriya is horribly bullied at school and be she has two things that brighten her day…Art and Clarence. After school is finished Clarence leaves and Abriya is left with just her Nan and friends. Fast forward a couple of years and Abriya Nan dies and Abriya fins out that she is a werewolf. Abriya lives for the country so she can change when Clarence comes back into her life. He tells her that he loves her and that they will have this wonderful life together after she changes. I will stop there so I don’t give too much away. I think I have found a new love in paranormal fiction after this
9 out of 10
Something changes after their kiss and Clarence avoids her afterwards, but as the exams finish and school is finally done, they find themselves alone together again.
Abriya is special, Clarence tells her as much and although he has to leave her for a couple of years, he soon returns to help her through her change. However, she soon discovers that changing was the easy part, it's what comes after that hurts.
Abriya was blown away by being kissed by Clarence. But then he keeps his distance from her till the end of school only to say goodbye…for now. Unknown to Abriya, she is more important to Clarence and his kind than she could ever imagine.
I am not normally into paranormal romance, but this book changed my mind. I love the whole premise of this book. The underdog becomes a powerful and strong women, gives up everything she has ever known to grab onto something she wants. Abriya is horribly bullied at school and be she has two things that brighten her day…Art and Clarence. After school is finished Clarence leaves and Abriya is left with just her Nan and friends. Fast forward a couple of years and Abriya Nan dies and Abriya fins out that she is a werewolf. Abriya lives for the country so she can change when Clarence comes back into her life. He tells her that he loves her and that they will have this wonderful life together after she changes. I will stop there so I don’t give too much away. I think I have found a new love in paranormal fiction after this
9 out of 10
December 16, 2012
I really enjoyed the story but the editing left much to be desired. Bad useage of your and you're - which you see so much. But improper useage of were and we're? Didn't expect to see that. These mistakes just pulled me out of the story too much to be ignored.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews