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Shadows In Sanctuary #3
Jessabelle's Beast (Shadows in Sanctuary)
Gorzo journeyed across a vast ocean to join the umbrose in Sanctuary, but finds himself alone among them because the city dwellers view him as a barbarian. When Lady Lilith convinces him to try a new matchmaking service to find a human mate, he’s at first reluctant. Then he sees Jessabelle from across the room, and in that moment, he knows with every fiber of his being that she was made for him.
Having to hold his dangerous primal nature strictly in check where Jessa is concerned, Gorzo is anxious to offer her a claim as soon as possible, before his primal grows impatient and decides to dispense with the formalities and simply abduct her.
*****
Jessa goes to the Outland Connections matchmaking company for her own complicated reasons, but after spending her childhood in an orphanage, she can’t help thinking it would be nice to have someone to call her own.
When she sees Gorzo for the first time at a mixer set up by the company, the huge, intimidating winged warrior inspires feelings that she’s never experienced before. When he offers his claim, she cannot help but to accept, and she’s excited about the pleasure he promises with his deep, rumbling voice and his strong, powerful body.
But Jessa has a dangerous secret, and the past she must conceal from Gorzo is one that could destroy them both—and all of Sanctuary.
Having to hold his dangerous primal nature strictly in check where Jessa is concerned, Gorzo is anxious to offer her a claim as soon as possible, before his primal grows impatient and decides to dispense with the formalities and simply abduct her.
*****
Jessa goes to the Outland Connections matchmaking company for her own complicated reasons, but after spending her childhood in an orphanage, she can’t help thinking it would be nice to have someone to call her own.
When she sees Gorzo for the first time at a mixer set up by the company, the huge, intimidating winged warrior inspires feelings that she’s never experienced before. When he offers his claim, she cannot help but to accept, and she’s excited about the pleasure he promises with his deep, rumbling voice and his strong, powerful body.
But Jessa has a dangerous secret, and the past she must conceal from Gorzo is one that could destroy them both—and all of Sanctuary.
222 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2017
167 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Susan Trombley
32 books842 followersBorn a dragon, but forced to take human form to fit into those little baby carriers, Susan accepted that she'd have to live a mortal life. She just wasn't going to go around being all boring about it. As soon as she was old enough, she immediately applied for an alien abduction, but got wait-listed, so she made her lair in the desert to wait out the coming zombie apocalypse with a pair of magical cats (they can appear underfoot in an instant, usually at the steps) and the dog from Hades that has three heads (and now has three bodies to go with them).
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
When the white knight came to fight the dragon, Susan liked him so much she decided to marry him and they now have a beautiful little dragonlet. (Who looks just like a little girl unless you use a magic mirror)
Fortunately, despite being trapped in this dimension, Susan uses her dragon's vision to see all the most interesting goings-on in the multiverse. Figuring they made great stories, she decided to share them with the rest of the mortal world, by writing fantasy, science fiction and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 4, 2021
I really love this series and so hope that the author decides to add more to it in the future.
It really is an undiscovered gem that I wholeheartedly recommend, there’s still so much story growth left here for future books set within it and this world is just so fascinating and imaginative and vast.
So this one is about Jessabelle and Gorzo.
Gorzo is a general and right man in the Umbrose hierarchy and Jessa a human orphan from the dome.
They are brought together through a matchmaking initiative that is the brainchild of the two previous heroines.
Gorzo is kind of strong-armed into it by his princess and Jessa well she has some serious ulterior motives of her own.
One that means no matter how much she longs for this new reality her priorities just aren’t her own choice.
The two feel an instant connection more so than lover and concubine but as true mates.
They also share in common a feeling of not belonging, Jessa because of her past and upbringing and Gorzo his obvious differences to the other Umbrose residing in sanctuary.
But with Jessa’s secrets threatening to tear them both asunder the road to true happiness for these two is paved with more than just a species barrier, these two have so much more to ultimately overcome.
And Gorzo forgiving his mate when the truth is finally revealed isn’t even the big question but will they both live long enough to even enjoy their newfound bond together.
So I really enjoyed this one a lot it’s dual POV and I could really feel the connection and emotion coming from both sides.
It’s an easy read that I completed in one sitting and I thought Gorzo and Jessa were ideals mates, both used to be slightly on the outside they find there home and acceptance in each other.
This one gets a thumbs up from me I enjoyed it a lot.
This series is great and I highly recommend giving it a bash if you like this type of genre.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 19, 2018
Scifi romance with deep feelings
I love this series!
I was eager to learn more about Gorzo and this didn't disappoint. Jessabelle was a very different heroine but the love they share was real and deep.
The epilogue drove me nuts! Waiting for the next one!!
Mature content
I love this series!
I was eager to learn more about Gorzo and this didn't disappoint. Jessabelle was a very different heroine but the love they share was real and deep.
The epilogue drove me nuts! Waiting for the next one!!
Mature content
August 8, 2022
I hated this book less than the first two in the series. But the Unbrose are annoying bigots and I kinda hate them, so my overall feelings on them didn't change.
Gorzo, the male lead, was a pparently a favorite of Trombley's to write. He started out great. The quiet, reliable type. I can dig that. Unfortunately he did a 180 at one point in the book and decided to be a petulant little boy, like the two dickheads before him. Trust these weirdos who claim "concubines" instead of wives to be cavemen.
Also, the way all these women are fine with public decapitations??? No civilized society does that.
---------------------
Apparently Susan Trombley will be releasing a fourth book in this series.
me crying because I'm sodisappointed grateful.
I love Susan Trombley.
I love the Iriduan Test Subjects.
Of course I will be grateful for a new book by her.
I rejoice at the idea of these big beefy boys getting a new chance to not understand how humans work?
Seriously, the Umbrose society makes less sense than all of the alien societies introduced in Trombley's other series.
I am grateful for this fourth book in this series.
Might choke on all that gratitude but hell yeah I will finish this series even if I hate every second.
I will just shed a few silent tears for the Dead Fall series which deserves a sixth and seventh and eigth novel and of course Ava from the Test Subjects series who never got her novel nod either.
Gorzo, the male lead, was a pparently a favorite of Trombley's to write. He started out great. The quiet, reliable type. I can dig that. Unfortunately he did a 180 at one point in the book and decided to be a petulant little boy, like the two dickheads before him. Trust these weirdos who claim "concubines" instead of wives to be cavemen.
Also, the way all these women are fine with public decapitations??? No civilized society does that.
---------------------
Apparently Susan Trombley will be releasing a fourth book in this series.
me crying because I'm so
I love Susan Trombley.
I love the Iriduan Test Subjects.
Of course I will be grateful for a new book by her.
I rejoice at the idea of these big beefy boys getting a new chance to not understand how humans work?
Seriously, the Umbrose society makes less sense than all of the alien societies introduced in Trombley's other series.
I am grateful for this fourth book in this series.
Might choke on all that gratitude but hell yeah I will finish this series even if I hate every second.
I will just shed a few silent tears for the Dead Fall series which deserves a sixth and seventh and eigth novel and of course Ava from the Test Subjects series who never got her novel nod either.
July 13, 2018
Third instalment in this dystopian/sci-fi/fantasy series.
With the focus on General Gorzo ( who we met in book 2) and jessabelle.
After being forced to sign up to a new dating agency that princess Stacia has created with the aid of Lilith, as a way of improving communications between the umbero and humans in the dome city...Stacia is thankful to Gorzo for helping her mate King Balfor and won’t take no for an answer.
I cannot and won’t go into much more of the story because it’s too good to be spoilt by teasers and hints...just read it!
As usual this book didn’t disapoint with story and drama and action and by god Gorzo is a fantastic leading man. Outside imposing inside soft and chewy mallow centre... 💚💚💚
I love the direction this series is taking and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
With the focus on General Gorzo ( who we met in book 2) and jessabelle.
After being forced to sign up to a new dating agency that princess Stacia has created with the aid of Lilith, as a way of improving communications between the umbero and humans in the dome city...Stacia is thankful to Gorzo for helping her mate King Balfor and won’t take no for an answer.
I cannot and won’t go into much more of the story because it’s too good to be spoilt by teasers and hints...just read it!
As usual this book didn’t disapoint with story and drama and action and by god Gorzo is a fantastic leading man. Outside imposing inside soft and chewy mallow centre... 💚💚💚
I love the direction this series is taking and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.
April 11, 2021
I don't really enjoy the stories where there will be betrayal but this one was ok. 3.5 for this one
Spoilers:
Jessa is an orphan and used to further other interests, mostly genetic engineering. She ends up a surrogate and held by blackmail to sabotage the demons, mostly to get to the "Lord" to end his reign. Gorzo was a good character but ultimately I felt like he deserved better?
The strength of this series (for me) is in the world that it is building and the Sanctuary. The characters change from book to book yet they overlap. The love scenes are well done, some couples are better than others- but no different from all the other series'. Looking at the next book though, the mystery deepens with Micah still alive and the "Lord" has escaped.
The love between the 2 MC's didn't feel like it had time to build so they had more of a connection over being orphaned and abandoned. The epilogue was a nice touch.
Spoilers:
Jessa is an orphan and used to further other interests, mostly genetic engineering. She ends up a surrogate and held by blackmail to sabotage the demons, mostly to get to the "Lord" to end his reign. Gorzo was a good character but ultimately I felt like he deserved better?
The strength of this series (for me) is in the world that it is building and the Sanctuary. The characters change from book to book yet they overlap. The love scenes are well done, some couples are better than others- but no different from all the other series'. Looking at the next book though, the mystery deepens with Micah still alive and the "Lord" has escaped.
The love between the 2 MC's didn't feel like it had time to build so they had more of a connection over being orphaned and abandoned. The epilogue was a nice touch.
December 30, 2019
Good but,
These books are good, although the author did pull back on the brutality of the demons after the first book.. almost getting a little too cutesy with them. The books are still good though and the world is unique... I was a uriel book!!
These books are good, although the author did pull back on the brutality of the demons after the first book.. almost getting a little too cutesy with them. The books are still good though and the world is unique... I was a uriel book!!
April 7, 2019
Loved it!
I love this series and seriously sad there are not more books. The world building is fantastic and unique. Give this series a chance you won't regret it!
I love this series and seriously sad there are not more books. The world building is fantastic and unique. Give this series a chance you won't regret it!
August 18, 2021
DNF at %54
This was honestly really hard for me to do because I loved the first two books. But the over arcing plot line kinda ran dry for me and I just really wasn't feeling the premise.
I really wasn't feeling the whole betrayal from the beginning. It just really made me feel icky. Then she continued a relationship with the sweet cinnamon roll of a guy even though she knew she was betraying this the whole time. I just really wasn't feeling it. Then the cat robot was the one that's gonna be doing the espionage. No. I can't
I might have to go back and rethink my reviews on the whole series because this last book kinda colored my whole outlook.
This was honestly really hard for me to do because I loved the first two books. But the over arcing plot line kinda ran dry for me and I just really wasn't feeling the premise.
I really wasn't feeling the whole betrayal from the beginning. It just really made me feel icky. Then she continued a relationship with the sweet cinnamon roll of a guy even though she knew she was betraying this the whole time. I just really wasn't feeling it. Then the cat robot was the one that's gonna be doing the espionage. No. I can't
I might have to go back and rethink my reviews on the whole series because this last book kinda colored my whole outlook.
April 21, 2018
Endearing Gorzo.
I ABSOLUTELY love Gorzo!!!! The most wonderful of all the Umbrose characters so far hands down. This series just keeps getting better and better, fingers crossed that this won't be the last in the series and that the author will keep releasing more. Gorzo just took my breath away, he was a woman's dream male without a shadow of a doubt. Kind, caring, compassionate, sweet and oh so passionate. Add to that an AMAZING package consisting of long braided hair, tattoos and a tall, broad muscular body; all I have to say is YUM!!!! He was pure perfection from the hair on his head to the talons on his feet. The way he reacted when he first saw Jessabelle desiring her instantly and wanting to throw her over his shoulder caveman style and run away with her was so effing HOT!! Then he uttered that one word which makes me weak in the knees and my heart race; 'Mine'. Our leading lady in this story Jessabelle Ellis was coherst by the Diakonos to go on a mission for them. To infiltrate Sanctuary by applying to the match maker program set up by Lilith to meet available Umbrose males and that's how she meets General Gorzo. You could tell by the plot that this book was going to be good and the story filled with drama, suspense and plenty of angst which it was, leaving me extremely happy. The two main characters were fantastic, Jessabelle with her tragic past and kind nature and Gorzo with a heart of gold, I just ate him up. We are also given a glimpse into Lilith's life with Ranove, he has mellowed out alot and no longer that mechanical male but become friendlier, more vocal and understanding. Balfor on the other hand is still quite uptight and harsh. Though on a positive note I'm glad to see were given good news on the baby issue in this book. We're also left with some tasty little teasers in the epilogue about Uriale and Micah which I hope were told more about in the next instalment and fingers crossed we get a book on the executioner Carnifex which has captured my interest.
I ABSOLUTELY love Gorzo!!!! The most wonderful of all the Umbrose characters so far hands down. This series just keeps getting better and better, fingers crossed that this won't be the last in the series and that the author will keep releasing more. Gorzo just took my breath away, he was a woman's dream male without a shadow of a doubt. Kind, caring, compassionate, sweet and oh so passionate. Add to that an AMAZING package consisting of long braided hair, tattoos and a tall, broad muscular body; all I have to say is YUM!!!! He was pure perfection from the hair on his head to the talons on his feet. The way he reacted when he first saw Jessabelle desiring her instantly and wanting to throw her over his shoulder caveman style and run away with her was so effing HOT!! Then he uttered that one word which makes me weak in the knees and my heart race; 'Mine'. Our leading lady in this story Jessabelle Ellis was coherst by the Diakonos to go on a mission for them. To infiltrate Sanctuary by applying to the match maker program set up by Lilith to meet available Umbrose males and that's how she meets General Gorzo. You could tell by the plot that this book was going to be good and the story filled with drama, suspense and plenty of angst which it was, leaving me extremely happy. The two main characters were fantastic, Jessabelle with her tragic past and kind nature and Gorzo with a heart of gold, I just ate him up. We are also given a glimpse into Lilith's life with Ranove, he has mellowed out alot and no longer that mechanical male but become friendlier, more vocal and understanding. Balfor on the other hand is still quite uptight and harsh. Though on a positive note I'm glad to see were given good news on the baby issue in this book. We're also left with some tasty little teasers in the epilogue about Uriale and Micah which I hope were told more about in the next instalment and fingers crossed we get a book on the executioner Carnifex which has captured my interest.
June 29, 2019
I really want a beast of my own!
First off, I really hope Susan Trombley is going to continue writhing .odd books in this series! 💖💖💖💖 I really love umbrose and all their beastly glory. General Gorzo is my favorite this far. A fierce warrior from a distance tribe of umbrose who understands mistakes, loss and what a person is willing to do to fight a wrong. He is alone amidst his own people until he meets Jessa. In her he see a kindred soul, someone who needs to be loved as much as he himself does. Jessa is an orphan who never had the love of a family a true friend of a lover. All she has known is survival and what the religious group that offered her shelter has taught her. When she meets Gorzo she knows everything she's been told is a lie! That this male will become everything to her and she'll face death to make sure he is safe. This installment in the series further promotes the tensions between the lords , their servants and the umbrose. We see just what love and devotion can accomplish it truly a beautiful story. 💖I hope she writes the next one soon. 💖😍😍
First off, I really hope Susan Trombley is going to continue writhing .odd books in this series! 💖💖💖💖 I really love umbrose and all their beastly glory. General Gorzo is my favorite this far. A fierce warrior from a distance tribe of umbrose who understands mistakes, loss and what a person is willing to do to fight a wrong. He is alone amidst his own people until he meets Jessa. In her he see a kindred soul, someone who needs to be loved as much as he himself does. Jessa is an orphan who never had the love of a family a true friend of a lover. All she has known is survival and what the religious group that offered her shelter has taught her. When she meets Gorzo she knows everything she's been told is a lie! That this male will become everything to her and she'll face death to make sure he is safe. This installment in the series further promotes the tensions between the lords , their servants and the umbrose. We see just what love and devotion can accomplish it truly a beautiful story. 💖I hope she writes the next one soon. 💖😍😍
May 25, 2020
Summary: Romance science fiction/fantasy book with some intrigue and spying. Human woman and alien demon man meet via a dating agency event and quickly bond, but does one of them have alternative motives? Although the intrigue plot dominates this book there is plenty of romance and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Full disclosure: a couple of months ago I started book one in this series (Lilith's Fall) and DNF'd after I lost interest around 25%. When I picked up Jessabelle's Beast from the kindle unlimited store, I didn't even realise it was the same series or author until the name of the alien race (Umbrose) sparked a memory. And you know what? I enjoyed Jessabelle's Beast enough that I am going to go back to book one and give it another shot. This book worked perfectly well as a standalone given that each book focuses on a different couple, but the main characters from books one and two played important roles in book three, so I imagine I'd have enjoyed the read even more if I'd read those first.
November 30, 2019
Honest to goodness liked the first two better than this one. I was just frustrated with Jessa. I wanted her to commit to trusting Gorzo. And her compartmentalization of her betrayal just infuriated me.
January 20, 2020
Oh. My. God.
I need more!!! D:
Still not a fan of the unbending nature of the umbrose city society, but wow, the teasing glimpses of this world were so exciting and I know what Ms Trombley can accomplish with respect to world building so I really really need more 🤤😵😱😲
I need more!!! D:
Still not a fan of the unbending nature of the umbrose city society, but wow, the teasing glimpses of this world were so exciting and I know what Ms Trombley can accomplish with respect to world building so I really really need more 🤤😵😱😲
September 10, 2021
Dark PNR set in futuristic alien landscape
While this could probably be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers. Although I believe there are still a lot of open questions surrounding the lack of world building in the first story, it is still beneficial based upon the plot to read it as well.
Although the story itself does not end in a cliffhanger, at the end there are a couple of plots provided to support future stories if desired. I don’t know if that will happen or not since this story is the last one written and it was published in 2017.
Contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence such as kidnapping / abduction, torture, assault, fighting with some to the death, murder, etc.
There are quite a few grammatical issues and it would really benefit from editing.
⛔️ Warning: if you have not read the previous stories this may contain spoilers.
Last chance …
The world building in this story, as well as the relationship between the characters is better than the previous two, but there are still things not addressed. Such as the details surrounding the betrayal of the umbrose Prince and Duke. Plus in this story, Duke is captured again during a coordinated attack and nothing is told about how that happened, what the adurian Prince and Princess did to him, or what was involved in his recovery. I also have questions about why Jessabelle (aka Jessa) suddenly found herself unindoctrinated with the adurians after being in their thrall for so many years.
The only thing that I think is more clear is the war between the bright ones, aka adurians, and the devils, aka umbrose. Maybe it is because it is the third story I have read, or maybe the background is better somewhat in this story. Although I am still not sure I understand who the other group mentioned is, stands for, etc. except they previously supported the adurians and now are working to replace them if they can.
While this could probably be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend it be read in series order for maximum reader satisfaction and to prevent spoilers. Although I believe there are still a lot of open questions surrounding the lack of world building in the first story, it is still beneficial based upon the plot to read it as well.
Although the story itself does not end in a cliffhanger, at the end there are a couple of plots provided to support future stories if desired. I don’t know if that will happen or not since this story is the last one written and it was published in 2017.
Contains subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence such as kidnapping / abduction, torture, assault, fighting with some to the death, murder, etc.
There are quite a few grammatical issues and it would really benefit from editing.
⛔️ Warning: if you have not read the previous stories this may contain spoilers.
Last chance …
The world building in this story, as well as the relationship between the characters is better than the previous two, but there are still things not addressed. Such as the details surrounding the betrayal of the umbrose Prince and Duke. Plus in this story, Duke is captured again during a coordinated attack and nothing is told about how that happened, what the adurian Prince and Princess did to him, or what was involved in his recovery. I also have questions about why Jessabelle (aka Jessa) suddenly found herself unindoctrinated with the adurians after being in their thrall for so many years.
The only thing that I think is more clear is the war between the bright ones, aka adurians, and the devils, aka umbrose. Maybe it is because it is the third story I have read, or maybe the background is better somewhat in this story. Although I am still not sure I understand who the other group mentioned is, stands for, etc. except they previously supported the adurians and now are working to replace them if they can.
March 24, 2022
I constantly tell myself I need to write reviews so I can remember what the books were about so here it is..
Gorzo is an outcast among his kind at sanctuary. He came across the ocean after his nomadic tribe was killed along with his true mate. He's the general & respected by the Duke & prince but basically shunned by the others, especially the few females they have left. He doesn't think he'll ever find a mate again & thinks it's a waste of time to meet a human female at the matching/mixer. Until he sees Jessabelle across the room. They both feel an instant connection. Only problem is Jessabelle is only there for nefarious reasons. She's supposed to find an umbrose who's easily manipulated, instead she feels pulled towards the general. The Diakonas want her to infiltrate the "enemy" & take something with her but don't tell her what. Jessabelle agrees to this thinking it'll save someone she loves, what she doesn't plan on is falling in love. She's never had a home, family or someone who cares for her so betraying Gorzo & the umbrose is destroying her. Once she's claimed & living in sanctuary she has her things brought to her, including a robot cat. Unbeknownst to her, the cat is the downfall. Her betrayal is found out & she's to be put to death.. Gorzo wont allow that. She's also told it was all for nothing because the person she did all this for is dead.. or are they?
Gorzo is an outcast among his kind at sanctuary. He came across the ocean after his nomadic tribe was killed along with his true mate. He's the general & respected by the Duke & prince but basically shunned by the others, especially the few females they have left. He doesn't think he'll ever find a mate again & thinks it's a waste of time to meet a human female at the matching/mixer. Until he sees Jessabelle across the room. They both feel an instant connection. Only problem is Jessabelle is only there for nefarious reasons. She's supposed to find an umbrose who's easily manipulated, instead she feels pulled towards the general. The Diakonas want her to infiltrate the "enemy" & take something with her but don't tell her what. Jessabelle agrees to this thinking it'll save someone she loves, what she doesn't plan on is falling in love. She's never had a home, family or someone who cares for her so betraying Gorzo & the umbrose is destroying her. Once she's claimed & living in sanctuary she has her things brought to her, including a robot cat. Unbeknownst to her, the cat is the downfall. Her betrayal is found out & she's to be put to death.. Gorzo wont allow that. She's also told it was all for nothing because the person she did all this for is dead.. or are they?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2019
So far my absolute fav! In her blog, the author states she loves villains especially when they’re handsome....ditto. I also say I love heroes especially when they aren’t considered handsome. That’s the story of General G and Jesse - two characters you can’t help but love. They are just adorable together.
Not to give anything away but several times during the narrative arc I found myself thinking ‘now where did that come from?’ or simply, ‘WTF’? By the end of the book that arc had concluded and a new one spun off. All I can say is Brilliant!
I do have to ask.......why was this written so long ago leaving Uriale standing on the sidelines anxiously waiting for his story to be told?! huh? I’m with Uriale...I hate waiting when a series is as fabulous as this! dragons/smagons, scorpion/snakes/whatever (though also fab)...bring on the handsome villains please!
Yea! Same great book cover!
Not to give anything away but several times during the narrative arc I found myself thinking ‘now where did that come from?’ or simply, ‘WTF’? By the end of the book that arc had concluded and a new one spun off. All I can say is Brilliant!
I do have to ask.......why was this written so long ago leaving Uriale standing on the sidelines anxiously waiting for his story to be told?! huh? I’m with Uriale...I hate waiting when a series is as fabulous as this! dragons/smagons, scorpion/snakes/whatever (though also fab)...bring on the handsome villains please!
Yea! Same great book cover!
August 10, 2022
really well plotted series
I am really enjoying this series.
I thought the beginning with the matchmaking program was a little cheesy. But this couple’s journey made their beginning worth it. Not sure how else they would have met honestly.
This author has a great way of building characters with great backstories. The plot keeps you guessing with the tidbits of info that weave a bigger picture for the whole series. It’s very compelling and hard to put down.
Gorzo and Jesse are made for each other and their struggle to find their happiness is a wonderful adventure.
Highly recommend
I am really enjoying this series.
I thought the beginning with the matchmaking program was a little cheesy. But this couple’s journey made their beginning worth it. Not sure how else they would have met honestly.
This author has a great way of building characters with great backstories. The plot keeps you guessing with the tidbits of info that weave a bigger picture for the whole series. It’s very compelling and hard to put down.
Gorzo and Jesse are made for each other and their struggle to find their happiness is a wonderful adventure.
Highly recommend
May 16, 2018
I Can’t Wait for the Next Book!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Gorzo is a great character. He is the most balanced of the umbrose because he has ever been sundered from his Primal. Jessabelle is a complex heroine. I can’t really say much without giving too many spoilers. But I do like her. This book really is an anchor book for future books in the series. The ending suffers a tiny bit because of this but the main storyline finishes well so I’m really not bothered by it.
I love the world the author has created and I love that it’s being slowly revealed.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Gorzo is a great character. He is the most balanced of the umbrose because he has ever been sundered from his Primal. Jessabelle is a complex heroine. I can’t really say much without giving too many spoilers. But I do like her. This book really is an anchor book for future books in the series. The ending suffers a tiny bit because of this but the main storyline finishes well so I’m really not bothered by it.
I love the world the author has created and I love that it’s being slowly revealed.
July 12, 2019
Third book in and still brilliant!
Story so far of the Umbrose , Audurians and humans is one of war and each race trying to find their place in a savage world. Brilliant romance stories woven into the main story. Just read book 3 of Jessa and Gorzo's story, so heart breakingly sweet, with bittersweet tears of sadness and joy. Wonderfully written, with just the right amount to intrigue and drama, both main characters have developed as the book. Looking forward to the next book.
Story so far of the Umbrose , Audurians and humans is one of war and each race trying to find their place in a savage world. Brilliant romance stories woven into the main story. Just read book 3 of Jessa and Gorzo's story, so heart breakingly sweet, with bittersweet tears of sadness and joy. Wonderfully written, with just the right amount to intrigue and drama, both main characters have developed as the book. Looking forward to the next book.
April 16, 2018
Good end to a good series.
I gave this 4 stars for two reasons. One I didn’t particularly like the female lead. She came across as dumb. Given her upbringing it was understandable though. And the intimacy scenes. I felt they were too few and they lacked passion. Overall the plot of the book was what really kept me interested. Don’t let this deter you from reading. I couldn’t put it down. But it definitely wasn’t as good as the second one.
I gave this 4 stars for two reasons. One I didn’t particularly like the female lead. She came across as dumb. Given her upbringing it was understandable though. And the intimacy scenes. I felt they were too few and they lacked passion. Overall the plot of the book was what really kept me interested. Don’t let this deter you from reading. I couldn’t put it down. But it definitely wasn’t as good as the second one.
July 27, 2018
104 ratings? How can there be so few rating for this book? Read this series!
I am loving every second with these books. This book was Gorzo and Jessa's story. I cried and cried. There is so much loss and love. My heart was breaking for their pasts and my stomach ached with the anticipation of Jessa' s mission. And then things go bananas and then the sentencing happens and this get even crazier. More crying. The ending was perfect. I need more tissues.
I am loving every second with these books. This book was Gorzo and Jessa's story. I cried and cried. There is so much loss and love. My heart was breaking for their pasts and my stomach ached with the anticipation of Jessa' s mission. And then things go bananas and then the sentencing happens and this get even crazier. More crying. The ending was perfect. I need more tissues.
December 7, 2018
You always remember your first..
This was the first of Trombley's many books I read and was immediately hooked.
The brooding dark as shadows umbrose and the strange human domed occupation sites.
It's an about turn where the dark one are the heroes and the beautiful angels of light are quite suspect.
Jessa gets the full heroine treatment of a bad ass H who saved her yet also allows her to be herself.
I really, really loved this book. Can't fault it one bit.
This was the first of Trombley's many books I read and was immediately hooked.
The brooding dark as shadows umbrose and the strange human domed occupation sites.
It's an about turn where the dark one are the heroes and the beautiful angels of light are quite suspect.
Jessa gets the full heroine treatment of a bad ass H who saved her yet also allows her to be herself.
I really, really loved this book. Can't fault it one bit.
October 2, 2019
Got Gorzo?
Loved this latest book in the series. Really intrigued by this world of two supernatural races that appear to be somewhat modeled after angels and demons. Also the humans that come under their spell. I’m still hoping that Uriale gets his own book, or even his daughter. And maybe can we see Ranove become one with his Other? Not to mention I can’t wait to meet the baby hybrids! Please please please! 🤩
Loved this latest book in the series. Really intrigued by this world of two supernatural races that appear to be somewhat modeled after angels and demons. Also the humans that come under their spell. I’m still hoping that Uriale gets his own book, or even his daughter. And maybe can we see Ranove become one with his Other? Not to mention I can’t wait to meet the baby hybrids! Please please please! 🤩
January 13, 2020
Binge worthy read
This book is simply excellent! It provides the perfect balance of romance and intriguing plotlines. The character arcs are truly relatable with undertones of real life issues making the story really come to life. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes scifi and/or romance novels. I can't get enough of Susan Trombley's books and am eagerly waiting for the next in this series!
This book is simply excellent! It provides the perfect balance of romance and intriguing plotlines. The character arcs are truly relatable with undertones of real life issues making the story really come to life. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes scifi and/or romance novels. I can't get enough of Susan Trombley's books and am eagerly waiting for the next in this series!
January 17, 2020
Blended
Loved the couple, premise of story good, but I think it could have used some work.
Didn’t believe foe one second kid was dead, or his “mother” would leave him or if he was taken away wouldn’t have gone to authorities to turn against former pals to get him back.
Other is his former home, don’t think they would have left. Think he would have been sent to former underground home of ancestors by Prince. To start mapping since he wanted to restore land.
Loved the couple, premise of story good, but I think it could have used some work.
Didn’t believe foe one second kid was dead, or his “mother” would leave him or if he was taken away wouldn’t have gone to authorities to turn against former pals to get him back.
Other is his former home, don’t think they would have left. Think he would have been sent to former underground home of ancestors by Prince. To start mapping since he wanted to restore land.
February 21, 2021
Wow
Wow what a story! The betrayal was hard to get past at first but made up for it in the end. I thought this might be the end of the series. It kind of leaves off with a few cliffhangers. I hope another book is written to answer a few of my questions. Some of them were when and why did the humans invade the planet? What happens to Micah? What about the couples from the other books?
Wow what a story! The betrayal was hard to get past at first but made up for it in the end. I thought this might be the end of the series. It kind of leaves off with a few cliffhangers. I hope another book is written to answer a few of my questions. Some of them were when and why did the humans invade the planet? What happens to Micah? What about the couples from the other books?
September 21, 2023
Betrayal and Love
Susan Trombley keeps bringing more and more depth to this unique world that she’s created. I didn’t enjoy Jessa and Gorzo’s story as much as I did the first two but their story is still a good read!
There isn’t as much gore and violence in this book as there was the first two and I do miss the edge-of-your-seat action scenes she’s written before. Hopefully the next book will scratch that itch for me!
Susan Trombley keeps bringing more and more depth to this unique world that she’s created. I didn’t enjoy Jessa and Gorzo’s story as much as I did the first two but their story is still a good read!
There isn’t as much gore and violence in this book as there was the first two and I do miss the edge-of-your-seat action scenes she’s written before. Hopefully the next book will scratch that itch for me!
September 17, 2019
Enjoyable reading
I enjoyed the book Jessabel's shadow in sanctuary series. The main characters are really sweet. The end of the book was rushed though and left me a little unsatisfied. I would like to see a book on the executioner, it was interesting to see his reluctance on killing Jessa. He might turn out to be a worthy character.. I will recommend this series.
I enjoyed the book Jessabel's shadow in sanctuary series. The main characters are really sweet. The end of the book was rushed though and left me a little unsatisfied. I would like to see a book on the executioner, it was interesting to see his reluctance on killing Jessa. He might turn out to be a worthy character.. I will recommend this series.
October 3, 2019
Loved this!
Usually I only read series that are completed on kindle, but I came across the Shadows in Sanctuary series and was intrigued. I’m glad I made an exception because I’ve really enjoyed this series, and am now desperate for the next one! The world building is vivid, the relationships strong and complex, and the overall narrative arc has so many possibilities.
Usually I only read series that are completed on kindle, but I came across the Shadows in Sanctuary series and was intrigued. I’m glad I made an exception because I’ve really enjoyed this series, and am now desperate for the next one! The world building is vivid, the relationships strong and complex, and the overall narrative arc has so many possibilities.
December 13, 2020
Wow the world building! Coupled with Trombley's strong characters this book series was amazing! I found myself daydreaming about the world Trombley built about as much as I was reading. I really hope more books are added to the series because this third book was setting up some seriously amazing backstory for the humans' arrival and I want to see where that goes!
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