Sacrificed

The Rejected Mate #1

by Bella Klaus

My true mate marked me for death.

When fate mates me the alpha wolf, he doesn’t just reject me—he sacrifices me to the wolf god, Fenrir.

Fenrir is dark, brooding, sexy, and he owns my body and soul.

He offers me a chance to return and power to get my revenge.

But in return, I must release him from Hell.

Sacrificed is a steamy rejected mate wolf shifter romance. 18+

Genres: Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Demons, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2021

About the author

Bella Klaus is an avid fan of paranormal and urban fantasy featuring sultry-as-sin supernatural heroes and heroines not afraid to stand up to them.

Join Bella's reader group for giveaways, advance copies of her books, and to connect with Bella and other readers:
http://www.bellaklaus.com/facebook

Her first series is the Blood Fire Saga, a set of fast-paced stories where the natural and supernatural worlds collide. If you enjoy steamy romance, twists and turns and supernatural mysteries, you’ll love Return of the Vampire King its sequels.

When Bella isn’t crafting stories about magic, she lives in Central London with her inamorata, enjoys True Blood, Supernatural, and The Vampire Diaries, and hopes to one day craft the perfect chocolate cocktail.

Reviews

[ren ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book felt like a weird fever dream

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sacrificed mate

Started out ok, but just seemed to lose my interest as I read on. There was just so much I couldn't understand about this book, it was kinda all over the place with its story. Rejected mate, sacrifices, imprisoned god, all kinds of supernaturals, mystery Heritage, another alpha trying to take over all the packs, evil father!!!! I mean the list goes on! And it seemed to be to many stories all in one. The more I read the more the star rating went down. The ending is left on a dramatic cliffhanger, nothing that really has me wanting to actually continue. Not a book for me.

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY BAT BALLS, BATMAN!!!! This was GREAT!!!!

First of let me say I am SUPER peeved that book two is not available yet. I have no patience and the anxiety is beginning to build. 😫

Usually not a fan of the whole rejected mate genre, seems like everyone is doing it and as I woman I want to be wanted....know what I'm saying? Fenrir is an extremely unique character. He has so much mystery and surrounding him I found myself on the edge of me seat the entire read. Extremely sexy, intriguing, powerful, and mysterious.....he is the full package.

Backstory of Lydia is a perfect set up to this series. Laid out wonderfully by Klaus with not too much or too little information. Loved how her past still held/holds secrets that are starting to emerge leading to the suspense of the series. Love that Lydia is a strong character physically and mentally. How she deals with her situation with Beowulf is perfect for this storyline.

I can not praise this series enough! I am completely at Klaus' mercy and begging for more!

Happy reading,
DD 💕

[Sharee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The longer I continued to read this, my rating dropped. It started off really good and then shifted into this completely chaotic, confusing, mess. There's way too much going on at one time. It makes me feel as if I'm missing something that happened before. I loved the idea of the Norse Mythology but the execution fell flat for me. The characters were unlikeable, especially the men. They were all creepy and disgusting. Lydia, even with borrowed power, was weak with zero personality. You're in danger but all you can think about is your "betraying body". That sht makes me so sick. I'm so tired of the heroine being in an abduction situation and she's so attracted to her abducter that she just can't help but want to sleep with him. Then there's this whole internal struggle about how wanting him is wrong. 🙄🙄 I've had enough. You've got other important sht to be worried about lol. Even with all of that happening, I was still willing to continue the series....until she said she loved him. Wth is there to love? We, as the reader, barely knew anything about his character and they spent zero time together. But she's in love and ready to spend the rest of her life with him. Yeah ok. 🙄The ending made no sense to me. The random sex and the forced romance really messed this up for me. It could have been placed on the backburner until she was confident in her abilities instead of still stumbling through life feeling less than. Also, she should have killed every single person who abused and mistreated her. I was really looking forward to reading this.

[♦♣ queen of faerie ♠♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely incredible! Has to be my favourite rejected mates book so far. SO MUCH happened in the first book which you absolutely cannot complain about.

→4.5 stars

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’ed at 78%. This book is not for me. It’s sad because I liked the world it was set in, but the plot was all over the place, the characters were flat, and there was something just off about the buildup of action. Worst was the writing. I’ll give you an example:

WARNING: super crass language ahead.


“What can I offer you to drink?” [King Hades said,] “A slippery nipple, a screaming orgasm, sex on the beach? Or do you like to take your jizz straight from the cock?”

I whirled around, my eyes flashing. “What did you say?”

He placed his fingers over his mouth. “Please excuse my rudeness. Perhaps you’re not one for cocktails.”

My eyes narrowed at the way he said that last word, with the emphasis on the first syllable. “Is this some kind of reverse psychology?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“You’re implying I don’t like cocks.”

His eyes widened in faux surprise. “Are you propositioning me, Miss Gerrison?”

“No.” I strode into his office with my nose in the air. “I came here for answers, not for drinks, cocktails, or jizz from your cock.”


Wtf is this author going for? This is not funny. Not cute. Not kickass. Not sexy. There are two non-sex sex scenes that I read that are equally inept and crass. I haven’t read anything from this author before, and after this, I probably never will again.

Edited to add: I just finished reading Jaymin Eve’s Rejected in the Shadow Beast Shifters series, which was published a year before this one. And I’m not calling it plagiarism because I imagine both authors were writing their books at the same time and one just made it to publication first, but the plot setups between this book and that one are so close it’s just wrong.
Here's a hint: read that one, not this one.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

Intriguing story poorly executed

Someone please enforce editing. Grammar errors, character name errors, inconsistencies from sentence to sentence... And shall we even broach the gaping plot holes? This was an interesting spin on the whole Rejected Mate, female alpha, wolf god narrative. It had a ton of potential, but unfortunately, this author is writing it. I hated the dynamic between Lydia and Fenrir. He aggressively sexually harasses her and she just accepts it. It's disgusting. Then she randomly falls in love with him? Wtf? Oh and the mutual masturbation scene with the dirty talk was just degrading. I skipped most of it. This was just not a good narrative for a heroine. I am epicly disappointed that this was written by a female. I believe in female empowerment, and if you're gonna write about a female alpha... Give her more power and a sense of self. Don't have her succumb to sexual harassment. That's not a good message to send to your readers. For shame!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrificed is set in the same world as the Blood Fire series so some of the characters from there pop up in this one. I loved that Hades was in this book. Hes one hell (pun intended) of a pervy guy but i found myself laughing at his sheer audacity. He had no shame but i liked that about him

Lydia (FMC) doesnt have a great time in this book. Shes bullied left, right and centre from the majority of her pack. She does have a strength of character as well as a strong moral compass. Things come to a head for her during a mating ceremony. The action, pace as well as Lydia's life completely changes. Im still trying to work all that happened in this book and which characters are genuine or not? More so after that cliffhanger ending. Boy that was good! Im loving this start to this series as much as i loved the Blood Fire saga

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacrificed was wholely unexpected and wickedly satisfying. I went in with no knowledge of this world, and I was astounded by its depth and uniqueness. I love finding new twists on old myths, and this one left me breathless and stunned. Now, I really need to know what happens next. I am dying for more!!

Bella Klaus is an author you want to keep your eye on. She has a wicked sense of humor, and when she goes dark you better run, duck, and cover because she goes all out. This is a no holds barred work of art that will tear your heart apart and slowly mend it back together. Don't give up because only then do you fall into the dark rabbit hole that is now chanting your name.

[Gogol · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have you ever encountered a person with high fever who is trying to tell a story and instead spews out jibberish? Yeah, well, I haven’t, but this book, or shall I say disaster, is exactly what I think they’d sound like.

[Brittany Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read quite a few of Bella Klaus’ books now, I knew to expect fantastic characters, wicked writing, and an original story. This book carries on in that tradition and really took me by surprise. It is ok the same world as her Vampire King series- though you don’t have to have read them to get this. It’s all in the same realm but new characters and new supernaturals are the focus here.

Lydia is the daughter of a defeated Alpha, her mother and her have been shoved to the bottom of the bottom in ranks and they only have each other for support. Though Lydia’s wolf has a pull to the Alpha, he seems to be completely oblivious to her- except that one time. By a stroke of luck Lydia is invited to the pack's most prestigious gathering and soon finds herself participating in a ceremony designed to find her mate. Soon things go supremely wrong as she shifts into something else entirely. Rejected by her mate and used as a sacrifice Lydia finds herself audience to the god Fenrir. They enter a bargain to help each other and begin on a path that will lead to ruin….. but whose ruin is the question.

The world-building in this book is on the same par as all of Bella’s other books. There is a richness and fullness to every aspect of this book that really pulls you in. Along the way, you begin to really root for and back up Lydia and her claim. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story to keep you on the edge of your seat.

This book does leave you on a major cliffhanger and wanting more immediately. It’s a great start to a new series and promises great things for the future. If you are a fan of rejected mates, wolf shifters, and dubious gods then this book is right up your alley!!

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN I SAY THIS BOOK ATE I MEAN IT ATEEEE. Lordy everything about this book was just 😩 I don't even remember adding this on my ku list but I just randomly decided to read it and boy oh boy. Whatever expectations I had were exceeded. The plot was so fucking good oh my. The twists and turns in this book had be literally screaming. The chemistry and smut were also great. The author did an amazing job with having a Norse mythology based plot. This book had me questioning every character; just when you think you know someone, you don't. Also the fmc was a fucking badass (her wolf was *chefs kiss*) It's giving the tik tok audio "Finally, someone who knows how to have a little fun." The humor was also hilariously written (nothing cringy). This book gave everything I didn't even know I needed.

[Alaina]

rtc

[Emiline *ೃ༄ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an absolute mess.
Sacrificed, plot-wise was a mixture of way too many things like rejected mate, supernatural new beings, gods, imprisoned gods, god council, basically a dragon in wolf form and the list goes on.

As one can expect this led to gaps in the plot. but even with gaps in the plot and some grammar mistakes, I, somewhat, enjoyed the book. Especially when speaking of the erotic descriptions, they honestly had me crying on the floor. but cant we collectively agree that big, angry, pink, hot, and veiny are a hideous way to describe Fenrir and the messed up relationship Lydia and Fenrir had - horrible dynamic, might I add.

[Nyxed - The Book Snob · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 65%

Loved the idea of Fenrir's imprisonment, and interested in the breaking-him-out plot, as well as dynamics between him and his sister.

Great off-hand, unexpected humor thrown in here and there. I was greatly intrigued by the start of this story, but some of the more intimate moments between Lydia and Fenrir, and Lydia and Beowulf, were awkward, unrealistic, and hilarious (by hilarious, I mean the author likely didn't mean those parts to be funny, but they were).

I can't get over how naive Lydia is, and the juxtaposition this leads to in considering her new role in Logris. I'm going to pass on this book. For now. Maybe to revisit some day.

[Sloth Incarnate 🍉 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I—I have absolutely no idea what the fuck I just read. PLEASE. The story was all over the place and nothing??? Made sense??? One moment I’m reading one scene and the next there’s three scene changes without much context, additions of five new characters, and new additions to the plot that literally don’t even make sense. CRYING.

[V.P. Nightshade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a ride...But something was lacking.

I waited a while to read this book. When I got around to it finally, it just seemed to pull me in too many directions and seemed confusing and incomplete.
Poor Lydia got screwed so many times to the point that I started to roll my eyes. That being said, the concept was great and I would have given it five stars but it became obvious towards the end that this, though it is supposed to be a book one of a series, the book and the character is wrapped up in another series. This just makes it confusing.
TELL the reader if you are working in an established world, give me a hint that it would be beneficial to read other books first to better enjoy, and UNDERSTAND, the book. I am ok with a lot of things if a book is well written, I can do NO HEA, I can do crazy surprise cliffhangers, Hell I can do tears, heartache, and separation!
But, I HATE the confusion of reading a "book one" that needs a note in your marketing that says something like: read this series first or this is a spin-off of XXXX. If you are upfront about this, guess what? I will read the other books first. I promise. Then I can give you a higher rating and a better review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know what to say about this book. I feel a little I was watching my Scandinavian heritage through a funhouse mirror. The mythology I know and love is there and recognizable, but it’s also subtly changed to become something new and different. The story takes turns that I was in no way prepared for. Yet every last one of them kept me glued to the pages, anxiously flipping to see what would come of the sudden alteration of the situation. And now I’m dying to see what’s next for Lydia.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Angela Mcgill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not Bad, Not Great

I really wanted to like Lydia, and I did to some degree, but I just didn't connect with her or her story. Maybe not enough detail? Not sure. None of the characters were really likeable except maybe Phina but it's hard to know since she was as one dimensional as all the rest of the characters.

What caught my eye originally was Lydia being betrayed by her mate but it all came off as so impersonal. Shouldn't there have been more angst when one mate betrays the other? Norse folklore should have added additional interest but it all failed to add up for me.
Not a bad read but cliffhanger or not I'm still not sure I'll read the sequel.

[Angela Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. It was a very interesting read and not your normal shifter book. Lydia is the bottom of the social station in her pack. Reject by her mate and forced into free labour her life sucks. After a mating ritual her life gets turned completely turned upside down. They are a lot of twists and turns in this book that left me guessing as to what will happen next.

[KatJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

So a solid story line but some things just put me off. Hence why this has got more a 4.5 out of 10. Why why why does the author have to have scenes of these two touching themselves up? What is the point of that? As a romance it was a bit flawed in my mind. Things seemed alright until both parties confirmed their feelings for each other. I dont blame Lydia for running for her life when she did. That point didn't make much sense at all.

This book had some decent plot to it. I didnt too much mind the overal concept but the relationships themselves seem like they could have been better. Was it really an enemies to lovers when she didn't really hate his guts to begin with. And they didn't really become lovers per say. What was Fenrir getting at in the end. Set him free to do what when he pulled that out on Lydia. Yep not really given a 2 stars before but I guess heres a start. Bella has left the story at an interesting point and there are still a couple cards to be played. In all honesty if I was Lydia though I would have taken her mum and showed a middle finger to everyone whilst walking away into a beautiful sunset.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one hell of a ride. A well written rejected shifter romance told with a spin on Norse mythology. It’s fast paced and full of mystery and intrigue, twists and turns and tons of emotions and plenty of steam. Along with great characters , this has a great storyline and I look forward to reading more.

[Naurarwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this was an interesting story and not just that but it ties in to other series by the author Bella Klaus. Be prepared for those cameos. Lydia is the daughter of the defeated Alpha, and since there she has been at the bottom of the pack. The lowest of the low. And even the connection she thinks she has to the current Alpha means nothing. When a ceremony is held to strengthen the packs it all goes to hell for Lydia and she ends up in literally a fight for her life.

I loved the world-building of this book, it is just as amazing as her previous series which has been exceptional. There's just so much there, it's so much fun to take it all in. The character arc is an absolute rollercoaster ride and that cliffhanger ending leaves you wanting more.

Can't wait for book two.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an amazing read!

[Bruna "Amora" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eu até faria uma resenha, mas vou me abster pelo tanto de xingamentos que eu comentaria...

[Brandi hicks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time

This story had potential as did the characters, but the author lacked focus. It seems like to many stories in one and is all over the place. Couldn't understand what was the point to half of what was read. I couldn't even finish it and won't be coming back to it.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series

Lydia was daughter of the alpha. But when he was betrayed by his beta and murdered, Lydia and her mother became little more than slaves in their pack. Then a new challenger came along and ousted that alpha, his name was Beowulf. He and Lydia turn out to be true mates but he rejects her after seeing her demon-wolf during her first shift. He allows her to be sacrificed to the wolf god, Fenrir. Fenrir will restore her to her body for a bargain . . . She must help him escape his existence in Hell.

I really enjoyed this book. The FMC is really a badass. Even though she’s bottom of the pack and mercilessly bullied, she fights back and pretty much gives as good as she gets. I do love the relationship between her and Fenrir. There are some unexpected plot twists that will definitely have you saying, “W T F?”

World building is very detailed, particularly if you have read the Blood Fire Saga series, as this takes place in the same supernatural community of Logris. In fact, some characters from that series are present in this book; the supernatural council, especially King Valentine and Queen Mera.

At this point, I do recommend this series. It ends on a cliffhanger so be prepared. At least the next book is already out.

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 22%
This was really confusing, since there's really no world building or some sort of something to pull it together. I felt like I missed a prequel or that this was split off another series. The point where Fenrir is giving her the option of going to hell or with him, was the point that it just made no sense. I just couldn't get into the story to want to find out where the plot was heading, since it was so slow to meander to the point of Fenrir coming into the story in the first place. I also found the heaviness of the story detracting, making me not really want to continue.

At my age (approaching 60), life is way to short & my time is to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Michelle Plunkett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started good but then lost all captivation

The book is not written by someone with a particular gift in story telling. But it’s elementary and cliche writing style had a relaxing, no effort feel for the first half of the book. Then the writer seemed to realize the books lack of complexity and tried to add too many branches in the story one after another in the second half. By the fourth or fifth diversion I actually stopped reading the book. This writer should have embraced the story as a soft, easy read that had a good base timeline.

[2TNWalkers · Rating 1 out of 5]

So WTH did I just read, overall story plot is a great idea, Lydia started off good then deteriorated. Story had too much going on, it was everywhere and quite busy. If couple of the side plots were removed and focused on main plot it would have been better. Spicy level was low some masturbation but relative clean, but couple hot spicy scenes could have saved it as well.