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Blood and Magic: Hellbound #3
Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions
Desmond Pierce is a wolf above Alphas.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions is a STEAMY New Adult Paranormal Romance. You do not need to read earlier books in the series to enjoy it though, it is intended for mature audiences 17+ Please Read Responsibly.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions is a STEAMY New Adult Paranormal Romance. You do not need to read earlier books in the series to enjoy it though, it is intended for mature audiences 17+ Please Read Responsibly.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
About the author
Danielle Annett
26 books519 followersI'm just a girl with an obsession for Marvel movies, a love of all things Urban Fantasy, and a cheerleader for the underdog in any given story.
If you're looking for a heroine you can root for ... someone who defies the odds and gets up every time they're knocked down ... then look no further because that's what you'll find in my books.
I hope you'll join me in Aria Naveed's adventures. She's pretty badass if I do say so myself.
And if for some strange reason you want to know more about me, check out my website www.Danielle-Annett.com and catch me on facebook https://bit.ly/2t588Uu
Also don't forget to sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a new release: https://www.subscribepage.com/y7i0o9
**THESE ARE DANIELLE'S AVAILABLE TITLES**
THE BLOOD AND MAGIC SERIES
Cursed by Fire -- Out Now
Kissed by Fire -- Out Now
Burned by Fire -- Out Now
Branded by Fire -- Out Now
Consumed by Fire --Out Now
Forged by Fire -- Out Now
If you're looking for a heroine you can root for ... someone who defies the odds and gets up every time they're knocked down ... then look no further because that's what you'll find in my books.
I hope you'll join me in Aria Naveed's adventures. She's pretty badass if I do say so myself.
And if for some strange reason you want to know more about me, check out my website www.Danielle-Annett.com and catch me on facebook https://bit.ly/2t588Uu
Also don't forget to sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a new release: https://www.subscribepage.com/y7i0o9
**THESE ARE DANIELLE'S AVAILABLE TITLES**
THE BLOOD AND MAGIC SERIES
Cursed by Fire -- Out Now
Kissed by Fire -- Out Now
Burned by Fire -- Out Now
Branded by Fire -- Out Now
Consumed by Fire --Out Now
Forged by Fire -- Out Now
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 4, 2022
So, here's the things about assholes in literature: there are basically two kinds. And only one of them is attractive.
There are the charming, confident, likable assholes and the overbearing, domineering unlikable assholes. The first kind, is the kind I love to hate and makes me mad while also stealing unwilling smiles. The second kind, I plain hate because they're haughty, get off on throwing their weight around and have the constant need to establish dominance over everything and everyone. And our boy Desmond fell square into the second category.
And here's the part where I wonder, why would you choose the unlikable asshole as your main love interest? I love enemies-to-lovers stories, and while I get there needs to be a certain "jerk" factor to make the trope work, I have a hard time getting into it when the male main character swings so far to the extreme that he just becomes utterly off putting.
Personally, I didn't find Meiying all that likable either. She came across as very judgy and immature. During the first couple of chapters—that consisted of nothing but a big, heaping pile of info dumping—she kept complaining and whining about everything. I just found her to be very tiring and difficult. She just had to push back on everything all the time. So, in the sense that both Desmond and Meiying were both so unappealing, maybe they were perfect for each other.
Another thing I don't think was necessary, and maybe even a bad idea if I'm being honest, was breaking up the story into two books. This first part is not even 250 pages (according to Amazon), and it's completely normal for fantasy/paranormal stories to be between 400 and 500 pages. So, unless the second half is insanely long, why break up the story at all? As it was, this book felt very empty and incomplete to me, there was little to no story progression and when things started to look like they were going somewhere, the book ended.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't really bored at any point. While the writing seemed a bit juvenile and fanfiction-y at times, and there were plenty of instances of "telling instead of showing" exposition, I still flew through this book. The overall concept of different breeds of magical creatures and humans coming together and assisting the same University was intriguing. But for a book that was meant to be able to be read as a standalone, I think a lot of things related to the paranormal side of things were left hugely unexplained. There was a disclaimer at the start saying this was originally a contemporary story that was given a few coats of paranormal paint, and the brush strokes show.
Back to Meiying and Desmond, I wish they would have been a little older. Just say Paranormal U is 6 years instead of 4 and bump their ages up. I was made so uncomfortable by the fact Desmond kept on mentioning again and again how Meiying was only 17 years old (therefore a minor and why all other dudes had to stay away from her) and meanwhile he had absolutely no problem engaging in sexual acts with her. I'm no prude, but having to read about an 18 year old guy grinding against a 14 year old girl was just too disturbing for me to enjoy.
Most of my issues with this book were merely a matter of personal preference, and while it had positive aspects, they weren't enough to overpower the things I didn't like. But I encourage everyone to judge for themselves, and if this book sounds like something you'd like to read, give it a shot. Perhaps your opinion will be different from mine.
**I received an e-copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to City Owl Press and Victory Editing**
October 18, 2021
Overall rating 2 stars. (It would have been higher if not for a BIG issue I had, that I will mention later in my review)
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read this ARC. This honest review was based off my experience reading an ARC, which in no way biased me.
I’m going to start by saying I have not read the other 2 books in this series and that this is the first book of this author I’ve read.
The idea of a paranormal university, with paranormal fraternities, sororities and sport teams sounds wildly entertaining, AND IT WAS. I read this in one sitting. Like time flew by and then next thing I knew I had 2 chapters left and it was past midnight.
It’s a dual POV, best friend’s brother as the LI, “we get each other and love riling each other up” to not friends with benefits in secret. There is a “who hurt you?” scene that made me lose it.
There’s a 4 year age gap which wouldn’t bother me, EXCEPT that the FMC, Meiying, is 17 years old for 99% of the book. And it isn’t like a thing that’s mentioned once and then we move on, no, the reader is CONSTANTLY being reminded of her age, whether it’s the “Baby Liu” nickname, being referred to as “Zheng’s little sister”, or her pointing it out frequently.
What was the reasoning behind making her 17? Obviously this is a college romance, having her start out 18, and turn 19 at the end would have made much more sense AND made me feel less weird about this book.
If I block out her age thing (AND how often it was mentioned), I would have given this book a 4 out of 5. I enjoyed the tropes, Desmond is an interesting MC/LI. I loved the idea of the college with different factions (supernatural species) and how they all interact.
If the 2 previous books are based on the high school, I will probably not be going back and reading them. (I don’t enjoy reading smut about teenagers as someone in their mid 20’s) I may be picking up the second book in this duet though, I have to see it though. 😂
EDITED: I changed my original rating from 3 to 2 because the more I think of the age thing the more it makes me mad.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read this ARC. This honest review was based off my experience reading an ARC, which in no way biased me.
I’m going to start by saying I have not read the other 2 books in this series and that this is the first book of this author I’ve read.
The idea of a paranormal university, with paranormal fraternities, sororities and sport teams sounds wildly entertaining, AND IT WAS. I read this in one sitting. Like time flew by and then next thing I knew I had 2 chapters left and it was past midnight.
It’s a dual POV, best friend’s brother as the LI, “we get each other and love riling each other up” to not friends with benefits in secret. There is a “who hurt you?” scene that made me lose it.
There’s a 4 year age gap which wouldn’t bother me, EXCEPT that the FMC, Meiying, is 17 years old for 99% of the book. And it isn’t like a thing that’s mentioned once and then we move on, no, the reader is CONSTANTLY being reminded of her age, whether it’s the “Baby Liu” nickname, being referred to as “Zheng’s little sister”, or her pointing it out frequently.
What was the reasoning behind making her 17? Obviously this is a college romance, having her start out 18, and turn 19 at the end would have made much more sense AND made me feel less weird about this book.
If I block out her age thing (AND how often it was mentioned), I would have given this book a 4 out of 5. I enjoyed the tropes, Desmond is an interesting MC/LI. I loved the idea of the college with different factions (supernatural species) and how they all interact.
If the 2 previous books are based on the high school, I will probably not be going back and reading them. (I don’t enjoy reading smut about teenagers as someone in their mid 20’s) I may be picking up the second book in this duet though, I have to see it though. 😂
EDITED: I changed my original rating from 3 to 2 because the more I think of the age thing the more it makes me mad.
January 4, 2022
This is a very quick read. This book was only around 200 pages which is probably why I was able to finish this in just a couple hours.
The plot is actually intriguing, where magical creatures went to University and also compete in sport games. The pacing is also very fast so it didn't bored me at all.
The writing style feels slightly juvenile although I have to admit it makes processing lots of information being dumped on this story easier to understand.
The main problem why I didn't like this one is because of the characters. For a new adult paranormal romance with lots of spicy scene, making the main characters age were 17 and early 20's just didn't sit well with me.
Desmond was actually a good guy but acts like a jerk that I ended up didn't like him either in this book.
Meiying also wasn't that likeable, she complained a lot and felt very immature for me. I guess I have to tolerate her a bit since she's a teenager, a fact that was repeatedly mentioned throughout the story by stating that she's 17 years, which also annoyed me at some point.
While I like the concept of the plot, I'm not sure I'll be reading the rest of the story, but we'll see..... since I'm actually curious to find out what will happen to Meiying and Desmond after that cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Danielle Annett and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The plot is actually intriguing, where magical creatures went to University and also compete in sport games. The pacing is also very fast so it didn't bored me at all.
The writing style feels slightly juvenile although I have to admit it makes processing lots of information being dumped on this story easier to understand.
The main problem why I didn't like this one is because of the characters. For a new adult paranormal romance with lots of spicy scene, making the main characters age were 17 and early 20's just didn't sit well with me.
Desmond was actually a good guy but acts like a jerk that I ended up didn't like him either in this book.
Meiying also wasn't that likeable, she complained a lot and felt very immature for me. I guess I have to tolerate her a bit since she's a teenager, a fact that was repeatedly mentioned throughout the story by stating that she's 17 years, which also annoyed me at some point.
While I like the concept of the plot, I'm not sure I'll be reading the rest of the story, but we'll see..... since I'm actually curious to find out what will happen to Meiying and Desmond after that cliffhanger at the end of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Danielle Annett and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 12, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions by Danielle Annett.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions by Danielle Annett came out earlier this year on the 1st of June and is the third book in the Hellbound Hearts series. The book was published by Coffee and Characters, but the e-ARC was courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. It's 227 pages long and counts as a paranormal romance. While I approved some time ago, I made use of my Kindle Unlimited subscription to read the book.
This short, fun smutty read has, or will probably make, rounds on BookTok. We have a wealthy but independent shapeshifter who has been obsessed with the same girl for a while. He can get anyone but holds back and gets super protective and possessive. Our main character is pretty and feisty, sexy but still a virgin, and constantly argues back.
So as a whole, I'm leaving the book three stars. I can see a significant amount of appeal, but there were some elements that I couldn't get with.
The book is billed as an enemy to lovers, but they aren't really ever enemies. They're in the same social circle, and they argue with each other a lot; that's all. The book is supposed to feature an academy, but it's just a prop to get them unsupervised together and show that the dude plays a sexy sport.
The age gap was a bit weird. What 17-year-old is into a 14-year-old? And later in the story, her age didn't matter. I think it kept getting thrown in simply to market the book as having an age gap. However, if you had made the character a bit older, it wouldn't have made a difference except make things less weird. Our main character was pretty pick-me at the start, which I disliked (but she is 17), and I hate it in this day and age when authors include the "You're not like other girls" line in the book. Even if you're characters are stupid, they're teenagers and college students, and they should know how to pass as woke. I was not a fan of some of the character names like KeAnne or Joaninha.
While this book was fun, I didn't want to read any others in the series.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions by Danielle Annett came out earlier this year on the 1st of June and is the third book in the Hellbound Hearts series. The book was published by Coffee and Characters, but the e-ARC was courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op. It's 227 pages long and counts as a paranormal romance. While I approved some time ago, I made use of my Kindle Unlimited subscription to read the book.
This short, fun smutty read has, or will probably make, rounds on BookTok. We have a wealthy but independent shapeshifter who has been obsessed with the same girl for a while. He can get anyone but holds back and gets super protective and possessive. Our main character is pretty and feisty, sexy but still a virgin, and constantly argues back.
So as a whole, I'm leaving the book three stars. I can see a significant amount of appeal, but there were some elements that I couldn't get with.
The book is billed as an enemy to lovers, but they aren't really ever enemies. They're in the same social circle, and they argue with each other a lot; that's all. The book is supposed to feature an academy, but it's just a prop to get them unsupervised together and show that the dude plays a sexy sport.
The age gap was a bit weird. What 17-year-old is into a 14-year-old? And later in the story, her age didn't matter. I think it kept getting thrown in simply to market the book as having an age gap. However, if you had made the character a bit older, it wouldn't have made a difference except make things less weird. Our main character was pretty pick-me at the start, which I disliked (but she is 17), and I hate it in this day and age when authors include the "You're not like other girls" line in the book. Even if you're characters are stupid, they're teenagers and college students, and they should know how to pass as woke. I was not a fan of some of the character names like KeAnne or Joaninha.
While this book was fun, I didn't want to read any others in the series.
October 15, 2021
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️💫
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions was a total cover pick. I haven’t read anything from Danielle Annette before so wasn’t sure what to expect. The book looked like a standalone but I realised that wasn’t the case. However, it is easy to get into the story and quick to read.
First, thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an independent and honest review. So here we go…
The book could be listed as an urban fantasy but the paranormal elements are down to the minimum and I’m not sure if the reason for this is that this is book 3 in the series and the introduction to the world is done previously. We have shifters (wolves and tigers witch I found quite interesting), druids, witches, vampires and faes in this universe and a game that sounds quite brutal: Infernum
Our girl, Meiying, is a 17 years old that is not very keen to join the sorority that her mum insisted on. She has friends that have kind of move on life (settled partners, babies…) while she is trying to decide what she wants in a way. That been said, she has very clear ideas and she is not scared to voice them out.
Desmond, oh mysterious Desmond, is our alphahole and prick. He has a burden on his shoulder with his role in the clan. He is hunter born, which means that he hunts down any shifter that goes rogue. He is Meiying’s brothers friend and find her like the annoying baby sister.
The attraction between them is like a rollercoaster. They communicate well hurting each other and trying to keep at arm's length but Desmond starts to behave quite overprotective and “hot/cold” towards her. He crossed the line and then behaves like a prick for a while until he crossed the line again.
The end of the book is packed on. Meiying received devastating news and she is not dealing well with pain and grief . Desmond shows that he can be nice and be there for her when she needed it the most but also tell her some cruel truths to make her react.
The ending was a real cliffhanger and I can’t wait to unravel how these two will have their happy ending.
If you are looking for:
⚜️Sassy female that won’t let others tell her what she can/can’t do
⚜️Alphahole that tends to be a prick but can also cook and be kind of a cinnamon roll if he want to
⚜️University atmosphere
⚜️Light paranormal fantasy
⚜️Steamy scenes
Then you will enjoy this book 😉
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions was a total cover pick. I haven’t read anything from Danielle Annette before so wasn’t sure what to expect. The book looked like a standalone but I realised that wasn’t the case. However, it is easy to get into the story and quick to read.
First, thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an independent and honest review. So here we go…
The book could be listed as an urban fantasy but the paranormal elements are down to the minimum and I’m not sure if the reason for this is that this is book 3 in the series and the introduction to the world is done previously. We have shifters (wolves and tigers witch I found quite interesting), druids, witches, vampires and faes in this universe and a game that sounds quite brutal: Infernum
Our girl, Meiying, is a 17 years old that is not very keen to join the sorority that her mum insisted on. She has friends that have kind of move on life (settled partners, babies…) while she is trying to decide what she wants in a way. That been said, she has very clear ideas and she is not scared to voice them out.
Desmond, oh mysterious Desmond, is our alphahole and prick. He has a burden on his shoulder with his role in the clan. He is hunter born, which means that he hunts down any shifter that goes rogue. He is Meiying’s brothers friend and find her like the annoying baby sister.
The attraction between them is like a rollercoaster. They communicate well hurting each other and trying to keep at arm's length but Desmond starts to behave quite overprotective and “hot/cold” towards her. He crossed the line and then behaves like a prick for a while until he crossed the line again.
The end of the book is packed on. Meiying received devastating news and she is not dealing well with pain and grief . Desmond shows that he can be nice and be there for her when she needed it the most but also tell her some cruel truths to make her react.
The ending was a real cliffhanger and I can’t wait to unravel how these two will have their happy ending.
If you are looking for:
⚜️Sassy female that won’t let others tell her what she can/can’t do
⚜️Alphahole that tends to be a prick but can also cook and be kind of a cinnamon roll if he want to
⚜️University atmosphere
⚜️Light paranormal fantasy
⚜️Steamy scenes
Then you will enjoy this book 😉
October 16, 2021
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
I started this reading by being out of reading and wanting a simple and fun story with a good romance. And I got exactly that. So yes the book is not perfect, the universe is not extremely developed, but we have two characters with strong character, real feelings, and humor. One cannot help but be attached to the characters and be frustrated when they do not react as one would like. I am happy that the story of Desmond and Meiying is not only a stand-alone book because I find that there are still many things to develop for their story and I am really looking forward to having the sequel because the author leaves us on an end impossible to accept. I’m a little upset that the paranormal side of the story is not more develop, Desmond is supposed to be a wolf with a special status but we don’t see him as a wolf and we don’t have a lot of information about his status, for Meiying I would have liked to see her as a Tigress, know her size, her color, etc.
So I recommend this book if you want a small urban fantasy series with adult romance, which can be easily read without getting in the way with a heavy universe.
I am now waiting for the follow-up which, according to the author, should arrive quickly! :)
I started this reading by being out of reading and wanting a simple and fun story with a good romance. And I got exactly that. So yes the book is not perfect, the universe is not extremely developed, but we have two characters with strong character, real feelings, and humor. One cannot help but be attached to the characters and be frustrated when they do not react as one would like. I am happy that the story of Desmond and Meiying is not only a stand-alone book because I find that there are still many things to develop for their story and I am really looking forward to having the sequel because the author leaves us on an end impossible to accept. I’m a little upset that the paranormal side of the story is not more develop, Desmond is supposed to be a wolf with a special status but we don’t see him as a wolf and we don’t have a lot of information about his status, for Meiying I would have liked to see her as a Tigress, know her size, her color, etc.
So I recommend this book if you want a small urban fantasy series with adult romance, which can be easily read without getting in the way with a heavy universe.
I am now waiting for the follow-up which, according to the author, should arrive quickly! :)
May 19, 2022
This is book 3 in the Blood and Magic: Hellbound series and I think would be better if I had read the previous books. I would recommend this book for mature teens that love the paranormal. Meiying is starting college and her brother and his best friend are already on campus. A "progressive" college that has a large assortment of paranormals in attendance. Very steamy with sex and violence. Not my normal read. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 26, 2021
Really enjoyed it
January 14, 2022
3 STARS
Reads like wattpad. It's not great but somehow you also can't stop reading.
Reads like wattpad. It's not great but somehow you also can't stop reading.
February 12, 2022
Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions is the third book in the Hellbound Hearts series. Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions is also Meiying and Desmond’s story and told from both their points of view.
Meiying is a tiger shifter who has just finished Hellbound High and is now off to Hellbound University for the next four years. Meiying wasn’t too thrilled about attending Hellbound U but it is the school of her mother’s choice.
Meiying and Desmond Pierce a wolf shifter, her brother Zheng’s friend, and roommate are always fighting with each other. Desmond has an attitude problem. He likes being the boss and telling people what to do and Meiying hates being told what to do and will buck up every time.
Whenever those two are together things start to heat up in more ways than one. Meiying and Desmond are always nagging at one another. Desmond thinks he is her boss and Meiying doesn't like it one little bit. Meiying’s tiger side starts to get hot under the collar whenever he is near. Desmond can be a real jerk. But he can also be kind and nice when the time calls for it. When tragedy strikes Meiying’s life Desmond steps up to give her the comfort she needs.
For me, Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions was a fast-paced read that drew me in from the first page. I liked seeing Meiying and Desmond together. I think they made a great couple. I for some reason seemed to enjoy their bickering. I could just see the love floating between those two even if they couldn’t. If it could have been seen by the naked eye it would have been something like blue and red streaks maybe like lighting streaks flowing from one to the other, dancing in the moonlight and maybe you could even hear the sparks, and the more they bickered the more they would flash, spark, and crackle.
I would love to read more from this world. I would like to know more about other students attending Hellbound U. I would also like to see more of Desmond, Meiying, Zheng, and the rest of their friends in future books. I really like the idea of having different paranormal creatures living and attending the same school.
I highly recommend Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions to anyone who enjoys reading about different shifters living in the same world. Grab your copy of Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions today!
Meiying is a tiger shifter who has just finished Hellbound High and is now off to Hellbound University for the next four years. Meiying wasn’t too thrilled about attending Hellbound U but it is the school of her mother’s choice.
Meiying and Desmond Pierce a wolf shifter, her brother Zheng’s friend, and roommate are always fighting with each other. Desmond has an attitude problem. He likes being the boss and telling people what to do and Meiying hates being told what to do and will buck up every time.
Whenever those two are together things start to heat up in more ways than one. Meiying and Desmond are always nagging at one another. Desmond thinks he is her boss and Meiying doesn't like it one little bit. Meiying’s tiger side starts to get hot under the collar whenever he is near. Desmond can be a real jerk. But he can also be kind and nice when the time calls for it. When tragedy strikes Meiying’s life Desmond steps up to give her the comfort she needs.
For me, Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions was a fast-paced read that drew me in from the first page. I liked seeing Meiying and Desmond together. I think they made a great couple. I for some reason seemed to enjoy their bickering. I could just see the love floating between those two even if they couldn’t. If it could have been seen by the naked eye it would have been something like blue and red streaks maybe like lighting streaks flowing from one to the other, dancing in the moonlight and maybe you could even hear the sparks, and the more they bickered the more they would flash, spark, and crackle.
I would love to read more from this world. I would like to know more about other students attending Hellbound U. I would also like to see more of Desmond, Meiying, Zheng, and the rest of their friends in future books. I really like the idea of having different paranormal creatures living and attending the same school.
I highly recommend Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions to anyone who enjoys reading about different shifters living in the same world. Grab your copy of Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions today!
October 18, 2021
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher Coffee and Characters (thank you!)
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions is an interesting paranormal romance. It's the story of Meiying and Desmond - and their feelings for each other. Meiying is a Weretiger starting college and trying to learn her place in her own life after moving away from the pack. Desmond - her brother's roommate and longtime friend - is the bane of her existence, and she can't stop thinking about him romantically even though she hates him.
Desmond is one of those jock guys who plays the cutthroat game Infernum at Hellbound University, and who can't stop thinking about his best friend's little sister.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions is a fairly quick read and moves at a quick pace. There's just enough background in the book to keep you interested, but I feel like it could definitely use more. I'm not sure if there are previous books about this group of friends, but I think we could use more history for them. Some of what we get is just a hint, and my curiosity wasn't always satisfied.
The characters are pretty good, Zheng was the most interesting (again, I wish I could learn his backstory) some are two-dimensional and don't seem exactly relevant to the story besides filler characters. That's okay though, not all characters have to be front and center. I wish some (like Jordy and Rafael) had more story time because I loved the "little sister to my friend" relationship they had with Meiying.
There are some fairly erotic scenes in the book - which were well written and not all awkward like some of the books I've read. I was fairly uncomfortable that for some of them Meiying was only 17 - which we were reminded of a couple of times by Desmond's inner (and sometimes outer) monologue.
I do wish we could have seen more of the shifter behavior and paranormal side of the book. It talked a little about Meiying shifting near the end, but the dual personalities of her Human vs Tiger was really interesting and with that I could have read more of the shifting aspect of it.
All in all, it's a pretty quick read and a good one if you are looking for a love/hate relationship between the characters. Strong main characters, really interesting story line and a fun read!
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions is an interesting paranormal romance. It's the story of Meiying and Desmond - and their feelings for each other. Meiying is a Weretiger starting college and trying to learn her place in her own life after moving away from the pack. Desmond - her brother's roommate and longtime friend - is the bane of her existence, and she can't stop thinking about him romantically even though she hates him.
Desmond is one of those jock guys who plays the cutthroat game Infernum at Hellbound University, and who can't stop thinking about his best friend's little sister.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions is a fairly quick read and moves at a quick pace. There's just enough background in the book to keep you interested, but I feel like it could definitely use more. I'm not sure if there are previous books about this group of friends, but I think we could use more history for them. Some of what we get is just a hint, and my curiosity wasn't always satisfied.
The characters are pretty good, Zheng was the most interesting (again, I wish I could learn his backstory) some are two-dimensional and don't seem exactly relevant to the story besides filler characters. That's okay though, not all characters have to be front and center. I wish some (like Jordy and Rafael) had more story time because I loved the "little sister to my friend" relationship they had with Meiying.
There are some fairly erotic scenes in the book - which were well written and not all awkward like some of the books I've read. I was fairly uncomfortable that for some of them Meiying was only 17 - which we were reminded of a couple of times by Desmond's inner (and sometimes outer) monologue.
I do wish we could have seen more of the shifter behavior and paranormal side of the book. It talked a little about Meiying shifting near the end, but the dual personalities of her Human vs Tiger was really interesting and with that I could have read more of the shifting aspect of it.
All in all, it's a pretty quick read and a good one if you are looking for a love/hate relationship between the characters. Strong main characters, really interesting story line and a fun read!
October 8, 2021
In Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions the hero Desmond is a bit of a mystery. He’s hunter born which means he’ll be the one who hunts down any shifter who turns rogue and I got the impression that this is a bit of a burden to him and keeps him a bit distant from his friends even though he is the ‘alpha’ in their group. Meiying is his friend’s teenage sister and together they are like oil and water. He has an almost pathological need to control her life from what she wears to who she sees so much so that this book has been described as a bully romance but I honestly never once got the impression of bullying. It was more a severe case of overprotectiveness! Meiying is a typical teenage girl and isn’t listening to anyone let alone Desmond where it turns out there is a more than a little bit of history between them.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I struggled to get into it. From the blurb I didn’t realise the characters would be quite so young. It’s a paranormal new adult romance but the paranormal element is minimal. Yes there are shifters, fae and vampires mentioned but this story could be set in any university. The only thing that really stood out as otherworldly was the game that Desmond and his friends played, Infernum – which sounded reminiscent of quidditch from the Harry Potter books. This story really comes into its own though towards the end of the book when something happens that devastates Meiying and the angst and emotion poured off the pages and made me glad that I’d stuck with it. Cruel Wolves was listed as a standalone but I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books in the series if only to have a better idea of the relationships between the various characters.
This book does end a bit abruptly, not so much of on a cliffhanger but more of a ‘to be continued’.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I struggled to get into it. From the blurb I didn’t realise the characters would be quite so young. It’s a paranormal new adult romance but the paranormal element is minimal. Yes there are shifters, fae and vampires mentioned but this story could be set in any university. The only thing that really stood out as otherworldly was the game that Desmond and his friends played, Infernum – which sounded reminiscent of quidditch from the Harry Potter books. This story really comes into its own though towards the end of the book when something happens that devastates Meiying and the angst and emotion poured off the pages and made me glad that I’d stuck with it. Cruel Wolves was listed as a standalone but I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I had read the previous books in the series if only to have a better idea of the relationships between the various characters.
This book does end a bit abruptly, not so much of on a cliffhanger but more of a ‘to be continued’.
November 10, 2021
This story follows Meiying and Desmond. It is a multi perspective supernatural new adult romance. This is the third installment in the series. In this world humans and the supernatural now live and work together. Meiying, is seventeen years old tiger shifter and at her mothers insistence is moving into her college's local sorority house, which is known for its wild reputation. The day only gets worse when her brother's friends show up to help her move in. Ever since the night when she made the mistake of getting too close to Desmond, the most sought after wolf shifter, she has been trying to keep him at arm's length and being at the same college let alone being one of her brother's best friends has not made it easy. However, when a tragic incident happens Desmond is the only one there to help her cope and deal with the aftermath.
After reading the synopsis for this story and seeing this amazing cover, I really wanted to read this story. However, I had a couple of issues while reading it and so I ended up giving it only two stars. Since this book had a number of spicy scenes and more adult content, I prefer characters and in this case the heroine, to be older. Second, I also did not like how the two main characters finally got together, it just was not working for me. With all the tension and stolen moments I really wanted a different scenario of them coming together. Finally, the writing and portrayal of the characters and their behaviors felt a bit juvenile, again, especially for the adult content in it. Overall, while this story had interesting concepts and supernatural elements it was not for me it seemed more YA, then the new adult story it was supposed to be.
Trigger warnings: Addiction, death
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
After reading the synopsis for this story and seeing this amazing cover, I really wanted to read this story. However, I had a couple of issues while reading it and so I ended up giving it only two stars. Since this book had a number of spicy scenes and more adult content, I prefer characters and in this case the heroine, to be older. Second, I also did not like how the two main characters finally got together, it just was not working for me. With all the tension and stolen moments I really wanted a different scenario of them coming together. Finally, the writing and portrayal of the characters and their behaviors felt a bit juvenile, again, especially for the adult content in it. Overall, while this story had interesting concepts and supernatural elements it was not for me it seemed more YA, then the new adult story it was supposed to be.
Trigger warnings: Addiction, death
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.
October 4, 2021
3.5/5 stars | approved for an arc on Netgalley
—
Normally, this would not have been a book I’d read, but I saw it on Netgalley and I thought to myself “why not?”. Mostly because it had some of my favourite tropes “enemies to lovers” and the being in love with your brother’s best friend trope. I was approved for the arc and immediately began reading.
The book is about the 17 (almost 18) year old Meiying, who’s moving into a sorority dorm in college. She’s also a tigress shapeshifter! Her brother and his friends go to the same college, which is a big deal for Meiying, since she’s always hated her brother’s best friend (and housemate), Desmond. Things happen, and it ends with a big cliffhanger.
The writing style is okay, if not a little simple. It kind of reads like a fanfiction, but it sure was enjoyable. The 1st person pov threw me off a bit at first, but I got used to it fairly quickly.
I especially liked how the author described the shapeshifting and the emotions that run through the shapeshifters’ minds.
One thing I was slightly uncomfortable with was the 4-year age difference, especially in a particular flashback where Meiying was 14, and Desmond was 18. Even in the current timing of book she is 17 and he is 21/22. She turns 18 in the book though, which is a bit better I guess?
The spicy scenes were pretty good though. I have to be honest, I fell hard for Desmond.
Overall, I enjoyed this book wayyyyy more than I thought I would. It was an enjoyable and a fast read, I read it in one evening. I would recommend this book for when you’re in a bit of a reading slump and just need something easy and fun to read.
—
Normally, this would not have been a book I’d read, but I saw it on Netgalley and I thought to myself “why not?”. Mostly because it had some of my favourite tropes “enemies to lovers” and the being in love with your brother’s best friend trope. I was approved for the arc and immediately began reading.
The book is about the 17 (almost 18) year old Meiying, who’s moving into a sorority dorm in college. She’s also a tigress shapeshifter! Her brother and his friends go to the same college, which is a big deal for Meiying, since she’s always hated her brother’s best friend (and housemate), Desmond. Things happen, and it ends with a big cliffhanger.
The writing style is okay, if not a little simple. It kind of reads like a fanfiction, but it sure was enjoyable. The 1st person pov threw me off a bit at first, but I got used to it fairly quickly.
I especially liked how the author described the shapeshifting and the emotions that run through the shapeshifters’ minds.
One thing I was slightly uncomfortable with was the 4-year age difference, especially in a particular flashback where Meiying was 14, and Desmond was 18. Even in the current timing of book she is 17 and he is 21/22. She turns 18 in the book though, which is a bit better I guess?
The spicy scenes were pretty good though. I have to be honest, I fell hard for Desmond.
Overall, I enjoyed this book wayyyyy more than I thought I would. It was an enjoyable and a fast read, I read it in one evening. I would recommend this book for when you’re in a bit of a reading slump and just need something easy and fun to read.
October 10, 2021
First, I'd like to say that I originally requested this book from NetGalley because the cover is beautiful and the title caught my attention. This is the first book I've read by Danielle Annett and I won't be looking to read the rest of the series (this is book 3 in the Blood and Magic: Hellbound series).
This is a paranormal, enemies to lovers story set with college age persons. The female main character is 17 at the beginning of this, which concerned me since it is a romance novel, however any adult activities took place after all characters are 18 or older. I will say we find out about the main character's birthday after the adult activities took place, which makes me uncomfortable. To each their own I guess, it is just a red flag for me.
The main female character, Meiying, seems like your typical college age protagonist. She knows what she wants, but overall she appears two-dimensional to me for most of the book.
The main male character/love interest, Desmond, is the typical jock and just happen's to be best friends with Meiying's brother. His character is more well rounded than Meiying's, however there is nothing spectacular about him that explains why he is the love interest in the novel.
Pros:
- Multiple character POVs
- Easy reading
- Fast paced
Cons:
- FMC is underage (17) for most of the story.
- Scene with questionable consent between FMC and MMC while FMC is 17
- Scene with a 14-year-old kissing an 18-year-old. This was hugely problematic for me.
- Ends with a teaser/cliffhanger.
*** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. ***
This is a paranormal, enemies to lovers story set with college age persons. The female main character is 17 at the beginning of this, which concerned me since it is a romance novel, however any adult activities took place after all characters are 18 or older. I will say we find out about the main character's birthday after the adult activities took place, which makes me uncomfortable. To each their own I guess, it is just a red flag for me.
The main female character, Meiying, seems like your typical college age protagonist. She knows what she wants, but overall she appears two-dimensional to me for most of the book.
The main male character/love interest, Desmond, is the typical jock and just happen's to be best friends with Meiying's brother. His character is more well rounded than Meiying's, however there is nothing spectacular about him that explains why he is the love interest in the novel.
Pros:
- Multiple character POVs
- Easy reading
- Fast paced
Cons:
- FMC is underage (17) for most of the story.
- Scene with questionable consent between FMC and MMC while FMC is 17
- Scene with a 14-year-old kissing an 18-year-old. This was hugely problematic for me.
- Ends with a teaser/cliffhanger.
*** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. ***
October 11, 2021
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed this similarly to the first book in this series (they are standalone but you get introduced to the characters in the first two Hellbound books).
“Desmond Pierce is a wolf above Alphas.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend. If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is. But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him. He hates me. But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.”
Immediately loved the cover of this book and the title screams exactly what it is: spicy possessive werewolf book. It reads like a well-written Wattpad (but I love that so no hate) and I am sure this could get a following on Booktok if it was shared enough. I suggest this book if you LOVE supernatural books or either of the tropes below.
Tropes:
Brothers Best Friend
Enemies To Lovers
Main Characters:
17/18-year-old Meiying (a tiger shapeshifter) and her brother's best friend/roommate Desmond (a wolf shapeshifter).
Warning to a 4 year age gap (which didn’t bother me much because it is a supernatural book but I know would bother some). Also warning of a big cliffhanger (aka to be continued) as this is part 1 of a 2 part book. But it did succeed in wanting to read more.
It also has a good amount of spice! I highly doubt you will put this done when you pick it up.
I enjoyed this similarly to the first book in this series (they are standalone but you get introduced to the characters in the first two Hellbound books).
“Desmond Pierce is a wolf above Alphas.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend. If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is. But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him. He hates me. But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.”
Immediately loved the cover of this book and the title screams exactly what it is: spicy possessive werewolf book. It reads like a well-written Wattpad (but I love that so no hate) and I am sure this could get a following on Booktok if it was shared enough. I suggest this book if you LOVE supernatural books or either of the tropes below.
Tropes:
Brothers Best Friend
Enemies To Lovers
Main Characters:
17/18-year-old Meiying (a tiger shapeshifter) and her brother's best friend/roommate Desmond (a wolf shapeshifter).
Warning to a 4 year age gap (which didn’t bother me much because it is a supernatural book but I know would bother some). Also warning of a big cliffhanger (aka to be continued) as this is part 1 of a 2 part book. But it did succeed in wanting to read more.
It also has a good amount of spice! I highly doubt you will put this done when you pick it up.
October 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I haven’t read a paranormal romance book for a while, but the cover is 100% what attracted me to this book. It is stunning! I loved the concept of this and found the storyline interesting.
Meiying, is a seventeen year old shifter, who starts university at the beginning of this book. Why the author chose to make her seventeen baffles me as the love interest is four years older than her. She turns eighteen later on in the book, but I don’t understand why this decision was made. Looking past this, Meiying moves into Hellhound U, a university for everyone, including the paranormal. If I’m being honest, the paranormal/shifter aspect of this book is very minimal and it is a romance-led book.
Desmond is Meiying’s brother’s best friend and flatmate. So essentially he is off limits, but Meiying and Desmond have a past from when they were younger. There was constant tension between these two characters, which eventually led to them following their feelings. This is a steamy book, so it is definitely not suitable for younger readers. Their romance is kind of enemies to lovers, and there are a few swoon-worthy moments, including Desmond asking Meiying who hurt her.
‘”You’re arrogant, and most of the time, I can barely stand to be in the same room as you.” ” The feeling is mutual.”‘
This was a very quick read, that ends with a “to be continued…” I kind of wish it was just one book as I felt like I was just getting invested in the characters and their journey as it ended. I will be reading the next instalment to see what happens after the sort of catastrophic event towards the end!
*Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
I haven’t read a paranormal romance book for a while, but the cover is 100% what attracted me to this book. It is stunning! I loved the concept of this and found the storyline interesting.
Meiying, is a seventeen year old shifter, who starts university at the beginning of this book. Why the author chose to make her seventeen baffles me as the love interest is four years older than her. She turns eighteen later on in the book, but I don’t understand why this decision was made. Looking past this, Meiying moves into Hellhound U, a university for everyone, including the paranormal. If I’m being honest, the paranormal/shifter aspect of this book is very minimal and it is a romance-led book.
Desmond is Meiying’s brother’s best friend and flatmate. So essentially he is off limits, but Meiying and Desmond have a past from when they were younger. There was constant tension between these two characters, which eventually led to them following their feelings. This is a steamy book, so it is definitely not suitable for younger readers. Their romance is kind of enemies to lovers, and there are a few swoon-worthy moments, including Desmond asking Meiying who hurt her.
‘”You’re arrogant, and most of the time, I can barely stand to be in the same room as you.” ” The feeling is mutual.”‘
This was a very quick read, that ends with a “to be continued…” I kind of wish it was just one book as I felt like I was just getting invested in the characters and their journey as it ended. I will be reading the next instalment to see what happens after the sort of catastrophic event towards the end!
October 14, 2021
Firstly, thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for approving me for the ARC of this book.
This is the first book I have read by Danielle Annett and it did not disappoint. I originally requested this book as the cover attracted me and after reading the description I thought it might be something I would like. It went above and beyond my expectations and I absolutely loved this book! This is the third book in the series but can be read without having read the other two. I finished this book in two days, thats how good it was, I could not put it down!!
This book is a paranormal enemies to lovers between two shifters, Meiying and Desmond who have always had a banterous I hate you but also want to kiss you relationship. It is set in college with Meiying moving into a sorority house and Desmond living wither her brother down the road. Their relationship takes a turn in the book throwing them both off balance and trying to scramble back to what they were before tradgedy took place. It appears that this is the first book about them with a second to follow soon which I absolutely will be reading! The writing style is quite simple but I think that worked beautifully here as it really reflected the characters age and typical college speech. This book had some super spicy scenes and I couldn't have been more there for it.
If you like:
- Enemies to lovers
- A sassy/strong female lead
- Classic asshole love interest
- Forbidden romance/brothers best friend
- STEAMY scenes
- Possessive I will kill you if you touch her love interest
Then this book is for you!
This is the first book I have read by Danielle Annett and it did not disappoint. I originally requested this book as the cover attracted me and after reading the description I thought it might be something I would like. It went above and beyond my expectations and I absolutely loved this book! This is the third book in the series but can be read without having read the other two. I finished this book in two days, thats how good it was, I could not put it down!!
This book is a paranormal enemies to lovers between two shifters, Meiying and Desmond who have always had a banterous I hate you but also want to kiss you relationship. It is set in college with Meiying moving into a sorority house and Desmond living wither her brother down the road. Their relationship takes a turn in the book throwing them both off balance and trying to scramble back to what they were before tradgedy took place. It appears that this is the first book about them with a second to follow soon which I absolutely will be reading! The writing style is quite simple but I think that worked beautifully here as it really reflected the characters age and typical college speech. This book had some super spicy scenes and I couldn't have been more there for it.
If you like:
- Enemies to lovers
- A sassy/strong female lead
- Classic asshole love interest
- Forbidden romance/brothers best friend
- STEAMY scenes
- Possessive I will kill you if you touch her love interest
Then this book is for you!
August 22, 2021
Title: Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions
Author: Danielle Annett
Publication date: September 6th, 2021
Series: Blood and Magic: Hellbound #3
Summary: Desmond Pierce is a wolf above Alphas.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions, an all-new brother’s best friend paranormal romance from Danielle Annett, is coming September 1st!
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
**Disclaimer** Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions was originally published as Cruel Devil, a contemporary romance novel under Danielle's other pen name. The series has been re-imaged at the request of her paranormal readers. It is 15,000+ words longer than the contemporary version and can be read as a stand alone.
Review: I would like to start out by saying I didn't read the start of the series. With that being said I absolutely can't wait to get caught up on my reviews so I can go back and read the first two. Also, I can't wait for the next book because Des and Mei are freaking everything.
Author: Danielle Annett
Publication date: September 6th, 2021
Series: Blood and Magic: Hellbound #3
Summary: Desmond Pierce is a wolf above Alphas.
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions, an all-new brother’s best friend paranormal romance from Danielle Annett, is coming September 1st!
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
**Disclaimer** Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions was originally published as Cruel Devil, a contemporary romance novel under Danielle's other pen name. The series has been re-imaged at the request of her paranormal readers. It is 15,000+ words longer than the contemporary version and can be read as a stand alone.
Review: I would like to start out by saying I didn't read the start of the series. With that being said I absolutely can't wait to get caught up on my reviews so I can go back and read the first two. Also, I can't wait for the next book because Des and Mei are freaking everything.
October 12, 2021
3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy to read!
I ended up enjoying Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions more than I thought I would by the end. Not that I thought it would be bad, but I wasn't expecting to feel as much as I did. So for that reason it definitely felt too short!
I've not read anything by Danielle Annett before, but this book was easy enough to read on its own, though I do feel like there is possibly background info that I'm missing from other books in the series, like how the packs work with having mixed animal shifters in them.
The story was written from dual points of view, Meiying, a 17-year-old tiger shifter, and Desmond, an older wolf shifter. The two rub each other up the wrong way. The antagonism between them is palpable, yet they seem to be the only ones who don't realise they want each other.
When Meiying moves into the local college campus, she and Desmond manage to keep running into each other, but she also finds a friend in the fae, Deacon, and this brings out Des's protective inner wolf. There is lots of banter, lots of posturing, lots of Des trying to tell Meiying what to do, and lots of Meiying flipping him off.
But there is also so much sexual tension which comes to a head towards the end of the book, and then we're left on a total cliffhanger!
So I will be awaiting the next book because despite myself, I need to know what happens!
Thanks for a quick, interesting read!
I ended up enjoying Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions more than I thought I would by the end. Not that I thought it would be bad, but I wasn't expecting to feel as much as I did. So for that reason it definitely felt too short!
I've not read anything by Danielle Annett before, but this book was easy enough to read on its own, though I do feel like there is possibly background info that I'm missing from other books in the series, like how the packs work with having mixed animal shifters in them.
The story was written from dual points of view, Meiying, a 17-year-old tiger shifter, and Desmond, an older wolf shifter. The two rub each other up the wrong way. The antagonism between them is palpable, yet they seem to be the only ones who don't realise they want each other.
When Meiying moves into the local college campus, she and Desmond manage to keep running into each other, but she also finds a friend in the fae, Deacon, and this brings out Des's protective inner wolf. There is lots of banter, lots of posturing, lots of Des trying to tell Meiying what to do, and lots of Meiying flipping him off.
But there is also so much sexual tension which comes to a head towards the end of the book, and then we're left on a total cliffhanger!
So I will be awaiting the next book because despite myself, I need to know what happens!
Thanks for a quick, interesting read!
December 3, 2021
This third installment in the Hellbound series was so captivating and intriguing. I hadn't read the first two books in this series before reading this novel, which isn't necessary to do since they are standalones. Although characters in those books do show up in this one.
I really like the premise and world created within this story about all kinds of supernatural beings and humans attending a university together. It's a different twist on a kind of urban fantasy vibe that I really liked.
This story is the first in a duet following two characters, book two will be released soon thank goodness. Meiying and Desmond get under each others skin and always have since they have known each other. Being a part of the same pack even with different clans amongst it kept them in each others lives even if they hadn't wanted that.
Through the story the push and pull at one another, the sexual tension and angst between them growing stronger and stronger each day. A heart breaking moment brings them together with no resistance when her mother is killed and he is the one to tell her. Everything that proceeds after that showcases the care he feels towards her. I can't wait to see where this story progresses and what the future will hold for these characters.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
I really like the premise and world created within this story about all kinds of supernatural beings and humans attending a university together. It's a different twist on a kind of urban fantasy vibe that I really liked.
This story is the first in a duet following two characters, book two will be released soon thank goodness. Meiying and Desmond get under each others skin and always have since they have known each other. Being a part of the same pack even with different clans amongst it kept them in each others lives even if they hadn't wanted that.
Through the story the push and pull at one another, the sexual tension and angst between them growing stronger and stronger each day. A heart breaking moment brings them together with no resistance when her mother is killed and he is the one to tell her. Everything that proceeds after that showcases the care he feels towards her. I can't wait to see where this story progresses and what the future will hold for these characters.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
October 12, 2021
This book starts as your typical college sports romance with a little bit of paranormal thrown into the mix. Meiying is a 17-year-old cat shifter, is starting college early, and her mother is forcing her to join a sorority so she can mingle with other supernaturals. Desmond is a wolf shifter and the pack hunter, and also happens to be her brother's best friend (though they used to be enemies? the relationship between Desmond and her brother isn't super clear).
They have always had a contentious relationship but clearly are attracted to one another - there are some age-gap/consent issues which bothered me a little but weren't a total deal breaker for me, and Desmond is SUPER overprotective of Meiying.
I really enjoyed a lot of this couples relationship, especially after the heroine suffers a tragedy and Desmond is completely there for her.
Though i was okay reading this as a standalone i think i would have preferred to read the earlier books in this series because there are some relationships between certain characters that I needed a little more clarity on.
What finally dropped this story from a 4 to 3 for me though was the ending. I'm not the biggest fan of continuous series that follow the same couple - I prefer that a couple's story be contained in one book - but the ending was just so abrupt in this book. There isn't any real cliff hanger it just ends and the book just left me feeling very unsatisfied.
I may continue with the next book in the series but it wont be very high on my TBR list.
They have always had a contentious relationship but clearly are attracted to one another - there are some age-gap/consent issues which bothered me a little but weren't a total deal breaker for me, and Desmond is SUPER overprotective of Meiying.
I really enjoyed a lot of this couples relationship, especially after the heroine suffers a tragedy and Desmond is completely there for her.
Though i was okay reading this as a standalone i think i would have preferred to read the earlier books in this series because there are some relationships between certain characters that I needed a little more clarity on.
What finally dropped this story from a 4 to 3 for me though was the ending. I'm not the biggest fan of continuous series that follow the same couple - I prefer that a couple's story be contained in one book - but the ending was just so abrupt in this book. There isn't any real cliff hanger it just ends and the book just left me feeling very unsatisfied.
I may continue with the next book in the series but it wont be very high on my TBR list.
October 4, 2021
When I first started reading Cruel Wolves & Devious Deceptions by Danielle Annett I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. All the male characters seemed like assholes but the main female character, Meiying, was able to stand up for herself which is what saved it for me. And I think if you’re reading a book like this you’ve come to accept that the majority (if not all) of the male characters are going to be possessive supernatural beings and I managed to look past it.
But almost 4 hours later I’ve somehow finished the entire book in one sitting and now I can’t wait for more. Annett managed to cover the beauty of family, friendship, grief and lust in a very short space of time.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone but it was such a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put it down. It has werewolves and is full of smut, what more could you want? I hadn’t read any other books by the author before this one, and this book can be read as a standalone.
The story did end very abruptly, but if anything it’s only succeeded in making me want to read the next instalment even sooner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing and the author.
But almost 4 hours later I’ve somehow finished the entire book in one sitting and now I can’t wait for more. Annett managed to cover the beauty of family, friendship, grief and lust in a very short space of time.
I don’t think this book will be for everyone but it was such a quick and easy read that I couldn’t put it down. It has werewolves and is full of smut, what more could you want? I hadn’t read any other books by the author before this one, and this book can be read as a standalone.
The story did end very abruptly, but if anything it’s only succeeded in making me want to read the next instalment even sooner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing and the author.
October 17, 2021
I received this book for free through NetGalley to review. This book is set in Texas in El Paso, but paranormal creatures are real and have exposed themselves to the world. While this book can be read as a stand alone I did read books 1 and 2 before reading this book.
This book follows a female MC and a male MC. The chapters switch between their POV. I am really glad that I read the first two books because there is a lot of character development for the two main characters of this book in them.
Meiying is a shifter and so is Desmond. They are always at each others throat- bickering, pestering, and antagonizing one another. While it seems like they hate each other, maybe it is something more.
Meiying and her brother are now both in college and since their mom is moving Meiying has to live on campus. Sadly there is a traumatic event that throws their entire life into disarray. They are suddenly alone and Desmond is Meiyings rock as she learns to tread the new path her life is taking.
I love the slow burn (3 books) part of this relationship because there is a ton of tension. Meiyings character has so much growth throughout the books and I enjoyed seeing the sweeter side of Desmond in this book as he cares for her and supports her brother throughout the book.
I like that the books are all in the same universe and the characters of interwoven because I feel like I have gotten to know the characters over time and from multiple perspectives. I am excited to read book four in this series!
This book follows a female MC and a male MC. The chapters switch between their POV. I am really glad that I read the first two books because there is a lot of character development for the two main characters of this book in them.
Meiying is a shifter and so is Desmond. They are always at each others throat- bickering, pestering, and antagonizing one another. While it seems like they hate each other, maybe it is something more.
Meiying and her brother are now both in college and since their mom is moving Meiying has to live on campus. Sadly there is a traumatic event that throws their entire life into disarray. They are suddenly alone and Desmond is Meiyings rock as she learns to tread the new path her life is taking.
I love the slow burn (3 books) part of this relationship because there is a ton of tension. Meiyings character has so much growth throughout the books and I enjoyed seeing the sweeter side of Desmond in this book as he cares for her and supports her brother throughout the book.
I like that the books are all in the same universe and the characters of interwoven because I feel like I have gotten to know the characters over time and from multiple perspectives. I am excited to read book four in this series!
January 4, 2022
I must be honest, I didn't like this book. I disliked this book so much, I forgot about it as soon as I put it down, to the extent that I forgot to do a review.
The writing of the book was fine, but the characters I found just... annoying and I didn't like them and I don't want to read anything else in this book.
The leading man was difficult and a jerk most of the time, even if eventually he was nice to the leading lady, and I remember being so annoyed after they were together how they were acting together, still. I understand it is based in college, and in that the characters did feel real, but I still found them very, very annoying.
I wanted Liu to find someone better for her than Desmond. Yes, he is the bad boy, but he is also just a jerk. In the end he stands up for her, but it takes SO LONG and he had feelings for her the whole time.
If you are looking for something to scratch the shapeshifter itch, this might do it, but I just found the characters unlikable.
I did get a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The writing of the book was fine, but the characters I found just... annoying and I didn't like them and I don't want to read anything else in this book.
The leading man was difficult and a jerk most of the time, even if eventually he was nice to the leading lady, and I remember being so annoyed after they were together how they were acting together, still. I understand it is based in college, and in that the characters did feel real, but I still found them very, very annoying.
I wanted Liu to find someone better for her than Desmond. Yes, he is the bad boy, but he is also just a jerk. In the end he stands up for her, but it takes SO LONG and he had feelings for her the whole time.
If you are looking for something to scratch the shapeshifter itch, this might do it, but I just found the characters unlikable.
I did get a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
So to start off, I wasn’t aware this was part of a series when I began this book. I thought the begging seemed rushed, then I realized it was just a recap which was very helpful for me.
This is sort of an enemies to lovers situation mixed in with brothers best friend. I felt the story had quite a few cliche lines but overall it could have been worse.
Meiying is quite immature, which makes sense considering she’s only 17! I know that in this universe 17-21 is considered juvenile, but I was not ok with the age difference between Meiying and Desmond. Especially considering the sexual situations that occur between them.
I found most of the book to be pretty shallow and smutty until, BOOM, a tragic event occurred that had me tearing up.
This book is only the start to Meiying and Desmond’s journey, so I’ll be curious to see how their story ends.
*thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Danielle Annett for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This is sort of an enemies to lovers situation mixed in with brothers best friend. I felt the story had quite a few cliche lines but overall it could have been worse.
Meiying is quite immature, which makes sense considering she’s only 17! I know that in this universe 17-21 is considered juvenile, but I was not ok with the age difference between Meiying and Desmond. Especially considering the sexual situations that occur between them.
I found most of the book to be pretty shallow and smutty until, BOOM, a tragic event occurred that had me tearing up.
This book is only the start to Meiying and Desmond’s journey, so I’ll be curious to see how their story ends.
*thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Danielle Annett for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2021
Good looking, arrogant, and hunter-born.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
I love this enemies to lovers book! :) I love the paranormal aspect of it but the draw for me was the main characters' relationship. I love how their banters and interactions with each other. So much chemistry. Warning that it's very steamy though.... (or it can be a bonus depending on your preference.... )
Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.
He also happens to be my brother’s best friend.
If coming from different clans wasn’t reason enough to stay away from him, his connection to my brother is.
But every time we’re in the same room, he needles his way under my skin, demanding my attention and making the tigress in me rise up in challenge.
I hate him
He hates me.
But when the unthinkable happens, I start to wonder if hate is enough to keep our attraction to one another at bay.
I love this enemies to lovers book! :) I love the paranormal aspect of it but the draw for me was the main characters' relationship. I love how their banters and interactions with each other. So much chemistry. Warning that it's very steamy though.... (or it can be a bonus depending on your preference.... )
Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc.
October 11, 2021
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read "Cruel Wolves and Devious Deceptions." This is the first I've read of author Danielle Annett, and I have to start off by saying that the cover art is absolutely beautiful, and is what drawn me most to this book!
This paranormal romance revolves around Meiying and Desmond, and involves an enemies to lovers story line and is veryyy steamy! I enjoyed Meiying's character, but what definitely threw me off was how young she is, learning that she was only 17 was a tad off putting, especially with various scenes in particular. If she wasn't a minor I wouldn't have as many qualms with this book. That being said, the cliff hanger ending definitely left me wanting more, and I'll definitely seek out more works from this author in the future!
This paranormal romance revolves around Meiying and Desmond, and involves an enemies to lovers story line and is veryyy steamy! I enjoyed Meiying's character, but what definitely threw me off was how young she is, learning that she was only 17 was a tad off putting, especially with various scenes in particular. If she wasn't a minor I wouldn't have as many qualms with this book. That being said, the cliff hanger ending definitely left me wanting more, and I'll definitely seek out more works from this author in the future!
October 12, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!
I originally requested for this book due to the beautiful cover and I wasn't disappointed nor impressed. The novel is the third book of Blood and Magic : Hellbound series however, you do not need to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one. It is a paranormal romance set in high school where both main characters are shifters.
The final rating I gave this is 3.5-3.75. The reason being that the ending is very abrupt, the huge cliffhanger at the end left we very confused. At first, I thought my copy didn't load properly but, upon some research I realized that it was meant to be left like that. The story is general is really cute and easy to read. I will most likely read the next book because I really hate cliffhangers like this.
I originally requested for this book due to the beautiful cover and I wasn't disappointed nor impressed. The novel is the third book of Blood and Magic : Hellbound series however, you do not need to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one. It is a paranormal romance set in high school where both main characters are shifters.
The final rating I gave this is 3.5-3.75. The reason being that the ending is very abrupt, the huge cliffhanger at the end left we very confused. At first, I thought my copy didn't load properly but, upon some research I realized that it was meant to be left like that. The story is general is really cute and easy to read. I will most likely read the next book because I really hate cliffhangers like this.
August 26, 2021
So, this is the deal: 3.5 stars
This book is published as a contemporary romance turned into a Paranormal Romance, soon to be published.
I don't think I would read the contemporary copy of this story, mostly because I'm not into bullying romances (it is indeed described as one). However, when you set it in a Paranormal Universe and you turn your main characters into shifters then the gloves are off.
Our main couple is a tigress and a wolf, so any bullying that might be happening I didn't even notice. We are talking about animal instincts and "skin privileges" here. It is a classic story of enemies to lovers and calling these two steamy and hot is an understatement.
The story is fast-paced and I actually finished it in half a day.
Unfortunately, there is a cliffhanger and I don't even know when the second half of the story is coming out. I'm a bit livid! Just a bit...
Apparently, I really, really hate cliffhangers.
Thank you to @socialbutterfly_pr for the ARC.
This book is published as a contemporary romance turned into a Paranormal Romance, soon to be published.
I don't think I would read the contemporary copy of this story, mostly because I'm not into bullying romances (it is indeed described as one). However, when you set it in a Paranormal Universe and you turn your main characters into shifters then the gloves are off.
Our main couple is a tigress and a wolf, so any bullying that might be happening I didn't even notice. We are talking about animal instincts and "skin privileges" here. It is a classic story of enemies to lovers and calling these two steamy and hot is an understatement.
The story is fast-paced and I actually finished it in half a day.
Unfortunately, there is a cliffhanger and I don't even know when the second half of the story is coming out. I'm a bit livid! Just a bit...
Apparently, I really, really hate cliffhangers.
Thank you to @socialbutterfly_pr for the ARC.
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