What do you think?
Rate this book
A Shifting Society #1
Destined to Hide
Escape or die.
The man I loved is a liar, a predator who lured me in with sweet words and empty promises. Now, I’m trapped and it’s only a matter of time before he loses control.
I have one chance to run. Head for the wilds and don’t look back. If I leave, I might die, but he’ll kill me if I stay.
For so long it’s seemed like I’m destined to spend my days in hiding; scared and alone. But when a freak accident sends a pack of shifters crashing into my path, I catch a glimpse of a life worth living.
Can I find the Love and safety I crave with three men the rest of society considers threats?
And will the monster that hunts me ever let me go?
The man I loved is a liar, a predator who lured me in with sweet words and empty promises. Now, I’m trapped and it’s only a matter of time before he loses control.
I have one chance to run. Head for the wilds and don’t look back. If I leave, I might die, but he’ll kill me if I stay.
For so long it’s seemed like I’m destined to spend my days in hiding; scared and alone. But when a freak accident sends a pack of shifters crashing into my path, I catch a glimpse of a life worth living.
Can I find the Love and safety I crave with three men the rest of society considers threats?
And will the monster that hunts me ever let me go?
302 pages, ebook
First published January 28, 2021
490 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 17, 2021
It's amazing how many amazing authors and stories I'm discovering because I have my eyes on the indie publishing world and especially the reverse harem world. The choices are endless and the more new authors I discover, the more I realize that I will never be able to read all the books on my wishlist. I have to prioritize. I have to make choices. I was therefore doubting if this book would be for me, but I ended up giving it a go anyway.
In the beginning I was kinda regretting that. I don't know why the story didn't grab me right away, but for about half of the book I was quite indifferent to everything that was happening. Which is weird, because Thomas writes about some serious issues and she does so in quite an intense and emotional way. However, at some moment I realized that this was a comfort book. Even though our girl goes through some really heavy stuff, she also gets these lovely moments of happiness, love and care.
And although I personally find the build up a little slow and uninteresting, I do have to admit that eventually it did lead to an amazing finale. It took a long time for the finale to really start and I was almost afraid that it was not going to happen, but it did happen and how. I really moved to the edge of my seat, I was holding my breath and I was so rooting for this harem to get their happy ending. And what I appreciated most in the finale was the mix between our heroine taking matters into her own hands and her being saved by her men.
Because I think our heroine needed and deserved that. She deserved to know that she wasn't just a damsel in distress, even though the guys totally wouldn't have minded that. She did play her own part in slaying her own demons and she really managed to get away from an abusive relationship. And not just because she was saved and protected, but also because she found some strength and fighting spirit within herself.
So even though the beginning didn't really grab me, it was totally worth it in the end.
In the beginning I was kinda regretting that. I don't know why the story didn't grab me right away, but for about half of the book I was quite indifferent to everything that was happening. Which is weird, because Thomas writes about some serious issues and she does so in quite an intense and emotional way. However, at some moment I realized that this was a comfort book. Even though our girl goes through some really heavy stuff, she also gets these lovely moments of happiness, love and care.
And although I personally find the build up a little slow and uninteresting, I do have to admit that eventually it did lead to an amazing finale. It took a long time for the finale to really start and I was almost afraid that it was not going to happen, but it did happen and how. I really moved to the edge of my seat, I was holding my breath and I was so rooting for this harem to get their happy ending. And what I appreciated most in the finale was the mix between our heroine taking matters into her own hands and her being saved by her men.
Because I think our heroine needed and deserved that. She deserved to know that she wasn't just a damsel in distress, even though the guys totally wouldn't have minded that. She did play her own part in slaying her own demons and she really managed to get away from an abusive relationship. And not just because she was saved and protected, but also because she found some strength and fighting spirit within herself.
So even though the beginning didn't really grab me, it was totally worth it in the end.
July 2, 2023
Sweet story, but personalities of MMCs were not explored
I’m a sucker for a story about a battered person finding love, so I couldn’t resist trying this book. I thought the author did a great job portraying abuse and trauma responses. Olivia was terrified of everything and everyone after having her life threatened multiple times by her fiancé.
However, I felt like I couldn’t get to know the MCs very well. Their interactions felt either surface level or insta-love based. There were references to the pasts they had, and each had a defining personality trait (although Olivia’s personality was mostly defined by trauma and recovery). But people are more complex than that an I would have liked more.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: physical, emotional, mental, and financial abuse all depicted in page. Mention of SA, but not detailed. Car crash, near death experiences
I’m a sucker for a story about a battered person finding love, so I couldn’t resist trying this book. I thought the author did a great job portraying abuse and trauma responses. Olivia was terrified of everything and everyone after having her life threatened multiple times by her fiancé.
However, I felt like I couldn’t get to know the MCs very well. Their interactions felt either surface level or insta-love based. There were references to the pasts they had, and each had a defining personality trait (although Olivia’s personality was mostly defined by trauma and recovery). But people are more complex than that an I would have liked more.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: physical, emotional, mental, and financial abuse all depicted in page. Mention of SA, but not detailed. Car crash, near death experiences
March 14, 2021
Destined to Hide was a lukewarm book that includes some heavier themes for a simple story it has going on, a very odd combo.
The most interesting thing about this book was the world building to bring in the shifter element. It's different but the further it expands on these supernatural elements, the more it establishes itself into extremity areas that leave no room for characters that don't feel one dimensional. It's either good or bad, that's it.
Even if the book is simple, tame and doesn't get graphic; domestic abuse plays a huge role throughout. If it's a trigger, I think it's important to know.
The issue with including domestic abuse; such heavy, complex and a very real life reality into a relatively black and white story that doesn't have much time and space to get things right to the extent it doesn't feel shallow is extremely hard. The book does it's best to try but it still ends up hollow or very hyper focused on getting those healing words out through everyone's dialogues whenever possible and in a small book, it's very noticeable. The whole shifter part of this book falls secondary to this and doesn't feel as immersive as a PNR book feels.
The characters are typical as you would expect in a book like this. The interactions and the romance hinges on the mates angle with the healing from past thing for the FMC. I don't mind the mates stuff but the relationship don't grow into this chemistry, it feels very one wavelength until the end action scenes. Again the conflict is very predictable, the bad guy is so typical but I will ignore that since it's not a shocker. I quite liked Olivia's part in the whole showdown. It worked for the theme.
I'm going to try the next book to see if it's going to build on the whole shifters vs humans thing since this is a first book in a series.
The most interesting thing about this book was the world building to bring in the shifter element. It's different but the further it expands on these supernatural elements, the more it establishes itself into extremity areas that leave no room for characters that don't feel one dimensional. It's either good or bad, that's it.
Even if the book is simple, tame and doesn't get graphic; domestic abuse plays a huge role throughout. If it's a trigger, I think it's important to know.
The issue with including domestic abuse; such heavy, complex and a very real life reality into a relatively black and white story that doesn't have much time and space to get things right to the extent it doesn't feel shallow is extremely hard. The book does it's best to try but it still ends up hollow or very hyper focused on getting those healing words out through everyone's dialogues whenever possible and in a small book, it's very noticeable. The whole shifter part of this book falls secondary to this and doesn't feel as immersive as a PNR book feels.
The characters are typical as you would expect in a book like this. The interactions and the romance hinges on the mates angle with the healing from past thing for the FMC. I don't mind the mates stuff but the relationship don't grow into this chemistry, it feels very one wavelength until the end action scenes. Again the conflict is very predictable, the bad guy is so typical but I will ignore that since it's not a shocker. I quite liked Olivia's part in the whole showdown. It worked for the theme.
I'm going to try the next book to see if it's going to build on the whole shifters vs humans thing since this is a first book in a series.
July 15, 2022
3.5 ★
Another story about sweet, doting fated mates. Small town vibes. There is nothing to be mad at really.
Another story about sweet, doting fated mates. Small town vibes. There is nothing to be mad at really.
February 28, 2021
I really, really enjoy this shared world! Sterling Thomas and J Kearston have done a killer job at building a universe where I truly believe that evolution has had to step in by creating shifters to compensate for humans killing all of the predators. I just dig this concept hard.
The FMC
Our leading lady has been through a lot at the hands of her abusive ex-fiancé. She’s decided to get out however she can and run the second she gets a chance. While running to the wilds, she accidentally hits a deer and almost dies. Luckily she’s found by her mates, who realise who she is immediately and do everything to bring out the person who she’s lost to abuse.
The story builds their relationship, digs into the trauma that Olivia has been through and her process of healing. Sterling has done an excellent job at tackling these hard issues while also making them seem real and feasible. It’s a tough situation to live through, and I really appreciate authors who can tackle this and hopefully show others that there’s a better future.
The Guys
Gage, Knox & Dylan are wolf shifters. Sexy, sexy wolf shifters. Each of the guys had a distinct personality and way to work their way into Olivia’s heart. Sterling also does a perfect job at building out their backstories to align with helping Olivia heal.
The Smut
Hot! I wish there were more, to be honest! It does fit in with the story, which, as mentioned, does tackle challenging topics.
All in all, I’m so here for this world and cannot wait for the next book to come out! Def put this on your TBR!
The FMC
Our leading lady has been through a lot at the hands of her abusive ex-fiancé. She’s decided to get out however she can and run the second she gets a chance. While running to the wilds, she accidentally hits a deer and almost dies. Luckily she’s found by her mates, who realise who she is immediately and do everything to bring out the person who she’s lost to abuse.
The story builds their relationship, digs into the trauma that Olivia has been through and her process of healing. Sterling has done an excellent job at tackling these hard issues while also making them seem real and feasible. It’s a tough situation to live through, and I really appreciate authors who can tackle this and hopefully show others that there’s a better future.
The Guys
Gage, Knox & Dylan are wolf shifters. Sexy, sexy wolf shifters. Each of the guys had a distinct personality and way to work their way into Olivia’s heart. Sterling also does a perfect job at building out their backstories to align with helping Olivia heal.
The Smut
Hot! I wish there were more, to be honest! It does fit in with the story, which, as mentioned, does tackle challenging topics.
All in all, I’m so here for this world and cannot wait for the next book to come out! Def put this on your TBR!
February 2, 2021
Olivia thought she met the man of her dreams, that was until they were engaged and had moved in together, that's when everything changed. The man she thought she loved separated her from her friends and family and beat her down as best as he could. But she's finally had enough, and she knows she needs to break free from him.
I'm really intrigued by the world that has been built in A Shifter Society. The world is a little different from our own in the fact that the world's wild predators have been wiped out, but something else has taken their place. Shifter communities now live in the wilds away from the big cities and the humans who live there.
I'll admit the story didn't grab me straight from the start and I found the beginning a little slow going. But once the momentum started, it never really stopped, and that HEA was perfect for Olivia and her guys. Each guy has their own personality and history and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the book. I think my favourite was probably Dylan, he was just adorable. Olivia's character development is perfectly believable and it shows her trauma and how she over comes it in a totally realistic way.
This book is a standalone but is set in what I can only assume is the same world as book two. I look forward to reading it.
I'm really intrigued by the world that has been built in A Shifter Society. The world is a little different from our own in the fact that the world's wild predators have been wiped out, but something else has taken their place. Shifter communities now live in the wilds away from the big cities and the humans who live there.
I'll admit the story didn't grab me straight from the start and I found the beginning a little slow going. But once the momentum started, it never really stopped, and that HEA was perfect for Olivia and her guys. Each guy has their own personality and history and I enjoyed getting to know them throughout the book. I think my favourite was probably Dylan, he was just adorable. Olivia's character development is perfectly believable and it shows her trauma and how she over comes it in a totally realistic way.
This book is a standalone but is set in what I can only assume is the same world as book two. I look forward to reading it.
January 28, 2021
I absolutely loved this! Words can do no justice to how much I did! Sterling Thomas has really hit the ball out of the park when it comes to this book folks!
I really liked that it was the humans that were all savage, instead of the shifters. The humans this time round were the hateful, racist, bullies of society and it really did put shifters in a different light. The variety of shifters was interesting and was lightly touched on. The explaining of how shifters evolved after the predators were wiped out and causing a void that needed filled was absolutely brilliant!
Olivia is a great, yet damaged FMC. She has endured years of abuse from her fiancée but she manages to pull enough strength together to plan and enact an escape. And her men- phew... loving them! So Gage would have to be my favourite but Knox was a very close second. Each guy has a depth, fullness, and personality individual to each one. A lot of times we lose the personality in a RH book, but that was not the case here. It was a perfect balance between characters, plot, and steam! I loved the wit and banter and can see myself reading this book a few more times. I highly recommend
I really liked that it was the humans that were all savage, instead of the shifters. The humans this time round were the hateful, racist, bullies of society and it really did put shifters in a different light. The variety of shifters was interesting and was lightly touched on. The explaining of how shifters evolved after the predators were wiped out and causing a void that needed filled was absolutely brilliant!
Olivia is a great, yet damaged FMC. She has endured years of abuse from her fiancée but she manages to pull enough strength together to plan and enact an escape. And her men- phew... loving them! So Gage would have to be my favourite but Knox was a very close second. Each guy has a depth, fullness, and personality individual to each one. A lot of times we lose the personality in a RH book, but that was not the case here. It was a perfect balance between characters, plot, and steam! I loved the wit and banter and can see myself reading this book a few more times. I highly recommend
February 12, 2021
I'm not sure why but i am not a fan of the cover for this book and put off reading it for a while but please can u say if you are in the same board as me DON'T let the cover put you off as the storey is really good.
It's not your Kick-ass strong female lead that you see me reading a lot of but this is a tender storey of a woman fleeing from an abusive relationship who finds herself in need of rescue and falls into the lives of Three shifters who have broken from their pack to form a new life.
The world building is good and the character building is amazing
Really loved everything about this but execially that she didnt fall straight out of an abusive relationship and straight into their beds which is why i normally dont read this type of book as it annoys me at how unrealistic that would be - Yeh i know reality check we are in a world of fiction with mages, shifters and vampires ... but still certain things still need to ring true
Definately worth a read really couldt put this love storey down.
It's not your Kick-ass strong female lead that you see me reading a lot of but this is a tender storey of a woman fleeing from an abusive relationship who finds herself in need of rescue and falls into the lives of Three shifters who have broken from their pack to form a new life.
The world building is good and the character building is amazing
Really loved everything about this but execially that she didnt fall straight out of an abusive relationship and straight into their beds which is why i normally dont read this type of book as it annoys me at how unrealistic that would be - Yeh i know reality check we are in a world of fiction with mages, shifters and vampires ... but still certain things still need to ring true
Definately worth a read really couldt put this love storey down.
December 11, 2021
Good but not exceptional
It was a classic story, nothing new or very original but still entertaining.
The story took place in a dystopian world where shifters lived on the fringes of big human cities, called the wilds.
The story told about Olivia, a woman who was abused by her fiancee. After years of abuses, she finally found the courage to escape and decided to go hide in the wilds but went in a car accident and got badly injured. She was saved by a wolf shifter, Gage, who discovered that she was her mate. Gage lived with two other hot men, Dylan and Knox, and there it is the beginning of this story...
Expect a FMC with PTSD but still kind with people, totally devoted hot male shifters, and an ex-fiancee who didn't want to let his prey escape. Classic like I told you.
To read between two epic series for relaxing.
It was a classic story, nothing new or very original but still entertaining.
The story took place in a dystopian world where shifters lived on the fringes of big human cities, called the wilds.
The story told about Olivia, a woman who was abused by her fiancee. After years of abuses, she finally found the courage to escape and decided to go hide in the wilds but went in a car accident and got badly injured. She was saved by a wolf shifter, Gage, who discovered that she was her mate. Gage lived with two other hot men, Dylan and Knox, and there it is the beginning of this story...
Expect a FMC with PTSD but still kind with people, totally devoted hot male shifters, and an ex-fiancee who didn't want to let his prey escape. Classic like I told you.
To read between two epic series for relaxing.
January 29, 2021
We never stop to think how our actions affect our future. And when humans kill all predators the response? Evolution. Instead of predatory animals populating the world, shifters emerge and live out in the wilds away from society.
Olivia needs to get away from her fiancée. She knows escaping to the city will let him find her, so she heads for the wilds to throw his bigoted mind off her trail for a while. Unfortunately regular wild animals live in the wilds too and a deer stops Olivia’s flight short.
Rescued and cared for by three wolf shifters Olivia feels as though maybe, just maybe everything they tell her could be possible. Gage, Dylan, and Knox are floored by the human they rescue but know they’ll never let her go or be hurt again.
When the unthinkable happens, the impossible blooms.
A Shifting Society is a shared world that Sterling Thomas sets off with thrills and that sweet romance that melts your heart. Get to know the town that looks after it’s own and get caught up in the magic!
Olivia needs to get away from her fiancée. She knows escaping to the city will let him find her, so she heads for the wilds to throw his bigoted mind off her trail for a while. Unfortunately regular wild animals live in the wilds too and a deer stops Olivia’s flight short.
Rescued and cared for by three wolf shifters Olivia feels as though maybe, just maybe everything they tell her could be possible. Gage, Dylan, and Knox are floored by the human they rescue but know they’ll never let her go or be hurt again.
When the unthinkable happens, the impossible blooms.
A Shifting Society is a shared world that Sterling Thomas sets off with thrills and that sweet romance that melts your heart. Get to know the town that looks after it’s own and get caught up in the magic!
January 30, 2021
Loved it
Destined to Hide is the first standalone in this shared world that Sterling Thomas and J. Kearston created.
This book has a bit of everything dystopian vibe, shifters of all kinds, vampires, and mages
Olivia is fleeing home from an abusive fiancée and heading towards the Wilds.
This story started out with heartache but ended in love. I can’t wait to read more from this world
Destined to Hide is the first standalone in this shared world that Sterling Thomas and J. Kearston created.
This book has a bit of everything dystopian vibe, shifters of all kinds, vampires, and mages
Olivia is fleeing home from an abusive fiancée and heading towards the Wilds.
This story started out with heartache but ended in love. I can’t wait to read more from this world
April 7, 2022
Not bad decent PNR 3.5 stars
It’s a decent easy read story. One I’ve read probably many times over tbh. It’s nothing new in terms of a mating book but it’s decently done but I just wish it had a touch more depth and less glossing level still a quick and easy read.
But just a TW the FMC is in an abusive relationship and we have some flashes of some situations she was put in. This didn’t bother me but someone who may have been in such a situation could find it triggering.
It’s a decent easy read story. One I’ve read probably many times over tbh. It’s nothing new in terms of a mating book but it’s decently done but I just wish it had a touch more depth and less glossing level still a quick and easy read.
But just a TW the FMC is in an abusive relationship and we have some flashes of some situations she was put in. This didn’t bother me but someone who may have been in such a situation could find it triggering.
April 14, 2021
2.5*. Not bad per say. Nicely written.
You just have to be in the mood for a fairy tale type of story where FMC escapes abusive fiancé and death to fall in love with 3 perfect shifters that lead the perfect life and that are perfect for her... so if you can stand all the perfection of this love story go for it!!!
You just have to be in the mood for a fairy tale type of story where FMC escapes abusive fiancé and death to fall in love with 3 perfect shifters that lead the perfect life and that are perfect for her... so if you can stand all the perfection of this love story go for it!!!
February 15, 2021
3.5 stars
December 21, 2021
3.5 stars
Want to read
June 15, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2022)! 🎁
December 22, 2021
This book does have TW. I liked it a lot and thought the guys were so sweet. She really comes into herself in this book and sees that she deserves better and became so strong to leave her life and do just that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2021
3.5 stars
I have read the previous works by Thomas and have really enjoyed her writing and stories. The writing is of the same quality so no complaints there.
Most importantly: this should include a trigger warning for domestic abuse! Please add this for those readers with this sensitivity because it does go into details of the abuse during flashbacks.
** SPOILERS BELOW **
In comparison to her other works, this one felt a bit more depressing because of the FMCs abusive relationship and I felt there were some weirdness a bit with the realities of the abuse. For example, she's been experiencing years of abuse and they are still only engaged? During the flashback of the first time she experienced abuse was shortly after they got engaged and he apparently apologized and treated her better. You think if this guy found a girl to take his abuse and was sticking around he would have married her to further trap, guilt, and shame her into staying with him. Then she talks about how she never would go to the hospital to avoid the suspicious stares of the workers but is concerned when she gets an xray that guys will know how much abuse she suffered. But there are not many broken bones you can ignore and not go to the hospital to get treated. Also, bones take years to heal so how long were they actually engaged and was she suffering the abuse? I'm not doubting it happened or that it wasn't bad but some of these things called into question how realisitc of a timeline was created amd pulled me out of the story.
I liked that the guys were so good to her and didn't fight their mate bond feelings. Her reasons for staying with them instead of leaving make sense. But these flash backs happened so often that I felt pretty down and depressed reading them and hearing all these details of the abuse she faced. I maybe I just wasn't emotionally ready for reading this book and I may pick it back up later, but I DNF'd at 38%. It was pulling me too low. If this isn't an issue for you, I imagine you'll enjoy the story because the writing and idea here are great.
I have read the previous works by Thomas and have really enjoyed her writing and stories. The writing is of the same quality so no complaints there.
Most importantly: this should include a trigger warning for domestic abuse! Please add this for those readers with this sensitivity because it does go into details of the abuse during flashbacks.
** SPOILERS BELOW **
In comparison to her other works, this one felt a bit more depressing because of the FMCs abusive relationship and I felt there were some weirdness a bit with the realities of the abuse. For example, she's been experiencing years of abuse and they are still only engaged? During the flashback of the first time she experienced abuse was shortly after they got engaged and he apparently apologized and treated her better. You think if this guy found a girl to take his abuse and was sticking around he would have married her to further trap, guilt, and shame her into staying with him. Then she talks about how she never would go to the hospital to avoid the suspicious stares of the workers but is concerned when she gets an xray that guys will know how much abuse she suffered. But there are not many broken bones you can ignore and not go to the hospital to get treated. Also, bones take years to heal so how long were they actually engaged and was she suffering the abuse? I'm not doubting it happened or that it wasn't bad but some of these things called into question how realisitc of a timeline was created amd pulled me out of the story.
I liked that the guys were so good to her and didn't fight their mate bond feelings. Her reasons for staying with them instead of leaving make sense. But these flash backs happened so often that I felt pretty down and depressed reading them and hearing all these details of the abuse she faced. I maybe I just wasn't emotionally ready for reading this book and I may pick it back up later, but I DNF'd at 38%. It was pulling me too low. If this isn't an issue for you, I imagine you'll enjoy the story because the writing and idea here are great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2021
I saw this recommended somewhere and decided to give it a go! Thank you whoever you are or I might have missed this gem of a book! Olivia thought she had found her forever love, her HEA but tried colours come out and instead she was living her worst nightmare. Stay and die or run? She finds the strength to run and who knows? Her HEA may be out there waiting!
A fantastic storyline that gripped me from page 1, plenty of romance and steam. Also packed with plenty of drama and excitement. Great world building and superb writing, I absolutely adored this story and will be reading it over and over. An outstanding story I loved it!
Merged review:
I saw this recommended somewhere and decided to give it a go! Thank you whoever you are or I might have missed this gem of a book! Olivia thought she had found her forever love, her HEA but tried colours come out and instead she was living her worst nightmare. Stay and die or run? She finds the strength to run and who knows? Her HEA may be out there waiting!
A fantastic storyline that gripped me from page 1, plenty of romance and steam. Also packed with plenty of drama and excitement. Great world building and superb writing, I absolutely adored this story and will be reading it over and over. An outstanding story I loved it!
A fantastic storyline that gripped me from page 1, plenty of romance and steam. Also packed with plenty of drama and excitement. Great world building and superb writing, I absolutely adored this story and will be reading it over and over. An outstanding story I loved it!
Merged review:
I saw this recommended somewhere and decided to give it a go! Thank you whoever you are or I might have missed this gem of a book! Olivia thought she had found her forever love, her HEA but tried colours come out and instead she was living her worst nightmare. Stay and die or run? She finds the strength to run and who knows? Her HEA may be out there waiting!
A fantastic storyline that gripped me from page 1, plenty of romance and steam. Also packed with plenty of drama and excitement. Great world building and superb writing, I absolutely adored this story and will be reading it over and over. An outstanding story I loved it!
November 22, 2020
Loved this! I really liked that it was the humans that were all savage in the way that they behaved, instead of the shifters. I liked the variety of shifters too and the explanation of the prey animals dying out causing a void that needed filled and this caused an evolutionary event that creates shifters.
Olivia is great, damaged from years of abuse but still strong enough to plan an escape and enact it.
I adored her men. Usually Gage would have been my favourite (the grumpy one) but that went to Knox. He was such a sweetheart. Each has depth of character and distinct personalities that can sometimes be missing in RH books. Another winner from Sterling Thomas, thanks for having me beta read. Always a great experience
Olivia is great, damaged from years of abuse but still strong enough to plan an escape and enact it.
I adored her men. Usually Gage would have been my favourite (the grumpy one) but that went to Knox. He was such a sweetheart. Each has depth of character and distinct personalities that can sometimes be missing in RH books. Another winner from Sterling Thomas, thanks for having me beta read. Always a great experience
July 26, 2021
I think this is only my second time reading reverse harem. I read Finding My Pack by Lane Whitt some years ago, and I remember being impressed because each of the men had distinct personalities so I could easily distinguish between them.
The author tries to give the three males distinct personalities too, but because it's written in first person, their thoughts all sound the same. It is much harder to give various characters a unique voice, and that is why I think reverse harem shouldn't be done in first-person multiple POV or indeed, first-person at all. I don't understand why all the newer indie authors love first-person so much. It is a very very difficult POV to work with.
So, if it were not for the chapter headings telling me which male's head I was in, I really couldn't have figured it out. This is a huge drawback for the book and one reason why it is three stars.
Another reason for the average rating is because of the plot. It's so very very predictable that her ex would find her, of course, and also where or how he would find her, once we can see how things are unfurling. I was hoping that Gage would work out his issues with his past, so that the story wouldn't just be focused on Olivia's issues alone, but the author missed the chance to do that. Gage tells Olivia about his parents and how he left his father's pack, he admits he's still messed up, but he doesn't deal with it. The story would have been stronger if he had actually overcome his fears and come into his own, stepping into the mantle of alpha of their small pack. It would be like he and Olivia had helped each other to heal... but no, only Olivia heals in this story. It makes me think of Gage as weak, which I'm sure is not the impression that the author wanted to give.
I also thought that the big confrontation scene was an anti-climax. Shifters are supposed to be able to move much faster than humans, with quicker reflexes. They're also stronger than humans. Surely they would have been able to take those men down. It did not make sense to me that they would have rifles trained on them, but just do nothing and wait for Olivia to come out of the house and see it. Again, this made them look weak. Pretty poor protectors, if you ask me.
Finally, they're all worried because the human cops discovered Olivia's car the first time, but after the second incident no one mentions clean-up or what happened to the bodies?
I liked that they were gentle and careful of Olivia, and gave her space and time to heal. But, it was still a disappointing read.
The author tries to give the three males distinct personalities too, but because it's written in first person, their thoughts all sound the same. It is much harder to give various characters a unique voice, and that is why I think reverse harem shouldn't be done in first-person multiple POV or indeed, first-person at all. I don't understand why all the newer indie authors love first-person so much. It is a very very difficult POV to work with.
So, if it were not for the chapter headings telling me which male's head I was in, I really couldn't have figured it out. This is a huge drawback for the book and one reason why it is three stars.
Another reason for the average rating is because of the plot. It's so very very predictable that her ex would find her, of course, and also where or how he would find her, once we can see how things are unfurling. I was hoping that Gage would work out his issues with his past, so that the story wouldn't just be focused on Olivia's issues alone, but the author missed the chance to do that. Gage tells Olivia about his parents and how he left his father's pack, he admits he's still messed up, but he doesn't deal with it. The story would have been stronger if he had actually overcome his fears and come into his own, stepping into the mantle of alpha of their small pack. It would be like he and Olivia had helped each other to heal... but no, only Olivia heals in this story. It makes me think of Gage as weak, which I'm sure is not the impression that the author wanted to give.
I also thought that the big confrontation scene was an anti-climax. Shifters are supposed to be able to move much faster than humans, with quicker reflexes. They're also stronger than humans. Surely they would have been able to take those men down. It did not make sense to me that they would have rifles trained on them, but just do nothing and wait for Olivia to come out of the house and see it. Again, this made them look weak. Pretty poor protectors, if you ask me.
Finally, they're all worried because the human cops discovered Olivia's car the first time, but after the second incident no one mentions clean-up or what happened to the bodies?
I liked that they were gentle and careful of Olivia, and gave her space and time to heal. But, it was still a disappointing read.
January 30, 2021
Destined to Hide by Sterling Thomas is an engaging reverse harem paranormal romance. The author introduces readers to Olivia, a young woman who has found herself in a dire situation. Her fiance is not the person that she once thought that he was. He's out of control and she only has two choices - run away, or stay and remain at his mercy until he crosses the ultimate line of which there is no return. So...she runs. Life is different with the emergence of shifters, vampires and other paranormal creatures after what all humans have done to the world. Now the question is...can Olivia get far enough away? And what will she do when she meets three men who say that she's their mate?
Destined to Hide is a gripping story that I truly did enjoy. Olivia has been through a lot so I'm happy that in the beginning she takes the necessary precautions to try and get away. Of course, I'll admit that I got annoyed with her when she does something truly foolish that, while it lands her in the arms of her mates, it was a stupid risk to take nonetheless. I mean, when you're on a backroad, and it's unfamiliar, AND at night...one would think that caution is a given. Olivia literally throws caution to the wind, because she's feeling free and it costs her. Granted, we had to have a means of her and the men crossing paths, but it annoyed me nonetheless that she did something so dumb.
I'd classify this book as a slow-burn romance. Olivia has obviously been through a lot, and since she's human, the three men who find her understand that she's not going to be fully onboard with how they do things as shifters. So they give her time, space, and work hard to show her that they are there to care for her and not hurt her. I like the pace, and I love the build-up as well. The build-up of the romance and the build-up of the tension are both what really make this book hard to put down. The author makes sure that readers never fully forget that the ex is out there and he's not one to let something that he believes "belongs" to him go.
This is a standalone novel, and so you get the full story wrapped up at the end, and then a teaser of the next characters to come. I really enjoyed this book, and it's written really well. So I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Destined to Hide is a gripping story that I truly did enjoy. Olivia has been through a lot so I'm happy that in the beginning she takes the necessary precautions to try and get away. Of course, I'll admit that I got annoyed with her when she does something truly foolish that, while it lands her in the arms of her mates, it was a stupid risk to take nonetheless. I mean, when you're on a backroad, and it's unfamiliar, AND at night...one would think that caution is a given. Olivia literally throws caution to the wind, because she's feeling free and it costs her. Granted, we had to have a means of her and the men crossing paths, but it annoyed me nonetheless that she did something so dumb.
I'd classify this book as a slow-burn romance. Olivia has obviously been through a lot, and since she's human, the three men who find her understand that she's not going to be fully onboard with how they do things as shifters. So they give her time, space, and work hard to show her that they are there to care for her and not hurt her. I like the pace, and I love the build-up as well. The build-up of the romance and the build-up of the tension are both what really make this book hard to put down. The author makes sure that readers never fully forget that the ex is out there and he's not one to let something that he believes "belongs" to him go.
This is a standalone novel, and so you get the full story wrapped up at the end, and then a teaser of the next characters to come. I really enjoyed this book, and it's written really well. So I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
August 2, 2021
This was actually really good. I have had bad luck lately with books, so I took a few days off reading, and here I am.
This book has scenes describing and/or talking about different types of abuse, it was a little triggering for me, and I thought I wouldn't be able to finish it because it did gave me anxiety in a few parts, but those were just like 2-3 parts, and I usually can't finish books that give me anxiety, but for some reason I was able to finish this one. it something to keep in mind.
Let's unpack just a little bit, shall we? We have Olivia, who has endure abuse from her fiance for a while, so she escapes and suddenly ends up with these 3 shifters, and crazy enough, they are her mates.
So this books is an easy might reading, if you want something that will take your mind off things and won't make you think too hard (not theories, too many characters etc) then, this books is for you
Olivia is meh, she is not the weakest character but not the baddest of them all. She is strong an resilient, but pretty basic in my opinion.
Her mates...meh. there is something that this book did not have which I loved, and that is one of the love interest (or mates) that hated the MFC and mistreated her, in a borderline abusive way. LOVED THIS, I'm S I C K of author romanticizing abusive/toxic relationships, is probably my biggest pet peeve in books.
So, i wanted something entertaining and easy to read, and this delivered. Will i read the rest? I don't know, I'm not in love with the characters, but I might read it when I want a light reading.
This book has scenes describing and/or talking about different types of abuse, it was a little triggering for me, and I thought I wouldn't be able to finish it because it did gave me anxiety in a few parts, but those were just like 2-3 parts, and I usually can't finish books that give me anxiety, but for some reason I was able to finish this one. it something to keep in mind.
Let's unpack just a little bit, shall we? We have Olivia, who has endure abuse from her fiance for a while, so she escapes and suddenly ends up with these 3 shifters, and crazy enough, they are her mates.
So this books is an easy might reading, if you want something that will take your mind off things and won't make you think too hard (not theories, too many characters etc) then, this books is for you
Olivia is meh, she is not the weakest character but not the baddest of them all. She is strong an resilient, but pretty basic in my opinion.
Her mates...meh. there is something that this book did not have which I loved, and that is one of the love interest (or mates) that hated the MFC and mistreated her, in a borderline abusive way. LOVED THIS, I'm S I C K of author romanticizing abusive/toxic relationships, is probably my biggest pet peeve in books.
So, i wanted something entertaining and easy to read, and this delivered. Will i read the rest? I don't know, I'm not in love with the characters, but I might read it when I want a light reading.
November 12, 2021
So, for me, this book got a solid rating of 4 stars. Why not 5? Yeah, that's the question.
The story was good. I liked the characters. I really felt the struggle of Olivia. But for me, it's important, how I felt during reading and with what a feeling I'm left behind in the end. And that's what was lacking. Even though, I liked the book. I enjoyed the story, including the fun scenes and all. I could get into all the feelings, and I liked the way Sterling Thomas writes. But the story didn't blow my mind. I couldn't get into it from the start. I made breaks and end up doing other stuff.
And that's not a good sign for me, when I behave this way. That means, the book lacks something for me. Even, if I can't place what. I assume it has to do with the slow build up and that essentially nothing fascinating happens till 65-70 % of the book. It makes it uninteresting, even if it's well-written and still I can feel the problems/emotions of the characters and the environment.
The final part of the book was amazing. I really was happy when Matt got what he deserves. And they all got their happy ever after. But still, I can't change the feeling of something's lacking.
I don't fault the author or the story. Why I give the book still the 4 stars. I wished, too, that the epilogue was longer. But that's the only thing I can blame the author for. ;)
The story was good. I liked the characters. I really felt the struggle of Olivia. But for me, it's important, how I felt during reading and with what a feeling I'm left behind in the end. And that's what was lacking. Even though, I liked the book. I enjoyed the story, including the fun scenes and all. I could get into all the feelings, and I liked the way Sterling Thomas writes. But the story didn't blow my mind. I couldn't get into it from the start. I made breaks and end up doing other stuff.
And that's not a good sign for me, when I behave this way. That means, the book lacks something for me. Even, if I can't place what. I assume it has to do with the slow build up and that essentially nothing fascinating happens till 65-70 % of the book. It makes it uninteresting, even if it's well-written and still I can feel the problems/emotions of the characters and the environment.
The final part of the book was amazing. I really was happy when Matt got what he deserves. And they all got their happy ever after. But still, I can't change the feeling of something's lacking.
I don't fault the author or the story. Why I give the book still the 4 stars. I wished, too, that the epilogue was longer. But that's the only thing I can blame the author for. ;)
March 6, 2021
This was a nice read IF you take out the shifter part of the storyline. I’m honestly not sure if this author understands the persona of shifters but I dont think she grasped it. Or, I just didn’t like her version. I felt like when it was time for the shifters to protect the girl, they didn’t do anything and seemed super weak. Yet, throughout the whole book it was “I will never let anything hurt you” and the typical over protectiveness that I love with shifters.
I felt there were some moments where things felt a little disconnected as well. One thing that really bothered me was the injury Olivia gets on her calf. It’s stated she has over 20 stitches to the wound and it’s wrapped and hurt to barely touch it....yet she wears skinny jeans? I would think they would be way too tight on her injury. Also, her head injury which also took 20 stitches just disappears. I dont like when small details just disappear like that.
The characters were decent. Olivias character does a great job of having the strength to heal from what she’s been through. The men are all slightly different but we don’t get too much on them besides basics. I think the book could have also been a little longer to be able to give us some better character moments.
I felt there were some moments where things felt a little disconnected as well. One thing that really bothered me was the injury Olivia gets on her calf. It’s stated she has over 20 stitches to the wound and it’s wrapped and hurt to barely touch it....yet she wears skinny jeans? I would think they would be way too tight on her injury. Also, her head injury which also took 20 stitches just disappears. I dont like when small details just disappear like that.
The characters were decent. Olivias character does a great job of having the strength to heal from what she’s been through. The men are all slightly different but we don’t get too much on them besides basics. I think the book could have also been a little longer to be able to give us some better character moments.
April 7, 2024
I went into this book with semi high hopes. I read rhe reviews, liked the description, and overall was excited to start reading. I was liking the main character throughout most of it, she was a bit stereotypical and of course had no actual flaws but I was willing to look past that. Then once I got somewhere around chapter 33 I came across a scene that made me want to scream. I'll be vague to prevent spoilers, but she gets mad and starts setting boundries, he triggers her, and ... this is a romance book so I think you can figure out what happens next. It absolutely kills my love for a book when what's supposed to be a really emotional scene and a chance to show that a characters a real person who gets angry and has more emotions than childlike happiness or traumatized responses is cheapened and derailed in such a random and honestly kind of stupid way. If you don't want to make your characters have real necessary conversations that's fine, it makes for a crappy book, but whatever. But don't dangle the possibility of a angry important scene that's going to strengthen the relationship of the characters in front of my nose only to rip it away. All in all this story delt with the fmc trauma very well, however I wished that characters relationships/personalities were more complex.
February 7, 2021
When Olivia started dating Matt, she had no idea what kind of abusive jerk her fiancé is. Now, after long time of mental and physical abuse, there is one single opening she can take to run away from him. She takes her chances, but ends up in car accident and is injured. Saved by three wolf shifters, Olivia is getting acquainted with the shifter community and reintroduced to normal life by the best men possible - her mates. But the constant threat of Matt finding her spoils the carefree moments all the time..
Typical RH paranormal (shifter) romance, but nicely written and enjoyable as a light read. The FMC has been through very hard times, and even though naturally affected by the constant abuse, she did not break fully under the circumstances, finding the inner strength to fight back and slowly even admit to herself she has a chance to live normally again, to enjoy life. Her three men are all different and with their own flaws, but complementing each other and Liv in the best possible way.
Could be read as standalone.
Typical RH paranormal (shifter) romance, but nicely written and enjoyable as a light read. The FMC has been through very hard times, and even though naturally affected by the constant abuse, she did not break fully under the circumstances, finding the inner strength to fight back and slowly even admit to herself she has a chance to live normally again, to enjoy life. Her three men are all different and with their own flaws, but complementing each other and Liv in the best possible way.
Could be read as standalone.
February 13, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "DESTINED TO HIDE"
This is my first book by this author Sterling Thomas who a creative story that pulls you right in from beginning to end its intriguing intense drama, abuse, angst, steamy scenes, twists that have you turning the pages.
Olivia has had enough of being both psychically & mentally abused by her ex Matt when circumstances present themselves escapes her life but ends up in an accident & injured.
Gage, Knox & Dylan are Wolf Shifters out for a run when they come across an injured Olivia not only that she's human & their mate they left their pack to start a new one & new life they take her with them.
Olivia takes her time getting to know her guts taking things slow gaining strength not letting Matt take everything from her he didn't break her & the hits are very patient with her gaining her trust.
I definitely recommend to get this excellently written unique book so we'll worth the read it won't disappoint I look forward to more books from this author I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This is my first book by this author Sterling Thomas who a creative story that pulls you right in from beginning to end its intriguing intense drama, abuse, angst, steamy scenes, twists that have you turning the pages.
Olivia has had enough of being both psychically & mentally abused by her ex Matt when circumstances present themselves escapes her life but ends up in an accident & injured.
Gage, Knox & Dylan are Wolf Shifters out for a run when they come across an injured Olivia not only that she's human & their mate they left their pack to start a new one & new life they take her with them.
Olivia takes her time getting to know her guts taking things slow gaining strength not letting Matt take everything from her he didn't break her & the hits are very patient with her gaining her trust.
I definitely recommend to get this excellently written unique book so we'll worth the read it won't disappoint I look forward to more books from this author I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
April 22, 2022
A Shifting Society is an incredible shared world whose stories are all set in a fabulously created world and I loved every part of it! In this intriguing series, Sterling Thomas delivers back to back stories featuring amazing world development, dynamic diverse characters and well paced plots that are packed full of action, excitement and tons of hot steamy scenes and romances that ignite!!!
Destined to Hide was a super fantastic intense ride that captured tons of emotions and totally immersed you in the life of Olivia and her three fated mates: Gage, Dylan and Knox. Olivia was trapped in a life of lies and felt forever destined to be alone and scared. Until fate intervenes and puts her in the path of a pack of delicious shifters that show her how much more to life there is. I absolutely loved how their relationships developed and how they all helped her heal and uncover the strength she always had.
Overall if you’re a fan of paranormal, shifter RH romances that are well developed and interconnect with each other—this is the series for you and the book to start with!
Destined to Hide was a super fantastic intense ride that captured tons of emotions and totally immersed you in the life of Olivia and her three fated mates: Gage, Dylan and Knox. Olivia was trapped in a life of lies and felt forever destined to be alone and scared. Until fate intervenes and puts her in the path of a pack of delicious shifters that show her how much more to life there is. I absolutely loved how their relationships developed and how they all helped her heal and uncover the strength she always had.
Overall if you’re a fan of paranormal, shifter RH romances that are well developed and interconnect with each other—this is the series for you and the book to start with!
February 11, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a fantastic start to a new series!! Set in a world where shifters, vampires, and more are known to exist but separate for the most from the humans. Humans stay in the big cities and the rest live in the outskirts as well as the wild. Olivia is a human that has been trapped in a very abusive relationship. She finally works up the courage to run so she takes off when she gets the chance. Things don't go so well though when she ends up in a huge wreck that leaves her stranded as well as injured. Three shifters save her only to discover that she is their mate. That's when the slow relationship building starts as they have to gain her trust. Makes for a great read as the story progresses that pulls you in making it hard to put the book down. A perfect read for fans of paranormal reverse harem. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What a fantastic start to a new series!! Set in a world where shifters, vampires, and more are known to exist but separate for the most from the humans. Humans stay in the big cities and the rest live in the outskirts as well as the wild. Olivia is a human that has been trapped in a very abusive relationship. She finally works up the courage to run so she takes off when she gets the chance. Things don't go so well though when she ends up in a huge wreck that leaves her stranded as well as injured. Three shifters save her only to discover that she is their mate. That's when the slow relationship building starts as they have to gain her trust. Makes for a great read as the story progresses that pulls you in making it hard to put the book down. A perfect read for fans of paranormal reverse harem. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews