Andromeda's Fall

Shadowcat Nation #1

by Abigail Owen

Andie is being hunted. To survive she needs a mate.

Andromeda Reynolds is being hunted. After witnessing her mother’s violent death at the hands of a pack of wolf shifters, Andie has devoted her life to protecting her community of cougar shifters from a similar fate. But now, a greater threat lies within her own Dare, and she must run. If she stays, Kyle Carstairs will force their mating, seeking the added political power their union would provide.

Andie would rather chew off her own foot than end up with Kyle. Though, knowing him, she won’t live long either way. Andie’s only hope of survival is to mate Jaxon Keller, the Alpha of the Keller Dare with which she is seeking asylum. But before she can get to him, Andie must first go through A.J., one of the Alpha’s Protectors.

What Andie doesn’t realize is that A.J. has secrets of his own. All she knows is that the incredibly frustrating shifter insists on challenging her story, her skills, her trust…and her heart.

*Originally published in 2014 with a different cover, this story has undergone a re-edit. Scenes were added, things were changed, but the kissing still remains!

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published February 23, 2013

About the author

Abigail Owen is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and International bestselling author of 30+ books that range from upper YA (18+) epic romantasy to new adult modern mythic romantasy to super spicy adult paranormal romance. She loves magical worlds with plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs!

Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.

Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.

Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.

Reviews

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Fated Stars



Andromenda's fall was an awesome shifter book. I really enjoy Shifter reads but I have not read many cougar shifter books so this one has a bit of a different feel to it. I liked the paranormal world layout. Andromeda was awesome. She was sassy, totally badass, strong, and stubborn. She could hang with the big boys no problem. Andie made a great mate for Jaxon. Jaxon was great too. He was sexy, sweet, loyal, and the alpha for his dare. This book was a clean book as in no detailed sex, but there was plenty of passion and relationship build up. So it lacked nothing in the romance department. Jaxon and Andie made a great alpha pair and couple. I loved Andie's friend Zac. He intrigued me. I would love to see Zac get his own HEA. Especially after the little vision Sarai got at the end of the book. It totally whet my appetite and now I'm dying to know what is going to happen. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves sexy shifter books with lots of action and sassy heroines!



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[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
'Andromeda's Fall' by Abigail Owen is book one in the "Shadowcat Nation" series.
This is the story of Andromeda Reynolds and " A.J".
Andie is running from a alpha male who wants to mate with her for more power. Andie goes to the compound where AJ catches her 'breaking' into his compound. There he agrees to let her see his 'alpha' but she has to past some test first. Andie knows that their alpha is possible the only one that can keep the male alpha that is hunting her down from her though marriage and mating. But the more Andie does these test and gets to know AJ she know he is hiding something.
I did enjoyed this book and can't wait for book two to read about the next couple.

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[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andie and Jaxon were a passionate pair and totally suited for one another! They’re both strong confident characters with well-developed personalities. I also liked their circle of friends. Diverse thinking with interesting input kept the story rolling and it was fun to see a female lead actually outshine the male.

[Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was like, the cutest thing ever. Though I can't pinpoint what exactly was cute about it. But when I think back on it, that is the word that comes to mind.
It was a short, nothing awfully complex, straight forward read.

I liked Andromeda.
She was brave and good.
Bad-ass tomboy but all woman.

Jaxon was love.
Very Alpha, mate comes first, you know the type.
Extremly yummy. ;)

The only thing that bugged me was that in the beginning, it kinda felt like I'd started in the middle of the story, not as much build. Though I think there is a reason for that, probably a spin-off series or something? But yeah, that's it, the only relatively bad thing 've got say.

I would like to get my hands on Zac and Sarai's story next. :D
3.5 "the moon and the stars" stars

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting reading with lovely characters. I will read more by this writer.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I love it!!!
***I received a complimentary copy for an honest review

The cover is breathtaking, and she looks at fierce as she sounds in the book.

The author had me from the first page. She grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. I totally connect with her writing style, and of course I totally love shifters :) Her book is not the typical shifter book because all shifters do not get along. It is more like real predators because they try to hunt each other for territory. I thought this was cool and a first for me; it reminds me of Big Cat Diaries on tv.

This book is action packed. There was not a moment where I thought anything was boring which rarely happens if ever. This book does not have the major sex scenes, so those who usually shy away from shifter books containing these scenes will love this book too.

Andie is awesome because she doesn’t take shit from anyone and can hold her own. I love her snarky attitude and quick wit. She is feisty and reminds me of a big cat because she is always evaluating threats and looking for openings or escape routes for fight or flight.

Jaxon (AJ) is interesting and keeping Andie in the dark about who he is, but she has strong suspicions that he is the alpha. I love his protector instincts and his personality.

The secondary characters seem really cool and I’m definitely going to be reading more from this author because I want to see more of these characters :) OMG, I want the next book NOW!!! I love finding great new to me authors :) Abigail did an epic job of closing out the book, but leaving a hook for the series that isn’t a cliffhanger but makes you want more right NOW :)

You have no idea how annoyed I was that I couldn’t read this book straight through because it was awesome from the get go :) I want a fated mate now…sigh!!

I highly recommend this book to all my shifter loving friends and paranormal fanatics because you will LOVE this book :)

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andromeda’s life has been full of pain, but she took heart from the brutal lessons she has learned and turned herself into a brilliant fight machine, in spite of her demure size. She has also dedicated her life to being both caring and protective of others. After seeing the worst in shifters outside her pack, her biggest fear is having to mate with the cruel and vicious Kyle Carstairs, her pack leader’s son. Death would be the better option and she almost gets her wish as she runs for the protection of the Keller pack and slips past their defenses only to land in the lap of A.J., a pack protector who has informed he she will be his mate. Is this out of the frying pan and into the fire? She needs to mate the ONLY cougar shifter able to take down Kyle, but she can’t even get an audience with him to plead her case. No denying A.J. does something for her, with the power and confidence he exudes, not to mention he is drop dead gorgeous, but Andie needs more, she needs Jaxon Keller, heart be damned. But A.J. has other plans and a few secrets of his own, but can her win her stubborn heart in time to save her from a fate worse than death? A battle is coming, cougar against cougar and it’s to the death…is there any way to stop it?

Abigail Owen has pulled another magical and magnetic tale from the glittering ideas that sparkle in her mind! Andromeda’s Fall is pure in your face romance, action and intrigue as one very feisty woman shows more courage and battle awareness than warriors twice her size and age. Andie has heart, she is warm, but tough and a true force to be reckoned with. A.J. knows something of this beautiful woman that he is not sharing, but his ability to do just what she needs is uncanny! I personally think he got off easy with his big REVEALS, but I’m glad he did! Great scenes, great humor, lots of attitude and patience, well-tested patience for some of the characters! Ms. Owen may not have invented the genre, but she sure does it proud!

I received this copy from Abigail Owen in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Shadowcat Nation - Book 1
Publication Date: December 10, 2014
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc
ISBN: 1628306602
Genre: PNR
Print Length: 260 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail Owen is an author that is new to me. I had no idea what to expect but I ended up being pleasantly surprised. The story was well written, enjoyable and engaging but it did have a couple of issues

Being the first book in the story, I understood the need for world-building, but there was a lot of it. The author has created a world where the shifters aren’t united but warring against each other for territory. This meant the species like the cougars, who tend to be loners, ended up getting brutally picked off one by one by the shifters that run in packs. This forced those species to band together for protection which isn’t as easy as it sounds since their instincts make them want to fight for dominance rather than work with each other for safety reasons. I thought this was an interesting way to go, but I did wonder how they kept the real world from finding out about shifters with all the fighting going on.

Andie finds herself on the run from her cougar Dare (what the cougar packs are called). The Dare itself had lots of issues and when the alpha’s son tried to force a mating with her, she fled. She had plans on where to go and who to get to help her but before she is able to act on them she has to win a place with the new pack.

I really liked Andie. She was one badass little cougar who was strong, smart and loyal. Raised to be a fighter and protector she had no problem taking care of herself and others. Her decision making was based on what was best for everyone else but there were times when she took this too far and found herself in trouble. What I didn’t like was her wishy-washyness and hesitation when it came to following through on her choices. This drove me freaking bonkers, especially as it’s what she wanted in the first place.

AJ was all alpha male. A born leader, he was decisive and strong. He pushed all my buttons in the right way. AJ had to win Andie, not force her to marry him. Andie would only consider mating for life if it was for the right reason– she wanted love, not duty.

One of my major problems with this book was the communication breakdown between AJ and Andie. Nobody was talking to anyone else, except for some mysterious seer who seemed to make matters worse. This is not a trope I enjoy. Add to that the fact that some of their actions made no sense to me, especially during the showdown at the end. There were events that appeared to be included to set up the next book.

There was lots of shifter politics and action that kept me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. Because of this even with the issues, I did enjoy the book and read it in one sitting.

4 Enjoyable Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews

[Jaideep Khanduja · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Book Review: Andromedas Fall by Abigail Owen: When The Option Is Between You And Your Love

Andromeda's Fall written by Abigail Owen is an heart throbbing Adult Panoramal Romance fiction that has been released on 25th February 2014 and is going great guns all across the globe. So if you are 18+, believe in love, trust in romance and like to read Adult Panorama; this book is definitely for you to grab and delve into. Abigail Own is an award-winning author who was born in Greeley, Colorado. Later she moved to Austin, Texas. Currently Abigail lives in Northern California and her husband and two lovely children around whom her whole world revolves.

Addiction to books was quite apparently visible very early. She gradually grew a passion to explore the world around her by means of her writing, which grew powerful with each page she wrote. Imagination is a superb tool she has acquired to make her stories stronger and interesting.

The story of Andromeda’s Fall written by Abigail Owen is about Andie Reynolds, the lead character of her story. Andie gets hurt by the brutal and violent death of her mother at the hands of some arrogant bunch of wolf shifters. She generates a huge amount of courage in herself so as to come out with a singular motive of saving her cougar shifters community to avoid them meeting the same end as her mother’s. Somehow her mission gets weakened when she has to fight with herself so as to stay away from Kyle Carstairs. But at this juncture both situations seem painful and unavoidable to Andie.

With very few possibilities in hand and with no time left to think much, Andie decides to risk her own life rather than of someone she loves more than her; and takes a call to fight against all odds.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked with Abigail Owen for the Here Kitty Kitty short story anthology. All the stories are paranormal romance tales, involving shape shifters. Big, feline shape shifters to be exact. Owen’s short story in the collect, Hannah’s Fate, is one of my favourites in the collection. Her chosen big kitty shifter was the mountain lion.
In Andromeda’s Fall, the Shadowcat Nation series comes alive again with its first novel length instalment. Hannah’s college friend, A.J. Reynolds from the Carstairs Dare, Andromeda or Andie as she is also affectionately called, meets Jaxon Keller. He is the Alpha cat of the Keller Dare.
Andromeda, having escaped the sinister Kyle and Walter Carstairs from the Carstairs Dare, seeks asylum in the Keller Dare. She’s a powerhouse, having fought to make a place in a volatile, male dominated world. Unusually skilled in combat, security and war tactics she’s a desirable addition to any dare. Plus she’s quite a prize, for any big cat. But Andromeda has been forced into a vulnerable position when she seeks Jaxon’s help.
Jaxon is a patient, protective sort, ever watchful of this new world they are building. He is the quintessential ‘real man’, one who only shows his complete dominance when it is necessary. Boy that’s rare and man that’s hot! This quality puts him in contrast with the weasel like Carstairs men, who rule their dare by fear and intimidation. I won’t reveal too much of the story, as it is worth the read.
The paranormal world building is pretty good. I love the Shadowcat Nation concept. The references to Native American terminology and folklore aren’t too shabby either. I like the mystical element behind this world. My only criticism is that I would have liked more of that Native American mysticism and folklore.
That might just be me, as I just love it when magic and history intermingle. But the mountain lion characters in this story are in the throes of setting up their world, coming to grips with what they are and how they will now all live.
The fact is, it is a new world. As is regularly pointed out in the story, cougars are solitary animals. So, living in dares isn’t natural for them. They have been forced into pack life for the purposes of survival. So the politics of living in a group, accepting an Alpha to lead them, how the different dares are led, etc., are interesting elements within the story.
Though I love most paranormal stories, I’m partial to shifters. I find the conflict between pure animal instincts and modern human natures fascinating. Shape shifting cougars, by their animal natures are these solitary, secretive, felines. Their animal natures give them a need to mate, even if just for a season. But the human part of them, and the paranormal/magical element brings about a desire to mate, even marry for life.
A big of extra magic comes about when shifters who are classed as Kuharte are mentioned. Kuharte are those shifters with special powers/abilities. It is Shadowcat Nation law that each dare can only have one Kuharte. The Keller Dare has a healer; the Carstairs Dare has a Seer. The Seer receives visions of the future, those who are destined to mate, who is fated to be with whom, etc.
The strongest element of the story is definitely the romance. Abigail Owen comes up with all kinds of magical, yet relevant excuses for her characters to get together. When she throws in her world building skills, some character building, and makes good use of the paranormal/shifter genre the result is a consistent, engaging story where the romance really rules.
I like Abigail Owen’s, concise writing style. I admit that although I wouldn’t mind a bit more mystical/folklore history, the way she presents her story keeps it flowing. It’s very clear what is happening, you can see it all before your eyes. It’s easy to visualise the setting, the combat, the injuries, and of course the loved up, heated scenes. There’s one particular ‘hazy’ scene that is rather sexy.
Romance rules in this story, as I said. You have the couple with their dual animal/human natures, the magical element, the situation they are thrown into in order to be together, plus there is the heat. I think, in an adult paranormal romance story, that super-heated attraction is a necessary aspect. Andromeda’s Fall is hot without resorting to over the top eroticism.
I’m not squeamish when it comes to the saucy stuff. But there are times, especially in this genre, when it is overused. There is such a thing as balance in a story. Otherwise, the world building, even the romance between the characters takes a back seat. A story that most likely wasn’t intended to be erotica turns out to be…well….really bad erotica. And that’s just a shame. Andromeda’s Fall is a strong, hot romance, intended for grown-ups.
Much like Owen’s Svatura Series, this is a world I am interested in. I want to know what will happen to the Shadowcat Nation, how these new mountain lion dares are going to survive when they have to compete with other animals who are accustomed to living in packs or dares. Plus, one of my favourite characters in Andromeda’s Fall is going to be involved in the next one. I just know it! She’s an ambitious lady, Abigail Owen, she’s taken on quite a lot over the next few months but I hope she gets going with her Shadowcat Nation writing soon.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let her lion roar

I enjoyed this take on shifters and the society the author has built. I love how she focused on the cats with a side of bear and wolves, I love the big cat shifters. This book was lite on the steam, but the romance was in full supply and it made for an excellent read. Throw in the action of the story creating an exciting story that was the perfect beginning of a series. I can’t wait to read the next book and see where the author takes her characters.

[Shontelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a 2.75

This book really annoyed me! I was loving the beginning, the MCs were both kinds of characters I like and it was a classic Alpha mate story. However, where it went wrong was:
a. the smut was fade to black which COME on! Why?
b. the use of 'catty' female side characters for no reason after the MCs had gotten together. Just pointless and so behind the times.
c. a little insta lovey towards the end.

But mostly I am annoyed because it was fade to black.

[Solmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. This is the first book I have read by Abigail Owens and it most certainly wont be the last! From the first chapter I was hooked. Andromeda's Fall had mystery, intrigue, betrayal, romance, a sassy heroine who can kick butt and of course sexy shifters. Who can pass up on that?

Andromeda Reynolds (aka Andie) was running from her cougar shifter dare. After a failed attempt by the alpha's son, Kyle Carstairs, to mate her by force she had no choice but to seek asylum with the Keller Dare. Hoping to convince the Keller alpha to mate and marry her she proceeds to show just how truly exceptional she is. A one woman army she just needs to get past AJ, one of the alpha's protectors to put her plan in motion. Only AJ has other ideas for the beautiful and daring cougar. What follows is an impressive battle of wills. There's a lot to say for stubbornness in this book.

First I can't say enough how much I loved Andie. She was a one woman wrecking crew with the skills to back it up and a smart mouth to keep things interesting. It was great seeing a female main character who was not only strong of mind but body as well. It was refreshing that she could stand on her own.

"Don't let my size fool you. I can pack a wallop when I want to. Even with a broken arm."

AJ took me a little bit of time. Not because I didn't initially like his character but because there seemed to be so many secrets surrounding him. He was definitely an alpha male but he had a sweet side as well. The author painted a believable world that kept my attention from start to finish. Honestly when I got to the end of the book I was disappointed because I wanted more.

I found the supporting characters just as enjoyable. They added depth to the story. I'm now anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this cover and am really curious about the Shadowcat Nation. It sounded different than the books I have read about shapeshifters and I am always on the lookout for a new slant on a familiar story.

The quick love is not a problem. They are "animals", so they don't waste any time. :-) I wish Abigail would have expanded on it a little bit more. Since blogging, I have come to enjoy learning more about the characters and why they do what they do.

Andromeda is a strong, kickass female. She's intelligent, fierce and a fighter, yet she likes the girlie girl things too. She can be a softie and is a big romantic.

I can relate to Andromeda's fight or flight feelings. Without training, I think I would be more reactive than proactive. Not so, Andromeda.

I thought I knew a lot of what would happen, but Abigail Owen threw in some curve balls that I didn't see coming. The wide variety of shifters made Andromeda's Fall a novel and original story for me. I mean a polar bear? Have you read of a polar bear shifter before?

The first time they made love drew a laugh from me and I love their snarky banter.

The big fight scene is fully developed and detailed. Even though I knew the winners, I was totally engrossed.

Sarai appears in physical form at the end and I can hardly wait to read her story.

Even if fated, can a person's choice change that?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Andromeda's story. Abigail Owen took a familiar storyline, added her twists and originality, making this a great story and hooking me on the series.

I received Andromeda's Fall by Abigal Owen in return for an honest review.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyle, heir to the Shadowcat Carstairs dare has been unsuccessful in two attempts to gain political advantage through a forced mating of a fated couple. During a business visit, Kyle tried his charms on Hannah Kellor, sister of Jaxon, alpha of Kellor dare but she escaped with help from an old college friend, Andromeda Jaci 'AJ' Reynolds. AJ soon had to flee for her own life in the same circumstances.

Heading for asylum with the Kellor dare, AJ doesn't want to rely on her past with Hannah. She wants to succeed on her own merit or marry the alpha if she has to and introduces herself as Andie. But one of Jason's over protective confidants, AJ, is fascinated, intrigued and determined to have Andie for his own.

Luckily AJ easily arranges a series of tests to determine Andie's mental and physical capabilities for the Kellor dare. With retaliation expected from the Carstairs dare, the tests for the Kellor dare, rogue wolf packs picking off shifters in the area and worry over the family and friends left behind, Andie wonders if she should utilize her back up plan instead since AJ's distracting her from her goal.

This fast paced, paranormal, adventurous romantic suspense tale worked on multiple levels for this reader. The likable leads, quickly established unique world building for the shifters making a solid foundation to build on. While the read concluded satisfactorily a couple of threads remained to make this reader anticipate some of the great secondary characters get their own HEA's.
Rating: 4.5stars

[Karma♥Bites ^.~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

(★★★½) Rounded up b/c well-written & intriguing WB/concept.

OK, my friend gets bragging rights this week b/c despite my SP-avoidance these days, she kept insisting that I try Andromeda's Fall by NTM author, Abigail Owen. But she loses a point or two b/c this was *not* an erotic PNR―at least, to me. (IDK where she got that idea. Hmmm, deliberate attempt to pique my interest or do I need to have a quiet sit-down w/ her? ^.~)

This was a quick, enjoyable read―not completely original re: storyline/conflict but interesting PNR world w/ really good characterisations & enough variety for layered dynamics. Loved the way Ms. Owens handled the romance aspect of the story. And given only 1 on-page 'steamy' sex scene whilst rest was either fade-to-black or off-page, I would be comfortable mentioning Andromeda's Fall to a wide range of readers―from my nieces in late teens and up.

Definitely planning to read the next book whenever it comes out. In meantime, I would rec this to some others but alas, seems that Ms. Owen has pulled this book for later re-release w/ a specific publisher. Hopefully, that won't delay book #2 too much.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This made for a decent shifter romance. It was predictable, and similar to many other books in this genre, but it flowed well for the most part. I liked that the heroine wasn’t a pushover. I do feel its way over priced at its current listing price of $4.99. It was an ok book, nothing great, but this is not a series I personally continue.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing amazing, but I think it was worth the two hours spent reading it. I'll look into more from this author for sure.

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a great escape for anyone looking for yummy cougar shifters and sigh-worthy romance!

[Romance4thebeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

YAASSSS! Another addictively gripping series from Abigail Owen that will suck you in and leave you wanting even more!

I think I could tell from about page 2 that I was going to love this book. The story line kicks off right away with a break-in and a fabulous burst of sexual tension. Sure enough, I couldn’t put this one down, and finished it pretty much in one sitting. Abigail Owen manages to draw you into her unique world of shifters, bitter rivalries and delightful romance with a sexy male and empowering female lead.

The author never fails to present us with a courageously strong female lead in her novels, and this one definitely knows how to pack a punch. She may be on the run from the leaders of her dare, or cougar pack, but she knows how to survive. She seeks out the leader of another dare, and unbeknownst to her, she meets him upon first entering his compound.

Jaxon has his reasons for keeping his true identity as alpha of the Keller dare a secret from the bewitching female who literally rolled her way into his compound. However, as they spend more time together he can’t deny the attraction they both feel for one another which extends beyond lust. He’s finally met someone who can hold her own seemingly against anyone, even a powerful cougar alpha such as himself, and he quickly finds himself to be quite the smitten kitten.

There were two different aspects of this book where I would have liked just a smidge more substance than what was presented to us. Very minor though. Firstly, some more background info concerning the men Andie was on the run from would have been nice. It’s very clear they are harsh and terrible leaders, but a bit more about their history with the dare, and Andie’s own interactions with them would’ve been good. Although I think this may have been touched upon in a previous anthology that I haven’t read yet!

The second aspect of the story where I was just hoping for more was the sex! But I’m weird like that, so I could see how others would enjoy the tamer sexual side of this novel. Andie and Jaxon have unbelievable chemistry, and we do get a few passionate details about their exploits beneath the sheets. However, I would have liked at least one scene where we could really see their inner animals let loose. Rawwwr!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's obvious the author has never been in a real fight, or even trained for one, but other than that the writing style is good, and it absorbs you (unless you're distracted by the fighting). My advise, though it may not be read or headed, is to avoid details in the fight scenes. Fight scenes are difficult to write, and I've yet to find an author who writes a detailed fight scene well. The best ones I've read kept the details short but had a fighting style they based the one or two moves that they actually put in detail down. The author who did the most detailed (yet still vague) scene did it with a ton of research and hands-on application. Part of the reason why they're difficult is because they're fast. The average fight - outside of a boxing ring or other entertainment venue - is less than 30 seconds, and the winner is usually determined in the first 7. And a side note for your future books - because despite the criticism, you should totally write another - fancy moves are so rare in actual fights that they're non-existent. Skip the backflips, the charge the front-twist around the back attacks that defy physics, and the other crap you see in movies or demos (fancy, coordinated fight scenes) and stick to the basics. Maybe take a class and experience it in real life - Martial arts classes are usually fun, good workouts, and a way to join a community of people who are just awesome. Because reading a fight scene that would get you killed in real life just jars me out of the book and sends me to goodreads to write this.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently signed up to Abigail Owen's newsletter and received three free novellas. One of these was the first or rather prequel to the Shadowcat Nation series. I really enjoyed it so I thought that I'd give the rest of the series a go. I recently came across a boxed set of the books from Wild Rose Press at a special price. As I'm not reading them all in one go, I'm going to review them as individual books, rather than the boxed set.
This time we meet A.J/ Andie, who has gone to her best friend from college, who lives in a rival dare. First, she runs into another A.J. who she will have to win over before she can meet the rest of the dare. She has had to escape her own dare to avoid being forced to mate with the alpha's son. She wants the protection from the alpha of the Keller dare, but first, she needs to earn their trust.
I really enjoyed this read, it's fairly quick, but that is in part because I didn't put it down once I'd started. I liked both Andie and A.J. and I liked how they grew in trust towards one another and the way that he accepted her capabilities and what she could do. This is about an alpha style man, but not one who isn't man enough to recognise when he's met not only his match but also his equal.
As I said before, I'm going to read these books at different times, not one after the other, honest I am, I will be reading something else before the next one...maybe...

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read her Fire's Edge and Inferno Rising series before I read this, so I was prepared for this to be a little less polished, being older and all. Well, boy was I off. This shows the same strong character and world building, not to mention amazing storytelling ability that all her other series show.

Andie and Jaxon quickly became favorite characters of mine. Both young and spunky, but also with very deep senses of responsibility. As with all her stories, there was a multitude of emotions to be felt and a boatload of action to be had. And there is enough storyline that it's clear that I'll be moving through the books rapidly to see what's happening next.

Abigail Owen is the consummate storyteller, and don't let her tell you otherwise. What a treat she is, each and every time she chooses a subject to put to words. Shadowcat Nation is proving no different.

So Excellently Done, Abigail Owen! So excellently done indeed.

[Alexandra II the nine lives of my library · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can see that this author will write a wonderful book but this one was not the best for a couple of reasons. It was too short so it was really dense. Like I needed to see more development and action before they fall head over heels for each other. Of course, it was a good choice to bring in the Seer so it’s a guy falls first. I love those. But still, if if were a 100 pages longer it would have been perfect.
I’m not sure if I want to continue on with this series to be honest. It’s short but shifters aren’t really my favorites.

[Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good uneventful read. I rated 3 stars becase I was expecting it to have more action/ romance involved like her Dragon Series books. It seem the romance was a bit bland too and the reasons for not acknowledging their feeling were immature. The nemesis didn’t show up until the last 25 %of the book which in it self baffles me since its the reason Andromeda left her pride. I will not continue with this series.

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an Alpha read!

Both Jaxon and Andie definitely fit easily into the Alpha role! They were made for each other! Jaxon even manages to bring out the woman in Andie! And on top of the romance, this is quite an exciting story! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Fatimama · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good shifter book. Quite safe as no mention of ow/om even though both H/h are experienced as they are shifters.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly good shifter romance. Fade to black, which I wasn't expecting but some may be looking for since it seems rare in the genre.

[Maida (Medley of Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 'Fated' HEARTS!

[Melisa Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st of the series and it doesn't disappoint!

This series goes off with an awesome Hero and the one woman (kicka$$ Shero) that steals his heart before he knows what's happening.