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The Blackmane Pack #1
Tempting Visions
Kiva
Mothers are always right. If I’d listened to mine, I wouldn’t be here now, limping, starved, staring at the swollen banks of a river as my only hope of escape. “Mate for safety,” she’d said. “Wolves like us don’t get to mate for love.” I’d rejected the safe match, and oh, how I’d suffered for it. Love. Such a flimsy concept. There was no love for blessed wolves like me. Only packs that saw our value and wanted to horde our Goddess-given gifts for themselves. If I come out on the other side of this river, if I survive this, this I swear: no one will ever know about my gift, ever again. That way lies only bloodshed, and my paws are red enough.
Liam
Intruder. Interloper. Mate. But this half-starved excuse for a wolf is hiding something, something dangerous. I won’t risk my pack and their safety for some feral she-wolf, Moon Goddess’ plans be damned. Except the doctor confirms she’s a Blackmane by blood, one of us. I have to find something to charge her with, some reason I can keep her locked up until I figure out her secret. It doesn’t help that I’m inventing excuses to see her, to talk to her. This female is clouding my mind, my judgment, and it infuriates me like nothing else. And I want her like I’ve never wanted someone in my entire life.
This series features one couple per book with a guaranteed HEA.
Mothers are always right. If I’d listened to mine, I wouldn’t be here now, limping, starved, staring at the swollen banks of a river as my only hope of escape. “Mate for safety,” she’d said. “Wolves like us don’t get to mate for love.” I’d rejected the safe match, and oh, how I’d suffered for it. Love. Such a flimsy concept. There was no love for blessed wolves like me. Only packs that saw our value and wanted to horde our Goddess-given gifts for themselves. If I come out on the other side of this river, if I survive this, this I swear: no one will ever know about my gift, ever again. That way lies only bloodshed, and my paws are red enough.
Liam
Intruder. Interloper. Mate. But this half-starved excuse for a wolf is hiding something, something dangerous. I won’t risk my pack and their safety for some feral she-wolf, Moon Goddess’ plans be damned. Except the doctor confirms she’s a Blackmane by blood, one of us. I have to find something to charge her with, some reason I can keep her locked up until I figure out her secret. It doesn’t help that I’m inventing excuses to see her, to talk to her. This female is clouding my mind, my judgment, and it infuriates me like nothing else. And I want her like I’ve never wanted someone in my entire life.
This series features one couple per book with a guaranteed HEA.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2021
926 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Ryder
8 books34 followersAlexa has been a fan of all things steamy since babysitting for a Harlequin romance writer in her teens. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, this Southern girl has some stories to tell. An only child and predominantly homeschooled, she spent most of her time reading. It was only natural that she turned to writing stories of her own. Alexa has debuted with her Panthera Chronicles series, following a clan of panther shifters through their sexy misadventures.
Alexa enjoys reading, writing, crafting, playing violin, cuddling with her three dogs, Finnick, Cooper, and Kyla, and playing some good old-fashioned role-playing games, whether tabletop or console.
Alexa enjoys reading, writing, crafting, playing violin, cuddling with her three dogs, Finnick, Cooper, and Kyla, and playing some good old-fashioned role-playing games, whether tabletop or console.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 10, 2024
This was fun but had some issues. Still I will read the rest of the series when the author finishes it because I liked the characters and the story was somewhat unpredictable.
This is a world where shifters are secret but it seems pretty darn unlikely. Just exercise your 'suspension of disbelief'.
There are wolves and then there are occasionally 'Goddess blessed' wolves who have special gifts, usually of the psychic variety. It is a genetic thing so you have to be born to someone who is already blessed. Kiva's power is foretelling the future and she has been hunted and captured several times in the past. At the start of the book she is just managing to escape years of imprisonment only to be fished out of the river by the pack that lives next door.
The new pack (The Blackmanes) are pretty suspicious of her for days and keep her locked up in the infirmary.
Now her history with the previous pack was just awful and as other reviewers have mentioned. It's not really dealt with effectively. WARNING HERE->
The alpha of the Blackmanes, Liam, is of course, her mate. He resists it at first because he thinks she's some kinda femme fatale. Pfft. It was entertaining and sucked me right in though.
Turns out this was her mother's pack and so she not only finds her mate, but also her father and brother. Brother dearest was a bit of an ass though and never actually apologizes to her for being a dick head. But I liked his mate, Chloe.
All the characters were interesting and not perfect. Kiva seems to live her life like she's on a surf board, just trying to stay balanced and live another day.
The story falls into 3 or 4 parts. The beginning where she is taken in by the Blackmanes, and then she gets kidnapped. I skimmed a fair bit of that part though. She is rescued but the rescue wasn't well thought out, so they end up captured by another pack again. Then the story winds up with them getting home again and her having a baby with Liam.
I liked Liam. He was alpha but not an alpha-hole. He had the cojones to apologize when he was in the wrong.
There's talk about her changing the role of Goddess Blessed wolves so that they can live safer lives. The Goddess even shows up at one point to give her a mission.
Anyways, I quite enjoyed this one despite it's odd pacing and meandering plot.
I would love to read about this mission, but it will have to wait till the books are written. This one was fairly unpredictable which was a pleasant surprise. The safety is good except for her back story.
There are some dark parts of the story and I hear the next book gets darker.
But in the end there's a very brief epilogue where
This is a world where shifters are secret but it seems pretty darn unlikely. Just exercise your 'suspension of disbelief'.
There are wolves and then there are occasionally 'Goddess blessed' wolves who have special gifts, usually of the psychic variety. It is a genetic thing so you have to be born to someone who is already blessed. Kiva's power is foretelling the future and she has been hunted and captured several times in the past. At the start of the book she is just managing to escape years of imprisonment only to be fished out of the river by the pack that lives next door.
The new pack (The Blackmanes) are pretty suspicious of her for days and keep her locked up in the infirmary.
Now her history with the previous pack was just awful and as other reviewers have mentioned. It's not really dealt with effectively. WARNING HERE->
The alpha of the Blackmanes, Liam, is of course, her mate. He resists it at first because he thinks she's some kinda femme fatale. Pfft. It was entertaining and sucked me right in though.
Turns out this was her mother's pack and so she not only finds her mate, but also her father and brother. Brother dearest was a bit of an ass though and never actually apologizes to her for being a dick head. But I liked his mate, Chloe.
All the characters were interesting and not perfect. Kiva seems to live her life like she's on a surf board, just trying to stay balanced and live another day.
The story falls into 3 or 4 parts. The beginning where she is taken in by the Blackmanes, and then she gets kidnapped. I skimmed a fair bit of that part though. She is rescued but the rescue wasn't well thought out, so they end up captured by another pack again. Then the story winds up with them getting home again and her having a baby with Liam.
I liked Liam. He was alpha but not an alpha-hole. He had the cojones to apologize when he was in the wrong.
There's talk about her changing the role of Goddess Blessed wolves so that they can live safer lives. The Goddess even shows up at one point to give her a mission.
Anyways, I quite enjoyed this one despite it's odd pacing and meandering plot.
I would love to read about this mission, but it will have to wait till the books are written. This one was fairly unpredictable which was a pleasant surprise. The safety is good except for her back story.
There are some dark parts of the story and I hear the next book gets darker.
But in the end there's a very brief epilogue where
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
Randomly decided to jump into this last night because I couldn't fall asleep. Long story short, eventually fell asleep after finishing this book. Need the second one in my hands now.
February 11, 2023
Important parts completely ignored
two characters were obviously raped and it wasn’t even addressed. Gareth’s head is so far up his own ass and full of self righteous resentment. He doesn’t even try to understand the HORRORS his sister went through bc he’s so focused on his abandonment issues. And no one seems to understand that she literally was raped for years??!!! It’s just glossed over.
two characters were obviously raped and it wasn’t even addressed. Gareth’s head is so far up his own ass and full of self righteous resentment. He doesn’t even try to understand the HORRORS his sister went through bc he’s so focused on his abandonment issues. And no one seems to understand that she literally was raped for years??!!! It’s just glossed over.
November 10, 2021
I LOVED IT
I was browsing the kindle store and stumbled onto this gem! AND OMG I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND IT. I loved this book.
I was browsing the kindle store and stumbled onto this gem! AND OMG I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND IT. I loved this book.
June 22, 2024
I was debating 3 or 4 stars. And I was pretty close to 4. But then i realized I was frustrated with two things
1. There was no real closure on her other pups
2. Her relationship with her brother felt unfinished. He was playing the victim a lot and never really did he show empathy for the things Kiva endured. And there is no final conversation where this happens. Feels unfinished.
Otherwise... the romance was good. The story was really good. I felt the climax with Trix was a bit shallow...probably would have been good to have like a chapters point of view with Tyler to see where she hurts him (not fully but to experience the horror of what she does)... I mean there are chapters where Tyler's POV is shown but it didn't prelude at all to what actually happened to him. Felt a bit out of the blue.
Good book. I'd recommend it but a 4 or 5 star would mean I'd read it again. And I very doubt that I will.
1. There was no real closure on her other pups
2. Her relationship with her brother felt unfinished. He was playing the victim a lot and never really did he show empathy for the things Kiva endured. And there is no final conversation where this happens. Feels unfinished.
Otherwise... the romance was good. The story was really good. I felt the climax with Trix was a bit shallow...probably would have been good to have like a chapters point of view with Tyler to see where she hurts him (not fully but to experience the horror of what she does)... I mean there are chapters where Tyler's POV is shown but it didn't prelude at all to what actually happened to him. Felt a bit out of the blue.
Good book. I'd recommend it but a 4 or 5 star would mean I'd read it again. And I very doubt that I will.
March 18, 2022
This is a new author to me & this enthralling shifter romance is somewhat different to the other shifter romances that I have read and to be quite honest this book really grabbed my attention within the first few pages. The plot is filled with suspenseful jaw-dropping situations/events that are well-described. The main characters have complex personalities & react with realistic emotions to the unconventional circumstance they find themselves in. the secondary characters offer good support throughout the storyline.
There is: a strong-willed female white wolf shifter (Kiva) determined to make her own way even at the cost of her life, a male alpha wolf (Liam) of the “Blackmanes” wolf pack discovers what the heart wants cannot be denied, a despicable wolf pack (Dusk Chasers), oracles, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, adventure, action, mystery, secrets, deceit, betrayal, physical abuse, emotional turmoil, danger, threats, enemies, vulnerability, suspicions, distrust, violence, conflict, danger, threats, protectiveness, some steam, contentment & a hard-earned, satisfying conclusion.
There is: a strong-willed female white wolf shifter (Kiva) determined to make her own way even at the cost of her life, a male alpha wolf (Liam) of the “Blackmanes” wolf pack discovers what the heart wants cannot be denied, a despicable wolf pack (Dusk Chasers), oracles, twists & turns, intrigue, suspense, drama, adventure, action, mystery, secrets, deceit, betrayal, physical abuse, emotional turmoil, danger, threats, enemies, vulnerability, suspicions, distrust, violence, conflict, danger, threats, protectiveness, some steam, contentment & a hard-earned, satisfying conclusion.
January 8, 2023
It started well with h who has special skills and although the H knows she's his mate, he doesn't trust her at all. She's wounded, isolated and doesn't trust him or anyone. So it started well but the plot became increasingly odd and I'm still not sure if I liked it much. Too many plot devices for me.
February 12, 2023
3.25 stars. Now this is going to be different. If the book wasn’t part of a series I would say it would have worked much better if it had been broken into a novella trilogy: part 1 she integrates into Blackmane, part 2 she integrates into something Paw, part 3 the circus that is Doom Fang. As a single novel, though, it just felt like it wandered ALL OVER. Kiva is a gifted wolf and because of this has been on the run her whole life. First she was with her mother in the woods then she was sex trafficked. One day she escaped her cage and came upon a new pack Blackmane and hijinx ensues.
What worked for me: 1) The male voice/pov of Liam. It was pretty spot-on in terms of sounding like a male voice. 2) I liked the concept of what the author was trying to do. Breaking it up into lessons Kiva learned made intellectual sense, even if the execution was rough.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The female pov. It was pretty shallow and unrealistic. 2) Pet peeve—y’all know I hate this-rape as a plot device. Now, I haven’t read book 2, but just reading the blurb looks like Tyler’s situation affected him way more and more appropriately than Kiva’s. Like, Kiva mourns her lack of normality and then boom, she bounces right back and quickly shifts to Empathy Emily. It was such a strange way of interpreting male/female reactions to similar situations. 3) Kiva’s character quick changes. “I’m going to leave for the good of the pack. No, we are stronger together. Okay I’m going to leave under threat, but never return or give notice. Oops, I was wrong, I am now going back to my pack.” Sheesh! She wasn’t developing character, she was flipping emotional switches that were plot driven. 4) The POV choices were strange. This author is clearly more comfortable with male POV because we get the story from not only Kiva’s POV, but also Liam’s, Daryth’s, Tyler’s, and I can’t remember if we get Derek’s or not. 1 female vs 3 or 4 males. I thought the introduction of Grace or Cleo would factor stronger, but the author completely shies away from female relationships/interactions altogether, as if she doesn’t know what to do with them. My only conclusions (and I’m not that imaginative, so decide what you will) are a) the author isn’t female but chose a female sounding pen name, b) the author was raised around boys exclusively c) the author is unfamiliar with how to write healthy female interactions d) the author is scared to write female interactions that aren’t mystical or professional (so they can guarantee boundaries? Idk 🤷🏻♀️.
Anyway, an interesting read, though a bit laborious for the above reasons. I may read book 2. I haven’t decided yet.
What worked for me: 1) The male voice/pov of Liam. It was pretty spot-on in terms of sounding like a male voice. 2) I liked the concept of what the author was trying to do. Breaking it up into lessons Kiva learned made intellectual sense, even if the execution was rough.
What didn’t work for me: 1) The female pov. It was pretty shallow and unrealistic. 2) Pet peeve—y’all know I hate this-rape as a plot device. Now, I haven’t read book 2, but just reading the blurb looks like Tyler’s situation affected him way more and more appropriately than Kiva’s. Like, Kiva mourns her lack of normality and then boom, she bounces right back and quickly shifts to Empathy Emily. It was such a strange way of interpreting male/female reactions to similar situations. 3) Kiva’s character quick changes. “I’m going to leave for the good of the pack. No, we are stronger together. Okay I’m going to leave under threat, but never return or give notice. Oops, I was wrong, I am now going back to my pack.” Sheesh! She wasn’t developing character, she was flipping emotional switches that were plot driven. 4) The POV choices were strange. This author is clearly more comfortable with male POV because we get the story from not only Kiva’s POV, but also Liam’s, Daryth’s, Tyler’s, and I can’t remember if we get Derek’s or not. 1 female vs 3 or 4 males. I thought the introduction of Grace or Cleo would factor stronger, but the author completely shies away from female relationships/interactions altogether, as if she doesn’t know what to do with them. My only conclusions (and I’m not that imaginative, so decide what you will) are a) the author isn’t female but chose a female sounding pen name, b) the author was raised around boys exclusively c) the author is unfamiliar with how to write healthy female interactions d) the author is scared to write female interactions that aren’t mystical or professional (so they can guarantee boundaries? Idk 🤷🏻♀️.
Anyway, an interesting read, though a bit laborious for the above reasons. I may read book 2. I haven’t decided yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
2.5 stars.
It's alright . Very much in the vein of Indie PNRs ( the kind you see facebook ads for). The story did telling more then showing and felt really long and drawn out and at times the characters felt a bit juvenile and surface level. All in all, kinda just ok for me
It's alright . Very much in the vein of Indie PNRs ( the kind you see facebook ads for). The story did telling more then showing and felt really long and drawn out and at times the characters felt a bit juvenile and surface level. All in all, kinda just ok for me
November 22, 2025
Wolf Shifters/Fated Mates/Multi PoV 🐺
SYNOPSIS: The story is set in a world where shifters live alongside but hidden from humans. The FC, Kiva, is a blessed wolf which means she was gifted by the Mood Goddess with the powers of an Oracle. As a result she is sought after for her powers and from a baby she and her mother had lived off the land as rogues until her mother died. The story opens with Kiva escaping from the Dust Chaser pack where she had been kept caged in wolf form and fought over by the men for 3 years. Over that period she had given birth to 4 babies all of which had been taken from her. During her escape she was swept into the river and rescued by the Blackmane Pack. There she meets her fated mate, Liam, who is the alpha. The basis of the story is the attempt to keep Kiva safe from others who covet her gifts and to allow her to live her life with Liam.
HEAT LEVEL: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There’s some spice and hot scenes organic to the story and the developing relationship between Liam and Kiva which are not too heavy or graphic.
In summary this is an enjoyable shifter story with a pace that keeps gently moving along with sufficient action to retain the readers interest. Whilst there are references to violence and repeated rape of the FC these are not detailed and only mentioned briefly. There’s a degree of angst and drama but it is not drawn out. There is some basic world building but as this is a fated mates story the FC/MC relationship happens fast. Having said that there is still sufficient focus on the MC/FC’s nascent relationship to show how the feelings grow and the characters connect at an emotional level. There are some good secondary characters which adds depth to the story. The FC is strong yet kind despite her horrific backstory and the MC is the usual strong, stubborn, possessive alpha.
The main negative I had with the story is that it’s all very bitty. The story is like a series of individual, unconnected dramas - drama/solution, drama/solution. There’s a lack of strong story arc and any drama that occurs is quickly solved for. Despite the fact that the story starts strong and seems to revolve around keeping the FC safe from everyone who covets her gifts this concern seems to peter out and by the end of the book it’s as if everyone has forgotten that this was such a big issue and was sufficient for her mother to have run off with her as a baby. I also didn’t understand the point of all the babies the FC had and which she seemed happy to leave with women who one assumes knew how she was being treated but were happy to essentially take and keep another women’s baby. It left a bad taste in my mouth and it made no real sense that all these “gifted” babies were not more of a concern generally but certainly that their mother didn’t really seem to care. 🤷♀️
Overall this was a decent read in this genre to while away a few hours but not particularly a keeper.
SYNOPSIS: The story is set in a world where shifters live alongside but hidden from humans. The FC, Kiva, is a blessed wolf which means she was gifted by the Mood Goddess with the powers of an Oracle. As a result she is sought after for her powers and from a baby she and her mother had lived off the land as rogues until her mother died. The story opens with Kiva escaping from the Dust Chaser pack where she had been kept caged in wolf form and fought over by the men for 3 years. Over that period she had given birth to 4 babies all of which had been taken from her. During her escape she was swept into the river and rescued by the Blackmane Pack. There she meets her fated mate, Liam, who is the alpha. The basis of the story is the attempt to keep Kiva safe from others who covet her gifts and to allow her to live her life with Liam.
HEAT LEVEL: 🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆 There’s some spice and hot scenes organic to the story and the developing relationship between Liam and Kiva which are not too heavy or graphic.
In summary this is an enjoyable shifter story with a pace that keeps gently moving along with sufficient action to retain the readers interest. Whilst there are references to violence and repeated rape of the FC these are not detailed and only mentioned briefly. There’s a degree of angst and drama but it is not drawn out. There is some basic world building but as this is a fated mates story the FC/MC relationship happens fast. Having said that there is still sufficient focus on the MC/FC’s nascent relationship to show how the feelings grow and the characters connect at an emotional level. There are some good secondary characters which adds depth to the story. The FC is strong yet kind despite her horrific backstory and the MC is the usual strong, stubborn, possessive alpha.
The main negative I had with the story is that it’s all very bitty. The story is like a series of individual, unconnected dramas - drama/solution, drama/solution. There’s a lack of strong story arc and any drama that occurs is quickly solved for. Despite the fact that the story starts strong and seems to revolve around keeping the FC safe from everyone who covets her gifts this concern seems to peter out and by the end of the book it’s as if everyone has forgotten that this was such a big issue and was sufficient for her mother to have run off with her as a baby. I also didn’t understand the point of all the babies the FC had and which she seemed happy to leave with women who one assumes knew how she was being treated but were happy to essentially take and keep another women’s baby. It left a bad taste in my mouth and it made no real sense that all these “gifted” babies were not more of a concern generally but certainly that their mother didn’t really seem to care. 🤷♀️
Overall this was a decent read in this genre to while away a few hours but not particularly a keeper.
June 25, 2023
Surprisingly good.
This book is the story of an Alpha of a strong pack and his true mate, who is blessed by the moon-goddess with powers of sight (Oracle) and a world which covets it to death.
I try not to have expectations and go in with an open mind when I come across new-to-me authors. Especially while reading shifter books, because I've been burnt too many times.
But Tempting Visions was a story and a half. No. Literally. This could easily have been longer and I would have enjoyed it. Perhaps even more than I already did. There were events and sub-plots that would've done more for the overall arc given more text space. But I will admit it didn’t feel like the author was hurrying things—everything was there and sufficiently—just felt more like the words had to be limited and Alexa made best of that limit.
I am not going to judge this book harshly on little things because I really did enjoy the plot and the story. The writing was good too. The world building—enough. Only thing to add would be more depth and tension to escalate emotions. I have a feeling the next one would be exactly that.
This book is the story of an Alpha of a strong pack and his true mate, who is blessed by the moon-goddess with powers of sight (Oracle) and a world which covets it to death.
I try not to have expectations and go in with an open mind when I come across new-to-me authors. Especially while reading shifter books, because I've been burnt too many times.
But Tempting Visions was a story and a half. No. Literally. This could easily have been longer and I would have enjoyed it. Perhaps even more than I already did. There were events and sub-plots that would've done more for the overall arc given more text space. But I will admit it didn’t feel like the author was hurrying things—everything was there and sufficiently—just felt more like the words had to be limited and Alexa made best of that limit.
I am not going to judge this book harshly on little things because I really did enjoy the plot and the story. The writing was good too. The world building—enough. Only thing to add would be more depth and tension to escalate emotions. I have a feeling the next one would be exactly that.
March 26, 2022
Tempting Visions
The premise of the story is excellent but, frankly I felt as if I was reading the “The Perils of Pauline”. While I enjoyed the story I caught myself constantly going back to the contents page to see how much longer the story was. Kiva is a female wolf shifter who is also an oracle. The gift was given to her by the Moon Goddess as were other gifts to her mother and brother. Her mother had been a healer her brother is a “Soothsayer”. These “gifts” descended from the maternal side. Kiva ,as an oracle, was highly coveted. She had been taken by a pack and kept pregnant in her wolf form to produce as many “blessed” wolves as possible. She was also mistreated and abused. One night the wolves of this pack were fighting for dominance of the pack and left the cage she was kept in unlocked. She managed to escape and her road to freedom and love begins. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers.
The premise of the story is excellent but, frankly I felt as if I was reading the “The Perils of Pauline”. While I enjoyed the story I caught myself constantly going back to the contents page to see how much longer the story was. Kiva is a female wolf shifter who is also an oracle. The gift was given to her by the Moon Goddess as were other gifts to her mother and brother. Her mother had been a healer her brother is a “Soothsayer”. These “gifts” descended from the maternal side. Kiva ,as an oracle, was highly coveted. She had been taken by a pack and kept pregnant in her wolf form to produce as many “blessed” wolves as possible. She was also mistreated and abused. One night the wolves of this pack were fighting for dominance of the pack and left the cage she was kept in unlocked. She managed to escape and her road to freedom and love begins. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers.
April 26, 2022
More Than I Expected
I’ve read a lot of books in this genre and, after awhile, there’s more similarities than differences. This story gave me a lot more complex story than most.
The overall story led to an expected ending (it was labeled as HEA) while delivering some unexpected twists. Part way through I thought I was about to see the normal female protagonist runs away to save someone. I was pleasantly surprised to see the story take a different tact.
The character development is great and the world view is nicely described. The map at the beginning helped a little, but the narrative did the heavy lifting.
This was an enjoyable read and a book I can recommend. The story set up a number of possibilities for other books in the series.
I’ve read a lot of books in this genre and, after awhile, there’s more similarities than differences. This story gave me a lot more complex story than most.
The overall story led to an expected ending (it was labeled as HEA) while delivering some unexpected twists. Part way through I thought I was about to see the normal female protagonist runs away to save someone. I was pleasantly surprised to see the story take a different tact.
The character development is great and the world view is nicely described. The map at the beginning helped a little, but the narrative did the heavy lifting.
This was an enjoyable read and a book I can recommend. The story set up a number of possibilities for other books in the series.
June 30, 2024
I felt like there was a lot of dark themes that just weren’t given the level of exploitation needed.
The MFC is raped at the age of 12, and then spends 3 years being brutalized and passed around multiple men before meeting her mate. She has seemingly no lingering trama from this, and doesn’t even have a real conversation about any of it, with anyone.
There was also very little conversation or emotion around her 3 children. We never get a discussion about if she would like to meet them, or see them at least. No one talks about checking on them outside of a single inner dialog from the MMC where he wants to make sure that they go to “good packs, especially the girl”. We never even learn their names.
The MFC is raped at the age of 12, and then spends 3 years being brutalized and passed around multiple men before meeting her mate. She has seemingly no lingering trama from this, and doesn’t even have a real conversation about any of it, with anyone.
There was also very little conversation or emotion around her 3 children. We never get a discussion about if she would like to meet them, or see them at least. No one talks about checking on them outside of a single inner dialog from the MMC where he wants to make sure that they go to “good packs, especially the girl”. We never even learn their names.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
I liked how this book began. The author wrote the desperation for escape very well.
I did not like that this was a "fated mates" story, yet the Alpha locked her up for 2 weeks out of distrust.
It was also slightly unbelievable that wolves couldn't smell the familial connection between Kiva, Garyth and Derek.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I didn't really feel the chemistry between Kiva and Liam.
It took a long time for me to trudge through this.. so I will not be reading the next or finishing this series.
This was not entertaining for me.
I did not like that this was a "fated mates" story, yet the Alpha locked her up for 2 weeks out of distrust.
It was also slightly unbelievable that wolves couldn't smell the familial connection between Kiva, Garyth and Derek.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I didn't really feel the chemistry between Kiva and Liam.
It took a long time for me to trudge through this.. so I will not be reading the next or finishing this series.
This was not entertaining for me.
February 17, 2023
Interestingly Different
In some parts it made me think of the book 'Matefinder' but not so much. Really didn't care how Kiva was treated so horrendously since the age of 13 and especially by the Dust Chasers. Then to suffer even more through such a painful loss. OMG, yeah, ugly crying through that section. Bug time. There are loads of triggers folks, loads.
The story though and finding her mate Liam and embracing her power, man what freaking journey.
I wanted so much more, but am happy for her HFN ending because that's how it seems to me.
On to the next! #HappyReading 💖
In some parts it made me think of the book 'Matefinder' but not so much. Really didn't care how Kiva was treated so horrendously since the age of 13 and especially by the Dust Chasers. Then to suffer even more through such a painful loss. OMG, yeah, ugly crying through that section. Bug time. There are loads of triggers folks, loads.
The story though and finding her mate Liam and embracing her power, man what freaking journey.
I wanted so much more, but am happy for her HFN ending because that's how it seems to me.
On to the next! #HappyReading 💖
April 2, 2022
absolutely loved this book
I’ve was brought up by her mother away from packs, she lived most of the time in the woods ,she had the gift of sight she was an oracle once her mother died she was forced to become a part of a pack of wolves who wanted her to have cubs so they could use them once they came into their powers, one day she manages to get away and nearly dying ,she then finds Liam and their story begins ,this book is a must read if you love shifter books
I’ve was brought up by her mother away from packs, she lived most of the time in the woods ,she had the gift of sight she was an oracle once her mother died she was forced to become a part of a pack of wolves who wanted her to have cubs so they could use them once they came into their powers, one day she manages to get away and nearly dying ,she then finds Liam and their story begins ,this book is a must read if you love shifter books
August 16, 2022
Surprisingly good
I had been searching for something to read for awhile when I came across this one. I bought both books in the series hoping I wasn't making a mistake. Done that before! Kiva's story had me in some serious tears. Hoping she gets her happily ever after the whole time. I would've liked more of her gift development before it ended but Tyler story is up next so maybe Kiva's story doesn't just end seeing how they are pack and family.
I had been searching for something to read for awhile when I came across this one. I bought both books in the series hoping I wasn't making a mistake. Done that before! Kiva's story had me in some serious tears. Hoping she gets her happily ever after the whole time. I would've liked more of her gift development before it ended but Tyler story is up next so maybe Kiva's story doesn't just end seeing how they are pack and family.
November 16, 2022
Freedom
XXX! ADULT CONTENT, READER DISCRETION ADVISED. Kiva was abused in one of the most horrendous fashions. If you have a problem with rape, specifically group rape and long term sexual slavery. This book may not be for you. If you have issues with infant mortality, this book may not be for you. The ability for her to function after the he'll she escaped and the death of her child is impressive.
XXX! ADULT CONTENT, READER DISCRETION ADVISED. Kiva was abused in one of the most horrendous fashions. If you have a problem with rape, specifically group rape and long term sexual slavery. This book may not be for you. If you have issues with infant mortality, this book may not be for you. The ability for her to function after the he'll she escaped and the death of her child is impressive.
January 13, 2023
Perfect story line
If you're looking for something with the story line that's believable that has a great plot This is the book for you If you're looking for something that moves really fast but still kind of gets there but it developed the characters develops the plot it really is not predictable and I really enjoy that I found myself rooting for the characters rooting for their love lives and hoping that everything worked out for the best
If you're looking for something with the story line that's believable that has a great plot This is the book for you If you're looking for something that moves really fast but still kind of gets there but it developed the characters develops the plot it really is not predictable and I really enjoy that I found myself rooting for the characters rooting for their love lives and hoping that everything worked out for the best
March 9, 2023
DNF at 70%.. It sounded promising but the pacing was kind of all over the place. All of the conflicts were also resolved super quick and with no inconvenience. If the conflicts had more depth to them the book wouldn’t have needed so much extra shit to drive the plot forward.
*** spoiler ***
I also just usually dislike pregnancies in books unless they are done in a certain way. Would have found it decent for Wattpad, but I tend to have higher standards for published books.
*** spoiler ***
I also just usually dislike pregnancies in books unless they are done in a certain way. Would have found it decent for Wattpad, but I tend to have higher standards for published books.
June 5, 2024
This one was painful, to say the least. I wanted to get into it so badly, but I found the characters a bit lacking in different ways.
Liam is no alpha - plain and simple. He was quite dull.
Kiva went through hell and back, yet her trauma doesn’t last long when it comes down to tangle with yet another alpha; it didn’t seem realistic enough, the mentality behind it all.
The concept of the story remains intriguing, however.
Liam is no alpha - plain and simple. He was quite dull.
Kiva went through hell and back, yet her trauma doesn’t last long when it comes down to tangle with yet another alpha; it didn’t seem realistic enough, the mentality behind it all.
The concept of the story remains intriguing, however.
August 9, 2024
for me
This book was okay. The second half of the ending I didn’t like. It dragged on for forever. I was so sad *TRIGGER WARNING* of the SA of Tyler. I wish we got to see what happen the the MV other babies. I feel like they weren’t really mentioned much. They were very off handed. The book was very cliche until the end. I felt so bad for Tyler it really stuck with me. Very traumatic. I wish the author could have given the character motivation besides SA. The MC was SAed and now Tyler. Overall it was a less than average book for me. 2/5
This book was okay. The second half of the ending I didn’t like. It dragged on for forever. I was so sad *TRIGGER WARNING* of the SA of Tyler. I wish we got to see what happen the the MV other babies. I feel like they weren’t really mentioned much. They were very off handed. The book was very cliche until the end. I felt so bad for Tyler it really stuck with me. Very traumatic. I wish the author could have given the character motivation besides SA. The MC was SAed and now Tyler. Overall it was a less than average book for me. 2/5
October 5, 2024
5 Wows ~ Unspeakable things done to a young gifted she wolf.
Will she survive, be scared for life or be saved for a totally different life? Tissues needed. She was raised to run for her life and never let anyone know that she was gifted. After so much turmoil and pain she broke free. Did she run into people that will treat her worse than the last pack? A great story that has a happy ending. Love can be a life saver, or not. Bravo - Alexa Ryder. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Will she survive, be scared for life or be saved for a totally different life? Tissues needed. She was raised to run for her life and never let anyone know that she was gifted. After so much turmoil and pain she broke free. Did she run into people that will treat her worse than the last pack? A great story that has a happy ending. Love can be a life saver, or not. Bravo - Alexa Ryder. ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
March 29, 2022
So good!
This well written shifter romance about an abused female Oracle and the alpha she falls in love with was emotional and heartbreaking. The evolution of the characters and storyline made for a full experience. I hope to learn more about the 3 pups that were taken in future books.
This well written shifter romance about an abused female Oracle and the alpha she falls in love with was emotional and heartbreaking. The evolution of the characters and storyline made for a full experience. I hope to learn more about the 3 pups that were taken in future books.
May 10, 2022
Exciting and Well Written
Tempting Visions, book 1 of Alexa Ryder's The Blackmane Pack series is filled with excitement and wonderful characters. Being gifted can seem like a curse depending in the gift. Kiva spends a lifetime hiding her gift from others only to have them destroy her. Will fate change everything?
Tempting Visions, book 1 of Alexa Ryder's The Blackmane Pack series is filled with excitement and wonderful characters. Being gifted can seem like a curse depending in the gift. Kiva spends a lifetime hiding her gift from others only to have them destroy her. Will fate change everything?
September 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The beginning of this book irked me so bad that I almost quit reading it. The way the FMC was treated after her mate found her was disgusting. I stuck with it though and it got better. Not sure if I want to continue the series though. Tyler's book is up next and I am not his biggest fan to say the least.
The beginning of this book irked me so bad that I almost quit reading it. The way the FMC was treated after her mate found her was disgusting. I stuck with it though and it got better. Not sure if I want to continue the series though. Tyler's book is up next and I am not his biggest fan to say the least.
December 28, 2023
AYO TRIGGER WARNINGS: PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE, MENTION OF UNDERAGED RAPE, DEATH OF AN INFANT
Loads of trigger warnings and very dark themes, folks.
Kiva's story had me in some serious tears, but the ending was unsatisfactory. And the entire thing with her kids? I needed more closure with that and was put off by her lack of concern for them.
Loads of trigger warnings and very dark themes, folks.
Kiva's story had me in some serious tears, but the ending was unsatisfactory. And the entire thing with her kids? I needed more closure with that and was put off by her lack of concern for them.
March 18, 2022
5+ stars
I did not want to stop reading once I was able to sit down and read. Liam is the alpha of a pack and Kiva has had a hard life being an oracle. So much happens to them and others. I am looking forward to reading Tyler's story as he had a hard ending in this book.
I did not want to stop reading once I was able to sit down and read. Liam is the alpha of a pack and Kiva has had a hard life being an oracle. So much happens to them and others. I am looking forward to reading Tyler's story as he had a hard ending in this book.
March 26, 2022
Tempting Visions
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. Kiva is one strong female even though she's been abused. Liam is perfect for her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Holy shiznet!!! What a gr8 story. Kiva is one strong female even though she's been abused. Liam is perfect for her. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
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