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Severed Ties #1
Savage Rejections
I’ve been rejected. Twice.
One tore our sacred union apart in the unholiest of ways, which led to a decade of unfathomable torment.
The other saved me after I had escaped hell. He built me back up on the promises of love and a future only to walk away on the precipice of fulfilling our dreams.
Both times I should have been broken beyond repair.
And, for a brief moment, maybe I was.
Thankfully, my third mate Titus, an unexpected gift in my darkest hour, has chosen to remain at my side.
Now I’m back with a vengeance. Our current monarch is a twisted, tainted piece of scum that’s been dragging the dragon-shifters legacy through the mud. I’ll take the crown and fix what damage she’s sowed. Along the way, I will create enemies and place a target on my back, but I’m ready for a fight. I’ll show the world that Cleodora Eves is here to clean house.
And my mates? If they thought their rejections stung me, they better move out the way because my rejection may just burn…
This series is not suitable for people under 18 years of age. This is a reverse harem series which means Cleodora does not need to choose which man she wants to be with. There are explicit sexual activities, foul language, and discussion of human trafficking. Please proceed with caution.
One tore our sacred union apart in the unholiest of ways, which led to a decade of unfathomable torment.
The other saved me after I had escaped hell. He built me back up on the promises of love and a future only to walk away on the precipice of fulfilling our dreams.
Both times I should have been broken beyond repair.
And, for a brief moment, maybe I was.
Thankfully, my third mate Titus, an unexpected gift in my darkest hour, has chosen to remain at my side.
Now I’m back with a vengeance. Our current monarch is a twisted, tainted piece of scum that’s been dragging the dragon-shifters legacy through the mud. I’ll take the crown and fix what damage she’s sowed. Along the way, I will create enemies and place a target on my back, but I’m ready for a fight. I’ll show the world that Cleodora Eves is here to clean house.
And my mates? If they thought their rejections stung me, they better move out the way because my rejection may just burn…
This series is not suitable for people under 18 years of age. This is a reverse harem series which means Cleodora does not need to choose which man she wants to be with. There are explicit sexual activities, foul language, and discussion of human trafficking. Please proceed with caution.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
326 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 14, 2022
1 Star
For the life of me I can’t figure out who the target audience for this book would be. It had a very YA/NA feel, but it was too sexual to be either one of those. I also can’t think of even one single positive thing to say about this book.
We start with a prologue of how FMC was savagely rejected by her first mate. I mean savagely. She was tied down and drugged while the bond was cut out of her by a mage. Her mate did that to her and it was seriously brutal. There is no coming back from that. None. There is nothing in the entire universe that will make me forgive him for doing that to her. So to know that they will eventually reconcile? Inconceivable. It twisted up my stomach and cast a shadow over the entire rest of the book.
The second ‘prologue’ is how her second mate rejected her. It was also sad and messed up, but I guess he could be redeemed…I’m just not that forgiving of a person. He was a coward and now he’s undeserving of the mate he ruined. I don’t want them to fix this either.
I want her to savagely torch both of the mates who rejected her. I want her to bathe in their blood and laugh at their downfall. Instead she pines after them. Screw this book.
So the FMC has endured decades of torture and two mate bond rejections. She tries to be badass but she walks around hurting 24/7 and she just seems sad and broken. I was promised a strong, badass, evil bitch FMC and that is not even close to what I got when I read this story.
The writing was terrible. I mean, I’d be hard pressed to find a book with writing as bad as this. We are basically dropped into this world without any explanation or warning. There’s no build up or world building. She’s met all her mates, she only has one left, and in the first chapter she takes the dragon queen throne. Everything is glossed over. It was written as if we already knew what happened and this was the cliff notes version.
The sex scenes were really bad too. They weren’t sexy. They were short and quick and boring; they were practically ‘fade to black’. I didn’t feel any real emotions from the FMC towards her mate or vice versa. We don’t get to learn about these characters, it’s like we’re already supposed to know them. We don’t get to see any relationship building. The characters don’t have much personality either.
This story was stupid. It was written badly. I hated every bit of it.
For the life of me I can’t figure out who the target audience for this book would be. It had a very YA/NA feel, but it was too sexual to be either one of those. I also can’t think of even one single positive thing to say about this book.
We start with a prologue of how FMC was savagely rejected by her first mate. I mean savagely. She was tied down and drugged while the bond was cut out of her by a mage. Her mate did that to her and it was seriously brutal. There is no coming back from that. None. There is nothing in the entire universe that will make me forgive him for doing that to her. So to know that they will eventually reconcile? Inconceivable. It twisted up my stomach and cast a shadow over the entire rest of the book.
The second ‘prologue’ is how her second mate rejected her. It was also sad and messed up, but I guess he could be redeemed…I’m just not that forgiving of a person. He was a coward and now he’s undeserving of the mate he ruined. I don’t want them to fix this either.
I want her to savagely torch both of the mates who rejected her. I want her to bathe in their blood and laugh at their downfall. Instead she pines after them. Screw this book.
So the FMC has endured decades of torture and two mate bond rejections. She tries to be badass but she walks around hurting 24/7 and she just seems sad and broken. I was promised a strong, badass, evil bitch FMC and that is not even close to what I got when I read this story.
The writing was terrible. I mean, I’d be hard pressed to find a book with writing as bad as this. We are basically dropped into this world without any explanation or warning. There’s no build up or world building. She’s met all her mates, she only has one left, and in the first chapter she takes the dragon queen throne. Everything is glossed over. It was written as if we already knew what happened and this was the cliff notes version.
The sex scenes were really bad too. They weren’t sexy. They were short and quick and boring; they were practically ‘fade to black’. I didn’t feel any real emotions from the FMC towards her mate or vice versa. We don’t get to learn about these characters, it’s like we’re already supposed to know them. We don’t get to see any relationship building. The characters don’t have much personality either.
This story was stupid. It was written badly. I hated every bit of it.
February 21, 2022
It's actually a 4.5, I just really think Goodreads needs to implement a half-star system. I went into this predominantly blind and I was not disappointed in the least. I read the Disclaimer and while I wasn't disturbed some others may be and for that reason, I advise you to read the disclaimer prior to reading the book. I also redacted most character names used because why spoil it? that's not nice.
With all official business out the way...
I've had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC and I love it. I need to speak to someone about that cliffhanger that has left me aching for the release of book 2 when this hasn't even been released yet. I love our men, mind you, a certain male named *cough* "Ba-", I wanted to give you a piece of my mind but let me say, I'm warming up to you okay? Your determination is admirable.
Salem has authored other books and though this is my first for her, aside from the Severed Ties series of course, I will be reading more, 100%.
With all official business out the way...
I've had the absolute pleasure of reading this as an ARC and I love it. I need to speak to someone about that cliffhanger that has left me aching for the release of book 2 when this hasn't even been released yet. I love our men, mind you, a certain male named *cough* "Ba-", I wanted to give you a piece of my mind but let me say, I'm warming up to you okay? Your determination is admirable.
Salem has authored other books and though this is my first for her, aside from the Severed Ties series of course, I will be reading more, 100%.
March 14, 2024
Edit 2: lowering my rating a little. This is embarrassing so let's pretend this never happened lol.
Edit: Wrote this at like 2am lol. After sleeping, I realized I should have added that I don't see this book appealing to everyone, especially since it is missing some key things. It's one of those where you'll either love it or hate it, and it happened to be the perfect fit after scrambling for something to keep my attention this past week. Can't wait to start the next book though.
Original review:
4 stars for being exactlyyyyyy what I was in the mood to read right now. Angsty, idiot MMCs who are going to have to grovel (please make them work for it girl), political intrigue, shifters, dragons, and bloodshed. 💯 She meets most of her mates before the story begins, so it felt like we started at the middle until things settled and I realized the storyline would be different than I probably thought. Love that. There are some things that bothered me, but I mostly just want to get to the next book already.
Edit: Wrote this at like 2am lol. After sleeping, I realized I should have added that I don't see this book appealing to everyone, especially since it is missing some key things. It's one of those where you'll either love it or hate it, and it happened to be the perfect fit after scrambling for something to keep my attention this past week. Can't wait to start the next book though.
Original review:
4 stars for being exactlyyyyyy what I was in the mood to read right now. Angsty, idiot MMCs who are going to have to grovel (please make them work for it girl), political intrigue, shifters, dragons, and bloodshed. 💯 She meets most of her mates before the story begins, so it felt like we started at the middle until things settled and I realized the storyline would be different than I probably thought. Love that. There are some things that bothered me, but I mostly just want to get to the next book already.
March 13, 2022
🙄 Sweet and rather strange.
Rejected mates is a fantastic trope.
✔️Interesting cover.
✔️ Great synopsis, and you’d assume the story would engage you based on the look inside.
I love flashbacks. They add to a story’s build and angst. The prologue was interesting. The time jump nineteen years later just tanked the pacing. I was thrown into the feeling I’d missed a prequel novella. Was it missing a chapter? We’re dropped into a world, species and mates, lacking any build. It didn’t create suspense for me.
Chapter one starts nineteen years after the prologue, from Drick’s POV.
We’re told, rather than shown, with too much inner monologue, Cleo suffered under her first mate’s rejection.
I’m still trying to get my head around skin tone, “Her skin, a rich medium brown” followed by blushing, and some very weird word choices. It bothered me, and it’s not cancel culture, it’s attention to detail.
“Now her figure is voluptuous. With an hourglass figure that most women would kill for, Cleodora quite literally appears to most as a goddess.” Repetition needs addressing.
Not dark theme wise. I understand it’s a trendy marketing point, it’s something to sell a book. By adding the vague suggestions, it cause’s grief for readers when they actually do find dark reads.
Slow burn, brief, reminiscent of teenage $ex scenes, almost fade to black. Cheesy words were used. We all like $mut in RH, it’s just not there.
“I squeeze my eyes shut as I savor the sound and the feel of his **** twitching inside of me.”
Had a giggle knowing you can hear a **** twitch now 😆
It was very much a YA/NA feel for me overall. I couldn’t get through it without skimming. Way too much stilted conversation, sorry. Just a few tweaks and polish could have made for a light and engaging RH read.
Rejected mates is a fantastic trope.
✔️Interesting cover.
✔️ Great synopsis, and you’d assume the story would engage you based on the look inside.
I love flashbacks. They add to a story’s build and angst. The prologue was interesting. The time jump nineteen years later just tanked the pacing. I was thrown into the feeling I’d missed a prequel novella. Was it missing a chapter? We’re dropped into a world, species and mates, lacking any build. It didn’t create suspense for me.
Chapter one starts nineteen years after the prologue, from Drick’s POV.
We’re told, rather than shown, with too much inner monologue, Cleo suffered under her first mate’s rejection.
I’m still trying to get my head around skin tone, “Her skin, a rich medium brown” followed by blushing, and some very weird word choices. It bothered me, and it’s not cancel culture, it’s attention to detail.
“Now her figure is voluptuous. With an hourglass figure that most women would kill for, Cleodora quite literally appears to most as a goddess.” Repetition needs addressing.
Not dark theme wise. I understand it’s a trendy marketing point, it’s something to sell a book. By adding the vague suggestions, it cause’s grief for readers when they actually do find dark reads.
Slow burn, brief, reminiscent of teenage $ex scenes, almost fade to black. Cheesy words were used. We all like $mut in RH, it’s just not there.
“I squeeze my eyes shut as I savor the sound and the feel of his **** twitching inside of me.”
Had a giggle knowing you can hear a **** twitch now 😆
It was very much a YA/NA feel for me overall. I couldn’t get through it without skimming. Way too much stilted conversation, sorry. Just a few tweaks and polish could have made for a light and engaging RH read.
February 25, 2022
Now this is how you write a rejected mate trope I swear no one does it like Salem does and I love her for it. This was such a entertaining and enjoyable read. I was engrossed and I’m not at all mad that it was more plot focused than romance focused (at least imo). One of the things I love is that the main shifter group is dragons. That’s new for me and was so exciting because who isn’t obsessed with dragons right now?!? THIS WAS AN ARC READ and it was a privilege to get the opportunity and to be a witness to the author’s continued growth as a writer.
February 28, 2022
For me i was a little bit confused with the start of this book. It jumped right into Cleo being rejected by Hendricks but we got very little backstory about how she got to be there with him. You only find that out later on in the book. Which is good because by that time i was invested in Cleo & Titus. I liked how Cleo started out being quiet and unsure of herself and the direction her life was going in but by the middle of the book her whole demeanor changed. She became a stronger character but still with all of her vulnerabilities especially in regards to the men in her life. I loved Titus and Brenton. Im still unsure about Hendricks and Baron. Baron just came across as self-centered and a bit arrogant throughout this book and Hendricks well i didnt know how to take him?? Ill give them both the benefit of the doubt and see how they play out in the next book. Still a great start i thought and im looking forward to the other books in this series now
March 8, 2022
What an awesome way to start a series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and can’t wait to read more.
Amazing character building and world development. I love a good shifters books and this one didn’t disappoint. Dragons! Do I need to say more? I loved Cleo. Not always had it easy, one hell of a badass who has her sights set in Queen and making her life better along with everyone else’s. Titus is that devoted mate everyone wants and it was easy to fall in love with him.
Even though Cleo was rejected by 2 of her mates she’s still determined. I can’t wait to see what happens next with these mates and how their relationships evolve.
Spicy but not in your face. Storyline was amazing. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Amazing character building and world development. I love a good shifters books and this one didn’t disappoint. Dragons! Do I need to say more? I loved Cleo. Not always had it easy, one hell of a badass who has her sights set in Queen and making her life better along with everyone else’s. Titus is that devoted mate everyone wants and it was easy to fall in love with him.
Even though Cleo was rejected by 2 of her mates she’s still determined. I can’t wait to see what happens next with these mates and how their relationships evolve.
Spicy but not in your face. Storyline was amazing. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2.
I received this arc and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
April 27, 2022
I got so lost in this book that when the last page flipped on my Kindle and I saw there wasn’t another chapter, I was so mad. What a cliffhanger! Luckily the second is out already though. Guess the other books I was hoping to start will have to wait.
Not many RHs do this well with both characters, plot, AND world building.
Such a quick, wonderful read with amazing characters (well SOME are anyway). They’re all so unique and well written. I loved Cleo and her quick wit, ambition, and take no shit attitude the most. Titus and Brenton are my favs of the men.
And honestly if Baron was given any leeway, I’d have been pissed. I’m all about letting a man who’s f’d up work, grovel, and suffer to earn his way back into her heart.
February 13, 2022
I don't know where to start! The trigger warning had me cautious but while it made me a bit wary, it was so well crafted and written that I got completely absorbed into the story. The multiple POV draws you in further and you can't help but get involved with the characters their trials. I look forward to the next two books to see where it goes. I can guess the direction of some of the things but the mystery has totally captured my attention. IMO, this is a must-read.
*ARC Copy*
*ARC Copy*
April 6, 2022
I ended up enjoying this, but it had a bit of am odd style in the beginning that took me awhile to get used to. I also have no patience for the 2 men who rejected the MC, so I'm not at all rooting for her to give them a second chance.
The odd style I mentioned is sort of hard to explain. It was like the author tried to hard to avoid info dumps and heavy-handed exposition that the author overcompensated and cut out some scenes from the first few chapters that should have been left in. The Britannica online encyclopedia defines the Latin literary term "in media res" as follows:
"in medias res, (Latin: “in the midst of things”) the practice of beginning an epic or other narrative by plunging into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events; the situation is an extension of previous events and will be developed in later action. The narrative then goes directly forward, and exposition of earlier events is supplied by flashbacks."
This method of starting a story is not new or unusual, but what threw me is that the first few chapters, not just ch. 1, all seemed to start in media res. This meant that scenes I expected to see took place off page, and the effect was rather jarring. It seemed as if many important moments happened off page, and readers just got reactions to or memories of those moments. The beginning of the book read as if this was book 2 in a series, or a spinoff book that gives a different character's perspective of the same events--like when Stephanie Meyer re-wrote Twilight from Edward's perspective after the main series was complete; when that happens the author doesn't need to show all the action in every scene because the readers are expected to already know what happened and to be more interested in the narrator's thoughts on the events since that's the only new information being presented. Anyway, I'm glad I made it through those first few chapters because either I got used to the style or that style stopped being used.
The harem in this book is very meh, except for Titus and one other mate who barely had a chance to shine. The others are selfish and didn't do enough to win back me or the MC. Maybe I would feel different if we saw the beginning of the relationships rather than just the collapse and fallout. I generally prefer romances in which we see the relationship from the beginning instead of romances between an established couple. I can never get quite as invested when the MC has had bonding moments with the guys that I wasn't a part of.
The odd style I mentioned is sort of hard to explain. It was like the author tried to hard to avoid info dumps and heavy-handed exposition that the author overcompensated and cut out some scenes from the first few chapters that should have been left in. The Britannica online encyclopedia defines the Latin literary term "in media res" as follows:
"in medias res, (Latin: “in the midst of things”) the practice of beginning an epic or other narrative by plunging into a crucial situation that is part of a related chain of events; the situation is an extension of previous events and will be developed in later action. The narrative then goes directly forward, and exposition of earlier events is supplied by flashbacks."
This method of starting a story is not new or unusual, but what threw me is that the first few chapters, not just ch. 1, all seemed to start in media res. This meant that scenes I expected to see took place off page, and the effect was rather jarring. It seemed as if many important moments happened off page, and readers just got reactions to or memories of those moments. The beginning of the book read as if this was book 2 in a series, or a spinoff book that gives a different character's perspective of the same events--like when Stephanie Meyer re-wrote Twilight from Edward's perspective after the main series was complete; when that happens the author doesn't need to show all the action in every scene because the readers are expected to already know what happened and to be more interested in the narrator's thoughts on the events since that's the only new information being presented. Anyway, I'm glad I made it through those first few chapters because either I got used to the style or that style stopped being used.
The harem in this book is very meh, except for Titus and one other mate who barely had a chance to shine. The others are selfish and didn't do enough to win back me or the MC. Maybe I would feel different if we saw the beginning of the relationships rather than just the collapse and fallout. I generally prefer romances in which we see the relationship from the beginning instead of romances between an established couple. I can never get quite as invested when the MC has had bonding moments with the guys that I wasn't a part of.
April 22, 2022
DNF falls flat
I felt thrown into the story without much understanding on what’s going on. The characters and world seemed decently interesting, however I don’t like the choices in male leads besides Titus. She should’ve killed bran immediately. This could’ve been so good. It has so much potential but it just falls flat with how it starts out. I gave up reading at 38%
I felt thrown into the story without much understanding on what’s going on. The characters and world seemed decently interesting, however I don’t like the choices in male leads besides Titus. She should’ve killed bran immediately. This could’ve been so good. It has so much potential but it just falls flat with how it starts out. I gave up reading at 38%
May 25, 2023
Book 1
As is my habit, I waited until I finished the series before writing any reviews. I enjoy Salem Cross’ writing. Her characters are well-defined and interesting. Her heroines are always strong, resilient and caring individuals. The women have the power and the men are their consummate support. The two series I have read, are paranormal, reverse harems (which I enjoy).
This series was well-written and entertaining. It is a unique story with shifters, vampires and magic. Book 1 opens with a fight scene. We get the back story told as characters are introduced and via their reminiscing. At first it may feel like you missed a prequel, but stick with it, the author does fill us in. Even though it is a series, book 1 does not end in a “cliffhanger”. It is clear the main plot is not over, but small plot points are completed and all the main characters are introduced. The one thing I think is missing, is the relationship building between the male main characters. I would like to have read more about them learning each other’s personalities and building a bond.
Also, Cross doesn’t give a lot of physical description of the characters. I wonder if this is because the FMCs are Black women and some of the MMC (love interests) are not. Not giving physical descriptions may be a ploy to not turn off readers who do not like characters of color. I hope that is not the case. Nevertheless, I am a fan and will continue to read her releases.
As is my habit, I waited until I finished the series before writing any reviews. I enjoy Salem Cross’ writing. Her characters are well-defined and interesting. Her heroines are always strong, resilient and caring individuals. The women have the power and the men are their consummate support. The two series I have read, are paranormal, reverse harems (which I enjoy).
This series was well-written and entertaining. It is a unique story with shifters, vampires and magic. Book 1 opens with a fight scene. We get the back story told as characters are introduced and via their reminiscing. At first it may feel like you missed a prequel, but stick with it, the author does fill us in. Even though it is a series, book 1 does not end in a “cliffhanger”. It is clear the main plot is not over, but small plot points are completed and all the main characters are introduced. The one thing I think is missing, is the relationship building between the male main characters. I would like to have read more about them learning each other’s personalities and building a bond.
Also, Cross doesn’t give a lot of physical description of the characters. I wonder if this is because the FMCs are Black women and some of the MMC (love interests) are not. Not giving physical descriptions may be a ploy to not turn off readers who do not like characters of color. I hope that is not the case. Nevertheless, I am a fan and will continue to read her releases.
March 4, 2022
What a Beginning!
Cleodora (Cleo) has lived a rough life when it comes to her mates, and the rejections from them she's faced. But after challenging the dragon queen, and winning, she is now the queen of dragons. But enemies are everywhere and old acquaintances will reappear when she leasts expects it.
Cleo is a great character and the epitome of what a queen should be. She's strong, courageous and dedicated to righting the wrongs done by the previous queen. Her relationships were heartbreaking until Titus and I absolutely adored the two together. The plot was exciting and different. I was happy to see a female based monarchy that was truly dedicated to females. It was a change of pace that was greatly needed. The steam in this book was also fantastic and Titus is someone I'd love to keep for myself!
The setting was sketchy for me. It felt medieval, but was actually modern-day, so it made it difficult to visualize everything accurately. The pacing was fast, but it almost felt too fast. The story was a little jumpy and rushed from scene to scene, some not even really connecting.
Cleodora (Cleo) has lived a rough life when it comes to her mates, and the rejections from them she's faced. But after challenging the dragon queen, and winning, she is now the queen of dragons. But enemies are everywhere and old acquaintances will reappear when she leasts expects it.
Cleo is a great character and the epitome of what a queen should be. She's strong, courageous and dedicated to righting the wrongs done by the previous queen. Her relationships were heartbreaking until Titus and I absolutely adored the two together. The plot was exciting and different. I was happy to see a female based monarchy that was truly dedicated to females. It was a change of pace that was greatly needed. The steam in this book was also fantastic and Titus is someone I'd love to keep for myself!
The setting was sketchy for me. It felt medieval, but was actually modern-day, so it made it difficult to visualize everything accurately. The pacing was fast, but it almost felt too fast. The story was a little jumpy and rushed from scene to scene, some not even really connecting.
March 15, 2022
I had so much hope for this book... and unfortunately it missed the mark.
There seems to be a common theme with self pub books, they have really intriguing and promising premises, but spectacularly fail to deliver. The pacing of this book is really off, we aren't giving any time to become acquainted with the characters before being thrust into a haphazard plot, if done well this can be a really effective storytelling technique, this was not done well tho. Even later, we don't ever get to know the characters on a fundamental level. The author does try to show us who they are by giving them trauma, but trauma is not the same as a personality. The phrase 'show don't tell' is one I think heavily applies to this book. We also have ALOT of exposition that could have very easily been adjusted to feel more engaging to the reader.
Again, the premises of this book has alot of potential. But the authors lack of writing education let's the book and readers down.
There seems to be a common theme with self pub books, they have really intriguing and promising premises, but spectacularly fail to deliver. The pacing of this book is really off, we aren't giving any time to become acquainted with the characters before being thrust into a haphazard plot, if done well this can be a really effective storytelling technique, this was not done well tho. Even later, we don't ever get to know the characters on a fundamental level. The author does try to show us who they are by giving them trauma, but trauma is not the same as a personality. The phrase 'show don't tell' is one I think heavily applies to this book. We also have ALOT of exposition that could have very easily been adjusted to feel more engaging to the reader.
Again, the premises of this book has alot of potential. But the authors lack of writing education let's the book and readers down.
March 4, 2022
Scorching hot!!
The very first chapter rips your heart in two and you kind of never recover like Cleo throughout the book. Yet the FMC is so kick ass it's beyond beautiful!!
A true warrior who has been dealt not one but two useless mates and each of their rejections cut deep. The presence of her third mate keep her going but deep down she is missing those pieces....
I personally would never forgive her mate no.1, Baron but maybe Hendrick's defection when she needed him most cuts even deeper. He knew what hell she has been through yet he doles out the same fate on her once again! Honestly I would just kick their sorry ass and move on...
The cliffy is not painful but I am seriously looking forward to the ginormous dose of grovelling that both her ex-mates have to do in book 2.
The very first chapter rips your heart in two and you kind of never recover like Cleo throughout the book. Yet the FMC is so kick ass it's beyond beautiful!!
A true warrior who has been dealt not one but two useless mates and each of their rejections cut deep. The presence of her third mate keep her going but deep down she is missing those pieces....
I personally would never forgive her mate no.1, Baron but maybe Hendrick's defection when she needed him most cuts even deeper. He knew what hell she has been through yet he doles out the same fate on her once again! Honestly I would just kick their sorry ass and move on...
The cliffy is not painful but I am seriously looking forward to the ginormous dose of grovelling that both her ex-mates have to do in book 2.
February 19, 2022
This is the first book in the Severed Ties series which will be a trilogy. This book was so good and action packed! Our heroine Cleo has had it rough, two of her three mates have rejected her. Titus is her hyena shifter mate that has been by her side for the last couple years and they have been through hell together. Cleo decides that she will be Queen of the Dragons and goes on to make her community better. But life has other plans in store for her. Her past which she thought was dead and buried has resurfaced and I am intrigued to see where we go from here! The connection between Cleo and Titus is scorching and I can't wait to see how her two previous mates will fit into her life and if Cleo will even accept them.
February 22, 2022
Impatiently waiting for Book Two!!! Holy cliffhanger!
This story has some plot twists and is an exciting look at the lives of shapeshifters and their bonds. This story started off slow, but it picks up pace after a bit and makes it worth sticking it out. Salem takes the time to get in depth and explore the deep feelings of not just the love shared with a mate, but the actual bond and how much suffering there is when the bond is rejected. There is a depth given to the main characters so that you can see more than one facet to each of their personalities. The first person point of view from the main characters enhances this.
No spoilers from here, just a guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
This story has some plot twists and is an exciting look at the lives of shapeshifters and their bonds. This story started off slow, but it picks up pace after a bit and makes it worth sticking it out. Salem takes the time to get in depth and explore the deep feelings of not just the love shared with a mate, but the actual bond and how much suffering there is when the bond is rejected. There is a depth given to the main characters so that you can see more than one facet to each of their personalities. The first person point of view from the main characters enhances this.
No spoilers from here, just a guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
January 7, 2024
🐉
There is so much going on creature alliances, backstabbing, world domination, human or rather creature trafficking, slavery, torture, drug use and selling, and lots of killing. Oh lets not forget the turmoil Cleo has to go through because 2 of her mates thought the knew better. Home girl has every right to burn everything down.. I do think Enola's evil reign feels like she was a scapegoat. I'm the paranoia and drug use I wonder if she was being manipulated by these power hungry men but also she could just be evil idk. This book ends on a cliffhanger but I'm not sure if I will be continuing in the series.
CN: see above, verbal and physical, manipulation, kidnapping, blood play
There is so much going on creature alliances, backstabbing, world domination, human or rather creature trafficking, slavery, torture, drug use and selling, and lots of killing. Oh lets not forget the turmoil Cleo has to go through because 2 of her mates thought the knew better. Home girl has every right to burn everything down.. I do think Enola's evil reign feels like she was a scapegoat. I'm the paranoia and drug use I wonder if she was being manipulated by these power hungry men but also she could just be evil idk. This book ends on a cliffhanger but I'm not sure if I will be continuing in the series.
CN: see above, verbal and physical, manipulation, kidnapping, blood play
March 2, 2022
From the first page this book had me hooked. Oh my goodness, I love a rejected mate trope but this book wrecked me. Cleodora is so incredibly strong to go through everything she does in this book. Taking over from the corrupt queen and trying to battle her demons as she works ro put things to rights. I adore Titus! Love the unusual shifter types I this book too. Hyena is a completely new one to me and I think a great one to have.
The struggles Cleo faces while having to keep her truths from the spotlight. Only those closest knowing the hell she has been through.
I am so excited for book 2 and looking forward to seeing some truly epic levels of grovelling, because DAMN!
The struggles Cleo faces while having to keep her truths from the spotlight. Only those closest knowing the hell she has been through.
I am so excited for book 2 and looking forward to seeing some truly epic levels of grovelling, because DAMN!
February 19, 2022
I really wanted to love this story. The summary of the story and the cover had me intrigued and honestly, I had high hopes for this book. However, the storyline is too slow. I kept reading and reading hoping that it would pick up somewhere along the way, but it didn't, and in the end, I was just disappointed. The characters were okay, but I didn't love them and that just made the story seem not only slow but boring. I love paranormal romance books but unfortunately, this story just wasn't the one for me.
February 19, 2022
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Salem! We need to talk about that cliff hanger. I prolonged this book as long as I could because I knew the cliffhanger was going to get to me. Don’t get me wrong, as much as I hate cliffhangers, I also love them.
Now I just want to wrap Cleo and Titus up in a hug! Baron and Hendricks I am still in the fence about. Brenton, on the other, I need that to happen (you know what I am talking about). I’m excited to see how this series progresses! Definitely recommend Savage Rejections!
Salem! We need to talk about that cliff hanger. I prolonged this book as long as I could because I knew the cliffhanger was going to get to me. Don’t get me wrong, as much as I hate cliffhangers, I also love them.
Now I just want to wrap Cleo and Titus up in a hug! Baron and Hendricks I am still in the fence about. Brenton, on the other, I need that to happen (you know what I am talking about). I’m excited to see how this series progresses! Definitely recommend Savage Rejections!
February 28, 2022
I love this book!! I am not usually a huge fan of rejected mates because it hurts my heart but I love the way Cleo becomes such a badass and I love that Titus is always by her side, no matter what the other idiots did. I love their broken and feral love. Reading through this I was on the edge of my seat. I loved the writing and the way the story flowed so easily. Cleo is so amazing and badass which is always a plus. I like the different takes that this story took on rejected mates and the shifter world, especially dragon shifters. It was different and intriguing.
March 1, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series! We have a dragon shifter Cleo whose life has been one trauma after another but still, she perseveres and becomes a strong woman with whom one does not mess with. This is going to be a series with a reverse harem, but it seems like most of that will start with the second book. I thought this was a fantastic start to the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2022
What can I say...this story was insane. It was dark, a bit dirty in many ways, and technically about mates and they bad things they do to out main girl who rises above it all and comes out a ruthless yet fair character I was rooting for to the end. Cleo was amazing and so was Titus as they do what they must. Lots of flawed characters some dirty and some a bit funny. Many surprises or two, a twist, bad guys and action. It totally ended with a bang that made me scream and think no.... what happens next. But it was addicting and hard to put down and I need to see what happens next.
March 10, 2022
I enjoyed this! This is a new author for me and the writing style is a bit different from what I’m used to, but that’s not a bad thing. All of the waiting around chapters are gone and we only get the info that’s happening right there and then, and I liked it!
The fmc is a badass but unlike others where our femme fatale is an underdog our gal starts the books on top. I really enjoyed this book with all the characters, their flaws and their weaknesses. I would have liked it to be a bit longer.
I definitely will be reading the next one!
The fmc is a badass but unlike others where our femme fatale is an underdog our gal starts the books on top. I really enjoyed this book with all the characters, their flaws and their weaknesses. I would have liked it to be a bit longer.
I definitely will be reading the next one!
September 7, 2022
I saw this book on a tiktok recommendation and while I expected it to be good, I never could’ve expected how good it actually was. Cleo and Titus are both fierce when it comes to a fight and quick to end it, every single time. The way they protect each other is heart warming and also scary for anyone who’d oppose them. Cleo loves fiercely and without remorse, until she’s hurt by someone who should love her just as fiercely, and who could blame her? She makes a beautiful, powerful queen and a just one at that. I can’t wait to see where she goes next and who else is in for a reckoning.
October 20, 2022
This story was interesting to me, as there were already established relationships—some having been broken already—and instead of building up to the action, it starts almost from the very beginning. The worldbuilding is interesting and well done. There were times that I disconnected from the characters and their relationships, because it was based on something that I hadn’t seen, but I don’t think that affected the overall story negatively. I’m looking forward to seeing how Cleo chooses to deal with both her personal and her… professional? life in the rest of the books.
March 6, 2022
★ Plenty of great action, drama, steam for this first installment ★
—>>> Savage Rejections illustrates the rejection of Cleo by not one, but two of her mates, which leaves her heart continuously fragile. But when she rises to new and unexpected heights by rights of a fair fight against a queen who had long ravaged her subjects and lands, Cleo does so with her loyal third mate Titus firmly by her side. Plenty of great action, drama, steam for this first installment.
—>>> Savage Rejections illustrates the rejection of Cleo by not one, but two of her mates, which leaves her heart continuously fragile. But when she rises to new and unexpected heights by rights of a fair fight against a queen who had long ravaged her subjects and lands, Cleo does so with her loyal third mate Titus firmly by her side. Plenty of great action, drama, steam for this first installment.
March 16, 2022
Sucks you in
It's not often where you can read a story that feels like you were dropped into the middle of it and still enjoy it enough to finish. This story does exactly that, drops you into the middle of a powerful woman's story with her pain, attempts at recovery, her plans for a better world and her bloody hands as she tried to make it happen. This was an exciting read with just enough angst and spice. 10 out of 10 recommend.
It's not often where you can read a story that feels like you were dropped into the middle of it and still enjoy it enough to finish. This story does exactly that, drops you into the middle of a powerful woman's story with her pain, attempts at recovery, her plans for a better world and her bloody hands as she tried to make it happen. This was an exciting read with just enough angst and spice. 10 out of 10 recommend.
February 14, 2022
Speechless! For Cleo being rejected not once but twice by those fated to her is heartbreaking. The guys doing what they did purposefully know it will crush her and for selfish reasons is hard but watching her blossom with Titus and the love he gives her is beautiful. Can't wait to see how this unfolds.
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