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The Blackmane Pack #2
Tempting Fate
Tyler
My fated mate is dead, but I still seem to see her everywhere I look, feel her claws digging into every part of my life. All I want to do is throw myself into my work, return to some kind of normal where my Alpha gives me orders, and I follow them. Since Liam can’t seem actually do that, it’s a relief that our Setting Luna has figured things out. She’s assigned me a job that gets me away from the pack for a bit: escorting refugees home. There’s no chance of me finding my mate on this trip, so what could possibly go wrong?
Stella
All my life, I’ve been trapped in a limelight I never wanted. Born with a severe birth defect, I was always the “special” twin, and not in a good way. My sister’s been missing for years, having fled from our emotionally abusive father and, no doubt, the shadow I cast. I’ve always trusted that no news is good news, but when I hear there are refugees coming home, part of me can’t help but hope I’ll get to see Sheila just one more time.
This series features one couple per book with a guaranteed HEA. This particular novel also deals with character disability and PTSD.
My fated mate is dead, but I still seem to see her everywhere I look, feel her claws digging into every part of my life. All I want to do is throw myself into my work, return to some kind of normal where my Alpha gives me orders, and I follow them. Since Liam can’t seem actually do that, it’s a relief that our Setting Luna has figured things out. She’s assigned me a job that gets me away from the pack for a bit: escorting refugees home. There’s no chance of me finding my mate on this trip, so what could possibly go wrong?
Stella
All my life, I’ve been trapped in a limelight I never wanted. Born with a severe birth defect, I was always the “special” twin, and not in a good way. My sister’s been missing for years, having fled from our emotionally abusive father and, no doubt, the shadow I cast. I’ve always trusted that no news is good news, but when I hear there are refugees coming home, part of me can’t help but hope I’ll get to see Sheila just one more time.
This series features one couple per book with a guaranteed HEA. This particular novel also deals with character disability and PTSD.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2021
289 people are currently reading
69 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 30, 2022
Are you freaken kidding me?
I really thought this was gonna be about Sheila and Tyler. Way to freaken confuse your readers and piss them off like that. And Sheila doesn't even get a great conclusion! I liked the first book, but when i found no other storyline for Sheila in this one, i just read it to finish it. I don't remember the last half of the book... this was a horrible step in the series. It's like the author had a story line in mind and then all of a sudden changed her mind. Instead of starting over, the author just decided to mess it all up to change the plot. Hated how this book turned out.
I really thought this was gonna be about Sheila and Tyler. Way to freaken confuse your readers and piss them off like that. And Sheila doesn't even get a great conclusion! I liked the first book, but when i found no other storyline for Sheila in this one, i just read it to finish it. I don't remember the last half of the book... this was a horrible step in the series. It's like the author had a story line in mind and then all of a sudden changed her mind. Instead of starting over, the author just decided to mess it all up to change the plot. Hated how this book turned out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 1, 2023rtc
February 14, 2023
2, maybe even lower, stars. Tyler Blackmane is a wounded (both literally and emotionally) wolf tasked with bringing refugees who were held captive @ Doom Fang to their original packs. Then the story goes funky. This book suffered at least one similar fate of the last book: the 3 completely different acts. Act one actually would have worked better as a prequel novella to book 2 (crossing the way). Act 2 held the whirlwind romance. “Trauma? What trauma?” Act 3 was the pack stuff. They didn’t flow together!
What I liked: 1) I liked Tyler & Bennett. Both were super cool dudes. 2) I liked the book’s potential. How could 2 books with so much potential miss the mark?
What didn’t work for me: 1) The author did 2 things that normally break my trust as a reader and would keep me from reading them again. A) The author switched genres in the middle of a series. The 1st book was firmly in the romance category, meaning the book centered on the relationship between the two main characters and ended with an HEA or at least an HFN. Since I hadn’t read book 2 I was hoping for an HEA…but au contraire! The 2nd book, however, switched to some kind of epic storyline that was more action about the pack, but could actually stand without the romance being center. B) When writing a romance, the two main characters (love interests) are almost always introduced in the first three chapters. The first 3 chapters is kind of where the premise is laid and the promise is made between the author and reader. The reader knows that no matter what happens in the book, whatever awfulness happens, the author will bring these two back together in the end. They get their happy ending. This book, however, introduces 2 characters in the first 2 chapters and as they grow closer due to their shared trauma, the author does a bait and switch at 15% into the book (in chapter 9), introduces a new love interest, drops the old love interest like a bad habit and loses her almost altogether from the storyline (but it’s okay because she was never the love interest anyway. And didn’t Sheila say she always took 2nd to her sister? See, it’s true), and eventually the author kills her off. What??? Give me a freaking break. I was confused then pissed with the switch up, but when the author killed off Sheila I wanted to throw my kindle. Gah!!! 2) Another thing that bothered me is Stella telling Garyth as he leaves, “Come home with Tyler or don’t come home at all.” Um, what? Excuse me? So if Tyler gets killed, Garyth should leave his pregnant wife out of some sense of loyalty to you? Sorry, I like Cleo more than you and she’s been around longer than 5 seconds, unlike you! Where does she get off telling him something like that?!? She just met him! That is some self centered hubris right there.
I was hoping this would be a trilogy, and if it was I would have read book 3 just for the resolution, but who knows where the author will go. I just wish they had a content editor. Please for the love of all good writing, get a decent content editor!
Ah well, end of the road for me with this author, methinks.
What I liked: 1) I liked Tyler & Bennett. Both were super cool dudes. 2) I liked the book’s potential. How could 2 books with so much potential miss the mark?
What didn’t work for me: 1) The author did 2 things that normally break my trust as a reader and would keep me from reading them again. A) The author switched genres in the middle of a series. The 1st book was firmly in the romance category, meaning the book centered on the relationship between the two main characters and ended with an HEA or at least an HFN. Since I hadn’t read book 2 I was hoping for an HEA…but au contraire! The 2nd book, however, switched to some kind of epic storyline that was more action about the pack, but could actually stand without the romance being center. B) When writing a romance, the two main characters (love interests) are almost always introduced in the first three chapters. The first 3 chapters is kind of where the premise is laid and the promise is made between the author and reader. The reader knows that no matter what happens in the book, whatever awfulness happens, the author will bring these two back together in the end. They get their happy ending. This book, however, introduces 2 characters in the first 2 chapters and as they grow closer due to their shared trauma, the author does a bait and switch at 15% into the book (in chapter 9), introduces a new love interest, drops the old love interest like a bad habit and loses her almost altogether from the storyline (but it’s okay because she was never the love interest anyway. And didn’t Sheila say she always took 2nd to her sister? See, it’s true), and eventually the author kills her off. What??? Give me a freaking break. I was confused then pissed with the switch up, but when the author killed off Sheila I wanted to throw my kindle. Gah!!! 2) Another thing that bothered me is Stella telling Garyth as he leaves, “Come home with Tyler or don’t come home at all.” Um, what? Excuse me? So if Tyler gets killed, Garyth should leave his pregnant wife out of some sense of loyalty to you? Sorry, I like Cleo more than you and she’s been around longer than 5 seconds, unlike you! Where does she get off telling him something like that?!? She just met him! That is some self centered hubris right there.
I was hoping this would be a trilogy, and if it was I would have read book 3 just for the resolution, but who knows where the author will go. I just wish they had a content editor. Please for the love of all good writing, get a decent content editor!
Ah well, end of the road for me with this author, methinks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
Biggest complaint: It ends on a cliffhanger & the next book is overdue. The author’s website has it coming out June 17th, 2022 (writing this on June 13, 2023) and Amazon lists the series as three books, with no sign of the third.
Brain is too full to otherwise review the two books right now. Just want the story to continue. Now. It’s a couple-per-book series with a strong overarching plotline.
Brain is too full to otherwise review the two books right now. Just want the story to continue. Now. It’s a couple-per-book series with a strong overarching plotline.
March 27, 2024
My whole opinion on this is spoiler alerted
So this might not make it through as it's so spoiler alerted.
This book is in POV. So I spent the beginning of this romance reading about 2 people who aren't even going to get together. That seriously turned me off. You see these 2 people (Tyler and Sheila) who had potential to be together after a trauma, and you wonder how they get together to find out... they don't. What bugs me the most is the way Sheila talked about how she has a twin and she's always background material to her twin which is why she left home and THEN the author REALLY makes Sheila a background character in what is apparently her sister's story. So, I had to stop reading it. Even if I read this whole thing and saw the resolution, the author already made me root for someone else so... I hope you all enjoy. Just because I was put off doesn't mean you have to be. The 1st book in the series was really good.
So this might not make it through as it's so spoiler alerted.
This book is in POV. So I spent the beginning of this romance reading about 2 people who aren't even going to get together. That seriously turned me off. You see these 2 people (Tyler and Sheila) who had potential to be together after a trauma, and you wonder how they get together to find out... they don't. What bugs me the most is the way Sheila talked about how she has a twin and she's always background material to her twin which is why she left home and THEN the author REALLY makes Sheila a background character in what is apparently her sister's story. So, I had to stop reading it. Even if I read this whole thing and saw the resolution, the author already made me root for someone else so... I hope you all enjoy. Just because I was put off doesn't mean you have to be. The 1st book in the series was really good.
December 28, 2023
Absolutely not.
Sheila and Tyler should've been the ones to end up together and you can't change my mind.
PLOTWIST: FMC changes a couple of chapters into the book because a new love interest POV was introduced and then
I absolutely HATED that Sheila's character was developed so thoroughly and then just discarded. She deserved so much better. At least give her a good story arc if you’re just going to drop her like that. Having an emotionally abusive father, being held captive by an abusive alpha, returning to her pack (after her mate moved on), and then a horrible violent death?? It's like the author didn't even like the character they wrote.
LOVED Tyler in book one and was wholeheartedly rooting for him and his happiness but yeah, no. I was sadly incredibly disappointed in the direction this book took.
Sheila and Tyler should've been the ones to end up together and you can't change my mind.
PLOTWIST: FMC changes a couple of chapters into the book because a new love interest POV was introduced and then
I absolutely HATED that Sheila's character was developed so thoroughly and then just discarded. She deserved so much better. At least give her a good story arc if you’re just going to drop her like that. Having an emotionally abusive father, being held captive by an abusive alpha, returning to her pack (after her mate moved on), and then a horrible violent death?? It's like the author didn't even like the character they wrote.
LOVED Tyler in book one and was wholeheartedly rooting for him and his happiness but yeah, no. I was sadly incredibly disappointed in the direction this book took.
March 31, 2022
Tempting Fate
This is the story of Tyler and Stella. I must admit I tried to read this book but couldn’t finish it. Others may love it, just not me. The first story seemed to go on and on. I thought that since this book was 100 pages shorter I could handle it. I couldn’t. I felt like the author was striving to present a book that wasn’t like the others. She did in some ways but for me it became tedious. I couldn’t relax and sink into the story. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers.
This is the story of Tyler and Stella. I must admit I tried to read this book but couldn’t finish it. Others may love it, just not me. The first story seemed to go on and on. I thought that since this book was 100 pages shorter I could handle it. I couldn’t. I felt like the author was striving to present a book that wasn’t like the others. She did in some ways but for me it became tedious. I couldn’t relax and sink into the story. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers.
August 27, 2023
excellent story part 2
Book 2 picked up well, as in book 1, book 2 does not have a lot of passion btw the mfc and mmc. I would have love to see the romance btw the main characters more and their wolves. The story is excellent, but these do not feel like stand alone as you need to read the next and you are left wanting the next story. Maybe that is what the author wanted. I can’t wait to read book 3.
Book 2 picked up well, as in book 1, book 2 does not have a lot of passion btw the mfc and mmc. I would have love to see the romance btw the main characters more and their wolves. The story is excellent, but these do not feel like stand alone as you need to read the next and you are left wanting the next story. Maybe that is what the author wanted. I can’t wait to read book 3.
October 7, 2024
7 Wows ~ I love Tyler. What a great story. A MUST READ.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but it is well worth reading. It leaves you setting on the end of your seat. You will need tissues if you are an emotional reader like me. Packs constantly not happy with what they have fights for rule and for the oracle. Please write book 3 Alexa Ryder, because I am heart broken not knowing what is going to happen. I beg you. I want a HEA.❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Love is everything. ❤️🔥
This book ends on a cliffhanger, but it is well worth reading. It leaves you setting on the end of your seat. You will need tissues if you are an emotional reader like me. Packs constantly not happy with what they have fights for rule and for the oracle. Please write book 3 Alexa Ryder, because I am heart broken not knowing what is going to happen. I beg you. I want a HEA.❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 Love is everything. ❤️🔥
November 3, 2022
Amazing book get me on the edge of my seat
The story was well written With heart And with drama Kept me on the edge And I couldn't put it down Great author Book 1 in book 2 or the 1st 1 I've written from this author I will continue to read Her books Take it from Me This is definitely 1 you wanna read.
The story was well written With heart And with drama Kept me on the edge And I couldn't put it down Great author Book 1 in book 2 or the 1st 1 I've written from this author I will continue to read Her books Take it from Me This is definitely 1 you wanna read.
January 10, 2023
I was unsure after book 1, but I really liked the story and writing in book 2! The H had been tortured by evil woman, now trying to overcome his physical and emotional wounds. He believes h is managing her challenges so well and he's mad about her. They have so many obstacles to overcome, then war breaks out. Great couple and a strong story.
March 23, 2023
Another awesome book
I waited to read this because I wanted to have time to finish it I wanted to have time to relax and just live in the moment it was definitely worth the weight I'm so glad that the author developed the storyline it was very surprised it was very intriguing I was happy with everything
I waited to read this because I wanted to have time to finish it I wanted to have time to relax and just live in the moment it was definitely worth the weight I'm so glad that the author developed the storyline it was very surprised it was very intriguing I was happy with everything
May 16, 2022
Fast Pace and Full of Drama
Tempting Fate, book 2 of Alexa Ryder's The Blackmane Pack series is Tyler and Stella's story. The fast pace and drama will keep you glued to the book from start to finish. Can't wait to see what is next for the pack.
Tempting Fate, book 2 of Alexa Ryder's The Blackmane Pack series is Tyler and Stella's story. The fast pace and drama will keep you glued to the book from start to finish. Can't wait to see what is next for the pack.
August 1, 2022
Nice second book
I like that it portrayed a strong female lead character. Her and his disability while limiting did not stop them. Together they were able to show such amazing strength.
I like that it portrayed a strong female lead character. Her and his disability while limiting did not stop them. Together they were able to show such amazing strength.
January 14, 2023
Awesome book and waiting to tell all my friends to get this.
These 2 books kept me on the edge of my chair. I just couldn't put it down. Is there going to be third book that will be out soon if not there should be.
These 2 books kept me on the edge of my chair. I just couldn't put it down. Is there going to be third book that will be out soon if not there should be.
February 10, 2023
Page Turner, solid plots
Really nice to have book 2 continu where book 1 ended, with the focus shifting to new lead persons.
The plot is interesting, and the writing style is pleasant. Recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Really nice to have book 2 continu where book 1 ended, with the focus shifting to new lead persons.
The plot is interesting, and the writing style is pleasant. Recommend this book wholeheartedly.
October 8, 2025
great story!
I loved this series so much! The story line was unique, unexpected, and adventure filled. I love the characters and their development and strength through struggles. I only wish this series was finished!!
I loved this series so much! The story line was unique, unexpected, and adventure filled. I love the characters and their development and strength through struggles. I only wish this series was finished!!
September 16, 2022
Fucking AWESOME!!
Wow. Just WOW! Vivid, edge of your seat action, comradary, family, hope. Just an absolutely intense page turner. Wish there was more! Truly. Awesome.
Wow. Just WOW! Vivid, edge of your seat action, comradary, family, hope. Just an absolutely intense page turner. Wish there was more! Truly. Awesome.
October 6, 2022
attention riveting!!!
Grabs your attention and holds on tight. Can’t stop reading to find out what is next. Can’t wait for more.
Grabs your attention and holds on tight. Can’t stop reading to find out what is next. Can’t wait for more.
February 18, 2023
Depressing
Both books were quite sad to me, things ended ok not really happy, not too sure what author was try to say in these books
Both books were quite sad to me, things ended ok not really happy, not too sure what author was try to say in these books
April 16, 2023
the way the "love interest" switched halfway through threw me off, wasn't a big fan of that switch
July 30, 2023
My thoughts
The plots are good but book 1 and 2 both feel like the ending is missing so I’m really disappointed in how they ended.
The plots are good but book 1 and 2 both feel like the ending is missing so I’m really disappointed in how they ended.
December 6, 2023
Tempting Fate
Book 2 was just as great as the first, can’t wait for the next! Surprisingly, the mate for Tyler was a great twist!
Book 2 was just as great as the first, can’t wait for the next! Surprisingly, the mate for Tyler was a great twist!
June 5, 2024
good but
I am disappointed that I got invested in Sheila’s story only for it to be cut short. Wanted her background and happy ending.
I am disappointed that I got invested in Sheila’s story only for it to be cut short. Wanted her background and happy ending.
November 8, 2024
Blackmane Pack
A must read; it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait for the next one to arrive!
A must read; it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can’t wait for the next one to arrive!
July 17, 2023
just as good as the first book
A continuation of the first book but with 2 different leads. Great characters and writing. Kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.
A continuation of the first book but with 2 different leads. Great characters and writing. Kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.
May 16, 2023
Anxious
This book keeps me anxious for the next page, this is truly a book worth reading. It has everything in it,from sex to fighting and more
This book keeps me anxious for the next page, this is truly a book worth reading. It has everything in it,from sex to fighting and more
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews