A Dangerous Pact

The Arcana Pack Chronicles #2

by Emilia Hartley

As badly as I want to keep Ryder around, I hate keeping him this way—as a servant to the Unseelie queen.

Especially since he got in the fae’s debt by helping me fight against my evil Alpha.
He helped me, and now he’s stuck here, in a mess that I’m not sure even a dragon shifter can handle—and that’s just my mess. Apparently, more trouble is chasing him.
But he can’t leave.
And it’s all my fault.
I never should have asked him to help me.
He’s got his own issues to deal with, and maybe I could have handled things here on my own.
I’m stronger than I look. As a Barghest, I have abilities that I’m just beginning to discover.
Not that I want Ryder to go.
He’s the most gorgeous, most selfless, most caring man I’ve ever met, and I’m starting to fall for him. Hard.
Too bad he already has a mate from back home.
No wonder he wants to leave town.
I have to set this right. Even if it costs me everything and breaks my heart.
I can’t be the one who traps him here.

If you like romances with strong, sassy heroines and sexy shifter heroes, you’ll love this book. A Dangerous Pact is 80,000 words of romantic, edge-of-your-seat paranormal adventure. As the second book in the The Arcana Pack Chronicles, it ends on a cliffhanger. Recommended for 18+ (for language and sexual content).

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2022

About the author

Reading wasn't always Emilia's passion, but over the years she developed an irreplaceable love for books. She writes about large, protective alpha males and their strong, sexy female mates.
If you enjoy steamy shifters and fated mates, then you'll LOVE Emilia's books!

Reviews

[The Mysterious Reader]

Emilia Hartley has returned, with A Dangerous Pact, the second book in her The Arcana Pack Chronicles trilogy, and all I can say is this just keeps getting better and better. Nessa is just the kind of strong, sassy heroines that I totally adore, and Ryder, good Lordy he’s one heck of a wonderfully sexy shifter hero. Putting them together is explosively wonderful. Read the publisher’s blurb to get what you need to know about this book. Yes, Ryder’s in real trouble here, but you can trust in this author’s fantastic writing skills to get you where you want the tale to go with one heck of a great story line that’s total fun - and easy to highly recommend.

[Charlotte]

Flaming hell Ness doesn't seem to get a break in this series. What with an Alpha that's hell bent on causing trouble and any dark thing he can on the side, a bit of a nut job Fae Queen, magic, Witches.......etc the list goes on and on. Plus all the complications that come with Dragon - Ryder have been dancing around each other since book 1 and the sexual tension between is off of the charts though. A bit of me is hoping that they get together soon. Still I'm loving these books and that cliffhanger ending was just knockout! I cant wait for the next book now

[Jenn Allen]

Wow!! What a heart pounding ride that was! I'm absolutely loving Ness and Ryder, the deep pull to each other that they both keep pushing at really keeps me interested. There's amazing action, non stop nail biting and all these different outside sources interfering with everything! I love the world that has been built, the different magic that shows and how it all works so well together. I'm ready for the next step in this series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kristin Howie]

The story intensifies in part two in a big way. You loathe the villains all the more and bare the pain of the leads and their close friends with a wince and a grinding of teeth! Part three can’t come soon enough. Fair warning to others, the romance elements of this book are still a VERY slow burn, continuing the trend from the first book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[CJ]

The author continues the story of Ness and Ryder as they deal with everything that is thrown at them. The story keeps us turning the pages with heart pounding danger, action and chemistry. This is part of a series, and the books must be read in order, so that you know what is going on. This book ends with a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish]

This is the second book in the Arcane Pack Chronicles series. You can't read this book as a standalone, book one must be read before starting this one. This book just like book one ends on a cliffhanger. If you don’t like cliffhangers this probably isn’t the books for you or you’ll want to wait till the series is done. Emilia Hartley has a way of drawing you in to the story keeping you turning the pages and not wanting to set the book down.

This book picks up a few days after the first book ended and boy does it take you on a huge roller coaster ride of emotions. Ness and Ryder drove me crazy, in a good way. They’re both carrying a lot of guilt and continually punishing themselves for what’s gone wrong. Ryder is dealing with the fact that he had no choice but to kill his father, who was the clan leader, due to treasure sickness that some dragons fall prey to. Ness carries the weight of the whole pack on her shoulders. The current alpha, Alvin, is losing his mind and is terrorizing the whole pack over a prophecy. Instead of helping Ness the pack blames her and yet she still feels sorry for them even though she’s the one being abused. The story bounces between Ness and Ryder and their struggles with guilt, their feelings for each other and all the other things that just keep going wrong for them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dora]

What an emotional ride! Ness and Ryder continue struggling with their feelings, emotions, and what it takes to end it all. Nothing seems to have changed for Ness even with the things she has discovered. Her fear of her consequences for her pack and her frustration at what she has not been able to solve, make her act impulsively and accept herself as the sacrificial lamb. I wanted to yell at Ness in these scenes. On the other hand, Ryder was wasting a lot of time feeling guilty and sorry for himself. Luckily Bri arrives on the scene to try, and I repeat, to try to put sanity and reason in his head. The constant game of cat and mouse of the Unseelie Queen with Ryder and Alvin with Ness has me on edge. I love these stories that cause me a lot of emotion. The cliffhanger leaves me waiting for a situation that seems logical to me at this moment, and at the same time very mysterious. The villains, of which there are more than one, seem to know more than necessary and make me think that Ness's situation is more mysterious than it has been revealed so far. Action, suspense, mystery, magic, fear, violence, romance and passion. An interesting and entertaining book that I liked very much and leaves me anxiously waiting for the next one. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received free from Booksprout.

[Stephanie]

WOW! Things just got hotter!! More action, suspense and questions in this book.... Ness and Ryder have their hands full trying to get the best of Alvin and Harvey. Ness hits walls at every turn she makes... runs into the bad guys more often than not... finds out Alvins secret... still can't figure out the prophecy regarding herself and still has no idea how she's supposed to help Ryder with his. Ryder is in a jam with the Fae Queen Beryl... Brigid shows up and helps out but also puts a wrinkle in his plans. Alvin is more desperate... Harvey is just as desperate and even more hateful... we haven't been told the whole deal behind the situation between Alvin, Harvey and Ness, but we're getting closer to knowing by the end of the story. Still a lot of chunks missing in the backstory and regarding some of the other players. The story is coming to a pitch with lots more action, drama, and WTF's at every turn! The story is getting a little more violent but you can start to feel for these other players and the feelings for Ness and Ryder begin to get stronger. Can't wait to find out more in the next story! Very written story line, plot flows perfectly with a few eddies that leave you with more questions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise]

Ness is searching for Ryder who had disappeared with Queen Beryl. When she goes to check his home she finds a beautiful woman who is apparently also trying to find him. Is Bri his girlfriend? His mate? The two go together to the restaurant that Queen Beryl lives under and manage to get her to release him. Unfortunately, he has eaten fairy food and is not in good shape. Alvin catches up with her after she leaves Ryder and Bri and threatens her again. She is determined to get something on the alpha that will turn the pack against him.

I don't want to ruin the story for you. Alvin always seems to be one step ahead of her. She and her friends manage to find some evidence that he has always been a sadistic maniac, but the pack doesn't seem to believe her. Beryl continues to be a thorn in Ryder's side, Harvey brings destruction unto himself by continuously harassing Ness, Ryder's dragon makes his choice about what Ryder is going to do, Ness learns more about her arcana. It is another cliffhanger ending. Sigh.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Raecharmed]

This is the second installment in this series.

This book picks up where the last left off. Ryder has been pulled back to Beryl and she uses fae food to control him. It takes Bri and Ness to get him back but even that's not a given. Because every time Ness lands in trouble, or someone comes for her Ryder gets pulled away again. So, in this book Ness get a little stronger and starts to come into her own power. She finally gets proof again Alvin only to lose it. The pack continues to turn their back on Ness even though she is basically fighting to save them all. When everything comes to ahead Ness does what she always does and takes the brunt of Alvin's wrath to protect everyone else. Will Ryder get to her in time? Can they ever be free of Alvin's rule?

This is an amazing story once I started it I couldn't put it down. This is a well written and very entertaining story. WARNING!!!! There is a cliff hanger but this is a series so its a given. I would recommend this this book and series to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Porter]

I voluntarily read an arc of this book and am leaving an honest review. This story just gets better and better. It grips you tight and leaves you wrung out. Ness is still battling her evil alpha and Ryder is still trying to leave. More and more things keep pulling them together and then apart. Some of the secrets come to light and still others remain hidden. I hate to complain because I am really loving this series but I really wish for more kissing, touching, snuggling…anything! The plot definitely will keep your interest, how can it not with all the action, unique characters and situations that keep coming to light? But I want a deeper connection, a physical connection between the H/h. I have to say also, this ends on a heck of a cliff hanger! I’m seriously feeling the book hole right now! I need to know what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[DianaRaven]

A DANGEROUS PACT is the second installment in Emilia Hartley's The Arcana Pack Chronicles series. This talented author brings us characters that are headstrong, compassionate, sad and determined, and a story line that reaches out and grabs you. You will find all that and more in this fast and entertaining read.

Ness and Ryder each have their own big problems. Ness is trying not to be killed before she can get proof against her evil alpha. Ryder wants to help Ness, but worried his past will soon catch up to him and destroy everything and everyone around him. His pact with the Fae Queen may never be completed. The big question, will they live long enough.

I really enjoyed this story and could hardly put it down until I finished. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  BTW, still no HEA, yet. Maybe next installment, they are getting hot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J]

Ness is still fighting hard for a pack that doesn't much deserve her if I'm honest. Her brutal alpha has no interest in anything other than causing her grief. She is beyond grateful for the help she received from an unexpected quarter, Ryder, but she doens't want to cause him any more problems than she feels she has already brought to him. That and the fact that she's falling for him but believes that he already has a mate. For his part Ryder is battling issues on his own side of things. He couldn't not help Ness, not when he is starting to realise just who she is to him. They are each so deep in their own self-doubt that they cannot see the truth of it all. I am not saying any more than that because I love how this is going, all the intrigue, action and great characters. I don't want to give anything away that would spoil it for someone yet to read the book. Just one thing more though, cliffhanger.... If you don't do well with these wait til this series is complete. Trust me on this!

[Emily Pennington]

Ryder and Ness Still Facing Danger . . .

There is so much action in this story. Vanessa Blackmaw (“Ness”) and Ryder Callahan, a dragon shifter, have an intensely strong attraction and they give new meaning to the term “slooowww burn”. And the arrival of a female, Brigid, from his clan may put the brakes on any progress, as Ness assumes this may be his mate. The crazed Alpha Alvin and his son Harvey are getting worse and more vicious in their cruel actions. Ryder is stuck in Unseelie Queen Beryl’s debt and being told to do things he does not want to carry out, her end-goal still hidden and unsuspected. The twists and turns will keep the reader on the edge of the seat waiting to see what happens next.

We have another cliffhanger, but it’s worth the wait. The promise of a continuing excellent story line should make you eager, not angry. You know this author will deliver!

[Clyde]

I hoped for more from this story and the author delivered it. Ryder and Ness are still caught in the web of intrigue with the Unseelie Queen, the local witches, and Ness's insane Alpha. This story is the continuation of book 1 -A Dangerous Pact - and to understand and enjoy this one #1 needs to be read first. The storyline thickens with more threats as Ness and Ryder work together to save the small town hidden outside of human Syracuse. The characterizations deepen as the story unfolds, the action mounts, the plot twists, and Ness and Ryder find themselves drawn ever closer. Be aware - there is sure to be more to this story in #3. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona]

This continues the serial romance story of Ness a barghest and Ryder a stormrider dragon. This starts after Ness and Ryder defeated her Alpha and Ryder was taken by the Fae Queen. Within this part Ness feels bad trapping Ryker who was helping her and she's starting to develop feelings for him and Ryder the same. The Fae Unseelie Queen won't let go of them and is demanding a favor which Ryder refuses. There's unrest and threats that continues in this engaging saga. You really get to feel the angst and budding romantic feelings from our couple in this part. This is a very enjoyable serial with engaging characters, lots of drama, romance and action contained in this ARC that I volunteer to read and review via Booksprout.

[Mary Burgess]

This is book two of the Arcana Pack Chronicles and if you haven’t started this series, you definitely should now. Ryder is a dragon shifter who killed his father because he had treasure sickness. Now he feels so guilty, but he encountered a witch that told him to find the Barghest (hound) and all would be well. Ness belongs to Alpha Alvin’s pack and he has been trying to get rid of her because on her first and all future shifts were into a Barghest and the prophecy stated he would be demolished by the Barghest. Ryder and Ness have both tried to stay away from each other, but it’s definitely not working. Really great read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Finley]

Emilia Hartley has put twists and turns in the Arcana Pack Chronicles. Emilia writes thrilling stories. The second book reveals more turmoil in Ness’ pack. The unseelie queen, Beryl, plays a more active role in this book. Ryder and Ness are trying to acknowledge the truth to their feelings for each other. Alvin, Ness’ pack alpha, increases his abuse of the pack. Ness continues to put herself out there to protect the other pack members.

I am excited to read the next book in this series. I have been drawn into the story from the first book. The second book continues to expand on the characters strengths and weaknesses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Nastasio]

This was a great story and the main characters drove me crazy at one point or another but overall there was only one issue for me and it’s cliffhangers I hate them but a least I’m not waiting to long for the next book. Ness and Ryder and both fighting with issues him with his fathers treasure sickness and her still having problems with her alpha Alvin who treats her badly as does everyone else in the pack but she sacrifices everything for the pack. There is so much more to this book and I don’t want to spoil it but with drama, action, suspense, mystery, magic, violence and fear are just some of things you get inside this story. But be warned it ends with another cliffhanger grrrrrr.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria R]

¡Fears!

When there were doubts about true love, many misunderstandings could arise. However, there was no escape from your true feelings. Then, you must face them before jealousy took advantage.

Emilia Hartley continues this chronicle with this second installment of the series, in this case developing the insecurities of our characters. More drama, danger, mistakes, misunderstanding, fears, and regrets came up when people kept what lay in their hearts to those ones that mattered most. If you like books that came one after the other, this is your opportunity of enjoying an outstanding new world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw]

A Dangerous Pact (The Arcana Pack Chronicles Book 2) is a frustrating read but a good read. In this second installment of the series, guilt over transgressions that they should not have any responsibility for is consuming Ness and Ryder to the point that they have become self-centered and undeniably irritating. They are both wallowing in so much self-pity and self-loathing that I had to keep putting the book down. However, you have to keep rooting for these two underdogs that cannot seem to see what's right in front of their faces. With a ton of drama, suspense, action, and a blossoming romance, the storyline is still good and sets up the next book in a really big way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue MacKenzie]

Noooo don't leave it there please......I need more!!!!
OMGosh Vanessa just can't catch a break.
She does so much for her pack and yet they never seem to do any thing for her, or so it seems.
And as for Ryder, that young dragon seems to be kicking himself for something that no one else is.
Oh and Beryl, nasty piece of Fae that one is ooh.
Dragging poor Ryder off all the time just when he's right where he wants to be.
I do like Bri though, no wonder she became the boss.
And again I am left with a cliff hanger.....go to turn the page and nothing....nooooooo, please, I want to see what happens next....

Woah this writer has me on the edge!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joe Kendall]

WOW. Book two of the Arcana Pack series does not disappoint.
Ness is doing everything in her power to save her pack from her Alpha, even though they wont fight to save her.
This book builds the tension, frustration, suspense and power. Emotions run high as everyone fights for their place and power.
Ryder is pulled under the fae queens will, he fights and does what he can to resist. Ness wants to deny her connection to Ryder and they both do a very good job of resisting each other.
I love this series. the characters have pulled me in and I can t resist these pages. I was hooked from the first chapter of book one and this second book does not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Evernden]

Poor Ness never catches a break. With the annoying fae queen taking Rider at the worst possible timing and leaving her exposed and vulnerable, how many more people she cares about have to get hurt by her sadistic alpha and his son? In between fighting for her life (again) more people she cares about are in her apha's crosshairs and as hard as she tries her arcana is being as stubborn as she is. Rider, trying to protect Ness at all cost keeps getting pulled back to the fae queen against his wishes. Trying as hard as he can to break her hold, only one woman can keep his head in the game. I need to know what happens next they both have to realise they share the same feelings at some point right? The sexual tension between them is unbearable.

[Avis]

I'm liking this series/trilogy?. Action, intrigue and twists you won't see coming.
More mischief from the Unseelie queen, Alvin still up to no good. Making everyone even more scared.
Ryder trying to help but always there's something that prevents him from doing it right. see above about the fairy queen. Ness trying her best to help her "ungrateful" pack.
Slow burn to the romance. I'm sure they will realize/acknowledge their feelings soon.
There is surprise help.
The story line is great. Worldbuilding also very good. I'm sure in the end there will be a fantastic HEA. We're just not there yet.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie]

This story keeps getting better and better. I read this book quickly. I can't wait for the next in the next book.
Ryder finally realized that Vanessa is his mate as he tries his best to protect her. Vanessa (Ness) thinks Ryder has a mate in Bri but Bri is only a friend who wants to help Ryder and his mate. Ryder and Ness try to do their best to help each other and keep their friends out of danger.
Theres troubles and dangers that follow these two no matter what direction they go and the bond between them continues to get stronger each day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharlie]

Okay... breathe in and breathe out. I absolutely love this authors words that she forms into her books. Book #2 continues from where book #1 left off as Ness and Ryder find their way. Ness has been sticking her neck out for her pack and has been taking the abuse from Alvin the pack Alpha. Ryder is trying to leave town, before his brother finds him, but Queen Beryl, of the Fae Unseelie, has her hooks into him until he pays back a debt he owes her. This book #2 leaves the reader up and down and all around which keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. This is book #2 of "The Arcana Pack Chronicles". I can't wait for book #3. Enjoy!

[Robin Blanksguster]

Vanessa, "Ness", to her friends is a black hound, a "Barghest", in a pack of wolves. Her parents are even wolves. Alvin, the Alpha of the pack, abuses and encourages the pack to abuse her from the time she is 13 years old but, she is a strong, determined person. Ryder, a Stormrider (dragon), is on the run from his brother and pack when he runs into Ness in her hometown having trouble with her Alpha. There are a lot of twists, turns, quirky characters and underlying plots that seem to be against them. I loved this adventure so far and can't wait for the next book.

Red Robin

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty]

There was just so much drama going on in this story! Several characters with histories with each other are brought together amidst several power struggles. Ness was really interesting. She had depth of character as well as so many unique abilities. Ryder is struggling to atone for his past when his connection to Ness begins to manifest. I loved the interplay between the Fae/dark seelie, demons, witches dragon/wolf/hound shifters and their magical tendencies. The suspense kept me reading on- right to the cliffhanger ending! I’m looking forward to the next novel already to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.