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The Olympus Pride #5
When He's Torn
It has been said that Bailey Bryant lives with her middle finger up in the air. She can agree with that. But there’s one thing she fails to be breezy about: her unrelenting attraction to fellow enforcer Deke Hammond. Broad, inked, and ruggedly masculine, the grumpy cat shifter could attract a stone. He’s also currently riddled with touch-hunger and much crankier than usual. So she should probably stop poking at him for fun—he already despises her. Or so she thinks … until one of their regular disputes leads to an explosive kiss and an exchange of truths. That lip-lock creates a major issue—she now wants more. And there seems only one thing for it: She’ll have to kiss him again.
Deke is a man of logic. He doesn’t like what he doesn’t understand. And he cannot explain why Bailey compels him like no one else. Constantly teasing and provoking him, the snake shifter drives him nuts. Daily. On purpose. She takes nothing seriously—him included. Yet, he’s often come close to ravishing her mouth. When touch-hunger comes calling, he loses the strength and will to fight his attraction to her. The more time he spends with Bailey, the more he realizes he’s made many incorrect assumptions about her. There’s much he doesn’t know. Much to admire and respect. Much he truly likes. Likes a whole lot, in fact. And there seems only one thing for it: He’ll have to just keep her.
Deke is a man of logic. He doesn’t like what he doesn’t understand. And he cannot explain why Bailey compels him like no one else. Constantly teasing and provoking him, the snake shifter drives him nuts. Daily. On purpose. She takes nothing seriously—him included. Yet, he’s often come close to ravishing her mouth. When touch-hunger comes calling, he loses the strength and will to fight his attraction to her. The more time he spends with Bailey, the more he realizes he’s made many incorrect assumptions about her. There’s much he doesn’t know. Much to admire and respect. Much he truly likes. Likes a whole lot, in fact. And there seems only one thing for it: He’ll have to just keep her.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2023
543 people are currently reading
1687 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Wright
68 books14.5k followersSuzanne Wright lives in England with her husband, two children, and her Bengal cats. When she's not spending time with her family, she's writing, reading, or doing her version of housework - sweeping the house with a look.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
April 2, 2023
2 - 2.5 Stars
If you have followed my reviews for any length of time, you know that I am a HUGE Suzanne Wright fan and usually four to five-star the crap out of ALL of her books with basically zero objectivity.
Her formula, characters, and style just work for for me and I don't mind that the majority of her books are literally the same formula, characters, and overall shtick. Every time. Wright books are the equivalent of reading comfort food for me and I just love reading them and re-reading them.
They are sure things, my friends.
Usually.
Sadly, I found the overall plot/conflict of this book to be the weakest to date. Typically, Wright books have two conflicts that are running in tandem through each book, and this one was no different; however, in this case the main conflict felt very low stakes. Also, there were random mentions/appearances of previous book/series characters (which I am usually ALL about), but they felt very gratuitous and out of place here.
And on a VERY petty note: I don't know why, but Wright uses the word "simply" a LOT. As in, "she simply didn't care" or something similar. I noticed it in the last couple books and it's become like one of those things that, once you see it, you can't unsee it. And then it's suddenly everywhere. I know that's a lame thing to bitch about, but what can I say.
There were also a lot more editing mistakes in this book that I am not used to there being in Wright's books. Homonym errors. Little things that, on their own, are not a big deal, but collectively...
Overall though, this one just didn't work for me and the main reason was Bailey.
I've enjoyed Bailey as a side character in all of the previous books; however, I think Bailey works best for me as just that: a side character. Her constant one-liners, playing dumb, and making "quirky" comments work fine as a side show, but as the main focal point of the story, it merely lent itself toward her coming off as VERY one-dimensional for me. Which led to me feeling ZERO connection between her and Deke.
And that right there is the main reason I didn't love this. I can forgive almost anything if the connection and heat between the main love interests is strong. And I can usually count on Wright to deliver hard in that department. But these two just didn't work for me. I never felt the connection between these two at ALL. Even the sex scenes felt very blah and rushed and I found myself skimming a lot. Skimming a Suzanne Wright book, people.
All that said, I would like to say that this review should be taken with a grain of salt.
I have been under a lot of real life stress in recent months (which has also lent itself to a pretty bad reading slump and me generally not wanting to read at all - which is VERY abnormal for me) and my body finally gave out in the form of a horrible flu this week. And I genuinely think that affected my reading experience here. So please keep that in mind. Once this season passes and life is more back to "normal" I will try and read this again and see if my opinion changes with mood and time. Although, I do have to say, I'm not quite sure. Bailey will still be Bailey after all.
If you have followed my reviews for any length of time, you know that I am a HUGE Suzanne Wright fan and usually four to five-star the crap out of ALL of her books with basically zero objectivity.
Her formula, characters, and style just work for for me and I don't mind that the majority of her books are literally the same formula, characters, and overall shtick. Every time. Wright books are the equivalent of reading comfort food for me and I just love reading them and re-reading them.
They are sure things, my friends.
Usually.
Sadly, I found the overall plot/conflict of this book to be the weakest to date. Typically, Wright books have two conflicts that are running in tandem through each book, and this one was no different; however, in this case the main conflict felt very low stakes. Also, there were random mentions/appearances of previous book/series characters (which I am usually ALL about), but they felt very gratuitous and out of place here.
And on a VERY petty note: I don't know why, but Wright uses the word "simply" a LOT. As in, "she simply didn't care" or something similar. I noticed it in the last couple books and it's become like one of those things that, once you see it, you can't unsee it. And then it's suddenly everywhere. I know that's a lame thing to bitch about, but what can I say.
There were also a lot more editing mistakes in this book that I am not used to there being in Wright's books. Homonym errors. Little things that, on their own, are not a big deal, but collectively...
Overall though, this one just didn't work for me and the main reason was Bailey.
I've enjoyed Bailey as a side character in all of the previous books; however, I think Bailey works best for me as just that: a side character. Her constant one-liners, playing dumb, and making "quirky" comments work fine as a side show, but as the main focal point of the story, it merely lent itself toward her coming off as VERY one-dimensional for me. Which led to me feeling ZERO connection between her and Deke.
And that right there is the main reason I didn't love this. I can forgive almost anything if the connection and heat between the main love interests is strong. And I can usually count on Wright to deliver hard in that department. But these two just didn't work for me. I never felt the connection between these two at ALL. Even the sex scenes felt very blah and rushed and I found myself skimming a lot. Skimming a Suzanne Wright book, people.
All that said, I would like to say that this review should be taken with a grain of salt.
I have been under a lot of real life stress in recent months (which has also lent itself to a pretty bad reading slump and me generally not wanting to read at all - which is VERY abnormal for me) and my body finally gave out in the form of a horrible flu this week. And I genuinely think that affected my reading experience here. So please keep that in mind. Once this season passes and life is more back to "normal" I will try and read this again and see if my opinion changes with mood and time. Although, I do have to say, I'm not quite sure. Bailey will still be Bailey after all.
March 10, 2023
Wright has a formula, and she's sticking to it. Luckily, I really enjoy the formula. You always know what to expect:
-overly feisty female
-overly protective male
-mysterious bad guy is gunning for one or both of them
-other people are also jerks but turn out not to be the mysterious bad guy
-bad guy kidnaps one or both of them and is finally revealed
-bad guy is caught/killed
-HEA
For me, this never gets old so I will keep on reading these books as they come out.
-overly feisty female
-overly protective male
-mysterious bad guy is gunning for one or both of them
-other people are also jerks but turn out not to be the mysterious bad guy
-bad guy kidnaps one or both of them and is finally revealed
-bad guy is caught/killed
-HEA
For me, this never gets old so I will keep on reading these books as they come out.
April 19, 2023
The black mamba and the pallas cat!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☹️🙃😍😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Bailey - she is a black mamba snake shifter who lives with a pride of cat shifters. She acts like she takes what life has to offer in stride but there are hidden depths to her that not a lot of people know about. She is an enforcer for the olympus pride and is very good at her job. The venom doesn’t hurt either when it comes to taking down foes. Though, she doesn’t kill those that do her wrong, she finds it more fun to break their minds.
The Hero: Deke - he is a pallas cat shifter and an enforcer for the olympus pride. A pallas cat shifter is one of strongest breeds of shifter and are one of the most vicious animals. Despite looking like cute balls of fluff, they can fight like crazy. He is big, burly and inked and is ruggedly masculine. He has touch hunger, which happened to shifters if they haven’t had sexual touch in a while. He was promised to another shifter named Dana who lives far away, so they had an agreement that each other can deal with the touch hunger with another.
The Story: Bailey loves to stir the pot and none more so than with Deke. She is always joking and teasing him, and she frustrates him to no end. Bailey loved Deke’s gravely voice, and he made her feel things she had never felt before. She though he was always stoic with an underlying danger which was very attractive to her. So when Deke’s mom started coming around her place with food, Bailey wondered if she was trying to set her up with him despite him.
Deke had pulled out of his vow to Dana, though he hadn’t told her yet or anyone else. She had promised to come home within a year when she went to Australia to help her pregnant sister, but Dana has been gone for 2 ½ years now and is not sure she will ever return. I liked both of Bailey and Deke. They had chemistry from the start and I liked how they were together.
I enjoyed the fact that Bailey has a personality that leads everyone to be frustrated with her. She does things and says things to get on their nerves and enjoys doing it purposely. However, I saw it as a defense mechanism she employed due to her abandonment issues. She wanted people to leave her before she got too comfortable so she wouldn’t be hurt like she was when she was betrayed by her people.
Narrated by Samantha Cook, this book was told in dual points of view via solo narration. She has a great voice and narration style and is terrific at doing different voices for different characters. She did Bailey’s attitude so well. I usually don’t like listening to solo narration, especially when it is done by a female narrator, but I love these books and Samantha did a good job.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💖
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: ☹️🙃😍😘
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Solo Narration
The heroine: Bailey - she is a black mamba snake shifter who lives with a pride of cat shifters. She acts like she takes what life has to offer in stride but there are hidden depths to her that not a lot of people know about. She is an enforcer for the olympus pride and is very good at her job. The venom doesn’t hurt either when it comes to taking down foes. Though, she doesn’t kill those that do her wrong, she finds it more fun to break their minds.
The Hero: Deke - he is a pallas cat shifter and an enforcer for the olympus pride. A pallas cat shifter is one of strongest breeds of shifter and are one of the most vicious animals. Despite looking like cute balls of fluff, they can fight like crazy. He is big, burly and inked and is ruggedly masculine. He has touch hunger, which happened to shifters if they haven’t had sexual touch in a while. He was promised to another shifter named Dana who lives far away, so they had an agreement that each other can deal with the touch hunger with another.
The Story: Bailey loves to stir the pot and none more so than with Deke. She is always joking and teasing him, and she frustrates him to no end. Bailey loved Deke’s gravely voice, and he made her feel things she had never felt before. She though he was always stoic with an underlying danger which was very attractive to her. So when Deke’s mom started coming around her place with food, Bailey wondered if she was trying to set her up with him despite him.
Deke had pulled out of his vow to Dana, though he hadn’t told her yet or anyone else. She had promised to come home within a year when she went to Australia to help her pregnant sister, but Dana has been gone for 2 ½ years now and is not sure she will ever return. I liked both of Bailey and Deke. They had chemistry from the start and I liked how they were together.
I enjoyed the fact that Bailey has a personality that leads everyone to be frustrated with her. She does things and says things to get on their nerves and enjoys doing it purposely. However, I saw it as a defense mechanism she employed due to her abandonment issues. She wanted people to leave her before she got too comfortable so she wouldn’t be hurt like she was when she was betrayed by her people.
Narrated by Samantha Cook, this book was told in dual points of view via solo narration. She has a great voice and narration style and is terrific at doing different voices for different characters. She did Bailey’s attitude so well. I usually don’t like listening to solo narration, especially when it is done by a female narrator, but I love these books and Samantha did a good job.
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March 16, 2023
The last of the crazy trio meets her match.
The crazy trio otherwise known as Havanna, Aspen and Bailey each lone shifters who bonded when the were younger after being given a home by Corbin (a shifter who runs a community centre for shifters and spends his time helping loners who find themselves with nowhere else.to go). From Corbin's they joined the Movement, a shifter run organisation which works to protect shifters from outside threats, like extremist groups. After putting in their eight years of service they returned to the only home they know Corbin's. His centre just so happens to be in the middle of an area claimed by Pallas Cats. In previous books we have seen Havanna and Aspen find their.mates but Bailey is aloof from thoughts of a forever person. She's the weird one of the three........and that's saying something as they're all more than slightly crazy............Her animal is a black mamba and Bailey's favourite pastime is messing with people's heads. Especially Deke, an enforcer with the Pallas Cats. Someone at the community centre started a petition to get Bailey fired and she signed it........six times........ She didn't want to be left out. Deke though has a problem and it looks like the only one who can help him and his cat is Bailey ......if she wants to that is........... That's not all.someone.is messing with Deke and someone else has targeted Bailey, while Dekes problem is more of an annoyance Bailey is in danger of being seriously hurt but with not much to go on and a whole community that Bailey has annoyed (at one.point or another) finding the one responsible won't be easy........... This authors works are always entertaining with quite a few comedic moments, I love these three friends and as the series.is.on going will get to.see more of them in the.future. Yes, there is strong language and explicit sex scenes in this series but it fits with the characters. .......................
The crazy trio otherwise known as Havanna, Aspen and Bailey each lone shifters who bonded when the were younger after being given a home by Corbin (a shifter who runs a community centre for shifters and spends his time helping loners who find themselves with nowhere else.to go). From Corbin's they joined the Movement, a shifter run organisation which works to protect shifters from outside threats, like extremist groups. After putting in their eight years of service they returned to the only home they know Corbin's. His centre just so happens to be in the middle of an area claimed by Pallas Cats. In previous books we have seen Havanna and Aspen find their.mates but Bailey is aloof from thoughts of a forever person. She's the weird one of the three........and that's saying something as they're all more than slightly crazy............Her animal is a black mamba and Bailey's favourite pastime is messing with people's heads. Especially Deke, an enforcer with the Pallas Cats. Someone at the community centre started a petition to get Bailey fired and she signed it........six times........ She didn't want to be left out. Deke though has a problem and it looks like the only one who can help him and his cat is Bailey ......if she wants to that is........... That's not all.someone.is messing with Deke and someone else has targeted Bailey, while Dekes problem is more of an annoyance Bailey is in danger of being seriously hurt but with not much to go on and a whole community that Bailey has annoyed (at one.point or another) finding the one responsible won't be easy........... This authors works are always entertaining with quite a few comedic moments, I love these three friends and as the series.is.on going will get to.see more of them in the.future. Yes, there is strong language and explicit sex scenes in this series but it fits with the characters. .......................
March 19, 2023
26/11/22
March 13, 2023
I do not know. I do not know. I don't know what to say.
Suzanne has a tried-and-tested formula, and we all who have read her since the first book, know that. And it's slowly becoming... meh.
Suzanne has a tried-and-tested formula, and we all who have read her since the first book, know that. And it's slowly becoming... meh.
March 12, 2023
All of this author's books are pretty much the same, and this one is no different: sassy heroine, gruff hero who mostly dislikes everyone (except for his heroine). They circle each other as tension grows between them, and take about half the book to get together, (although often they'll hook up early on, but they'll tell themselves its a one time thing). Meanwhile, at least 3 different potential enemies attack them with random snipers, kidnapping attempts, etc. Also, there are quirky side characters and dialogue with banter. And, there's drama from one or both of their exes.
So, surprise surprise, this book had all that stuff, including a hefty dose of other woman drama, since Deke was sort of in a long distance relationship with someone else for the beginning of this book. (Naturally, Bailey has a smackdown scene with her at one point).
This is about Bailey, a snake shifter who is friends with Havanna (the heroine from When He's an Alpha) and Deke, a Pallas cat shifter who's also been mentioned in past books. They've both known each other for a while, since they're in the same Pride and both work as Enforcers for the Alpha couple. They start hooking up "casually." Meanwhile, they're both being targeted with threats from unknown sources, and they scramble to figure out what's going on.
Even though Suzanne Wright's books are samey, there's subtle variety - like in this book, I was stumped about who the villain was, and what was going on with that part of the plot. I also wasn't sure if Bailey and Deke would end up being true mates, or if they'd imprint. That was a mystery for a while. And, it was fun to see side characters from past books in this series, like to see Alex from When He’s Dark hovering over Bree while she was pregnant.
I enjoy this author's formula when I'm in the mood for it. And even with it, this book kept me on my toes with the exact way the story was unfolding. So it was a nice mix of predictable in a comforting way, but also unpredictable with the details. That said, Bailey and Deke left me a bit cold as a couple. I wasn't feeling their chemistry. And, while I like this author's sassy heroines and gruff heroes, the dial was turned up TOO high on Bailey's sass. She annoyed me a little. Similarly, for Deke, the dial was turned down too low, and he was kind of bland.
So, this wasn't her best book. But, I'm not sorry I read it, and I'll continue reading her stuff.
So, surprise surprise, this book had all that stuff, including a hefty dose of other woman drama, since Deke was sort of in a long distance relationship with someone else for the beginning of this book. (Naturally, Bailey has a smackdown scene with her at one point).
This is about Bailey, a snake shifter who is friends with Havanna (the heroine from When He's an Alpha) and Deke, a Pallas cat shifter who's also been mentioned in past books. They've both known each other for a while, since they're in the same Pride and both work as Enforcers for the Alpha couple. They start hooking up "casually." Meanwhile, they're both being targeted with threats from unknown sources, and they scramble to figure out what's going on.
Even though Suzanne Wright's books are samey, there's subtle variety - like in this book, I was stumped about who the villain was, and what was going on with that part of the plot. I also wasn't sure if Bailey and Deke would end up being true mates, or if they'd imprint. That was a mystery for a while. And, it was fun to see side characters from past books in this series, like to see Alex from When He’s Dark hovering over Bree while she was pregnant.
I enjoy this author's formula when I'm in the mood for it. And even with it, this book kept me on my toes with the exact way the story was unfolding. So it was a nice mix of predictable in a comforting way, but also unpredictable with the details. That said, Bailey and Deke left me a bit cold as a couple. I wasn't feeling their chemistry. And, while I like this author's sassy heroines and gruff heroes, the dial was turned up TOO high on Bailey's sass. She annoyed me a little. Similarly, for Deke, the dial was turned down too low, and he was kind of bland.
So, this wasn't her best book. But, I'm not sorry I read it, and I'll continue reading her stuff.
April 6, 2023
UGH… this review hurts because I LOVE this author… Yes, her books follow the same outline… but I dig it. Mostly. Until this series, which is my least fav so far. I enjoyed the first two books but have struggled through the last two… and things didn’t get better. Unfortunately.
I’m not going to take a ton of time because you’re either into S.W. or not. You can expect a bossy alpha, a sassy h, some past OW/OM lurking about, two subplot/conflicts, and a kidnapping…. Not every time, but 90% of the time.
When He’s Torn had a couple of issue.
◾Characters- I like a feisty female, but Bailey was too much. Her extra personality works better (IMHO) as a sidekick in smaller doses. On the other hand, Deke had no personality. It was mismatched and put them at odds which killed their compatibility.
◾Chemistry- This couple had no spark. It honestly felt like they tolerated each other because they were horny. Especially with them it felt off. I couldn’t feel anything.
Bottom Line- The annoying/flat characters with zero chemistry and no romance killed it for me. TG for all the OW coming out of the woodwork or I’d have been BORED to tears. I skimmed the hell out of this one. There was another Kye (Trey’s from Feral Sins kid) hint that he’s going to need to branch out soon. I’d be open to a Phoenix/Mercury Packs spinoff, but I’m praying he doesn’t fall under this Olympus umbrella.
I’m not going to take a ton of time because you’re either into S.W. or not. You can expect a bossy alpha, a sassy h, some past OW/OM lurking about, two subplot/conflicts, and a kidnapping…. Not every time, but 90% of the time.
When He’s Torn had a couple of issue.
◾Characters- I like a feisty female, but Bailey was too much. Her extra personality works better (IMHO) as a sidekick in smaller doses. On the other hand, Deke had no personality. It was mismatched and put them at odds which killed their compatibility.
◾Chemistry- This couple had no spark. It honestly felt like they tolerated each other because they were horny. Especially with them it felt off. I couldn’t feel anything.
Bottom Line- The annoying/flat characters with zero chemistry and no romance killed it for me. TG for all the OW coming out of the woodwork or I’d have been BORED to tears. I skimmed the hell out of this one. There was another Kye (Trey’s from Feral Sins kid) hint that he’s going to need to branch out soon. I’d be open to a Phoenix/Mercury Packs spinoff, but I’m praying he doesn’t fall under this Olympus umbrella.
May 14, 2023
03/10/2023 1:20pm
4.5 stars!
Get ready to fall in love with SW's latest installment! While sticking to her tried and true formula, SW has managed to create a story that feels fresh and exciting. You won't be able to put this book down once you start reading it!
Deke and Bailey's story is nothing short of captivating. With Bailey's no-nonsense attitude and hilarious comments, you'll find yourself laughing out loud and rooting for her every step of the way. In fact, we could all use a little bit of Bailey's spunk and sass in our lives... That's just my opinion.
Bailey is hilarious! I would pity Deke if it wasn't clear in the book how Bailey is so much more than you see on the surface. Both of them hit the jackpot... not that other ppl will make it easy for them to claim their reward.... but you'll have to read the book to understand that, just do it!
If you, like me, were hesitant after the last two installments, fear not! This book is leaps and bounds better than those. It's clear that SW has really found her stride with this story, and it shows in every page.
Anywho, I was super happy with this book. And I can't wait until her next book comes out!
p.s: the book made it to my kindle around 12:20am, so not so bad. I'm glad I stayed up last night waiting for this.
------------
03/10/2023 12:15 am
Why is it 12:15 am, and this book is still not on my kindle?? Is it just me? Please tell me I did not stay up until now on a weekday for nothing :')
---------------
02/12/2023
Only one month to go until we can read this beauty.
http://www.suzannewright.co.uk/2022/1...
If you, like me, can barely wait, here’s a link where you can read the first chapter of the book…. And then have even less patience to wait 😂😫
4.5 stars!
Get ready to fall in love with SW's latest installment! While sticking to her tried and true formula, SW has managed to create a story that feels fresh and exciting. You won't be able to put this book down once you start reading it!
Deke and Bailey's story is nothing short of captivating. With Bailey's no-nonsense attitude and hilarious comments, you'll find yourself laughing out loud and rooting for her every step of the way. In fact, we could all use a little bit of Bailey's spunk and sass in our lives... That's just my opinion.
“No, stop being difficult.”
“I can’t. Your frustration warms the coldest parts of my soul.”
"I am tough. Not that anyone would believe it if they saw me right now. Look at us, cuddling on a sofa while confiding in each other. It’s sickening."
Bailey is hilarious! I would pity Deke if it wasn't clear in the book how Bailey is so much more than you see on the surface. Both of them hit the jackpot... not that other ppl will make it easy for them to claim their reward.... but you'll have to read the book to understand that, just do it!
If you, like me, were hesitant after the last two installments, fear not! This book is leaps and bounds better than those. It's clear that SW has really found her stride with this story, and it shows in every page.
Anywho, I was super happy with this book. And I can't wait until her next book comes out!
p.s: the book made it to my kindle around 12:20am, so not so bad. I'm glad I stayed up last night waiting for this.
------------
03/10/2023 12:15 am
Why is it 12:15 am, and this book is still not on my kindle?? Is it just me? Please tell me I did not stay up until now on a weekday for nothing :')
---------------
02/12/2023
Only one month to go until we can read this beauty.
http://www.suzannewright.co.uk/2022/1...
If you, like me, can barely wait, here’s a link where you can read the first chapter of the book…. And then have even less patience to wait 😂😫
April 13, 2023
I wanted Big Deke Energy... but I only got a little Deke energy.
👇🏻⚠ Spoilers regarding Deke & Bailey's mate status (fated, imprinted, etc.)
👇🏻⚠ Spoilers regarding Deke & Bailey's mate status (fated, imprinted, etc.)
March 12, 2024
I love Suzanne Wright's books. LOVE THEM.
When He's Torn just didn't do it for me. Bailey wasn't working for me here and I didn't feel the bond between her and Deke.
Won't stop me from reading her stories.
When He's Torn just didn't do it for me. Bailey wasn't working for me here and I didn't feel the bond between her and Deke.
Won't stop me from reading her stories.
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March 18, 2023
SW is a comfort read, auto-click author for me so I was stoked for a new release from her. I took my time reading this one though, I think because picking what book to read next can often suck and I just wanted to enjoy this one as long as possible 😌
SW is tricky for me because banter and annoying characters are kind of par for the course and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't. Bailey is undoubtedly one of the most annoying characters in this series lol, but I actually found her sense of humor funny in this book so that was a win. Deke also found her annoyingness charming (unlike a lot of people) and claims he wouldn't change a thing about her🥺 cute. Bailey is very closed off and has a very small circle of people she cares about. She's also dead set against ever settling down or getting into a serious relationship, but Deke just needs to satisfy some touch hunger while in a long-distance openish "relationship" where they can consensually satisfy touch hunger with others so it seems like the perfect situation for Bailey and Deke to satisfy their hate-attraction they have for each other.
I found the quasi-relationship Deke was in annoying and that it didn't really fit with his characterization to have stayed in that situation for so long. Inevitably Deke and Bailey develop feelings for each other and I found her resistance to moving forward was too easily overcome like I was expecting more of a fight, but their relationship kind of just progressed without a lot of effort or explanation... I feel like I'm not explaining that well, but I just would've liked to have believed in their connection/progression more. Also random note, but there were quite a few editing errors in this book which I've never really noticed in a SW book before so that was odd. Overall though this was an entertaining addition to the series.
SW is tricky for me because banter and annoying characters are kind of par for the course and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't. Bailey is undoubtedly one of the most annoying characters in this series lol, but I actually found her sense of humor funny in this book so that was a win. Deke also found her annoyingness charming (unlike a lot of people) and claims he wouldn't change a thing about her🥺 cute. Bailey is very closed off and has a very small circle of people she cares about. She's also dead set against ever settling down or getting into a serious relationship, but Deke just needs to satisfy some touch hunger while in a long-distance openish "relationship" where they can consensually satisfy touch hunger with others so it seems like the perfect situation for Bailey and Deke to satisfy their hate-attraction they have for each other.
I found the quasi-relationship Deke was in annoying and that it didn't really fit with his characterization to have stayed in that situation for so long. Inevitably Deke and Bailey develop feelings for each other and I found her resistance to moving forward was too easily overcome like I was expecting more of a fight, but their relationship kind of just progressed without a lot of effort or explanation... I feel like I'm not explaining that well, but I just would've liked to have believed in their connection/progression more. Also random note, but there were quite a few editing errors in this book which I've never really noticed in a SW book before so that was odd. Overall though this was an entertaining addition to the series.
March 25, 2023
I mostly enjoyed this one. Bailey is really hard to love and I know that's on purpose, but I did get tired of her constant need to annoy everyone. I also understood why she was that way. What I did love about her was her confidence and how deadly she was. That part of her personality was fun to read. Deke was awesome. He was easy to love and I like how he came around to his feelings to Bailey. Also, it's always good to see all the gang. Great read!
April 4, 2023
4.5 stars!
At this point, I don't really need any reason to give Suzanne Wright books 4-5 stars, becaaaaaaaaaaause I am obsessed. I always know going into them that I'm going to have a good time and that mother is going to feed me very well.
This book had absolutely no business being this funny (the Hissy Elliott thing, are you kidding me?! I read that like 5 times and laughed my head off). Bailey is absolutely hilarious and I'm head over heels in love with how Deke handles her and all of her quirks. Their banter is off the charts. Their chemistry is explosive (the scene where he wraps his hand around her throat and tells her to behave? Good LORD).
As always, I loved the involvement of the side characters, and since most of them have already had their books in this series, it was nice to see them settled into their relationships and living their best lives.
I just want to pack my bags and move into a world of Suzanne Wrights creation, to be honest.
At this point, I don't really need any reason to give Suzanne Wright books 4-5 stars, becaaaaaaaaaaause I am obsessed. I always know going into them that I'm going to have a good time and that mother is going to feed me very well.
This book had absolutely no business being this funny (the Hissy Elliott thing, are you kidding me?! I read that like 5 times and laughed my head off). Bailey is absolutely hilarious and I'm head over heels in love with how Deke handles her and all of her quirks. Their banter is off the charts. Their chemistry is explosive (the scene where he wraps his hand around her throat and tells her to behave? Good LORD).
As always, I loved the involvement of the side characters, and since most of them have already had their books in this series, it was nice to see them settled into their relationships and living their best lives.
I just want to pack my bags and move into a world of Suzanne Wrights creation, to be honest.
March 27, 2024
I stalled on this series, because I was reluctant to read Luke's book (book 4). Finally, I did something I've never done before - literally, never - and deliberately skipped a book in the series. I feel weirdly guilty about it, but frankly, I would never have read that book. Between the age gap and the grooming, there are too many things that I personally find loathsome, and so while I love this author, I couldn't do it.
So I jumped to this one and I'm glad that I did. It was the typical SW fun time - growly MMC, tough FMC that is an utter nut - and I enjoyed the heck out of it.
In terms of the overall mystery, that was also fun. Overall, it was a good ride, and I liked getting to know Bailey. She made my heart hurt a bit, and so I'm glad she gets her HEA.
So I jumped to this one and I'm glad that I did. It was the typical SW fun time - growly MMC, tough FMC that is an utter nut - and I enjoyed the heck out of it.
In terms of the overall mystery, that was also fun. Overall, it was a good ride, and I liked getting to know Bailey. She made my heart hurt a bit, and so I'm glad she gets her HEA.
March 12, 2023
*2.5 stars
SW has one concept for her books and that's it. It doesn't necessarily mean they are bad but it gets boring really fast 🤷♀️
SW has one concept for her books and that's it. It doesn't necessarily mean they are bad but it gets boring really fast 🤷♀️
March 11, 2023
4.5🌟.
This one was an absolute delight to read, especially Bailey and Zeke’s banter. Bailey was straight up whack character and I loved how accepting and loving Zeke was towards her.
Infact half of the pack is crazy and that’s the beauty of this series.
Suspense was done really well and there are quite a few action scenes too.
(Minor spoilers)
I didn’t like that Bailey choose to assuage in Zeke’s touch hunger even though she knew he was in a complicated relationship/promise with another person. It’s technically not cheating as Zeke already decided to back out from his promise and this relationship with OW is kinda open and he hasn’t seen her for two and half years.
I also didn’t like that Bailey has been ‘helpful’ like this to three others in past.
Otherwise the book is engaging and so entertaining.
Can’t wait to read Isaiah’s book but I’m so sad it will only release next year.
Recommended.
This one was an absolute delight to read, especially Bailey and Zeke’s banter. Bailey was straight up whack character and I loved how accepting and loving Zeke was towards her.
Infact half of the pack is crazy and that’s the beauty of this series.
Suspense was done really well and there are quite a few action scenes too.
(Minor spoilers)
I didn’t like that Bailey choose to assuage in Zeke’s touch hunger even though she knew he was in a complicated relationship/promise with another person. It’s technically not cheating as Zeke already decided to back out from his promise and this relationship with OW is kinda open and he hasn’t seen her for two and half years.
I also didn’t like that Bailey has been ‘helpful’ like this to three others in past.
Otherwise the book is engaging and so entertaining.
Can’t wait to read Isaiah’s book but I’m so sad it will only release next year.
Recommended.
March 10, 2023
Rating ~3.5
As expected, I adored the bickering couple. Deke and Bailey were an entertaining pair. Minus the time I had to take to sleep I basically finished this is one sitting.
As expected, I adored the bickering couple. Deke and Bailey were an entertaining pair. Minus the time I had to take to sleep I basically finished this is one sitting.
March 30, 2023
I skipped over When He's Ruthless because the whole finding-your-true-mate-when-they're-a-child-and-waiting-for-them-to-grow-up doesn't really appeal to me (I get that it isn't grooming and that Wright went out of her way not to do that, but it still isn't my jam). I liked the glimpses of Blair we got in this book, but otherwise, I still don't have many regrets about skipping that one -- other than maybe if I had, seeing the previous byplay between Deke and Bailey would have helped me understand them a little better.
As it was, this was kind of what I thought it would be. Even though I loved Bailey as a supporting character, she was better in that role than a main character. Her brand of crazy got watered down when she was in nearly every scene and you're supposed to understand her thought process. As for Deke, I only vaguely got a character read on him and he never seemed as grumpy as I was told he was.
The book was fine. Not great, not bad. I liked that for once I didn't immediately know the villain's motivations. I also liked that the OW drama was relatively tame -- although I would have thought in a book about Bailey, Wright would have amped it up a little more to let the crazy shine through. One other thing that bothers me about the fight scenes in this series is that we're always told that Bailey/Havana/Aspen/Camden can end the fight quickly, but they almost never do. I get why Bailey would have enjoyed toying with the OW, but when fighting in a life-or-death battle, maybe the author could have used that to show exactly how lethal she can be. Sure, it would have been anti-climactic but that would work for this particular character.
It was fun, but not one I'll revisit any time soon.
As it was, this was kind of what I thought it would be. Even though I loved Bailey as a supporting character, she was better in that role than a main character. Her brand of crazy got watered down when she was in nearly every scene and you're supposed to understand her thought process. As for Deke, I only vaguely got a character read on him and he never seemed as grumpy as I was told he was.
The book was fine. Not great, not bad. I liked that for once I didn't immediately know the villain's motivations. I also liked that the OW drama was relatively tame -- although I would have thought in a book about Bailey, Wright would have amped it up a little more to let the crazy shine through. One other thing that bothers me about the fight scenes in this series is that we're always told that Bailey/Havana/Aspen/Camden can end the fight quickly, but they almost never do. I get why Bailey would have enjoyed toying with the OW, but when fighting in a life-or-death battle, maybe the author could have used that to show exactly how lethal she can be. Sure, it would have been anti-climactic but that would work for this particular character.
It was fun, but not one I'll revisit any time soon.
October 6, 2023
I saw a review that say Bailey is not MFC material and I completely agree, BUT, I also want to point out that Deke is also no way near MMC material.
A good MMC doesn’t not repeatedly not tell the woman who he has a relationship agreement that he doesn’t want to be in the agreement anymore (allowing sex during touch hunger doesn’t make him look better either but that’s a whole other issue). From the first few chapters we knew Deke was done with the agreement, that he wants to move on. But it’s not till after he’s marked Bailey that he even mentions anything like it AND the OW is the one who ends up confronting him about the marking. He came across as extremely weak and unlikeable for these actions.
Bailey is a whole other mess. Her playing dumb and air headed when she’s actually very smart got old…real quick. As a side character she’s a great comedic relief but as a MFC she’s just annoying.
I’ve never skipped large portions of a SW book before but I did multiple times with this one. I just couldn’t bring myself to like Deke or Bailey. Ultimately, Havana is the only from the group of loners that I actually like and I’m glad that this book wrapped up that group of MCs. I’ll continue with the series but will attempt to wash my memory of the Aspen/Camden and Bailey/Deke stories.
A good MMC doesn’t not repeatedly not tell the woman who he has a relationship agreement that he doesn’t want to be in the agreement anymore (allowing sex during touch hunger doesn’t make him look better either but that’s a whole other issue). From the first few chapters we knew Deke was done with the agreement, that he wants to move on. But it’s not till after he’s marked Bailey that he even mentions anything like it AND the OW is the one who ends up confronting him about the marking. He came across as extremely weak and unlikeable for these actions.
Bailey is a whole other mess. Her playing dumb and air headed when she’s actually very smart got old…real quick. As a side character she’s a great comedic relief but as a MFC she’s just annoying.
I’ve never skipped large portions of a SW book before but I did multiple times with this one. I just couldn’t bring myself to like Deke or Bailey. Ultimately, Havana is the only from the group of loners that I actually like and I’m glad that this book wrapped up that group of MCs. I’ll continue with the series but will attempt to wash my memory of the Aspen/Camden and Bailey/Deke stories.
May 18, 2023
Another crazy female character who is badass.
I just love Suzanne Wright's books. They all follow the same formula and aren't that different from each other, but it's just so entertaining. Bailey is crazy and annoying in a fun way. I loved her banter with Deke, how badass she was and seeing her open up to him was really sweet. Deke was fine, he should have broken the whole vow thing way earlier.Besides that, I liked him. Tbh I'm mostly reading it for the female characters. I just love how crazy they all are xD
Anyway, the plot was good, the spicy scenes were fun, and the whole mystery aspect was interesting. I really love how Bailey didn't need saving and solved her own shit at the end. Also, it's always fun to see old characters from all the series. I just had a really good time being back into the whole shifter world and this makes me crave more of Suzanne Wright writing.
Rating: 3,5
I just love Suzanne Wright's books. They all follow the same formula and aren't that different from each other, but it's just so entertaining. Bailey is crazy and annoying in a fun way. I loved her banter with Deke, how badass she was and seeing her open up to him was really sweet. Deke was fine, he should have broken the whole vow thing way earlier.Besides that, I liked him. Tbh I'm mostly reading it for the female characters. I just love how crazy they all are xD
Anyway, the plot was good, the spicy scenes were fun, and the whole mystery aspect was interesting. I really love how Bailey didn't need saving and solved her own shit at the end. Also, it's always fun to see old characters from all the series. I just had a really good time being back into the whole shifter world and this makes me crave more of Suzanne Wright writing.
Rating: 3,5
March 17, 2023
2.5 stars
March 10, 2023
Disappointed in this one.
Bailey was exhausting to say the least. Nonstop jokes, sarcasm, sassy attitude 🙄 i needed more variety in her and I didn’t get that.
Deke was fairly possessive of Bailey but had to be pushed into his feelings. I’m still not understanding why he kept to a loose vow for no real reason.
The chemistry between the two characters was off. The “love” declaration just kind of happened. Didn’t feel the progression in the relationship.
The sex scenes were rushed(even glossed over a great deal😞) and lacked depth.
I did love the outside drama and suspense. This author always does that right.
HEA✅
Bailey was exhausting to say the least. Nonstop jokes, sarcasm, sassy attitude 🙄 i needed more variety in her and I didn’t get that.
Deke was fairly possessive of Bailey but had to be pushed into his feelings. I’m still not understanding why he kept to a loose vow for no real reason.
The chemistry between the two characters was off. The “love” declaration just kind of happened. Didn’t feel the progression in the relationship.
The sex scenes were rushed(even glossed over a great deal😞) and lacked depth.
I did love the outside drama and suspense. This author always does that right.
HEA✅
April 6, 2023
Bailey Bryant gets great pleasure driving people nuts. She is a bit of a sh$t stirrer and relishes in it. One of the people she torments is Deke Hammond. Deke is a man who believes everything has a reason and is brutally honest. In some ways Bailey finds that noble, but Deke is going through touch-hunger and the one person he vowed to wait for is nowhere in sight. Seeing Deke wrestling with his grumpy cat and tense all the time has Bailey deciding to intervene, well not so much intervene more like bait him into using her to work out the hunger.
Very fun read. The touch-hunger I had not really seen before in a book so had to wrap my head around that a little. I have been waiting for Deke's story and was thrilled to see it was with Bailey. Bailey is hilarious, she is one of my favorite characters in this series and continues to get me laughing. Another great read from this talented author.
Very fun read. The touch-hunger I had not really seen before in a book so had to wrap my head around that a little. I have been waiting for Deke's story and was thrilled to see it was with Bailey. Bailey is hilarious, she is one of my favorite characters in this series and continues to get me laughing. Another great read from this talented author.
March 11, 2023
3.75
Bailey was my favourite character since the series started and I really enjoyed this book. Snarky, funny, relentlessly cooky. I liked the banter a lot and Deke is just a stand up guy.
Bailey was my favourite character since the series started and I really enjoyed this book. Snarky, funny, relentlessly cooky. I liked the banter a lot and Deke is just a stand up guy.
November 6, 2023
Review about the book:-
FL/BAILEY:-a mamba shifter, she is certifiable and lives to vex others for entertainment. Her character is very endearing and you quickly become charmed by her nonsense antics.
ML/DEKEa pallas cat enforcer for the Olympus Pride, he is barely keeping it together. Ridden hard with touch hunger because of a promise he made to a woman whom he hadn’t seen in two and a half years, Deke is now an epitome of grumpy, hanging by a string cat. Well that is until he decided to withdraw from the promise (which is just selfish of the woman anyway) and gives it up for Bailey.
I liked the book. The plot always works for me because I generally know how it will go. There is a certain comfort in that. But yeah, it does get boring sometimes because of all the extra descriptions Suzanne throws around. Honestly, all the shifter species are introduced with synonyms of crazy and then written with reverence, rather than a certain action packed deductive description.
Anyhooo, if you have gotten this far in your Suzanne Wright reading journey, we all know what is up and what is expected. And we also know it won't stop us from reading.
Review about the series:-
Is this one of my favorite series to-date? Nah. But it's a decent one with good plot lines and characters that keep you engaged.
Honestly, I wish this world included a deeper point of view of shifters settling into the world without giving themselves away—especially pallas cats. And there were more interactions with good humans and also how human authorities or agencies are handling the shifter situation. The books always revolve around the pack or pride, and their businesses. Nothing reaaaaalllllllllyyyyyy about good humans, normal humans etc etc. Extremists sure, but then also we never really get the scene with the police per say. Sure they leave them alone, but realistically we all know that's not how it will go.
In that sense, this world is very narrow.
FL/BAILEY:-a mamba shifter, she is certifiable and lives to vex others for entertainment. Her character is very endearing and you quickly become charmed by her nonsense antics.
ML/DEKEa pallas cat enforcer for the Olympus Pride, he is barely keeping it together. Ridden hard with touch hunger because of a promise he made to a woman whom he hadn’t seen in two and a half years, Deke is now an epitome of grumpy, hanging by a string cat. Well that is until he decided to withdraw from the promise (which is just selfish of the woman anyway) and gives it up for Bailey.
I liked the book. The plot always works for me because I generally know how it will go. There is a certain comfort in that. But yeah, it does get boring sometimes because of all the extra descriptions Suzanne throws around. Honestly, all the shifter species are introduced with synonyms of crazy and then written with reverence, rather than a certain action packed deductive description.
Anyhooo, if you have gotten this far in your Suzanne Wright reading journey, we all know what is up and what is expected. And we also know it won't stop us from reading.
Review about the series:-
Is this one of my favorite series to-date? Nah. But it's a decent one with good plot lines and characters that keep you engaged.
Honestly, I wish this world included a deeper point of view of shifters settling into the world without giving themselves away—especially pallas cats. And there were more interactions with good humans and also how human authorities or agencies are handling the shifter situation. The books always revolve around the pack or pride, and their businesses. Nothing reaaaaalllllllllyyyyyy about good humans, normal humans etc etc. Extremists sure, but then also we never really get the scene with the police per say. Sure they leave them alone, but realistically we all know that's not how it will go.
In that sense, this world is very narrow.
March 18, 2023
Representation: Japanese biracial Heroine, Bisexual supporting character, POC supporting character
Overall: 5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Overall: 5-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
August 1, 2025
Take my review with a grain of salt…Objectively, Bailey is one of those “should have stayed a side character” people - but she cracks me up, I love stoic/goofy pairings, and I have listened to this book an obnoxious number of times in the last nine months. 🤷🏻♀️
March 12, 2023
yes i’ve drank the koolaid bc every spring i know she’ll release a shifter book and i eat it up almost every time. also me every time i review a shifter release each spring: I LOVE SW. i’m biased <3 it’s a comfort read <3. (if you’re hoping for a review that doesn’t include any of that this isn’t for you)
i’m biased so i obviously rounded up a little so this was more so 3.5 stars. but the shifter series from this author is always going to be a comfort read for me. this was also way better than the previous novel since i didn’t care at all about the betas (actually i did, but the heroine annoyed me endlessly)
bailey was a laugh and while deke toed the like between stoicism and boring, i still enjoyed them as a couple. it was slightly reminiscent of mila and dominic’s story. if i’m being completely honest bailey and deke also feel slightly less developed as characters and a couple. but i’m always so captivated by the familiar characters and formula that i don’t even care this time around.
i feel slightly out off bc the plot with baileys cousin didn’t come to fruition. but there were like 3 other conflicts so i was initially overwhelmed. however the author has a formula i like so obviously i continued.
also, suzanne wright knows just how to get me panting after the next release bc isaiah’s story is sounds ssooooooooo dramatic. i can’t wait.
i’m biased so i obviously rounded up a little so this was more so 3.5 stars. but the shifter series from this author is always going to be a comfort read for me. this was also way better than the previous novel since i didn’t care at all about the betas (actually i did, but the heroine annoyed me endlessly)
bailey was a laugh and while deke toed the like between stoicism and boring, i still enjoyed them as a couple. it was slightly reminiscent of mila and dominic’s story. if i’m being completely honest bailey and deke also feel slightly less developed as characters and a couple. but i’m always so captivated by the familiar characters and formula that i don’t even care this time around.
i feel slightly out off bc the plot with baileys cousin didn’t come to fruition. but there were like 3 other conflicts so i was initially overwhelmed. however the author has a formula i like so obviously i continued.
also, suzanne wright knows just how to get me panting after the next release bc isaiah’s story is sounds ssooooooooo dramatic. i can’t wait.
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