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Jailbreak #1
Tail 'Em
Never tell them what we are, Shannon’s grandmother had always said.Working as a faux-Reiki healer in her local veterinary clinic, Shannon uses her psychic abilities to help sick or anxious animals, worried that one day people were going to see past the New Age façade she’d constructed.With good cause.Men from the newly created Capricorn Institute bring her to the newly renovated prison on the hill to work her wiles on their beasts, creatures she’d thought she’d only ever seen in a zoo, but they don’t respond to her psychic overtures like a normal animal would.Because they aren’t.Beautiful, wild, Shannon’s about to find out the truth about the Big Bad Wolf and all of his apex predator friends. These sexy shifters track her every movement, memorise her scent, because even from behind bars, they’re hunting her. Physically, psychically, these men will use whatever tactics they can to get what they her.This is book one in a brand new super steamy reverse harem series from the author of the Pack Heat series. If you love hot, why choose romance with shifters, you’ll love Tail ‘Em. Some MM, a whole lot of knotting, heats, possessive alphas and spikey goodness!
314 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2020
906 people are currently reading
1181 people want to read
About the author
Sam Hall
74 books2,019 followersAustralian author of paranormal RH novels
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October 27, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up. You know how I told you guys that I was disappointed about not getting the ARC of the last Madison Kat book, but I was reading a good book and I couldn't wait to share it with you all?
Well, this is it.
Sam Hall was totally new to me (this was my first thing by her) but I absolutely tore through it. I then went and read her backlist, which turned out to be a bit disappointing in comparison, but let's not go there in this review - I've reviewed them separately.
Plot
Shannon is a psychic with the ability to control animals, which makes her the perfect vet's assistance. She lives on land ruled by a tribe of wolf shifters. Normally, psychics and shifters don't get on - she could control them when they're shifted, though she's never tried - but Shannon is pretty close to them, and when she was younger, she even had a one-night-stand with a werewolf called Jai Heller. (Unfortunately he then never looked at her again, but still). (Also safety gang readers, you know that a guy who has sex with anyone else after the heroine is generally a HARD BLOODY PASS for me, but wait for me to go into more detail later about why I was okay with it this time).
Anyway, Shannon's pleasant existence is disrupted when some mercenary-type folk come into the vet's place and hire her services to care for the exotic zoo they've set up. Only, the animals inside aren't real animals. They're shifter males who are being brutalised by the mercenaries. Shannon and Jai team up to save them, with Shannon discovering in the process that she's Jai's mate and he now wants to claim her. He's going to have to get in line, though, because when they're captured by the mercenaries, they discover that the whole aim of the experiment is to breed a line of super-soldiers... using Shannon's body and all the men's semen.
The Good
✔️ I'll deal with the romance between Jai and Shannon straightaway. My favourite thing about this is that SHE DOES NOT PINE FOR HIM. THERE IS NO PINING. Essentially, he has sex with her because she's his mater, but the tribal elders force him to leave her alone and go for other girls. Not great, but Shannon has plenty of good sex with other boyfriends after him. PLUS you see him get tormented with jealousy later on with the knowledge that she's attracted to other men and takes them on as mates, so I felt overall satisfied with how this plays out.
✔️ Great writing. Descriptive, clear, some funny lines. Australian setting a big plus.
✔️ Good sex scenes.
✔️ A lot of differentiation between the heroes. I loved their personalities, and they all felt very distinct to me.
The Bad
❌ The ending got a bit weird. Suddenly Shannon has mated like two other men she barely knows? And they kind of love her? It was going so well until then.
❌ Her personality was kind of... well, I felt like she could be led around by lust quite easily. I was kind of surprised at how willingly she accepted having more lovers than just Jai, who takes centre stage for most of the book.
❌ Two of the men are in an MM relationship. One of them seems interested in Shannon, the other one doesn't. I really hope they don't end up in her harem, because I don't like MM where one of the men actively sees the heroine as a threat to his relationship with another man. I like them to revolve around the heroine.
Overall
In the other series I've read by her, there's a massive degeneration between a sexy, smart book 1 and a random, jumbled, book 3. I do hope she doesn't follow that trend with this series, which has a lot of potential.
[Blog]
Well, this is it.
Sam Hall was totally new to me (this was my first thing by her) but I absolutely tore through it. I then went and read her backlist, which turned out to be a bit disappointing in comparison, but let's not go there in this review - I've reviewed them separately.
Plot
Shannon is a psychic with the ability to control animals, which makes her the perfect vet's assistance. She lives on land ruled by a tribe of wolf shifters. Normally, psychics and shifters don't get on - she could control them when they're shifted, though she's never tried - but Shannon is pretty close to them, and when she was younger, she even had a one-night-stand with a werewolf called Jai Heller. (Unfortunately he then never looked at her again, but still). (Also safety gang readers, you know that a guy who has sex with anyone else after the heroine is generally a HARD BLOODY PASS for me, but wait for me to go into more detail later about why I was okay with it this time).
Anyway, Shannon's pleasant existence is disrupted when some mercenary-type folk come into the vet's place and hire her services to care for the exotic zoo they've set up. Only, the animals inside aren't real animals. They're shifter males who are being brutalised by the mercenaries. Shannon and Jai team up to save them, with Shannon discovering in the process that she's Jai's mate and he now wants to claim her. He's going to have to get in line, though, because when they're captured by the mercenaries, they discover that the whole aim of the experiment is to breed a line of super-soldiers... using Shannon's body and all the men's semen.
The Good
✔️ I'll deal with the romance between Jai and Shannon straightaway. My favourite thing about this is that SHE DOES NOT PINE FOR HIM. THERE IS NO PINING. Essentially, he has sex with her because she's his mater, but the tribal elders force him to leave her alone and go for other girls. Not great, but Shannon has plenty of good sex with other boyfriends after him. PLUS you see him get tormented with jealousy later on with the knowledge that she's attracted to other men and takes them on as mates, so I felt overall satisfied with how this plays out.
✔️ Great writing. Descriptive, clear, some funny lines. Australian setting a big plus.
✔️ Good sex scenes.
✔️ A lot of differentiation between the heroes. I loved their personalities, and they all felt very distinct to me.
The Bad
❌ The ending got a bit weird. Suddenly Shannon has mated like two other men she barely knows? And they kind of love her? It was going so well until then.
❌ Her personality was kind of... well, I felt like she could be led around by lust quite easily. I was kind of surprised at how willingly she accepted having more lovers than just Jai, who takes centre stage for most of the book.
❌ Two of the men are in an MM relationship. One of them seems interested in Shannon, the other one doesn't. I really hope they don't end up in her harem, because I don't like MM where one of the men actively sees the heroine as a threat to his relationship with another man. I like them to revolve around the heroine.
Overall
In the other series I've read by her, there's a massive degeneration between a sexy, smart book 1 and a random, jumbled, book 3. I do hope she doesn't follow that trend with this series, which has a lot of potential.
[Blog]
June 15, 2022
This was ... ooookay. It was too heavy on the non-con sexual abuse to me, frankly, which I didn't expect from the blurb. I also didn't expect this to be some kind of omegaverse thing.
The characters also made some spectacularly dumb choices at various points -
But I tentatively am interested in the overall story. Like, what exactly is she? Why is the mate bond so weird with her? Why do the alpha elders seem to be happy to use her, but yet are so fucking against her?
But that said, there's a big weight of skepticism this book left me with, that the series is going to have to dig itself out of. Like, why is she such a fucking doormat? That's the biggest one. Why does she just do what the alphas say, like she owes them anything when they've made it abundantly clear that she's an outsider? Why does ANYONE, quite frankly, respect them and do what they say? We're told that they have fated mates, but that the alphas don't always allow them to be with their mate ... which ... wtf? Why would ANY shifter agree to follow someone who would dictate that? How can this be a norm thing (which it really comes across as, given how casually Jai says it to her). I don't understand her relationship to the pack. I don't understand her Nan and all the contradictory bullshit her Nan spouted, and I really don't understand how/why it seems like her Nan seems to have promised her or her babies to the pack, as if she's a prized cow/possession. I don't understand any of it, honestly. I'm giving it leeway because big story questions frequently play out across multiple books, but I don't like how much, in this book, I was like WTF?? And just had to extend some faith and move forward.
There's also a dark suspicion that on some level the pack was aware of or working with these scientists ... because they seem to have very casually sent her in there to be taken. And that makes me even more confused.
The characters also made some spectacularly dumb choices at various points -
But I tentatively am interested in the overall story. Like, what exactly is she? Why is the mate bond so weird with her? Why do the alpha elders seem to be happy to use her, but yet are so fucking against her?
But that said, there's a big weight of skepticism this book left me with, that the series is going to have to dig itself out of. Like, why is she such a fucking doormat? That's the biggest one. Why does she just do what the alphas say, like she owes them anything when they've made it abundantly clear that she's an outsider? Why does ANYONE, quite frankly, respect them and do what they say? We're told that they have fated mates, but that the alphas don't always allow them to be with their mate ... which ... wtf? Why would ANY shifter agree to follow someone who would dictate that? How can this be a norm thing (which it really comes across as, given how casually Jai says it to her). I don't understand her relationship to the pack. I don't understand her Nan and all the contradictory bullshit her Nan spouted, and I really don't understand how/why it seems like her Nan seems to have promised her or her babies to the pack, as if she's a prized cow/possession. I don't understand any of it, honestly. I'm giving it leeway because big story questions frequently play out across multiple books, but I don't like how much, in this book, I was like WTF?? And just had to extend some faith and move forward.
There's also a dark suspicion that on some level the pack was aware of or working with these scientists ... because they seem to have very casually sent her in there to be taken. And that makes me even more confused.
November 15, 2020
2.5 stars!
I dislike Jai for multiple reasons. He did not fight the elders to be with Shannon. He still dated and hooked up with other girls even though he knew Shannon was his mate. He completely disregarded her feelings even though he loved her. I suppose the karma to his actions would be for Shannon to have other mates. However, I did not like how Shannon acquired her mates because it felt rushed and was simply a lust connection.
I dislike Jai for multiple reasons. He did not fight the elders to be with Shannon. He still dated and hooked up with other girls even though he knew Shannon was his mate. He completely disregarded her feelings even though he loved her. I suppose the karma to his actions would be for Shannon to have other mates. However, I did not like how Shannon acquired her mates because it felt rushed and was simply a lust connection.
April 30, 2025
Holy shit what a fucking ride. Crazy shit happens, and boy, do I want to kill a few heartless people as I read this book. I can't wait to read the next one. It's going to be so much fun. Sexy as hell too.
October 28, 2020
Well hot damn! This book was really good. Loved the characters, and the end, oh lord, gimme book 2 please!
October 24, 2020
I loved this book and could not get enough of it. From the very first page I was hooked on it and could not stop reading and proceeded to finish it in one sitting. It has fantastic characters that you feel as though you know and you want to be there for them. It moves along at a really comfortable reading speed which makes for an enjoyable read. This book needs to be on your TBR list no doubt about it.
October 8, 2020
Um I do not know where to start with this book except that this is twisted and amazing. I have to say the depth of the characters are intense and mind boggling. I mean I get where Shannon is coming from with her feelings and all but there has to be a time where you can just move on. Hey let's face the fact that Jai had to really work on getting her back. OH BOY was it hot. However, once you really get into the story then there is a change up and oh boy does it get hectic. Also, don't forget about the mystery of what is going on. Oh and the betrayals and hurt is excruciating. I mean there are so many things that happens and you will be wanting to read the next chapter until you get to the end. That ending is insane and I really hope the wait is not long for book two.
December 8, 2020
The moment I saw the blurb, I wanted to start reading it straight away. It was a pretty package and looked like a good time. Sadly I underestimated the amount of humping thrown in there.
I totally liked the starting scenes involving Shannon's interactions with the animals at the clinic. I wished there was more of that since it felt like after the first few pages, there is barely anything of that. Her relationship with the wolves and how the pack was portrayed was quite effective. It added a layer of interest despite not getting much from the characters' personalities.
The way Jai is introduced didn't endear him to me as a reader. The pre-established things didn't make it interesting and neither does the FMC give him such a hard time for their past. BUT overtime, he does become a nice love interest with his sweet interactions with Shannon. The other harem guys don't get much space till later and even that's very one-dimensional as in limited to lust in the situation so not much happening there. Shannon as a character was softer than I expected. IMO, she felt too soft and with so much of the time in a lust haze, it's hard to get anything substantial from this character.
The evil institute thing was a great set-up location but damn is it under-utilised. The latter half of the book pretty much is humping scenes till it's time to wrap up. It's just something about not getting that sweet build up towards vengeful scenes and enough space to showcase those scenes in these kind of books that really feels unsatisfactory. The end itself seems so rushed after those dragged out chapters of sex.
I still want to see what happens next but this book makes me wonder how much of it will be about content and not humping.
I totally liked the starting scenes involving Shannon's interactions with the animals at the clinic. I wished there was more of that since it felt like after the first few pages, there is barely anything of that. Her relationship with the wolves and how the pack was portrayed was quite effective. It added a layer of interest despite not getting much from the characters' personalities.
The way Jai is introduced didn't endear him to me as a reader. The pre-established things didn't make it interesting and neither does the FMC give him such a hard time for their past. BUT overtime, he does become a nice love interest with his sweet interactions with Shannon. The other harem guys don't get much space till later and even that's very one-dimensional as in limited to lust in the situation so not much happening there. Shannon as a character was softer than I expected. IMO, she felt too soft and with so much of the time in a lust haze, it's hard to get anything substantial from this character.
The evil institute thing was a great set-up location but damn is it under-utilised. The latter half of the book pretty much is humping scenes till it's time to wrap up. It's just something about not getting that sweet build up towards vengeful scenes and enough space to showcase those scenes in these kind of books that really feels unsatisfactory. The end itself seems so rushed after those dragged out chapters of sex.
I still want to see what happens next but this book makes me wonder how much of it will be about content and not humping.
May 19, 2021
Needs rewritten
There will be spoilers. This book was really confusing, a lot of vagueness so much so that the author had to re-write her ending to make more sense. In the end it still didn’t make a lot of sense.
There needed to be a better beta reader team along with editing. There were phrases that were either dumb or they didn’t make sense “my brain pulled back in the corner and yiked back”..yiked back? That made no sense. “Eyes muzzy with lust”. Some of these phrases just didn’t make sense or mesh well. “We were manipulated by our endocrine systems to run where we could have walked” it was just an odd way to say manipulated by our hormones.. it’s the context, and the way this book was written. It could’ve been better.
I have no triggers for the most part. I usually never read a trigger warning, but for those that have triggers it makes me really irritated that this book didn’t detail the trigger warnings: non-consensual, raping, physical and emotional abuse, abduction, animal/human testing.
I don’t agree with not allowing your readers a chance to opt out on something that could be mentally upsetting to those with that issue.
I love myself a true mates paranormal rh. It’s one of my jams, I just don’t like when there’s a fated mates troupe and the male still goes off screwing whomever he wants fully knowing that he has a fated mate and he knows who it is. That doesn’t jive or make sense. Knowing that once they are fully mated he will never be with another never look at another....and yet he still knew she was the one and because she didn’t accept his knot (still confused about that?she thought his knot was his stomach 🧐?) apparently it didn’t count they weren’t truly mated so even though he knew she was the one he still banged everything that walked. It just didn’t sit completely right with me when he’s trying to tell her that she’s all he ever wanted but because the elders weren’t ok with it he had to not pursue it.
The elders. So they’re trying to say they’re all about pack life and family and children and pack life mentality. They are super old and ritualistic yet they were able to weigh in on the fated mates? It’s hard to believe that something that is so sacred and revered is put to a vote on whether it’s acceptable. It’s weird that this book played it off as if they could control it.
There were a few other things I didn’t like or wasn’t a fan of but I’m going to stick with the fact this book wasn’t a strong read it needs more work, this felt like a draft. There are ways to use creative words without trying to dictionary vomit. This needs more work.
There will be spoilers. This book was really confusing, a lot of vagueness so much so that the author had to re-write her ending to make more sense. In the end it still didn’t make a lot of sense.
There needed to be a better beta reader team along with editing. There were phrases that were either dumb or they didn’t make sense “my brain pulled back in the corner and yiked back”..yiked back? That made no sense. “Eyes muzzy with lust”. Some of these phrases just didn’t make sense or mesh well. “We were manipulated by our endocrine systems to run where we could have walked” it was just an odd way to say manipulated by our hormones.. it’s the context, and the way this book was written. It could’ve been better.
I have no triggers for the most part. I usually never read a trigger warning, but for those that have triggers it makes me really irritated that this book didn’t detail the trigger warnings: non-consensual, raping, physical and emotional abuse, abduction, animal/human testing.
I don’t agree with not allowing your readers a chance to opt out on something that could be mentally upsetting to those with that issue.
I love myself a true mates paranormal rh. It’s one of my jams, I just don’t like when there’s a fated mates troupe and the male still goes off screwing whomever he wants fully knowing that he has a fated mate and he knows who it is. That doesn’t jive or make sense. Knowing that once they are fully mated he will never be with another never look at another....and yet he still knew she was the one and because she didn’t accept his knot (still confused about that?she thought his knot was his stomach 🧐?) apparently it didn’t count they weren’t truly mated so even though he knew she was the one he still banged everything that walked. It just didn’t sit completely right with me when he’s trying to tell her that she’s all he ever wanted but because the elders weren’t ok with it he had to not pursue it.
The elders. So they’re trying to say they’re all about pack life and family and children and pack life mentality. They are super old and ritualistic yet they were able to weigh in on the fated mates? It’s hard to believe that something that is so sacred and revered is put to a vote on whether it’s acceptable. It’s weird that this book played it off as if they could control it.
There were a few other things I didn’t like or wasn’t a fan of but I’m going to stick with the fact this book wasn’t a strong read it needs more work, this felt like a draft. There are ways to use creative words without trying to dictionary vomit. This needs more work.
October 24, 2020
I have to say, Sam Hall really knows how to write a good book, the story goes smoothly, the transitions between scenes, and crucial parts of character development, their choices, and paths... just jaw dropping!
The story had twists, great and tragic world building, epic love stories, and the characters so real. It’s a heart breaking, sensory/scene overload, and a world that could be completely happening in modern day.
It does leave on a cliff hanger, but my goodness for the sake of my psyche and emotions. It’s needed.
The story had twists, great and tragic world building, epic love stories, and the characters so real. It’s a heart breaking, sensory/scene overload, and a world that could be completely happening in modern day.
It does leave on a cliff hanger, but my goodness for the sake of my psyche and emotions. It’s needed.
December 23, 2021
almost no plot and about 70% sex
The idea of this was very interesting at first. Initially it made sense why the MFC was hesitant to pursue the relationship and then, of course, she makes the obvious decision that leads straight into getting caught. I would like to know why she follows her grandmother’s words but that grandmother was hypocritical and obviously never taught her granddaughter whose she really was. The rest of the entire book was all about knotting, slick, getting men to orgasm, breeding, and so many other disturbing scenarios. My heart breaks for Jai. The ending was rushed and I’m not surprised by the role of the shifter council. Again, poor Jai. So if you are in the mood for mind/emotion control, medical kink, cages, forced sexual acts, a shifter who will do anything for his love and mate but she isn’t quite able to do the same, and almost all about sex, then this is your book. The majority of the plot came in the beginning and final pages of the book.
The idea of this was very interesting at first. Initially it made sense why the MFC was hesitant to pursue the relationship and then, of course, she makes the obvious decision that leads straight into getting caught. I would like to know why she follows her grandmother’s words but that grandmother was hypocritical and obviously never taught her granddaughter whose she really was. The rest of the entire book was all about knotting, slick, getting men to orgasm, breeding, and so many other disturbing scenarios. My heart breaks for Jai. The ending was rushed and I’m not surprised by the role of the shifter council. Again, poor Jai. So if you are in the mood for mind/emotion control, medical kink, cages, forced sexual acts, a shifter who will do anything for his love and mate but she isn’t quite able to do the same, and almost all about sex, then this is your book. The majority of the plot came in the beginning and final pages of the book.
November 20, 2020
DNF this disappointment
First of all the book should have had a much stronger trigger warning that included mental abuse, physical abuse, and nonconsensual sex. That was one reason I couldn't finish the book. I always look at warnings and stay away from those books that I know will hurt me.
2nd reason I didn't finish was that I just couldn't connect with the characters on any level. I really tried to like the FMC and Jai, but they didn't feel right together to me.
3rd reason was the way the elders manipulated the FMC. She wasn't good enough to go out with Jai until they needed her. They didn't care about her mental or physical health and told her to go work at the institute.
The idea was great! But overall the parts didn't come together. I won't read the next book.
First of all the book should have had a much stronger trigger warning that included mental abuse, physical abuse, and nonconsensual sex. That was one reason I couldn't finish the book. I always look at warnings and stay away from those books that I know will hurt me.
2nd reason I didn't finish was that I just couldn't connect with the characters on any level. I really tried to like the FMC and Jai, but they didn't feel right together to me.
3rd reason was the way the elders manipulated the FMC. She wasn't good enough to go out with Jai until they needed her. They didn't care about her mental or physical health and told her to go work at the institute.
The idea was great! But overall the parts didn't come together. I won't read the next book.
July 17, 2022
Let me say that there was a lot potential with this book but it felt slow. I liked the heroine and her process through the book, she could have a bit more backbone, but that wasn’t how she was written and that’s fine. I didn’t understand Jai and his point in the story, honestly if he was her mate, he would have tried everything to get or be around her. Like I said the plot has potential but it felt really dragged out and ultimately I forced myself to finish it.
April 3, 2022
...meh? The heroine was interesting until they added all these completely unknown preestablished relationships in. The pack honestly came out of nowhere, world building was really lacking. Jai was a dick and I wanted her to just walk right out, especially when he was forcing her. This was NOT for me.
October 18, 2020
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
I have no idea what the heck I just read. Don't get me wrong I loved the book it was very interesting but my brain just can't handle it, so much happened, so many feelings and I'm just trying to process everything. Tail 'Em is the first book in the Jailbreak series by Sam Hall and it was crazy from the start.
The story starts with Shannon, the mfc, and right off the bat, like two chapters in I knew that Shannon was in deep shit. Shannon has a gift where she can manipulate and animals' thoughts, the gift is inherited and she uses it at her job in a veterinary clinic. is a very kind person who not only cares for animals but has a deep connection to them. However, her past with the local pack and combined with her grandmother's rules, it's molded her into a submissive person. After a series of events Shannon lands in the last place she wanted to be but being there begins to change Shannon. I like that she starts to grow a backbone throughout this story and while Shannon isn't a perfect person, (there is a part I cringed at) she is overall good and trying to learn who she could be.
This is a dark paranormal single perspective reverse harem that is twisted, steamy, and it has my brain working because things are so morally gray. The pack is more animal-like than most wolf shifter books I've read and this is my first omegaverse type book so some things were newish to me. Shannon's childhood sweetheart, Jai, is part of the pack in the area and I hated how the elders handled the situation between her and Jai, how the elders handled any situation with Shannon was pretty bad. Jai himself also handled things pretty poorly and when they reconnected he did try so much more. I like Jai, he's between a rock and a hard place between doing what his pack wants and does what his heart is telling him is right. The relationship is sweet and it's different for me to experience because they had a past together that reflects so much on their current relationship.
As for the other guys, I have no idea how Shannon is going to form relationships with them. With Jai, the bond has been there, with another character it's cemented but with the other guys, things seem to be really shaky and I am very interested in how she's going to build relationships with them. I will say that two personalities did a flip-flop, one guy was trusting and another was very distrustful and then it switched without any real reason. Honestly, with all the crazy that went down, I have no idea where anyone stands relationship wise. I will say that all of the guys appeal to me on some level but I need more information before I finalize feelings.
The story was crazy and I am very confused about what happened because I honestly don't think I kept track of everything. Between the pack politics, Shannon's grandmother's rules and secrets, all the sensual sexy scenes (that kinda scrambled my brain), the big bad villain operating on a kinda incomprehensible level, and big reveals about Shannon, my mind went into overdrive. Warning this book is dark and
Tail 'Em was great, I am still trying to figure things out. I have so many questions that I need the answers to, things were left on shaky ground with a cliffhanger that killed. The next book in this series is Nail 'Em, I am so looking forward to seeing what happens next with Shannon, how the guys will react to everything, and figuring out just what they are up against because things are just getting started and I have a feeling things are gonna get even crazier.
I have no idea what the heck I just read. Don't get me wrong I loved the book it was very interesting but my brain just can't handle it, so much happened, so many feelings and I'm just trying to process everything. Tail 'Em is the first book in the Jailbreak series by Sam Hall and it was crazy from the start.
The story starts with Shannon, the mfc, and right off the bat, like two chapters in I knew that Shannon was in deep shit. Shannon has a gift where she can manipulate and animals' thoughts, the gift is inherited and she uses it at her job in a veterinary clinic. is a very kind person who not only cares for animals but has a deep connection to them. However, her past with the local pack and combined with her grandmother's rules, it's molded her into a submissive person. After a series of events Shannon lands in the last place she wanted to be but being there begins to change Shannon. I like that she starts to grow a backbone throughout this story and while Shannon isn't a perfect person, (there is a part I cringed at) she is overall good and trying to learn who she could be.
This is a dark paranormal single perspective reverse harem that is twisted, steamy, and it has my brain working because things are so morally gray. The pack is more animal-like than most wolf shifter books I've read and this is my first omegaverse type book so some things were newish to me. Shannon's childhood sweetheart, Jai, is part of the pack in the area and I hated how the elders handled the situation between her and Jai, how the elders handled any situation with Shannon was pretty bad. Jai himself also handled things pretty poorly and when they reconnected he did try so much more. I like Jai, he's between a rock and a hard place between doing what his pack wants and does what his heart is telling him is right. The relationship is sweet and it's different for me to experience because they had a past together that reflects so much on their current relationship.
As for the other guys, I have no idea how Shannon is going to form relationships with them. With Jai, the bond has been there, with another character it's cemented but with the other guys, things seem to be really shaky and I am very interested in how she's going to build relationships with them. I will say that two personalities did a flip-flop, one guy was trusting and another was very distrustful and then it switched without any real reason. Honestly, with all the crazy that went down, I have no idea where anyone stands relationship wise. I will say that all of the guys appeal to me on some level but I need more information before I finalize feelings.
The story was crazy and I am very confused about what happened because I honestly don't think I kept track of everything. Between the pack politics, Shannon's grandmother's rules and secrets, all the sensual sexy scenes (that kinda scrambled my brain), the big bad villain operating on a kinda incomprehensible level, and big reveals about Shannon, my mind went into overdrive. Warning this book is dark and
Tail 'Em was great, I am still trying to figure things out. I have so many questions that I need the answers to, things were left on shaky ground with a cliffhanger that killed. The next book in this series is Nail 'Em, I am so looking forward to seeing what happens next with Shannon, how the guys will react to everything, and figuring out just what they are up against because things are just getting started and I have a feeling things are gonna get even crazier.
November 8, 2020
HOLY WOW
So, full disclosure, a Sam Hall book is an automatic buy for me. I mostly read on KU but hers I buy. I preordered this and waited until I had undisturbed time to read it. I'm glad I did. This was a wild ride, by turns a sweet melancholy longing and at others a rollercoaster of all the ethical dilemmas possible to be faced when trying desperately to escape monstrous circumstances. Sam rips your heart out piece by piece and then holds them up for inspection, forcing you to look at those questionable things you've done in the past and THINK about them. It's brilliantly inspired writing, unbelievably steamy sex scenes, and a meditation on consent and it's implications all rolled into one.
I keep thinking it's HILARIOUS that I see ads for the Pack Heat books that some people are apparently embarrassed to be caught reading them because I recommend then to EVERYONE. This is one of the very few authors that had trigger warnings st the beginnings of her books and I am eternally grateful because I can prepare myself AND because I know the trauma will be dealt with in a realistic and empathetic way. There are also queer characters in this author's books, and their queer identify is handled in the best way I've ever seen. If it's not an important factor in the storyline, it's treated like just another aspect of the character, like eye color or dominant hand. They don't get treated like a token character, just a character. It makes the books seem much more reality based and the worldbuilding more real.
So, full disclosure, a Sam Hall book is an automatic buy for me. I mostly read on KU but hers I buy. I preordered this and waited until I had undisturbed time to read it. I'm glad I did. This was a wild ride, by turns a sweet melancholy longing and at others a rollercoaster of all the ethical dilemmas possible to be faced when trying desperately to escape monstrous circumstances. Sam rips your heart out piece by piece and then holds them up for inspection, forcing you to look at those questionable things you've done in the past and THINK about them. It's brilliantly inspired writing, unbelievably steamy sex scenes, and a meditation on consent and it's implications all rolled into one.
I keep thinking it's HILARIOUS that I see ads for the Pack Heat books that some people are apparently embarrassed to be caught reading them because I recommend then to EVERYONE. This is one of the very few authors that had trigger warnings st the beginnings of her books and I am eternally grateful because I can prepare myself AND because I know the trauma will be dealt with in a realistic and empathetic way. There are also queer characters in this author's books, and their queer identify is handled in the best way I've ever seen. If it's not an important factor in the storyline, it's treated like just another aspect of the character, like eye color or dominant hand. They don't get treated like a token character, just a character. It makes the books seem much more reality based and the worldbuilding more real.
October 24, 2020
Tail 'Em
I would love to be able to start off with a better phrase but it is what it is. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Tail 'Em is a non-stop reading, as the story is gripping. I was unable to put it down but very sad I had finished too quickly. As with all of her books, this was brilliantly written. This book is another example of her amazing ability to build these worlds that are each unique unto themselves. The ability she has to write both realistic and fantasy content together, but have it fit seamlessly, is awe-inspiring. The minute the MC, Shan, is introduced, I knew this was different from anything I've read. Shan was able to draw me in right from the start. In most books I have read previously, you can guess how the MC will present, act, and evolve. While most within the genre are great reads, they can be predictable. Not the case when you come to Sam Hall. Just when you think you know how the story is going, it takes a twist that you would not have thought it would. I fell in love with each love interest/MC as they were being introduced into the plot. You can't tell right away who is going to be the character that "hold out", or which one will be the "bad boy". They each have the ability/potential to be any or all of the RH MC sterotypes. The depth of emotion that is shown is just the right amount that I like to experience, but the variety is new, and I love it. I guess since I am reviewing this for the public, I should inform of the possible triggers that could arise, though, personally I place books with those warnings at the top of my TBR list. Warning that the book does leave on a cliffhanger, though it has made the anticipation grow more for book 2. Can't wait to see if there will be any follow up with Janey or even Nick. Will the snow leopard allow his heart to heal. Open himself to the possibilty to be a part of the love he lost too soon? Finally, I am excited to see how the tiger and lion shifters relationship evolves, not only with each other, but Shan as well. Who else out of the harem will explore another besides Shan? Despite what happened with Stuart, will there be any backstory about how he became so hateful towards paranormals? (though at this point I don't see any reason, still something I wonder about) All in all, this is a great read. Will be an even greater series. I am excited to have found this author, as I have enjoyed all of her books so far. Keep up the amazing work! You are a ROCK STAR!
I would love to be able to start off with a better phrase but it is what it is. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Tail 'Em is a non-stop reading, as the story is gripping. I was unable to put it down but very sad I had finished too quickly. As with all of her books, this was brilliantly written. This book is another example of her amazing ability to build these worlds that are each unique unto themselves. The ability she has to write both realistic and fantasy content together, but have it fit seamlessly, is awe-inspiring. The minute the MC, Shan, is introduced, I knew this was different from anything I've read. Shan was able to draw me in right from the start. In most books I have read previously, you can guess how the MC will present, act, and evolve. While most within the genre are great reads, they can be predictable. Not the case when you come to Sam Hall. Just when you think you know how the story is going, it takes a twist that you would not have thought it would. I fell in love with each love interest/MC as they were being introduced into the plot. You can't tell right away who is going to be the character that "hold out", or which one will be the "bad boy". They each have the ability/potential to be any or all of the RH MC sterotypes. The depth of emotion that is shown is just the right amount that I like to experience, but the variety is new, and I love it. I guess since I am reviewing this for the public, I should inform of the possible triggers that could arise, though, personally I place books with those warnings at the top of my TBR list. Warning that the book does leave on a cliffhanger, though it has made the anticipation grow more for book 2. Can't wait to see if there will be any follow up with Janey or even Nick. Will the snow leopard allow his heart to heal. Open himself to the possibilty to be a part of the love he lost too soon? Finally, I am excited to see how the tiger and lion shifters relationship evolves, not only with each other, but Shan as well. Who else out of the harem will explore another besides Shan? Despite what happened with Stuart, will there be any backstory about how he became so hateful towards paranormals? (though at this point I don't see any reason, still something I wonder about) All in all, this is a great read. Will be an even greater series. I am excited to have found this author, as I have enjoyed all of her books so far. Keep up the amazing work! You are a ROCK STAR!
October 24, 2020
Tail'Em was an interesting addition to my queue of books written by Hall. It was something definitely different from what I feel like I've gotten in her fae series and the pack heat series, and I do love an author who can differentiate their stories.
This new series is definitely for those who love or are intrigued by shifters. We've got wolves, big cats, and more to explore, as our leading lady Shannon has a special affinity for animals. One of the things that drew my curiosity in is that Shan doesn't have a great idea of what she is, not really. She has some tips from her grandmother, some ominous warnings about not attracting someone's attention, but she doesn't have a formal name for herself or a real idea of where the boundaries of her power lie. To me, that's a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and in spectacular fashion, Shan has to learn through trial by fire when she gets in over her head.
Now, as far as her character goes, I like her. She's a bit of the underdog (not literally), being at a distinct disadvantage as far as knowledge goes. So, for us, we're also at a bit of a disadvantage until we learn things as Shan does. This, for me, is a bit characteristic of Hall's books. In each series, there's a leading lady who has to tackle the world with a learning curve, so I'm used to this when I'm digging into one of her books.
The men are...intriguing. I'm undecided on some of them, definitely into others, and totally heartbroken by one. Our main man, the guy who has the first claim on Shan's heart and her fate, was very refreshing. At first, I thought he was going to be a f**k boy, but Hall actually creates a lovely chemistry between them, and the sweet way he's devoted to her made me quickly become a fan. Among the newcomers, the men that she meets when she's an unwilling guest, there are some sparks and potential. We've got some MM, so there's an existing relationship that I'm not 100% sure how she'll fit into yet, but then we've also got a grieving "widower," for all intents and purposes, a sharp-tongued *sshole who needs to soften himself up, and another sweetheart who could give her original paramour a run for his money.
I'm intrigued to see how they'll all settle together as a group, and I think that even with the promise of more action and confrontations to come in book two, we'll get a good chance to flesh out their dynamic.
Overall, Hall has a good start here with this series. There's some heat, enough information that I felt comfortably knowledgable by the end, and characters you can root for, no matter your trope preference. Fair warning, though, the ending broke my heart a little.... Now, there's nothing so dramatic as a major death or anything like that and I understand why she chose to do what she did, but just prepare yourself for some bittersweetness that I hope will pay off in the end of it all.
This new series is definitely for those who love or are intrigued by shifters. We've got wolves, big cats, and more to explore, as our leading lady Shannon has a special affinity for animals. One of the things that drew my curiosity in is that Shan doesn't have a great idea of what she is, not really. She has some tips from her grandmother, some ominous warnings about not attracting someone's attention, but she doesn't have a formal name for herself or a real idea of where the boundaries of her power lie. To me, that's a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and in spectacular fashion, Shan has to learn through trial by fire when she gets in over her head.
Now, as far as her character goes, I like her. She's a bit of the underdog (not literally), being at a distinct disadvantage as far as knowledge goes. So, for us, we're also at a bit of a disadvantage until we learn things as Shan does. This, for me, is a bit characteristic of Hall's books. In each series, there's a leading lady who has to tackle the world with a learning curve, so I'm used to this when I'm digging into one of her books.
The men are...intriguing. I'm undecided on some of them, definitely into others, and totally heartbroken by one. Our main man, the guy who has the first claim on Shan's heart and her fate, was very refreshing. At first, I thought he was going to be a f**k boy, but Hall actually creates a lovely chemistry between them, and the sweet way he's devoted to her made me quickly become a fan. Among the newcomers, the men that she meets when she's an unwilling guest, there are some sparks and potential. We've got some MM, so there's an existing relationship that I'm not 100% sure how she'll fit into yet, but then we've also got a grieving "widower," for all intents and purposes, a sharp-tongued *sshole who needs to soften himself up, and another sweetheart who could give her original paramour a run for his money.
I'm intrigued to see how they'll all settle together as a group, and I think that even with the promise of more action and confrontations to come in book two, we'll get a good chance to flesh out their dynamic.
Overall, Hall has a good start here with this series. There's some heat, enough information that I felt comfortably knowledgable by the end, and characters you can root for, no matter your trope preference. Fair warning, though, the ending broke my heart a little.... Now, there's nothing so dramatic as a major death or anything like that and I understand why she chose to do what she did, but just prepare yourself for some bittersweetness that I hope will pay off in the end of it all.
October 25, 2020
Sam Hall is by far one of my favorite authors, even though I've only found her somewhat recently. Her words and the amazing stories she creates with them always put me under a spell while reading. They are the kind of books that you can't help but read in one sitting because you are just so invested in the characters and enthralled by the story being told. Tail 'Em is much different than both the Pack Heat and the Get Your Rocks Off series in that those two, at least for some parts, represent embracing a new life or a type of freedom whereas Tail 'Em focuses on having to hide (in this case, the FMC's powers) or being/feeling trapped, both literally or within a certain situation that requires a person to do something unwillingly. This book definitely touches on some controversial and sensitive topics, but Sam always has her way of having them done in a tasteful manner, nothing too grotesque or hard to read unless you have some slight triggers. She often brings things to light and enables the reader to understand the situation more than they would at first glance. You're also in for a treat with the fantastic group of characters she has created. The men have plenty of variety in appearance, personality, emotional vulnerability, and, ehem, other things. Even while trapped in an animal testing facility, the characters are broken apart in a way where you get to know them a bit more and experience the intense moments they go through right along with them. It's a crazy situation they are all in and even crazier for Shannon, the FMC, who has hidden her unique abilities her entire life only to be found out by helping ease the worries and pains of a few small town pets and then thrown into a world of heats, slick, uncontrollable hormones, mating, and knots. If you're a fan of fated mates and omegaverse themed books, this is a good one to read. Keep in mind that this isn't an easy book to read at times. If you have some triggers, please read the warning at the beginning of the book where Sam explains some instances throughout the book that might be worth noting and make your decision. And as always, be prepared for the unmistakable Sam Hall cliffhanger. The ending will leave you speechless, mouth gaping, and probably a little heartbroken. I'm always surprised how wrecked I get at the end of her books, but they always keep me coming back for more.
February 21, 2022
This book took me forever to finish.. which was a clear indication of how much I liked it.
The plot itself wasn’t bad, I enjoyed the pack drama and the whole idea of the Capricorn Institute and what they were doing there. I wish that it had been a little more fleshed out because I was invested, it was dark but also really interesting.
What I really wasn’t feeling was the romance. First of all it was too… I don’t know.. bestial? I felt kind of gross reading it and I just wasn’t feeling any connection between Shannon and Jai. As for the other guys at the institute that really felt like it came out of nowhere. Then there was that ending, which honestly made no sense to me, but maybe that’s because I was mostly skimming at that point.
Overall I liked the idea, just think the execution needed a little more work.
The plot itself wasn’t bad, I enjoyed the pack drama and the whole idea of the Capricorn Institute and what they were doing there. I wish that it had been a little more fleshed out because I was invested, it was dark but also really interesting.
What I really wasn’t feeling was the romance. First of all it was too… I don’t know.. bestial? I felt kind of gross reading it and I just wasn’t feeling any connection between Shannon and Jai. As for the other guys at the institute that really felt like it came out of nowhere. Then there was that ending, which honestly made no sense to me, but maybe that’s because I was mostly skimming at that point.
Overall I liked the idea, just think the execution needed a little more work.
October 27, 2020
What can I say about reading a Sam Hall book? I have never been disappointed. I can say without embellishment that each series I have read has me thirsting for the next book. Tail ’Em was no exception. The story started off pretty innocuously. I thought I was just going to be reading another werewolf type of story. I was wrong. The story was so well written! The heat index was high. The suspense was high. There were a few cringe worthy moments but I live for those too! If you would like a short summary (no real spoilers) keep reading. If not, then just know this- the story was well written, the characters complex, the mystery/suspense has layers within layers, there is an ending to the story but there is significant room to continue the series (a minor cliffhanger compared to some of her others), and of course there are multiple love interests with distinct personalities.
Summary: The MC has close ties to a shifter pack, but does not feel a part of the pack. She has been in love with one of the men, Jai, since she was a child. She thought he had no interest in her besides a brief interlude as a teen. Since, she has watched him chase so much tail she has hardened her heart to him. As the story progresses they are thrown into a situation that is both dire enough, but slow paced enough, that she is forced to explore her feelings for him. The problem is… they aren’t alone and she has caught the eye of some other very interesting men. With their options limited, she makes some choices that could harm her relationship with Jai. The remainder of the story focuses on those choices, their predicament, and her awakening (for lack of a better term). The revelation factor is high and I am convinced there is so much more to come. Enjoy the ride!
Summary: The MC has close ties to a shifter pack, but does not feel a part of the pack. She has been in love with one of the men, Jai, since she was a child. She thought he had no interest in her besides a brief interlude as a teen. Since, she has watched him chase so much tail she has hardened her heart to him. As the story progresses they are thrown into a situation that is both dire enough, but slow paced enough, that she is forced to explore her feelings for him. The problem is… they aren’t alone and she has caught the eye of some other very interesting men. With their options limited, she makes some choices that could harm her relationship with Jai. The remainder of the story focuses on those choices, their predicament, and her awakening (for lack of a better term). The revelation factor is high and I am convinced there is so much more to come. Enjoy the ride!
October 12, 2020
I don’t do spoilers or story recaps, read the blurb guys - that’s why the author wrote one. Then use the reviews to see what others think.
So firstly. Full disclosure. Sam Hall is one of my all time favourite authors - I found this amazing author by pure chance and have been addicted since. I go into every book full of expectations of love, humour and fabulously filthy sex. Sam NEVER fails to meet those expectations. It borders on irksome that she gets it so right every time!
Tail ‘Em. Once again Sam brings us a plethora of characters that instantly worm their way into our hearts and heads. Her ability to bring absolute vulnerability to all MCs in her books borders on painful for me, and Tail ‘Em is no different. She splits them wide open for our scrutiny, all their insecurities there on the surface for us to fall in to. This will always surprise me, is that because we live in a society where our men are brainwashed into showing no emotional weakness? I guess that’s a whole other debate on male mental health, and why the western world has such a frightening level of male suicide.
The MMC’s will be in your head and your heart, but none more so than Jai. I hate spoilers in all forms, so don’t want to talk about Jai and Shannon. Truly I don’t. But, they are everything for me in this story. Everything. He and their shared past are what Shannon’s psyche hinges on.
The darker side of Sams stories can easily be overlooked, readers caught up in the romance and the intoxicating sex. This storyline is tough to read, because we know we live in a pretty crappy world with some pretty crappy fellow humans. Where greed, arrogance, wealth and a good old megalomaniac in charge can enable too many to override the most basic levels of decency. Read the trigger warnings at the start of the book, because while I would never categorise Sams books as dark, there are elements that are going to make you uncomfortable- and they should - because some humans are a***holes.
Through Shannons gift and compassion we see just how base the instincts of some humans can be, and that’s not easy to read. But we also see all that’s beautiful. Sams FC’s are strong, resilient, unwavering, they always hold the true power. Shannon can and will do what’s needed, even if that’s against every fibre of her being, and at a cost to all. We are shown the best and worse of humanity, and Shannon is our eyes.
What I hate about Sams books is what I love, and what will keep me reading and re-reading them endlessly. And it’s why you should read her too. I felt emotionally bruised after I finished reading - hell, it’s taken me three days to start this review. My heart hurts, I swear physically as well as emotionally. The twists and turns of the story are as always, unrivalled. The sex, while maybe not quite as prolific as some of her books, is DAMNED hot and steamy. The last line will always go to our collection of main characters, they are what makes a Sam Hall book. Beautifully written, utterly laid bare to us, and every one of them deserving of our absolute love and compassion.
So firstly. Full disclosure. Sam Hall is one of my all time favourite authors - I found this amazing author by pure chance and have been addicted since. I go into every book full of expectations of love, humour and fabulously filthy sex. Sam NEVER fails to meet those expectations. It borders on irksome that she gets it so right every time!
Tail ‘Em. Once again Sam brings us a plethora of characters that instantly worm their way into our hearts and heads. Her ability to bring absolute vulnerability to all MCs in her books borders on painful for me, and Tail ‘Em is no different. She splits them wide open for our scrutiny, all their insecurities there on the surface for us to fall in to. This will always surprise me, is that because we live in a society where our men are brainwashed into showing no emotional weakness? I guess that’s a whole other debate on male mental health, and why the western world has such a frightening level of male suicide.
The MMC’s will be in your head and your heart, but none more so than Jai. I hate spoilers in all forms, so don’t want to talk about Jai and Shannon. Truly I don’t. But, they are everything for me in this story. Everything. He and their shared past are what Shannon’s psyche hinges on.
The darker side of Sams stories can easily be overlooked, readers caught up in the romance and the intoxicating sex. This storyline is tough to read, because we know we live in a pretty crappy world with some pretty crappy fellow humans. Where greed, arrogance, wealth and a good old megalomaniac in charge can enable too many to override the most basic levels of decency. Read the trigger warnings at the start of the book, because while I would never categorise Sams books as dark, there are elements that are going to make you uncomfortable- and they should - because some humans are a***holes.
Through Shannons gift and compassion we see just how base the instincts of some humans can be, and that’s not easy to read. But we also see all that’s beautiful. Sams FC’s are strong, resilient, unwavering, they always hold the true power. Shannon can and will do what’s needed, even if that’s against every fibre of her being, and at a cost to all. We are shown the best and worse of humanity, and Shannon is our eyes.
What I hate about Sams books is what I love, and what will keep me reading and re-reading them endlessly. And it’s why you should read her too. I felt emotionally bruised after I finished reading - hell, it’s taken me three days to start this review. My heart hurts, I swear physically as well as emotionally. The twists and turns of the story are as always, unrivalled. The sex, while maybe not quite as prolific as some of her books, is DAMNED hot and steamy. The last line will always go to our collection of main characters, they are what makes a Sam Hall book. Beautifully written, utterly laid bare to us, and every one of them deserving of our absolute love and compassion.
April 10, 2021
what a read!! ... great pace and that ending! ... super excited to get the next 💙
July 11, 2024
Not my favorite series from this author.
It feels very messy.
It feels very messy.
June 18, 2022
sad
Sam I hall all her books I have read has been amazing.
this one I just didn’t do it for me at all.
I got bored quick it went for too long I just couldn’t get into It.
I will not be reading the second book
Sam I hall all her books I have read has been amazing.
this one I just didn’t do it for me at all.
I got bored quick it went for too long I just couldn’t get into It.
I will not be reading the second book
November 14, 2020
Jailbreak book 1
Took me a bit to get into this book. The story was a little ehhh! It ended with needing the next book to follow up. I wasted my time on this one...not bothering to get into the next.
Took me a bit to get into this book. The story was a little ehhh! It ended with needing the next book to follow up. I wasted my time on this one...not bothering to get into the next.
October 9, 2020
You know those stories that suck you in and don’t want to let go? You know the ones I mean. They seem to be like a spell that gets cast on your brain and your heart as you read the words and before you know it, you’re all in. Lost down the rabbit hole. Yes...those stories. They’re few and far between. But so help me, Sam Hall is one hell of a spell caster because Tail ‘Em is spellbindingly good!
This is definitely not the typical paranormal, shifter, RH story I was expecting. I mean, it seemed to be going that way and then ... boom. Sam Hall hit me with some major plot twists and suddenly this story takes an epic, unexpected turn. In all honesty, I should have expected it. Sam’s a super talented writer and her imagination...all these stories ... but I digress.
Shannon has lived in the shadows most of her life, trying to make herself invisible, hiding her powers and shying away from connections. With one foot in the world of supernatural shifters and one foot in the world of humans, she lives somewhere outside both, being something else, something more. Her one attempt at love failed miserably and left her heartbroken and longing for a man she can’t have. But then everything changes.
I love Shannon. She’s such a strong, powerful female. I love how she carries herself and how she owns her power. And the guys? Oh my. Jai is her soulmate. I can feel this in my bones. I’m in love with this character and my heart broke at the end of this book. The rest of the guys are great too. Zane and Caleb are amazing. Kazamir and Nero have such a great bond. And my heart breaks for Gaden.
So, I’d be remiss not to mention the trigger warning at the beginning of this book. Heed the warning and know what you can handle. There are horrible things that happen. Some we see, some we hear about. But we feel them all. For me, they created a rage against those that hurt Shannon and the others. And I am just itching for the retribution that I hope is coming in the rest of this series.
If you choose to embark on this journey, and I highly recommend you do, be ready for a well-written, steamy, and emotional ride like no other!
This is definitely not the typical paranormal, shifter, RH story I was expecting. I mean, it seemed to be going that way and then ... boom. Sam Hall hit me with some major plot twists and suddenly this story takes an epic, unexpected turn. In all honesty, I should have expected it. Sam’s a super talented writer and her imagination...all these stories ... but I digress.
Shannon has lived in the shadows most of her life, trying to make herself invisible, hiding her powers and shying away from connections. With one foot in the world of supernatural shifters and one foot in the world of humans, she lives somewhere outside both, being something else, something more. Her one attempt at love failed miserably and left her heartbroken and longing for a man she can’t have. But then everything changes.
I love Shannon. She’s such a strong, powerful female. I love how she carries herself and how she owns her power. And the guys? Oh my. Jai is her soulmate. I can feel this in my bones. I’m in love with this character and my heart broke at the end of this book. The rest of the guys are great too. Zane and Caleb are amazing. Kazamir and Nero have such a great bond. And my heart breaks for Gaden.
So, I’d be remiss not to mention the trigger warning at the beginning of this book. Heed the warning and know what you can handle. There are horrible things that happen. Some we see, some we hear about. But we feel them all. For me, they created a rage against those that hurt Shannon and the others. And I am just itching for the retribution that I hope is coming in the rest of this series.
If you choose to embark on this journey, and I highly recommend you do, be ready for a well-written, steamy, and emotional ride like no other!
March 19, 2021
Hard to follow but probably worth the try
Ugh, this book is soooo hard to follow. The authors turn of phrase is uniquely hers and difficult to read. You know it’s bad when the author has to post, and I quote, “A simplified ending”—an alternatively edited ending to the book because it’s impossible to follow the original.
I had to read pages and pages multiple times to figure out what was happening, and in some cases gave up and moved on. I think this book is full of plot holes, but since I couldn’t follow it, I’m not sure.
For example, what the hell was the MCs deal with the bad guy? She wasn’t going to jerk off the other MCs and demanded more time to get to know the other shifters? Why would he agree to that? Maybe there is a reason, but after reading the scene three times, I don’t know what it is... so I just assumed the bad guy wanted to watch free shifter porn and let her have her way??? So confusing.
The author also employs a very weird writing quirk where she ends a section of a scene, and even though the next line is literally the next second of the actual scene, you are given an extra space between paragraphs and an overly large first letter that usually notates a significant time fast forward into a new scene. It actually felt like the author put this in every time she stopped writing for the day and then started the next. It really didn’t make any sense at all.
Now for the good, because there is some, but it’s still mixed.
The overall plot of the book is really pretty interesting. The smaller plot movements are confusing and convoluted, but the bigger story is interesting.
The characters are all unique and identifiable. But given how the story progressed, I’m really not sure why the author spent so much time introducing us to side characters that add some mute color to the story but don’t move it forward. What was the point of Rob and Betsy? Who cares about Nick or the random pet owners?
However the main MCs are all unique people and generally fun to read. But they’re also a big mystery. The female MC literally mates a guy she can’t stand and doesn’t know, and it’s not clear why except she needs “more” like a zombie after brains?! I don’t understand the value of the MC Gaden and I don’t think the author does either so he feels like a worthless seventh wheel.
The sex scenes—and there are the right amount for this story given the plot—are very well written and will leave you hot and bothered.
I’m going to read the next book, but more because I’m curious where the overall plot is going and how the MCs stick together, than because this is such an amazing story and I can’t get enough. I also saw that this is a three book series and the third book doesn’t come out for another year...yeah I can guarantee, even if the next book is 100% better than this one, I still won’t care to remember this story or author enough to read it.
Good luck with this one, you’ll need it.
Ugh, this book is soooo hard to follow. The authors turn of phrase is uniquely hers and difficult to read. You know it’s bad when the author has to post, and I quote, “A simplified ending”—an alternatively edited ending to the book because it’s impossible to follow the original.
I had to read pages and pages multiple times to figure out what was happening, and in some cases gave up and moved on. I think this book is full of plot holes, but since I couldn’t follow it, I’m not sure.
For example, what the hell was the MCs deal with the bad guy? She wasn’t going to jerk off the other MCs and demanded more time to get to know the other shifters? Why would he agree to that? Maybe there is a reason, but after reading the scene three times, I don’t know what it is... so I just assumed the bad guy wanted to watch free shifter porn and let her have her way??? So confusing.
The author also employs a very weird writing quirk where she ends a section of a scene, and even though the next line is literally the next second of the actual scene, you are given an extra space between paragraphs and an overly large first letter that usually notates a significant time fast forward into a new scene. It actually felt like the author put this in every time she stopped writing for the day and then started the next. It really didn’t make any sense at all.
Now for the good, because there is some, but it’s still mixed.
The overall plot of the book is really pretty interesting. The smaller plot movements are confusing and convoluted, but the bigger story is interesting.
The characters are all unique and identifiable. But given how the story progressed, I’m really not sure why the author spent so much time introducing us to side characters that add some mute color to the story but don’t move it forward. What was the point of Rob and Betsy? Who cares about Nick or the random pet owners?
However the main MCs are all unique people and generally fun to read. But they’re also a big mystery. The female MC literally mates a guy she can’t stand and doesn’t know, and it’s not clear why except she needs “more” like a zombie after brains?! I don’t understand the value of the MC Gaden and I don’t think the author does either so he feels like a worthless seventh wheel.
The sex scenes—and there are the right amount for this story given the plot—are very well written and will leave you hot and bothered.
I’m going to read the next book, but more because I’m curious where the overall plot is going and how the MCs stick together, than because this is such an amazing story and I can’t get enough. I also saw that this is a three book series and the third book doesn’t come out for another year...yeah I can guarantee, even if the next book is 100% better than this one, I still won’t care to remember this story or author enough to read it.
Good luck with this one, you’ll need it.
January 5, 2024
Heart Broken
Strictly speaking as an author Sam Hall did a great job. I definitely do not have the talent to pull something like that off. Unfortunately, for me it was a tough one to get through. I have read a million PNR stories, about everything from fated mates, Omegas to reverse harems. Generally when it comes to fated mates, regardless if it’s shifter-shifter or shifter-human, there is a deep love that includes a fierce protection and an inability to touch another. Don’t get me wrong, I understand with reverse harems it’s multiple mates but even then it seems to usually include a female joining a group that is already together wether it’s the elites , princes or even bad boys that have been together since they were young. I know it is not always that way but in the majority of the stories I have read that is the case. SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT!!!!!!!!!
For this story Shan and Jai are fated mates that grew up together always pining for the other. Then they finally get to be together but before being able to take that step they are thrown into a research facility. Inside this facility there are several other Alphas in cages who are violated constantly but the terrible people that run the facility. The entire goal of this place is to get Shan pregnant by any means necessary. Using any of the men to do it. Instead of Shan standing in the room with gloves and a cup as the shifters take care of their self she comes up with a plan that allows her to control who she sleeps with mind you it has to be at least one a week until she ends up pregnant. This cages are clear walls with a PA system that is never turned off so everyone hears everything. Now remember Jai her fated mate, he is there and she just put him in a position to have to hear his mate with other men. Why? Well she feels bad that the shifters are having to jack off and are desperately wanting her cause her heat is causing them all to smell her. Now I get that she is supposed to be seen as caring about all beings and their pain but the pain her fated mate would have to endure would be 100 times worst then the pain these alphas, whom she doesn’t know and does not know anything about her, except that she smells good, is enduring. I ended up skipping the last 5or 6 chapters cause I just couldn’t take it anymore. I did not want to read about her getting it on with other men while her mate just has to deal. Mind you cause he is an incredible mate he just continues to look at her with all the love and devotion a fated mate has for their person. I just personally hated that part of the story. Again I want to reiterate as far as the ability to write a story the author did amazing. The fact the author even made me feel anything about their story in my opinion makes them an incredible author.
Strictly speaking as an author Sam Hall did a great job. I definitely do not have the talent to pull something like that off. Unfortunately, for me it was a tough one to get through. I have read a million PNR stories, about everything from fated mates, Omegas to reverse harems. Generally when it comes to fated mates, regardless if it’s shifter-shifter or shifter-human, there is a deep love that includes a fierce protection and an inability to touch another. Don’t get me wrong, I understand with reverse harems it’s multiple mates but even then it seems to usually include a female joining a group that is already together wether it’s the elites , princes or even bad boys that have been together since they were young. I know it is not always that way but in the majority of the stories I have read that is the case. SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT!!!!!!!!!
For this story Shan and Jai are fated mates that grew up together always pining for the other. Then they finally get to be together but before being able to take that step they are thrown into a research facility. Inside this facility there are several other Alphas in cages who are violated constantly but the terrible people that run the facility. The entire goal of this place is to get Shan pregnant by any means necessary. Using any of the men to do it. Instead of Shan standing in the room with gloves and a cup as the shifters take care of their self she comes up with a plan that allows her to control who she sleeps with mind you it has to be at least one a week until she ends up pregnant. This cages are clear walls with a PA system that is never turned off so everyone hears everything. Now remember Jai her fated mate, he is there and she just put him in a position to have to hear his mate with other men. Why? Well she feels bad that the shifters are having to jack off and are desperately wanting her cause her heat is causing them all to smell her. Now I get that she is supposed to be seen as caring about all beings and their pain but the pain her fated mate would have to endure would be 100 times worst then the pain these alphas, whom she doesn’t know and does not know anything about her, except that she smells good, is enduring. I ended up skipping the last 5or 6 chapters cause I just couldn’t take it anymore. I did not want to read about her getting it on with other men while her mate just has to deal. Mind you cause he is an incredible mate he just continues to look at her with all the love and devotion a fated mate has for their person. I just personally hated that part of the story. Again I want to reiterate as far as the ability to write a story the author did amazing. The fact the author even made me feel anything about their story in my opinion makes them an incredible author.
August 17, 2021
What an amazing book!
So many twists and turns I never expected.
I knew I was going to love Jai. I'm such a sucker for a broken man, and this series gave me 5 of them.
The story was so unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.
So many twists and turns I never expected.
I knew I was going to love Jai. I'm such a sucker for a broken man, and this series gave me 5 of them.
The story was so unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.
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