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Hunters are coming out of the shadows.

New enemies are on the horizon, and the war grows larger every day.

For centuries, vampires have lived among humans in secret until one press conference threatens the livelihood of bloodsuckers worldwide, including my inhuman children. I dare my adversaries to come anywhere near them. But I can’t fight alone. I need my powerful vampire husband at my side.

But the Council of Elders is up in arms, ancient vampires, whose only course of action against this threat is to use Sam Mason as a scapegoat.

Sam’s own kind is hunting him, forcing us to separate into two camps to keep our family safe.

To make matters worse, my deranged sister, Rianne, has thrown down the gauntlet. The only way to deal with her is to fight to the death. I have no plans to die, but fate has a twisted sense of humor.

The Prodigies is book five in the continuing saga of this enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance featuring Sam & Layla. Their story is rife with action, suspense, snarky banter, and a slow-burn romance that will surely singe your e-reader and ends on a cliffhanger. This is an ongoing series that begins in The Hunted. For a better reading experience, the books should be read in order.

Series Reading Order:
1. The Hunted
2. The Predator
3. The Union
4. The Dawning
5. The Prodigies
6. The Prophecy
7. The Rebirth

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

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About the author

S.B. Alexander

47 books1,025 followers
S.B. Alexander is an award-winning author of sports romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense. She writes emotionally rich, character-driven love stories featuring strong heroines, unforgettable heroes, and high-stakes journeys that blend passion, family dynamics, action, and intrigue—always leading to a hard-earned happily ever after.

Her paranormal romance novel The Hunted received a 2022 International Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal, and her books are known for immersive worlds, long-form romantic arcs, and deeply rooted emotional stakes. Whether writing elite athletes, military heroes, or dangerous immortals, S.B. brings heart, heat, and authenticity to every story.

A U.S. Navy veteran, former high school teacher, and corporate sales executive, S.B. draws on her background to infuse her work with discipline, resilience, and realism. Military themes run through many of her stories and remain close to her heart, shaped by both her own service and that of her late husband.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys sports—especially baseball—and can often be found on the golf course chasing the elusive hole-in-one.

She lives by the motto: “Life is too short to waste. So live every moment like it’s your last.”

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5 stars
67 (69%)
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20 (20%)
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9 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for BookD.
1,547 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2023
I love this series!! Each book gets better and better, I feel like I’m on a constant rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns, I am so freaking in love with these characters, and Sam is the book boyfriend that all girls want!!

Layla really proved she is tough as nails once again, makes you wonder if she’s really completely human!! And Sam, the most powerful vampire out there is the sweetest, most wonderful man! They make an amazing couple!! Their relationship is constantly being put to the test, but nothing can tear them apart.

If you like vampires, and especially Navy SEAL vampires, yummy HOT romance, danger and suspense around every corner and twists and turns with shocking surprises, then you will LOVE this series!!
Profile Image for Tricia Carter Sheehan.
160 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2023
I’m absolutely in love with this series. Sam and Layla are my favorites. I love the names they gave their babies and I can’t wait for them to find out who stole Luna and Orion. Who ever it is there gonna get lite up like a full moon once Sam get his elemental hands on them. After everything they have gone thru and still going thru what lies ahead of them. They deserve to finally have a semi normal life with their four beautiful babies. Keep up the fantastic job S.B. Alexander. I will be waiting impatiently for April to get here for the next book.
Profile Image for Melanie.
719 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2023
I just can't get enough of this series by S.B.Alexander. Layla and Sam story never fails to disappoint me in any book I have read so far. We p8ck up from where book four left of. Lot's of twists and turns to be expected but that is all part that makes this book epic. I love Sam's and Laylas characters and the relationship they have. Sam is my Book Boyfriend. Another Great book.
382 reviews7 followers
January 19, 2023
Wow! This book is amazing. So much happens so you better buckle in for the ride. The first half of the book covers about 48 hours in time, and I couldn't stop reading. Such detail and so many emotions.

Alexander does a great job at recapping the previous books as needed. She gives just enough to remind you what happened, but it doesn't take away from the fast moving story.

A must read!!
Profile Image for Brit.
727 reviews
January 17, 2023
Poor Sam and Layla CANNOT catch a break! As always S.B. Alexander does an amazing job reminding us of previous books. From page one my heart was pounding and by the end of the book the cliff hanger made it pound even more. I absolutely love the uniqueness of this vampire story, it is unlike any I have read before. As I always say, I think Layla got a bad hand with family members! So many twists and turns. So good! I cannot wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Sheila Lee.
1,034 reviews15 followers
January 26, 2023
I hate where this book ended! LOL
All kidding aside, this series has taken me for a rollercoaster ride, in the dark, with no way to see where its going or what's coming. Twists and turns galore. I don't know how I will be able to wait till April 2023 for the next book to be available!
Profile Image for Beth Knight.
1,174 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2023
Heart pounding, intense and thrilling from the beginning to the end! I cannot believe we are already on book five, sigh. The ending is intense and ends on a cliffy, I cannot wait for The Prophecy, I need to know the traitor is.

Overall, excellent read, ramping up for the end.
Profile Image for Susan.
566 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2023
We have babies after a turbulent delivery. However everything outside the base is going crazy. Adam and Roman have brought even more attention to the supernatural following Sam being outed from the hospital incident. They are learning about their babies while deciding their next steps. Needless to say there’s a lot of moving parts with keeping everyone safe and dealing with those who want to take over everything.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,454 reviews35 followers
January 23, 2023
Talk about family drama and then some...❤

My goodness gracious!!! Buckle up buttercups and prepare for some insane turbulance on this ride! My heart is *still* racing after finishing this gem. Yes indeedy, the adrenaline rush is real. Family is the overall theme of this book in my opinion, and all the many things that brings with it. With the Aberdeen family it seems complications are indeed MANY. Layla and Sam literally can't take a breath between defcon events landing in their laps. Welcome to the wonderful world of an ex- hunter/vampire relationship- who happen to have four babies on the way. Sooooo most of her family want to kidnap her, the unborn kiddos, and kill her man...no biggie right? Oh yea and that's just the tippy tip of this oh so wonderful, magical, psychotic iceberg. Layla, Sam, Jordyn and their small group of true/chosen family are in for the fight of their lives. Everything is changing around them in more ways than one. Revelations are made, threats are coming, the past starts to shed its secrets, and all the while Layla is dealing with being a brand new mum *and* all these major cluster bleeps blowing up her life simultaneously. What's a gal to do? I absolutely ADORE these characters, but especially Layla. Her heart, courage, loyalty, spirit and sass just endear her to me, and we get to see a slightly new side to her in this book after the babies are born. I can't wait to see what's next-especially after that heartstopping cliffhanger! Never count an ex-hunter out baby. Especially one that's a ticked of mama bear! This series is just so darned good.
577 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2023
The captivating vampire strikes yet again!

Oh, my God! This story is seriously breathtaking! Each book is getting better and better. S.B. Alexander has indeed created something memorable and exhilarating here!

I seriously LOVE Sam and Layla. Layla is a true lioness! Is she even human? Sam calls her his “huntress” and he is absolutely right. She proves yet again what a resilient, fearless fighter she is. And Sam…Oh, Sam…The strongest, fearless vampire turns into the sweetest, most loving father the world has ever seen. But, of course, our beloved couple can’t have their happily ever after yet. The stakes are higher than ever. The world is on the brick of a monumental change, the fights for power are vicious, the villains don’t hesitate to cross every line possible, a new prophesy is revealed and their family stands in the middle of all this chaos! The cliffhanger in the end has me sitting on the edge of my sit! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book – thank God it’s coming out relatively soon – because the suspense is killing me right now! I need to know how things are going to pan out.

All in all, it was an amazing, emotional, fast-paced, thrilling read. It gave me all the feels – I still have a book hangover. If you haven’t started with the series yet I highly recommend that you do. In my opinion, it’s worth it and yet some. 5 well-deserved stars from me.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Deborah Peach.
730 reviews27 followers
January 24, 2023
My heart is beating out of my chest with the massive cliffhanger this book ended on! This author consistently leaves you wanting more with the way she immerses you in the plot. With twists and turns that you don't see coming, you are dragged further into Sam and Layla's lives. The highs and lows will give your heart and nerves a workout that makes you beg for more. You're thrown right back into the sense of dread that book four left you hanging with and this ending will have you ready to throw the book across the room. Be prepared for the ride of your life when you pick up this installment of Sam and Layla's ongoing struggles.

There is danger around every corner for the vampire Navy SEAL and his human wife. They now have a set of quadruplets to take care of that were born at the worst possible time. Humans have just found out that vampires exist and they are on the hunt for them. Layla's sister Rianne is leading the charge. The being most sought after is none other than Sam Mason himself, who has a million dollar bounty placed on his head. To protect his new family, he must put their welfare above his own and send them far away while he hides. All that Layla and Sam want is to be able to watch their son and three daughters grow in peaceful times without any threats to their lives. Their enemies seem to be constantly coming out of the woodwork and change more often than the babies need new diapers. Hope springs eternal that the time will come when humans accept supernatural beings and vampires can live among humans. When too many poorly timed coincidences occur, it makes you wonder if there is a mole feeding intel to the enemy factions. Who can you trust your secrets to?

You have to start this series with The Hunted (book one) as each book ends on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,959 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2023
Can Sam and Layla every get a break? This is true love and dedication to each other and there is always someone around each corner trying to break them. The worst part is Layla's sister and grandmother are so damn selfish that they are willing to use innocent babies to get what they want.
Breathe.......okay, their story gets me so riled up.
Sam almost loses his wife and babies during delivery, Rhian still wants to change Layla so they can be sisters again (eww) and who knows where granny is hiding her skanky bottom.
Breathe....With each wonderful revelation and some not so wonderful, this family keeps fighting to be just that a family. Thank the heavens Sam's family and friends are there for support.
Now, we have to wait again for the nail biting cliff-hanger to reveal who stole Luna and Orion.
This is a fast paced, no time to be bored, nail biting, suspense/paranormal series that really knows how to grab you and keep you coming back for more.
Profile Image for Heather Carver.
604 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2023
I love this series! I’m not normally one who likes cliffhangers unless the whole series is out, but I can’t wait to read these books. The good thing is there isn’t a long wait between books and so much happens that I can’t forget about Sam and Layla!!

Layla and Sam have a lot going on in this book. So much drama that you’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen. How will they manage everything? How will it all play out?

I love the relationship Sam and Layla have. I love that Layla is strong and can take care of herself, but she wants Sam to help her.

Susan knows how to write a great series and keep you invested in the story. With some series by book 5 you’re a little bored, but there is so much built up that we still have questions. You can guess some things, but not everything. You will be shocked throughout this book. Cannot wait for book 6 and 7!!!
Profile Image for Amy Hartung.
159 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2023
Holy amazingness, what did I just read? As We catch up with Sam and Layla, we are at the birth of their babies. Yet, as we realize with this couple, NOTHING is straightforward, and Chaos finds its way in. That is just the calm before the storm as the clouds open and a fury is unleashed upon the vampire Navy Seal team, and Sam specifically. Never ending head turning, page devouring, no sleep induced reading sessions occurred while completely invested in this book. I couldn't put it down. We start with a loved up couple, picking the most endearing baby names, to a life altering event that has their world on its end. Hold onto your kindles, that cliff you're left on, will blow your mind!! Elevendy-billion banshee screams for this one!! Cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Anita.
1,155 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2023
This is book 5 in the series and they have all ended with a cliffhanger and this one is no different.
OMG is Sam and Layla ever gonna get a chance to enjoy each other without someone trying to destroy them?
They are now a family of 6 and boy does this book take you on yet another roller coaster ride, there are so many twists and turns, you just don't know who is going to cause trouble or what is going to happen.
Who can they trust? NO ONE!!!!!
This is not my usual go-to genre but believe me it's so good and it will have you hooked from early on in the first book.
I love SB Alexander books and the Maxwell series is where it all started for me and I have read everything ever since.
I cannot wait to see what's to come next with Sam and Layla, and I hope certain characters get what's coming to them, as they have well and truly deserved it and much more.
If you haven't read any of this series yet you need to read it in the following order.
1. The Hunted
2. The Predator
3. The Union
4. The Dawning
5. The Prodigies
And then there are 2 more to follow that have not yet been released which are
6. The Prophecy
7. The Rebirth
Profile Image for Books I Flove.
826 reviews42 followers
January 24, 2023
Phew, I don’t even know how to start writing down my thoughts!!
SB Alexander most definitely knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat while reading this story!! You just want to keep going and going, and see how Sam & Layla manage, whatever fate is throwing at them!!!
The tension is HIGH, and I love this series so much!! Bring on the next book, as this cliffhanger at the end is simply 🤯🤯
575 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2023
Action packed from start to finish this book will have you on the edge of your seat and everywhere in between. Sam and Layla's story is as intense as it is intriguing. That ending though......I need the next book right now!!!!
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,486 reviews14 followers
January 22, 2023
Sam and Layla are living is extremely dangerous times! Not only for them, but their children as well - which is truly frightening. This book keeps you on your toes as Sam and Layla have to navigate everything together. Layla has grown a lot and it’s amazing to read her strength in light of what is happening.
Profile Image for Katy Battisti.
595 reviews15 followers
January 23, 2023
This book is freaking amazing. At first I had to remember what was going on from the previous book and then bam I was hooked. The rollercoaster ride it takes you on and oh the angst. There is so much that is going on, that it keeps you reading. I can’t tell how how much I am enjoying these books in this series. I NEED the next book like NOW!!!! Highly recommend this you won’t be disappointed!!!!
Profile Image for Kayleigh henderson.
1,132 reviews
January 24, 2023
Love this series, it just gets better and better with each book. Sam is a great character to follow. This book leaves you wanting more especially with the cliffhanger. Can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Madeleine.
4,474 reviews10 followers
January 27, 2023
What an absolute nail biter the entire way through. Angst, drama, intense and so beautifully written. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Judi.
32 reviews
April 30, 2023
Full steam ahead even around the twists and turns. Another great piece of the Layla and Sam saga. There is so much action, information and steam in this one. I can’t give spoilers so I will stop. I can’t wait until April for the next book!!!!
Profile Image for Leisel.
777 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2023
Okay, so you're trawling through and have found this book, and say to yourself "oh this looks interesting", well you are definitely right in saying that, because it is so worthwhile venturing into this hot paranormal mystery series. Now stating this as a series and being book five it is so obvious you need to start at the beginning to fully comphrend the overall plot. I say this as I've read other series before and have been able to successfully navigate through a story without having read the previous title but this series is a must to start at the very beginning. Besides you will not be disappointed one ounce by the sheer creativity of author S.B. Alexander's incredible take on Vampires and their hunters.

Simply put the story and series revolves around Sam Mason, one extremely sexy vampire who is also a military man in a secret vampire navy seal team that exists to protect humanity. Then on the other side of the love equation is the wonderful fiery vampire huntress Layla Aberdeen. So over the series readers get to see how these two wonderfully unique and creative characters come about and their lives become entangled with one another, going on to save not only the world of humans but also vampires and other supernatural characters. There is a war starting to form, but it is so complex with hidden agendas from so many angles and characters involvement that it keeps readers wanting to learn more.

From the moment you start this 5th instalment in the series you will be left wanting more, wondering why and how and more than anything cheering on the wonderful couple of Sam and Layla and just wondering why their lives together hold the mysteries and importance they do.
Not only are readers provided with such great characters of Sam and Layla's but so many others throughout, even the real baddies are truly provoking and provide such great impact to the whole plot line.
Then of course just when you think things are looking good for our heroes a whole new set of events causes a new set of challenges for everyone. What I really love about this book and series to date is the ever changing relationship between Sam and Layla, the mystery behind Layla and her sisters genetic profiles and the sense of unity bringing the supernatural community together.

I was provided with an advanced reader copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,795 reviews52 followers
January 25, 2023
Must read in order as the story continues from the last one. Layla and Sam have those beautiful babies, but still aren’t sure of their powers or if they are inhuman. But the world doesn’t just relax after the birth, the Vampire leaders are demanding Sam be arrested and the base is under attack. Layla’s sister Rianne, is still a thorn in their side but Layla can count on Jordyn. Sam, always the protector, is paying the consequences of his actions as he made quick decisions as a soldier. The book is told in alternate perspectives from Layla and Sam, and the action never lets up. It’s a great ride that still has a way to go. I got the chance to read an early copy and my review was given voluntarily.
1,137 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2023
When I first found this series and the previous by this author, I was hooked. Combining paranormal with military is an interesting combination and entertaining. The writing is great and the epic story is engaging. I am finding it difficult to make it to the end of Layla and Sam's story, however. This couple has the absolutely worst luck and every story is a cliff hanger. I will finish it because I'm this far in but with months and months wait between each story, it may be worth waiting until the entire series is finished. 3.5 to 4 stars for this one.
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,418 reviews17 followers
April 17, 2023
Crazy, wild & a rollercoaster of emotions. This sums up this entire series I swear. When you think about it sometimes mankind turns out to be the real monsters. Finally the babies are born & just when you think everything will work out, it gets even more twisted & even more terrifying for Layla & Sam.
2,195 reviews14 followers
May 2, 2023
Layla and Sam just can't catch a break! The Prodigies is a wild ride full of action, suspense and twists with all the feels. And that cliff hanger ending just about did me in! Can't wait to read The Prophecy!
Profile Image for Beyond The Covers Blog.
2,518 reviews91 followers
August 10, 2023
I just can't get enough of this fabulous, addicting series!
Each book gets better and better. They all end cliff hangers but since all seven books are out you don't have to wait.
Delivering quads was took it's toll on on Layla. Flat lining three times.
With the ongoing war Sam is in hiding with family until the base is breached sending him to Dane's pack for protection with a price on his head.
Rianne and Layla have a showdown. Layla needs answers. Psycho Rianne has taken the serum.
There is a mole within the ranks.
The beginning of the prophecy starts since Luna and Orion are missing.
Highly, highly recommend this series!!
Next installment The Prophecy!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews