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Nocturnal
Stray bullets from the hunting club have hit her house before, but when one pierces her wall, Alaina decamps to the wash shed for safety. She nearly has heart failure when she discovers she's sharing her 'safe harbor' with a wounded panther. Ralphie is no 'ordinary' two hundred plus pound great cat, though.
196 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 16, 2015
Anthology part of Big Bad Alpha: (Christmas Holiday Box Set) 20 Alpha Hero Stories of Contemporary, Military, Shifters, Werewolves, Vampires, Aliens, Angels, Billionaires, Demons, Fae & More
Enjoyed this book, especially the ending. The romance was a little hit and miss and then hit again. When Kaitlyn O'Connor writes under this pen name her style is different enough that for a time I thought it was a different person. Overall a good story - 3-1/2 stars.
Enjoyed this book, especially the ending. The romance was a little hit and miss and then hit again. When Kaitlyn O'Connor writes under this pen name her style is different enough that for a time I thought it was a different person. Overall a good story - 3-1/2 stars.
August 11, 2016
Okay did I just read what I thought I read?....
I was not prepared for that
The beginning of this book is sinfully delicious in some ways....
and just downright nasty in others.
I was definitely entertained and unsure of how the story would end. I was hoping the other panther in the book would of turned out to be the main antagonist. All in all I had to read on to see how it all turned out.
I was not prepared for that
The beginning of this book is sinfully delicious in some ways....
and just downright nasty in others.
I was definitely entertained and unsure of how the story would end. I was hoping the other panther in the book would of turned out to be the main antagonist. All in all I had to read on to see how it all turned out.
November 13, 2010
Lots of action...
Hunky panther-shifter...
Nice, likeable heroine...
Not just a sex book...
and, of course, the heroine gets pregnant!!!
Hunky panther-shifter...
Nice, likeable heroine...
Not just a sex book...
and, of course, the heroine gets pregnant!!!
June 23, 2025
Read October 2024
3.5 stars
Though the writing has a number of errors, and the storyline and characters aren’t fully developed, I stayed interested until the very end. That's due to: the engaging plot, a sensual & seductive Argentinian panther-shifter, and several steamy, lightly erotic sex scenes. Add in some taboo―the H in panther form likes to lick the h (twice to orgasm).
The story was simple, sexy, and easy to read. With better writing, it could've been a 4-star read. While the ending was satisfying, it felt rushed. I would have liked to see the events unfold more gradually, rather than being wrapped up so quickly and easily.
🇹🇭🇪 🇲🇨𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝚰𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒╏
Alaina (34) lives alone on a small farm, working as a medical transcriptionist. After her parents passed away in a plane crash last year, they left her financially comfortable. She keeps her job mainly to stay occupied. Alaina was married once, but her ex-husband didn’t treat her well. She has only one friend, briefly mentioned.
Bobby is a veterinarian and Alaina's dirtbag ex-boyfriend. He plays a minor role.
Raphael (age unknown), a member of the fierce Araucanian Indians from Argentina, has one goal: to kill the man responsible for killing his pregnant wife, Concepción. She was killed while in panther form, and her head was saved as a trophy. Raphael has been tracking the hunter for months, and finally found him in the U.S.
Calhoun runs an illegal business, importing exotic animals for wealthy men to hunt on his land. He's ruthless, willing to kill anyone who threatens his operation. Hank, the local sheriff, is in his pocket.
Angie, Calhoun's spoiled 18-year-old daughter, plays a very minor role. She unsuccessfully tries to seduce Raphael. Aside from going with her to a club where Alaina happens to be, he shows little interest in her. There's only one woman he wants.
🇹🇭🇪 🇵🇱🇴🇹: (spoilers below)
The story opens with Raphael injured and on the run after being ambushed by Calhoun’s men. He underestimated Calhoun’s backup and paid for his mistake.
Alaina, who lives just two miles from Calhoun's compound, becomes involved when Raphael, in his panther form, takes refuge in her shed. Alaina, unaware of his true nature, thinks he's just a tame pet and even calls her ex, Bobby, to help remove the bullet lodged in him. She names the panther "Ralphie" and brings him into her home.
🙄 The coincidence that Alaina names the panther "Ralphie" when his real name is Raphael feels contrived. It definitely made me roll my eyes.
Raphael, also known as Rafe, shifts between his human and panther forms around Alaina. As a man, he works to build a fence on her property, while as a panther, he becomes her sweet & kinky pet, even sleeping on her bed. I really liked how distinct the author made Rafe’s character—he’s strong and stoic, driven by the need to avenge his wife’s death while also trying to protect Alaina. Although he tries to keep her at a distance, Alaina slowly finds her way into his heart.
There’s a bit of drama with Bobby, but after Rafe punches him and warns him to stay away from Alaina, Bobby speeds off, never to be a problem again.
Alaina discovers that Rafe is a shifter when he transforms to protect her from another panther. Overwhelmed with fear, she runs while the two panthers are fighting. Rafe later follows and subdues her. He holds her close until she calms down and realizes he means her no harm. That night, he stays by her side, holding her until she falls asleep. The next day, they finally talk, and Rafe opens up about his late wife and his mission to kill Calhoun.
The climax of the story has Calhoun using Alaina as bait, hoping to trap the black panther that has been systematically killing his men. But Calhoun soon realizes he's dealing with something far more dangerous than just an animal, when Rafe doesn't fall into his trap. Rafe eliminates Calhoun's men, releases Alaina and faces the hunter last.
After killing Calhoun, Rafe spends one final night with Alaina before leaving. He leaves her all the money he has left. Soon after, Alaina learns she's pregnant. She's happy to have a part of Rafe and someone to love.
Many months pass, and Alaina is overdue when Rafe finally returns. He explains that it took him so long because he had to save up for the flight back. Alaina welcomes him with open arms, and after a passionate reunion, she goes into labor. Rafe rushes her to the midwife, two hours away. At first, Rafe is hurt, thinking Alaina might fear having an “abnormal” baby, but he’s reassured when he learns she did it for the baby’s protection. Alaina gives birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she names Joshua.
In the final chapter, Alaina and Rafe are living happily on her farm. Rafe is working outside when Alaina calls him in for lunch. Instead of eating, they go to the bedroom to have sex. Afterward, Joshua, now a cute toddler, wanders in and wants to know what they're doing. His curiosity leads to Alaina revealing she's pregnant. The End.
3.5 stars
Though the writing has a number of errors, and the storyline and characters aren’t fully developed, I stayed interested until the very end. That's due to: the engaging plot, a sensual & seductive Argentinian panther-shifter, and several steamy, lightly erotic sex scenes. Add in some taboo―the H in panther form likes to lick the h (twice to orgasm).
The story was simple, sexy, and easy to read. With better writing, it could've been a 4-star read. While the ending was satisfying, it felt rushed. I would have liked to see the events unfold more gradually, rather than being wrapped up so quickly and easily.
🇹🇭🇪 🇲🇨𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝚰𝐍𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒╏
Alaina (34) lives alone on a small farm, working as a medical transcriptionist. After her parents passed away in a plane crash last year, they left her financially comfortable. She keeps her job mainly to stay occupied. Alaina was married once, but her ex-husband didn’t treat her well. She has only one friend, briefly mentioned.
Bobby is a veterinarian and Alaina's dirtbag ex-boyfriend. He plays a minor role.
Raphael (age unknown), a member of the fierce Araucanian Indians from Argentina, has one goal: to kill the man responsible for killing his pregnant wife, Concepción. She was killed while in panther form, and her head was saved as a trophy. Raphael has been tracking the hunter for months, and finally found him in the U.S.
Calhoun runs an illegal business, importing exotic animals for wealthy men to hunt on his land. He's ruthless, willing to kill anyone who threatens his operation. Hank, the local sheriff, is in his pocket.
Angie, Calhoun's spoiled 18-year-old daughter, plays a very minor role. She unsuccessfully tries to seduce Raphael. Aside from going with her to a club where Alaina happens to be, he shows little interest in her. There's only one woman he wants.
🇹🇭🇪 🇵🇱🇴🇹: (spoilers below)
The story opens with Raphael injured and on the run after being ambushed by Calhoun’s men. He underestimated Calhoun’s backup and paid for his mistake.
Alaina, who lives just two miles from Calhoun's compound, becomes involved when Raphael, in his panther form, takes refuge in her shed. Alaina, unaware of his true nature, thinks he's just a tame pet and even calls her ex, Bobby, to help remove the bullet lodged in him. She names the panther "Ralphie" and brings him into her home.
🙄 The coincidence that Alaina names the panther "Ralphie" when his real name is Raphael feels contrived. It definitely made me roll my eyes.
Raphael, also known as Rafe, shifts between his human and panther forms around Alaina. As a man, he works to build a fence on her property, while as a panther, he becomes her sweet & kinky pet, even sleeping on her bed. I really liked how distinct the author made Rafe’s character—he’s strong and stoic, driven by the need to avenge his wife’s death while also trying to protect Alaina. Although he tries to keep her at a distance, Alaina slowly finds her way into his heart.
There’s a bit of drama with Bobby, but after Rafe punches him and warns him to stay away from Alaina, Bobby speeds off, never to be a problem again.
Alaina discovers that Rafe is a shifter when he transforms to protect her from another panther. Overwhelmed with fear, she runs while the two panthers are fighting. Rafe later follows and subdues her. He holds her close until she calms down and realizes he means her no harm. That night, he stays by her side, holding her until she falls asleep. The next day, they finally talk, and Rafe opens up about his late wife and his mission to kill Calhoun.
The climax of the story has Calhoun using Alaina as bait, hoping to trap the black panther that has been systematically killing his men. But Calhoun soon realizes he's dealing with something far more dangerous than just an animal, when Rafe doesn't fall into his trap. Rafe eliminates Calhoun's men, releases Alaina and faces the hunter last.
After killing Calhoun, Rafe spends one final night with Alaina before leaving. He leaves her all the money he has left. Soon after, Alaina learns she's pregnant. She's happy to have a part of Rafe and someone to love.
Many months pass, and Alaina is overdue when Rafe finally returns. He explains that it took him so long because he had to save up for the flight back. Alaina welcomes him with open arms, and after a passionate reunion, she goes into labor. Rafe rushes her to the midwife, two hours away. At first, Rafe is hurt, thinking Alaina might fear having an “abnormal” baby, but he’s reassured when he learns she did it for the baby’s protection. Alaina gives birth to a healthy baby boy, whom she names Joshua.
In the final chapter, Alaina and Rafe are living happily on her farm. Rafe is working outside when Alaina calls him in for lunch. Instead of eating, they go to the bedroom to have sex. Afterward, Joshua, now a cute toddler, wanders in and wants to know what they're doing. His curiosity leads to Alaina revealing she's pregnant. The End.
September 13, 2023
Well, that was weirdly interesting... I've read a lot of stories by this author, under multiple pen names and I think this is the first one with "that" kind of scene in it that I've read 😳
Read
February 12, 2017Did not finish with only like 80 pages to go.
Right after he showed her that he shapeshifted, I gave up.
This book is dumb.
I wasn't fond of the main character. I thought she was dumb, low self esteem and jumped from one abusive relationship to another. This was to garner sympathy? Sorry hun, your an idiot.
Raphael had no personality.
-Why the fuck did she call the cat Ralphie? That made no sense. No one calls their cat Ralphie. The first and only name she decides to call him is nearly close enough identical to his actual name? Sure. SUrrrrrrre.
-What was the point of Bobby (the vet/ex boyfriend)? He was just over the top ridiculous.
I didn't even care about animal sex (which has other readers freaking out). I was rolling my eyes at her reactions to it.
OMG, I hated all the assumptions she made. Literally the entire book is her jumping to conclusions. I hated her inner monologue! (exclamation mark used sarcastically since her inner monologue used them all the time!)
The over all plot was just dumb. Gave up.
Right after he showed her that he shapeshifted, I gave up.
This book is dumb.
I wasn't fond of the main character. I thought she was dumb, low self esteem and jumped from one abusive relationship to another. This was to garner sympathy? Sorry hun, your an idiot.
Raphael had no personality.
-Why the fuck did she call the cat Ralphie? That made no sense. No one calls their cat Ralphie. The first and only name she decides to call him is nearly close enough identical to his actual name? Sure. SUrrrrrrre.
-What was the point of Bobby (the vet/ex boyfriend)? He was just over the top ridiculous.
I didn't even care about animal sex (which has other readers freaking out). I was rolling my eyes at her reactions to it.
OMG, I hated all the assumptions she made. Literally the entire book is her jumping to conclusions. I hated her inner monologue! (exclamation mark used sarcastically since her inner monologue used them all the time!)
The over all plot was just dumb. Gave up.
December 2, 2010
This was so bad.
I wouldn't say the heroine was weak, because that isn't completely true, but she had no self-esteem, seemed to lack the ability to make good judgment calls and was overly needy.
I didn't like that she was coming out of a on-again-off-again abusive relationship. I sort of expected her to get stuck in something like that rather than empathizing with her situation. And of course, the next man's arms she runs to is someone with a mucky past and a vendetta against a group of people who is actively seeking his revenge through committing a number of murders (plural). Of course, he doesn't really want anything to do with her, long term. So OBVIOUSLY, she falls in love with him. And when he leaves her (right after he also leaves her a large sum of money ...!) and she finds out she is pregnant she breaks down into tears and is thankful that he didn't leave her alone. !!! Seriously.
As if that wasn't bad enough, he is also a big panther (shape-shifter). That's all well and good, except for the fact he sexually molests her on several occasions while in cat form. She's conflicted by this, naturally, but keeps it to herself and continues to feed and welcome the cat into her home AND BED.
Please, do yourself a favour and leave this book on the shelf.
I wouldn't say the heroine was weak, because that isn't completely true, but she had no self-esteem, seemed to lack the ability to make good judgment calls and was overly needy.
I didn't like that she was coming out of a on-again-off-again abusive relationship. I sort of expected her to get stuck in something like that rather than empathizing with her situation. And of course, the next man's arms she runs to is someone with a mucky past and a vendetta against a group of people who is actively seeking his revenge through committing a number of murders (plural). Of course, he doesn't really want anything to do with her, long term. So OBVIOUSLY, she falls in love with him. And when he leaves her (right after he also leaves her a large sum of money ...!) and she finds out she is pregnant she breaks down into tears and is thankful that he didn't leave her alone. !!! Seriously.
As if that wasn't bad enough, he is also a big panther (shape-shifter). That's all well and good, except for the fact he sexually molests her on several occasions while in cat form. She's conflicted by this, naturally, but keeps it to herself and continues to feed and welcome the cat into her home AND BED.
Please, do yourself a favour and leave this book on the shelf.
April 15, 2012
This is my favorite of what I've read by Madelaine Montague as of yet! It was a very satisfying read that left nothing hanging unanswered and I love when a book satisfies that aspect.
Two people that have experienced a great sense of true loss. One is hell bent on revenge and the other is just living life day by day. Once fate has its course set there is no stopping what unfolds and the magnetic pull to another whether it's wanted or not. Alaina is immediately drawn to Rafe and the same goes for him to her. They work together on an exciting, sensual, fun and dreamy path to tie loose ends and put a stop to Alaina's home getting bullet holes on a frequent basis. What happens after that surprised me and I know other readers will enjoy :)
Two people that have experienced a great sense of true loss. One is hell bent on revenge and the other is just living life day by day. Once fate has its course set there is no stopping what unfolds and the magnetic pull to another whether it's wanted or not. Alaina is immediately drawn to Rafe and the same goes for him to her. They work together on an exciting, sensual, fun and dreamy path to tie loose ends and put a stop to Alaina's home getting bullet holes on a frequent basis. What happens after that surprised me and I know other readers will enjoy :)
January 7, 2016
This was a weird book. I actually know nothing about the hero at all, after having read the whole thing. Very strange and unexpected. The entire book is about the heroine, but because she has no friends to speak of it has a somewhat surrealistic feel, with most of the information we get as readers filtered through the heroine's eyes and mind. The hero is more a "catalyst" for things to happen to the heroine... I guess. But on the other hand, the heroine doesn't really go through much development...
April 27, 2015
Hunky were panther Rafe is set out to avenge the murder of his wife and sons. Alaina is stunned to find a wounded panther on her property who seems to be domesticated. Rafe , injured in Panther form he is attracted to Alaina, she thinks Ralphie the name she gives the panther is a bit perverted, but keeps him hidden when hunters from next door, the police all come to her place looking for the wild beast. Rave takes a job building a fence for Alaina, sparks fly! I liked this story, recommend it!
September 27, 2009
Really good paranormal romance...
November 5, 2013
good little story but there are things inside not so clear !
September 19, 2013
This was okay but I didn't enjoy it as much as some others by this author. It just felt kind of hurried and the character development wasn't really there.
September 19, 2013
Predicatable from start to finish but the hotness of the guy makes up for the dull pace of the book. Nice were cat novel overall. nice not great
April 16, 2014
Inventive use of his tongue. But it's the same thing in all the books I've read so far. She ends up pregnant.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews