Defining Human

Only Human #4

by Candace Blevins

Book four of the ONLY HUMAN series…

Kirsten negotiated for what she hopes will be two glorious hours with Xaephan, but the Lord of Lust has his own ideas of how the afternoon will transpire, and the consequences of their evening are long lasting.

Her deal with Ryan means she must go to Africa to help guard gazelles for a week. She trains for the event, but her preparation doesn’t cover the Strigorii vampires who have their eye on her. Since she broke up with Abbott, gaining control of her will be like hanging a sign saying they’re more powerful than The Abbott without having to actually fight him.

Throw in complications with Nathan and a few battles with her old enemy Aquila, and Kirsten doesn’t know whether she’s coming or going. She wants peace and quiet with her daughter, but is it possible? Is she too embroiled in supernatural politics to live a normal life? Kirsten feels as if she’s become a game piece in a sick game of chess, and she wants off the board.

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, BDSM, Shapeshifters, Erotica, Paranormal Romance

364 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2018

About the author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Candace Blevins writes urban fantasy, paranormal romance, epic fantasy contemporary BDSM romance, and two kick-ass motorcycle club series. She’s published more than fifty books. Candace lives with her husband of twenty-four years and their two teenaged daughters. The family’s beloved, goofy, retired racing greyhounds are usually at her side as she writes, quietly keeping her company. Or sometimes not so quietly.

Her urban fantasy series, Only Human, gives us a world where weredragons, werewolves, werelions, three different species of vampires, and a variety of other mythological beings exist.

Candace's various paranormal romance series are all sister series to the Only Human series, and give some secondary characters their happily ever after.

Her Dark(ish) Faerie Tale series gives us a close-up and personal look at Queen Mab, and her Dark Underbelly series is, as you’d expect, dark and (if you’re a little twisted) oh-so-yummy.

Her contemporary Safeword series gives us characters who happen to have some extreme kinks. Relationships can be difficult enough without throwing power exchange into the mix, and her books show characters who care enough about each other to fight to make the relationship work. Each couple in the Safeword series gives the reader a different take on the lifestyle.

You can visit Candace on the web at candaceblevins.com. Feel free to friend her on Facebook at facebook.com/candacesblevins and Goodreads at goodreads.com/CandaceBlevins. You can also join facebook.com/groups/CandacesKinksters to get sneak peeks into what she's writing now, images that inspire her, and the occasional juicy teaser.

Stay up to date on Candace’s newest releases, and get exclusive excerpts by joining her mailing list at http://bit.ly/cb-new-release.

Only Human series, urban fantasy
• Only Human
• An Unhuman Journey
• Of Humans and Monsters
• Defining Human
• Edge of Humanity
• Infinitely Human
• Unhuman Acts

Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club
• Duke
• Brain
• Bash Volume I
• Bash Volume II
• Bash Volume III
• Horse
• Gonzo
• Nix
• Ghost
• Bud
• Razor
• Bubbles
• McGyver

The Birmingham RTMC
• Bobcat
• Dementor
• Frost
• Squatch

Cat out of Hell, series, paranormal romance:
• Cat out of Hell Volume I
• Cat out of Hell Volume II
• Cat out of Hell Volume III

The Dark Underbelly of The Chattanooga Supernaturals
• Pride (A short story featuring The Lion King)
• Indentured Freedom: Owned by the Vampire
• Leashed
• An Elegant Weapon

A Dark(ish) Faerie Tale
• Slave
• Lady
• Consort
• Queen

A Paranormal Halloween, paranormal romance
• Hallowed Destiny – Forged by Darkness
• Unhallowed Murder
• Countdown to Murder
• Unholy Murder

Pleasure Times Four Christmas series, ménage/RH paranormal romance
• Unexpected Gifts
• The Gift
• Present Tense
• Imperfect Gifts

Chattanooga Supernaturals series, paranormal romance:
• The Dragon King
• Riding the Storm
• Acceptable Risk
• Careful What You Ask For
• Uncaged
• Cocky Queen

The Safeword series, intense BDSM contemporary romance
• Safeword Rainbow
• Safeword: Davenport
• Safewords: Davenport and Chiffon
• Safeword: Quinacridone
• Safeword: Matte
• Safeword: Matte – In Training
• No Safeword: Matte – The Honeymoon
• No Safeword: Matte – Happily Ever After
• Safeword: Arabesque
• Safeword: Mayday (TBA)

Reviews

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to be thrown for a loop? Buy this book now. Read this book in the order written. Defining Human will make no sense if the first three books are not read. A few of the novellas in this world would help too, specifically Indentured Freedom. The excitement I felt waiting for this book is indescribable. When I finally received the much coveted arc, I devoured the book and proceeded to curse whilst being aroused. It is recommended to read this book in the privacy of your own home or anywhere non-public. The sex and BDSM is out of this world.

I had a hard time with this book. I guess I was expecting for more answers and for the series to hit the peak and start winding down. I was completely wrong. This book continues to build to a much anticipated explosive confrontational climax between good and evil. At this point, it is debatable who will win... good or evil. Because it is not a sure thing the good guys are going to make it. The events and actions of the characters took a hard left turn which promptly threw me out of the proverbial car and I'm left dazed, shocked and aghast. Ms. Blevins prides herself on unpredictable plots which is on full display in this book. I'm shaken to the core by some of the key characters.

First, I liked Abbott because his BDSM is the kind I like. Gavin, his second in command, is one that I fell for in the Indentured Freedom Novella. When Abbott overstepped and lost Kirsten, I wept. Their relationship strained, Kirsten moved on and played with a very yummy werewolf, Dawg in the previous book. In this one, she moves on to another man and I'm completely bewildered. How did this happen? I thought she would go with another man and instead she falls for one that I just don't get. I mean, I have a love/hate feeling about the man. The way he runs his shifters is not my cup of tea. We do learn better how the group dynamic works as Kirsten stomps all over it and messed it up. Kirsten and her new man just does not do it for me. I did not see it coming at all. It is not as if it is forced but it's like sleeping with a brother or beloved relative. Just strange. Still, Kirsten is determined.

Second, the good guys fracture when the bad guys cause a disagreement. This is just so screwed up. As in, Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassination fouled up. The alliances between all these power players was humming along so smoothly and then Kirsten is placed in the position of the Archduke and the next thing I know, allies are warring and breaking their agreements. Alliances that have been around for centuries are BROKEN because of a pivotal event. What the ever loving... When Ms. Blevins wants to burn everything to the ground and raze it, she does it with Napalm. Quite frankly, I have no idea how these groups can be healed. It all escalated so quickly and Kirsten's lack of paranormal politics understanding totally FUBAR's the situations and makes it worse.

Third, one of the allies who makes me squirm and tremble in excited fear went balls to the walls mental. I really thought this ally liked Kirsten and respected her. Not so. This person is not an anti-hero character. Instead, they are an anti-villain. What is an anti-villain? Someone who is doing good but really is more a villain. Different than anti-hero because at the end of the day, an anti-hero is supposed to have a redeeming quality. The anti-villain is on the good guy side but at the end of the day, is a sadistic sociopath who violates others with glee.

The problem with such old paranormal creatures, they lived a long life and during parts of it, they could have been evil or good. It depended on the situation. This anti-villain is held in check only due to loyalty to one person. When said person is hurt, the leash is off. My recommendation? If the leash is off the anti-villain, run and don't stop running away. And if you can, stab the person running next to you and used them as a sacrificial lamb. They can be a distraction as you escape. The violent transgressions perpetrated upon Kirsten are trauma inducing horrors. There are so many things wrong with it and yet, I'm angry and ill at ease not because of what he did. Nor am I angry at Ms. Blevins writing him this way. I'm angry because I thought the person was friends with Kirsten and I was wrong. I'm ill at ease because what they did is questionably bad based on one's view point. The anti-villain justifiably took retribution against Kirsten from their perspective. And, I have to admit, it was non-con hawt. If it had been me, I would have not only broken under the cruel onslaught but kind of enjoyed it. Why? Because now I can say it wasn't my decision and I'm submitting to the more powerful persons who make me horny.

Third, the plots and subplots! Good lord have mercy on my soul. There are so many things going on it is hard to keep it straight who is fighting whom. Hence the WWI reference. This is a complex story with depth. It's a pleasure to read because it showcases Ms. Blevin's writing growth. When I stumbled across her with Safeword Rainbow, I knew I found a special author - an author who could write realistic BDSM that is hardcore. In five years, her writing voice has matured. Her repertoire has expanded to include more genres. I am impressed with how she has hone her writing craft. All the best parts of her creativity are included in this book.

Lastly, the sex... it is out of this world. For those of us who love edgeplay, SM and basically what others would consider torture, the erotica is phenomenal. It is not for the faint of heart. The first main sex scene includes something that can only be done in paranormal books. I was over the moon with lust and feelings of submission. That is what I love about Ms. Blevin's BDSM scenes. They generate an overwhelming desire to submit in me. I whimper along and vicarious live through each of Kirsten's sex scenes. The power dynamics be it erotic exchange or non-con sexual violation are all arousing for me. Love it.

This urban fantasy is highly recommended to readers who enjoy complex world building, questionable characters and intense erotic interludes.

*I received an advanced copy.

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
It is very rare that I have a hard time with one of Candace Blevins books. Unfortunately, I did with Defining Human. I have read every single book she has published and was surprised that I felt lost in the story. There are a lot of players in the Only Human series and it crisscrosses with with her other Paranormal and MC stories so, unless you know the players, it can get a little confusing.

It's hard to put this book into a synopsis since there is so much going on. Let's just say that Kirsten is a magnet for trouble. The more she tries to get out of it, the deeper she gets. It follows her wherever she goes. But, there were some things I didn't understand since I felt I knew Kirsten. I couldn't understand why she would blow off Nathan when he needed her after all that he has done for her and their feelings for each other. She felt Cora's relationship with the Pack was more important than standing with Nathan. I am taking it that it is an attempt to continue the story line but that also confused me as Nathan negotiated a punishment then just leaves? She has put her relationships with all the supernatural factions on hold as she tries to live a normal life with her daughter. But, with driving Nathan away, does she also loose their support? Will they be able to count on her as the battle grows nearer?

So, I had a problem with the continuance of the story. I felt there were pieces missing and was jumping from one thing to another. I was extremely surprised with that since I love the way Ms. Blevins incorporates all characters into her books and the joining of them are usually seamless. As I said before, confused. But, I am looking forward to how she is going to bring Nathan back into the picture and where it will lead with them, if anywhere. And, the battle is starting to heat up so it will be interesting to see who is going to come out on top.

This is only one story in all of Candace Blevins' repertoire and I know that I won't stop reading her because of how I felt about this book. She is a fantastic author that knows how to put a story together, knows how to write an emotional and erotic sex scene and keep her reader engaged. I just feel that there was too much going on in Defining Human to expect it to flow smoothly.

[Jaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its no secret how much I adore this series, but Defining Human takes me back to the very same, visceral response I had to book one: Only Human.

Often, with books that contain the intertwined complexities of multiple supernaturals, I find my brain fried trying to keep track of all of it. And while this world is very dynamic, the rules for each supe specific, and just about every manifestation of both corporeal and spiritual life form you can imagine exists in this world, it is so well developed and presented that a reader need only allow themselves to be swept up into the journey.

In this instalment, Kirsten's faith in her "friends" is shaken to the core as political machinations take precedence over loyalties. And if Kirsten can't guess who her allies are, or whether they will stay that way, then its a given the reader can't. There is a surfeit of redirection in the events of this story and if Kirsten was TSTL this would be irritating. But its her never-say-die fortitude that is the heart of the series. And its her collection of...well, for now they must all be called acquaintances and not friends...that keep a reader on tenterhooks. In reality, it may be the least likely character who is indeed, on her side. Or not...

In any event, I *must* see this series to its conclusion, I am that completely hooked. And I know in my heart that when it does end, said heart will be...less.

A word of advice from the queen of reading out-of-order: Pick this series up from the beginning. Its an intense ride, but you will need the order of things, and you will be glad you followed the yellow brick road.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read the first three books? If not I recommend that you read them first so you can understand the relationships in this book. Going to read it anyway? The first thing you need to know is that Kirsten is a masochist. She sexualizes pain. Her kink is not my kink but as long as it is consensual I can enjoy her enjoyment and boy does she enjoy. The second thing you need to know is that despite being born human Kirsten has gifts that the paranormals want to own or destroy. The third thing you need to know is that Kirsten has some very powerful friends. But most of all what you need to know is that Kirsten is strong and getting stronger and she will be no-ones prize.
This book is filled with angst, adventure and really hot sex. Kirsten is in some really hot water this time and it will change friends and alliances. A hot, exciting read.
The previous books in this series:
Only Human (Only Human #1)
An Unhuman Journey (Only Human #2)
Of Humans and Monsters (Only Human, #3)
If you want to take a shortcut or learn more about Nathan you can read Pride

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything that Candace Blevins writes, but I think the Only Human series is my favorite. Defining Human is book 4 in the series and it blew me away. I was on the edge of my seat, turning pages as fast as I could read to find out what was going to happen next yet at the same time never wanting it to end. This is a fantastic book and I can’t give it enough stars! I can’t wait until the next one to find out what will happen next!

[Annette Cousins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind blowing! I ran tbe gauntlet of emotions while reading this, from happiness to horror to sadness for the character. Ms Blevins doesn't just draw you in, you are dragged in balls deep enthralled,so you actually feel you are connected. Once you start reading you just can't put it down. Your on the edge of your seat, so engrossed, you will not be able to put it down till you finish.
Paranormal, suspense, sex ,romance and kink all rolled in to one fantastic book.

[Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, what did I just read? This was one intense roller coaster of paranormal politics, fight, bad decisions, good intentions, heartbreak, sex and more.
So much happened in this book it is hard to put in a review but still so many questions are still not answered. Ms. Blevins shakes the whole paranormal world with so many twists and turned everything upside-down. Who is good and who is bad, who are allies, who would you chose to save? So many moral questions and not one straight answer. Will good ever defeat the bad? I guess the balance is important but what happens when the scale goes to the wrong side? Everybody claims they have good reasoning behind their decision but decisions are still hard to understand.
I loved the plot and suspense and even moments that made me love and hate and curse everybody and every decision.
I still have a hard time processing Abbott decision. I really hoped they will get back together. He is ultimate authority, strong, sexy and uncompromising but caring and a strict Dom with kink I love. That is why I was shocked to find out he was behind Kirsten kidnaping .

Kirsten is trying her best but is somehow always dragged into the middle of the fight between different sides and species. She is one tough, brave and smart heroine but still managed to piss of important paranormal leaders. She is desperately holding to threads that she is a human but I have a hard time believing it. She doesn't understand paranormal politics what sometimes makes her an easy target.

I swallowed this book in almost one sitting. So many plots and complex building of the world with suspense and erotic note is delight to read.

https://www.bookaddict.net/2018/07/11...

[Heart5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten is slowly working her way up the in the supernatural world, and as her power increases so does the amount of attention she gets. This fourth book finds her headed to Africa to help Ryan protect a gathering of gazelle shifters. Unfortunately her break with Abbott presents a whole new danger as she is now susceptible to being overtaken by a vampire. The slow simmering relationship with Nathan picks up a lot of steam in this one, and a character I once was just so so about is suddenly one of my favorites.

The previous books in the series had a lot of action, but also several moments of lull to give the characters time to regroup. This one was pretty much non stop action from the beginning. Kirsten's power and questionable status as a human has put her on the radar of the worst of the worst. What I love about this series is that each times she's taken she doesn't sit by helplessly waiting for someone to rescue her. Through various head exploding...decapitation techniques she gets her own self out of trouble. She and Cora have turned into the ultimate examples of girl power.

This fourth book brings some new relationships as well as expanding on some that have been building since the first book. The author has created so many characters, both good and bad, and I love the way she has weaved them all together.

The ending of this one was very well done. The author managed to bring the action to enough of a conclusion for a natural stopping point. Unfortunately she left enough questions to leave me stalking her author page desperately looking for a hint about the release date of the next book.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Daria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing just doesn't seem to cover it all. Candace Blevins Only Human series has had me hooked from the very first. Her latest in the series Defining Human hit amazing early in the beginning. So much going on but Candace wrote it in a way it was easy to follow and you just had a hard time putting the book down.

To say Kristen has a lot on her plate is really understating, everywhere she steps is a fight for her. Half the supernatural world sees her as a new toy to claim and she's not having it. Kristen has some pretty bad as*&* for support and back up. Between the godly, the Master, the King and the Alpha they should all have this right?

So what do you get when you have all those powerhouses on your side against all the powerhouses NOT on your side? The Aquila is still trying to claim her, an ancient Strigorill now finds her intriguing. oh, we cant leave out Xaephan the Lord of Lust (OMG) My totally favorite characters Nathan and the Abbot. That's a lot of testosterone a girl has to deal with right?

Guard your words, careful what you agree too, secrets and secret oaths The Supernatural's governing body all up in the mix as well. Makes Defining Human amazing and intense. A strong cast of characters full of personality. The scenes followed into each other from the sad, the dangerous, hot sex, anger and friendship and all the varying emotions that comes with each scene as it rolled out.

I voluntarily read and reviewed. I enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Twoofus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well! What a fierce book! Although it is clearly a logical extension of the first three books (which you definitely should read before this one) it takes some really unexpected turns. Even more than the first three in the series, the story line is edge-of-the-seat exciting/scary! At one level, I really loved this, but not all of the plot turns made me happy, since some characters who I liked despite their flaws, turn into complete assholes. Since Candace creates complex characters with complex relationships and develops them within this series and crossing over to other series, you end up feeling like these are real people, so you end up really caring about them. So, some of the turns were a bit upsetting. I think this is called realism, and Candace keeps things really real, but damn! This is a complex story!
Actually, by the end it felt like maybe the "dark side" was on the ascendant. Candace has set herself (and Kirsten, and us) some real challenges for book five! Not that there are any specific cliffhangers, but since the books amount to one long continuous story, I was left somewhat worried by the end of the book! So Candace, hurry up and write the next! Great book! I will probably read it again sooner rather than later since I always pick up more richness the second time around. Probably the third too!

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much happens in this book and I do highly recommend you read the books prior to this one as it does continue the storyline.

This book is amazing, spellbinding and just so powerful. I don’t want to go into too much detail because I’m afraid I may spoil what happens. Suffice it to say that Kirsten is one strong prize that many want to keep for themselves, but if you all know Kirsten, she doesn’t play that way, especially if those she loves or counts as friends are involved.

There was a point when I reading this book that I was literally holding my breath, my heart was pounding and if I could have I would have reached out to Kirsten and given her whatever energy I had (which is probably not a lot, but I wanted to do something!). I shed tears at frustrations due to supernatural politics but also because of certain betrayals.

I am totally in awe at the way Candace has built this world, the story just grows and grows and you just want to keep turning the pages to continue with all the twists and turns that are bound to happen!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[zoegrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please Read In Order (see list on Candace's website)

Candace Blevins has done it again! This is the 4th book in a Series of Paranormal/Shapeshifters. It's a wonderful combination of stories if you read the whole list.

In this one the storyline continues with Kirsten working with Ryan the Slayer to do a job protecting the Gazelles over in Africa at their conference. It was an intense time. Kirsten is always the one sticking out, the one the evil old ones find intriguing. Man Kirsten hates that, she doesn't want to be intriguing with everyone wondering if she is human or not.

The Lord of Lust & the Amakhosi, the King of Lions, great bedfellows! Kirsten is always working with the ones in power. Whether it's a positive or negative relationship Kirsten works through it. Meanwhile, my heart is in my throat & my anxiety is through the roof. Man I love reading a Candace Blevins novel. Even when I have to wait to get to the next chapter of Kirsten's adventures. LOL

Enjoy, I sure did!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Blevins has written a powerfully mesmerizing book that is a non stop page turner. I could not put it down! I was completely captivated.

Kristin O'Shea has become an intriguing prize to the supernatural world. While she trains to increase her power and decrease her vulnerability there are those who continuously plot to capture her. She's not safe even from some friends or allies. The more potent she becomes the more likely she will usurp authority from the most powerful leaders. Randal, Nathan, Abbott, Aaron, Mordecai and Cora do everything to protect her and the supernatural community from onslaught of vengeful vampires and prevent what seems to be an inevitable war.

There are many edge of your seat, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping moments in this book. It is breath holdingly suspenseful. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Defining Human and I'm still in a bit of a daze.

What a powerful, tightly packed, fast paced story Ms Blevins has added to Kirsten's Universe. Being bombarded from all sides, having to be alert at all times, Kirsten finds some solace with an old friend turned almost lover.
But all too soon her supernatural world is in chaos and she is the main target, to be used in an all out fight for political power, and personal satisfaction.
The end left me wishing to step in and bring everybody back to the way things were before the journey to Africa. While I was happy with the things she achieved for herself and her allies, I felt the struggle she faced in her personal relationships.
Ms Blevins always manages to suck me into her worlds from the very first page, and won't let me come up for air until I'm finished.
And leave me hungry for the next helping!

[Leslie OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

When someone asks me, of the authors I read regularly, whose stories will I pick up without consideration of content or reviews and the answer, hands down, is Candace Blevins. Her world building has a richness of depth and content that has me forgetting reality as I immerse myself into the (in this case) world of the Chattanooga Supernaturals.

I can’t even begin to describe how much I’ve enjoyed this series. It’s been absolutely engrossing from the first book and with each subsequent story I’m struck by how well Ms. Blevins seems to seamlessly draw in the different characters from her RTMC series as their roles are required.

If you’ve been on the fence about this series, start with story 1. I think you’ll find that like the rest of us, this will rapidly become your addiction and you won’t be able to put it down.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat from page one. Kirsten is one of my favorite female characters and this book definitely reaffirmed that. As usual the plot is complex and ever evolving. The kink is hot and ramped up a notch as Kirsten doesn't do anything half measure. The plot twist had me on the edge of my seat and I wanted to throw something a few times as I read the story. All of our beloved cast is present in some way and they are pulling me in so many different directions. I love the supernatural politics at play in this book and the fact that while each book is a complete story you know that the main plot point is just getting better and more complex. I'm lookin forward to the next book in this series!

[Pat Orendorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the first three books in the Only Human Series, I was consumed by this book. Completely entranced by the way Ms Blevins is continuing to develop Kirsten's story. Once I opened this book I couldn't put it down.
A human by every test the Supernaturals have given her and yet more than enough of these beings are finding her "intriguing" much to her dismay and wish to own her, change her or possibly destroy her. All this in spite of her powerful friends and allies.
The BDSM and kink is again off the charts with yummy Gods, Demons and several shifters - oh my!
I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Only Human series, as Defining Human is book 4, is darkly erotic and bloody delicious. As Kirsten navigates the paranormal world with expanding powers, several players converge on her to try to make her their own. As she grows closer to one she has held at arms length, the vampires make their move to take her. With tensions growing between allies, Kirsten wields her gifts to try to calm the local players in the coming war between good and evil. But a horrendous betrayal rocks her world, and a final revelation grips her heart as she strives to have a quiet senior year with her daughter. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

[Tanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think you've seen it all, Candace pulls out another book and spanks up with it, right where it sizzles the most !!!!
this book is so much action, drama, politics, and cute antics (if you can call moody shifters cute hihihih) and then there is love ! some dreams were worth the wait and this book is a typical Candace tease (!! no spoilers from me, read the books!!)
the books keeps you on your toes and you get the front row seat to the unfolding drama that is ongoing.
so, as simple as A-B-C, get the books, read them in order and you will see for yourself why this is a HIT !!! #mustread #reread4sure #strongfemale #bustingballsandtakingnames

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten O'Shea is living that horrible curse - May You Live In Interesting Times.

Being the fourth book, we know so much about the various characters that show up but several seem more meaningful than ever - Nathan, Cora, Kendra, Abbott, Ryan. The more time that Kirsten spends with the supernaturals, the more interesting her life gets.

The pacing in this book is excellent and kept me enthralled. It was a finish-in-one-day book for me and one I'd recommend to anyone who like Urban Fantasy with a side of bdsm behavior.

Once again, Candace Blevins has upped her game with this series. I'm thankful she is willing to share her world with her readers.

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap that was good! Seriously, I was flipping pages, head down, and furiously reading to see what was going to happen next. I was not disappointed in any way shape at all. This has passion, it has intrigue, it has new enemies, old enemies. Alliances you thought were strong bend and crack, new alliances are formed, other alliances are completely questioned. Who are friends? lovers? are the enemies really the enemies? Kristen is tossed left and right, and she steps on toes when she doesn't even realize it, and causes problems she never dreamed of. In the end, she relies on herself, her instincts, and can only hope for the best!

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book--easily my favorite storyline in the series, but there is so many instances when Kirsten is on the edge of happiness, or at least peace, then the author snatches it away-- my heart can't stand the teasing anymore, so while AI love the series, I'm done. Great character development, interesting world-building, and terrific, twisty plots keep the reader fully involved, but I'm weary from the constant pace and relationship near-misses. I highly recommend the series, even though I make the choice to no longer ride the rollercoaster.

[Fritz Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the Only Human story. It is thoroughly not a stand-alone.

The plot arcs continue. Kirsten's masochism (both connected with sexual activity and unconnected) are well-written. I will call out, again, that it is utterly fascinating and rather unique that Kirsten is only marginally romantic. So this is REALLY not a romance (at least so far). Which I find rather enjoyable. The "suddenly they are in love and exclusive and committed" trope is not at all present.

An excellent continuation of the story.

[Mam Magrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defining Human, book 4 of the Kirsten O’Shea universe.
Stunning from start to finish. Kept me guessing, and desperate to read more. Superb character development: the characters are so real you either adore / care about them or want to kill them. This book became my world while reading it, its impossible not to get drawn in and experience a full range of emotions.
An absolutely, must read, 5 star book.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a spell binding, page-turner!!

This was the best one yet! I just couldn't put it down!
There was so much action. Right from page one until
the last sentence I was enthralled by this fantastic
book. Candace Blevins takes vampires, shape-shifters,
and the supernatural world to a whole new level. What
an incredible author!!! HIGHLY recommend this series!!!!
I would gladly give this series 10 stars if I could!!

[Kathleen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I'm kind of in shock in how this addition to the series went. An awesome story Kristen above and beyond kicking butt and then they all take a crazy pill the Lions and Wolves fighting The Abbott's Vamps about to start an all out war. The mind rapes, kidnapping , lots of fights. So a must read can't wait for the next one.

[E.J. Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably my favorite of the series with the trip to Africa, which was written so well I felt like I could see, hear and taste it. Everything revolving around Kristen, and every supernatural she comes across being irresistibly drawn to/interested in her gets a little old by this book, but it's still engaging.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

OMG, I hope there will be more stories in this series! The way things were left between Kirsten & Nathan breaks my heart. What a true monster Gavin turned out to be. This entire series was awesome; I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next book!

[Denise Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read with a good plot.

Great read and good plot. Can not figure out what she will do with main character Kristen or with Nathan. New to series but hope Nathan’s story is written soon.

[Sha Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite

I just finished another favorite. I’m rereading the whole storyline in order. This book gives you so many emotional twists and turns along with the plot twists. Give this series a try. You won’t go wrong.