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Bonded Fantasy #3
Alpha Within
Book 3
Luna was the answer to Dar's prayers. Her fertility skills would save his Clan. That she was his mate was something that only made her claiming that much more perfect. Powerful and beautiful, her body sang for him. But he rushed her. He offered all of himself, baring his soul, and she stood in silence. Unable to comprehend the rejection, everything fell apart.
Dar accepted Luna's magic, even knowing her past actions damned her as darkmage. He could take her from calm to orgasm with a twist of his bossy fingers. She trusted him, a leader of powerful warriors. But he rushed her. A man like him couldn't comprehend how very alone she'd been, for so very long. He offered her something so precious and rare, she didn't recognize it for what it was until it was too late.
They're two wounded souls, but perfect for each other. One so tired of carrying the burden of a dying Clan. One so tired of hiding and running. Now they have to face the pain neither meant to deal to the other. Shame and guilt are heavy bedfellows. Enemies within the Clan and without gather to nip at them. Dar's Snowcat only understands that their mate is unclaimed. Somehow, Luna has to overcome her fear of her man's other nature. Because if she's going to take her place at his side, she has to master the Alpha Within.
Luna was the answer to Dar's prayers. Her fertility skills would save his Clan. That she was his mate was something that only made her claiming that much more perfect. Powerful and beautiful, her body sang for him. But he rushed her. He offered all of himself, baring his soul, and she stood in silence. Unable to comprehend the rejection, everything fell apart.
Dar accepted Luna's magic, even knowing her past actions damned her as darkmage. He could take her from calm to orgasm with a twist of his bossy fingers. She trusted him, a leader of powerful warriors. But he rushed her. A man like him couldn't comprehend how very alone she'd been, for so very long. He offered her something so precious and rare, she didn't recognize it for what it was until it was too late.
They're two wounded souls, but perfect for each other. One so tired of carrying the burden of a dying Clan. One so tired of hiding and running. Now they have to face the pain neither meant to deal to the other. Shame and guilt are heavy bedfellows. Enemies within the Clan and without gather to nip at them. Dar's Snowcat only understands that their mate is unclaimed. Somehow, Luna has to overcome her fear of her man's other nature. Because if she's going to take her place at his side, she has to master the Alpha Within.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2008
1 person is currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Mima
42 books66 followersMima lives in a small village on the Erie Canal in the Finger Lakes of NY. Her passport is tattered and well-stamped, and her cats are fat and happy.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 27, 2013
DNF at 2%.
I spent most of the 3 minutes I was reading this scowling at the book - I figured that meant it was time to give up. The world-building was confusing. The hero's thinks in circles. And I'm not really up for a fated-mate to solve the breeding issues right now.
Just not for me.
I spent most of the 3 minutes I was reading this scowling at the book - I figured that meant it was time to give up. The world-building was confusing. The hero's thinks in circles. And I'm not really up for a fated-mate to solve the breeding issues right now.
Just not for me.
November 12, 2017
Read again in November 2017. The book does not stand a second reading. For the reasons I said before.
There was no romance. The only focus was sex, and so nothing really had much sense, from her reaction to the 'love'. There were a ton of possibilities to make this story really good, from their opposite perspective on children to the fact she's a prisoner for life.
So good erotica, but as such once is more than enough.
2.5
If I were an erotica reader, I would stand up and hail my new mistress. As a simple omnivore, I'm confused by the direction this book took. Because this could have been so much better if it hadn't been dragged down by sex.
The first part suffers from sexitis pretty badly. When you are just getting into this world and this heroine, the sex is really meaningless (from the self-pleasuring moment after she's been basically blackmailed into following him into his camp, when she should be tired and scared, or raging, to having sex with the hero the night after. You know the same guy who told her my clan or the prison...well he was classier than that... I admit)
The second part was actually much better. You are into the story, and it is a very nice one, and the sex actually gains a meaning. All characters are interesting, if not fully dimensional.
Moreover, the backdrop of the romance (I can't call it fully "world-building" yet) is intriguing and I'd like to see more of it. There are hints about religion, sexuality and women that made it really stand out of the crowd.
At the end, though, mine is going to be a mixed rating. I really liked the second part of the book, but the unreasonable sex scenes in the first, where a strong heroine as she is would have reacted, don't appeal to me.
Worse, there were a few moments in those scenes that were jarring. Yes, I do read mainstream erotica, so there's not much I found ick. Here there were a couple of very ick seconds...:D (and some other were unbelievable, even in a pnr setting :D)
Would I recommend this book?. Yes, above all to some of my friends who are erotica fans, and to PNR fans who are looking for something unusual.
Digital review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
There was no romance. The only focus was sex, and so nothing really had much sense, from her reaction to the 'love'. There were a ton of possibilities to make this story really good, from their opposite perspective on children to the fact she's a prisoner for life.
So good erotica, but as such once is more than enough.
2.5
If I were an erotica reader, I would stand up and hail my new mistress. As a simple omnivore, I'm confused by the direction this book took. Because this could have been so much better if it hadn't been dragged down by sex.
The first part suffers from sexitis pretty badly. When you are just getting into this world and this heroine, the sex is really meaningless (from the self-pleasuring moment after she's been basically blackmailed into following him into his camp, when she should be tired and scared, or raging, to having sex with the hero the night after. You know the same guy who told her my clan or the prison...well he was classier than that... I admit)
The second part was actually much better. You are into the story, and it is a very nice one, and the sex actually gains a meaning. All characters are interesting, if not fully dimensional.
Moreover, the backdrop of the romance (I can't call it fully "world-building" yet) is intriguing and I'd like to see more of it. There are hints about religion, sexuality and women that made it really stand out of the crowd.
At the end, though, mine is going to be a mixed rating. I really liked the second part of the book, but the unreasonable sex scenes in the first, where a strong heroine as she is would have reacted, don't appeal to me.
Worse, there were a few moments in those scenes that were jarring. Yes, I do read mainstream erotica, so there's not much I found ick. Here there were a couple of very ick seconds...:D (and some other were unbelievable, even in a pnr setting :D)
Would I recommend this book?. Yes, above all to some of my friends who are erotica fans, and to PNR fans who are looking for something unusual.
Digital review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley
September 9, 2017
I thought this book sounded pretty interesting, especially because I love shifter books. Unfortunately, this one fell flat. I couldn't get into the storyline. I couldn't connect with the characters and had a really hard time with the world building. Overall, It was a read that I just couldn't sink my teeth into.
May 28, 2017
Title: Alpha Within
Series: Bonded Fantasy #3
Author: Mima
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Erotic
Blurb: To take her place at his side, she has to master the alpha…
Dar hunted for the uniquely powerful bodymage for two years. Then the Snowcat Alpha discovers she is more than his Clan’s last chance… she is his personal destiny. He finally corners her and drags her back to their lair, triumphant.
Luna is deeply familiar with what desperation does to people. She understands it can drive them into situations they know are wrong. So she doesn’t blame Dar when his shapeshifter nature slips his rigid control. Their fiery connection surprised them both. But understanding with the brain doesn’t always equal a peaceful heart, and she’s not sure she’ll be able to come back from seeing a monster in her bed. Somehow, Luna has to overcome her fear, because she has never wanted anything for herself the way she wants this brave man.
The Alpha’s patience needs to heal the healer… before the whole Clan is lost.
Thoughts: This was an interesting book, and I can’t quite say that I’ve read another novel like it. Once I started it, it captured your attention and really held your interest, and it will definitely be one that sticks out in your mind. Thoroughly enjoyable book!
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Bonded Fantasy #3
Author: Mima
Genre: Romance, Paranormal, Erotic
Blurb: To take her place at his side, she has to master the alpha…
Dar hunted for the uniquely powerful bodymage for two years. Then the Snowcat Alpha discovers she is more than his Clan’s last chance… she is his personal destiny. He finally corners her and drags her back to their lair, triumphant.
Luna is deeply familiar with what desperation does to people. She understands it can drive them into situations they know are wrong. So she doesn’t blame Dar when his shapeshifter nature slips his rigid control. Their fiery connection surprised them both. But understanding with the brain doesn’t always equal a peaceful heart, and she’s not sure she’ll be able to come back from seeing a monster in her bed. Somehow, Luna has to overcome her fear, because she has never wanted anything for herself the way she wants this brave man.
The Alpha’s patience needs to heal the healer… before the whole Clan is lost.
Thoughts: This was an interesting book, and I can’t quite say that I’ve read another novel like it. Once I started it, it captured your attention and really held your interest, and it will definitely be one that sticks out in your mind. Thoroughly enjoyable book!
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
September 10, 2013
I liked this book but at about 128 pages I wish it had been a bit longer so a few things cold have been explained. For example why was Luna considered a Darkmage for aiding couples with fertility? Their Gods seem to be a couple, so is it only by their will pregnancy can occur? I also would have liked to know more about the world and its cities. Were they a part of a country? Who ruled over them all? What exists outside of the cities and the Beast Lands? Also is this another world all together? Why do they speak in modern vernacular, with a few “old sayings” that are what we use today?
Luna was an interesting heroine, a midwife and Bodymage. She is smart, resourceful, and follows her instinct to help women without concern for her own safety or stability. However she decides as a child not to have children because they are “parasites” and then sticks to that decision as an adult. That seemed odd to me, especially since she is driven my magical forces to be fertility specialist. I wish there had been more of an explanation as to why she still refused to have children as an adult. Especially since she mated a man who’s entire culture is dependent upon children being born. Dar was straight forward with his wants and needs. No brooding for him, only focus and determination. It was nice to read. However his falling for a woman he knew doesn’t want kids and has taken measures to ensure that she doesn’t get pregnant. His quick concessions made no sense since the entire reason he was searching for her was to bring Luna back to help his people conceive. The resolution was a cop out to me, I wish they really dealt with their issues. The sex scenes were mostly hot, and while I enjoyed this book I doubt I will be continuing on with this series.
Luna was an interesting heroine, a midwife and Bodymage. She is smart, resourceful, and follows her instinct to help women without concern for her own safety or stability. However she decides as a child not to have children because they are “parasites” and then sticks to that decision as an adult. That seemed odd to me, especially since she is driven my magical forces to be fertility specialist. I wish there had been more of an explanation as to why she still refused to have children as an adult. Especially since she mated a man who’s entire culture is dependent upon children being born. Dar was straight forward with his wants and needs. No brooding for him, only focus and determination. It was nice to read. However his falling for a woman he knew doesn’t want kids and has taken measures to ensure that she doesn’t get pregnant. His quick concessions made no sense since the entire reason he was searching for her was to bring Luna back to help his people conceive. The resolution was a cop out to me, I wish they really dealt with their issues. The sex scenes were mostly hot, and while I enjoyed this book I doubt I will be continuing on with this series.
December 4, 2013
This was my first time reading one of Mima's books. I am not usually an extreme fantasy lover because it can be a stretch of the imagination. But this book I liked. I must admit it was a bit awkward at first because I felt like I missed something since I hadn't read any of the previous books. But, I did come to like Luna as she was really trying to help people in spite of all the negative repercussions and danger in doing it. I didn't understand why she was persecuted for curing fertility problems when it seems like they should be giving her a ticker tape parade to get her help.
I am not sure that I felt that Luna grabbing each man(read it) and getting flash backs as she worked was erotic or just weird. I'm sorry but not every man is that attractive. Some would make you just go "eww". I also thought it was a bit too far to have the women sleeping with so many men (by two at a time) and supposedly liking it?! WHAT? That really stretched my imagination and I was frustrated with it each timed it came up. The need to protest would take me out of the story.
Overall, I felt the book was good. It was really short and there was room for much more character and story development. I will definitely look for Mima's books again.
Read book reviews and more at my blog: Romance Readers Bookshelf
I am not sure that I felt that Luna grabbing each man(read it) and getting flash backs as she worked was erotic or just weird. I'm sorry but not every man is that attractive. Some would make you just go "eww". I also thought it was a bit too far to have the women sleeping with so many men (by two at a time) and supposedly liking it?! WHAT? That really stretched my imagination and I was frustrated with it each timed it came up. The need to protest would take me out of the story.
Overall, I felt the book was good. It was really short and there was room for much more character and story development. I will definitely look for Mima's books again.
Read book reviews and more at my blog: Romance Readers Bookshelf
July 26, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read any of the other Bonded Fantasy books (of which there are apparently many), but I don't think that really hindered me at all. This book was an erotic fantasy novel that was steamy and hot. It took place is a world that is probably better explained in Book 1, but was still just as easy to step into at this point. The tale revolves around a woman who has powers to help with pretty much all women's issues (pregnancy, ovulation, etc). For some reason this is looked down upon and she is on the run when we meet up with her. Dar, the leader of his shifter clan, brings her to his home to help with his clan's fertility issues.
Much sizzling hotness ensues. There is a lot of alpha male yumminess and some bondage, which overall made for a very erotic read. Obviously, if these things are not for you, then you won't enjoy this book. There is some M/M action in there too, which I don't mind at all. This was a great standalone read, if you're looking to pick something up for a few hours worth of reading (followed by many naughty thoughts).
I haven't read any of the other Bonded Fantasy books (of which there are apparently many), but I don't think that really hindered me at all. This book was an erotic fantasy novel that was steamy and hot. It took place is a world that is probably better explained in Book 1, but was still just as easy to step into at this point. The tale revolves around a woman who has powers to help with pretty much all women's issues (pregnancy, ovulation, etc). For some reason this is looked down upon and she is on the run when we meet up with her. Dar, the leader of his shifter clan, brings her to his home to help with his clan's fertility issues.
Much sizzling hotness ensues. There is a lot of alpha male yumminess and some bondage, which overall made for a very erotic read. Obviously, if these things are not for you, then you won't enjoy this book. There is some M/M action in there too, which I don't mind at all. This was a great standalone read, if you're looking to pick something up for a few hours worth of reading (followed by many naughty thoughts).
May 19, 2011
Book #3 in the Bonded Fantasy series.
Dar, Alpha of the Snowcat clan, is desperate to save his clan. There has only been 2 live births in the last 20 years and everyone is desperate. He hears of a bodymage specialising in fertility even though that is basically forbidden. It takes him 2 years of diligent searching to find her, Luna.
Luna, is working under the radar to assist human couples to have children, she moves between the 7 cities and changes her appearance, just like on Alias. She once helped a Truxet couple conceive, and that is why Dar is searching for her.
There is an instant connection between them, but both resist. The first night that Luna is at the clan home she assists in a pregnancy and her place is assured.
I just love this series and am glad Mima decided to write it.
Dar, Alpha of the Snowcat clan, is desperate to save his clan. There has only been 2 live births in the last 20 years and everyone is desperate. He hears of a bodymage specialising in fertility even though that is basically forbidden. It takes him 2 years of diligent searching to find her, Luna.
Luna, is working under the radar to assist human couples to have children, she moves between the 7 cities and changes her appearance, just like on Alias. She once helped a Truxet couple conceive, and that is why Dar is searching for her.
There is an instant connection between them, but both resist. The first night that Luna is at the clan home she assists in a pregnancy and her place is assured.
I just love this series and am glad Mima decided to write it.
January 24, 2017
Ok, I've read the books in order and even though the premise in each is very interesting the content always falls short especially with book 2. Where are all the strong females that have the capability to say 'no' without feeling guilty and subservient? The story always starts off good but then the author seems to like fu**ing it all up and then somehow expects the human protagonist, and I'm stressing the word 'human' here, to just accept the beasts ways all willy nilly like that. If you are going to read any more in the series, don't expect a lot of common sense and do expect to get irritatingly angry.
August 17, 2013
This was good read. It took me awhile to get into to the story but once I did I found myself liking it. It is a different world and I got lost in some of back story. Really enjoyed the interaction between Dar and Luna.
Their Chemistry was just really amazing and I like how the both needed each other enough to fight for one another. I really love the closeness of clan and the family dynamics of it. It had some really amazing love scenes in this book. Hot and steamy just the way I like them!
It was a fun fast read and I can not wait to read more by this author!
Their Chemistry was just really amazing and I like how the both needed each other enough to fight for one another. I really love the closeness of clan and the family dynamics of it. It had some really amazing love scenes in this book. Hot and steamy just the way I like them!
It was a fun fast read and I can not wait to read more by this author!
October 5, 2013
3.5 stars
This book was most assuredly steamy if nothing else! A super hot, extremely alpha male paired with a female a lot of women would identify with. As often seen in short stories, the romance develops quickly, and is very hot. But, their romance is a bit more believable at first since it develops from attraction. I enjoyed the plot line, and the fact that there actually was one! This was a very fast read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters and look forward to reading more of them.
I was provided a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book was most assuredly steamy if nothing else! A super hot, extremely alpha male paired with a female a lot of women would identify with. As often seen in short stories, the romance develops quickly, and is very hot. But, their romance is a bit more believable at first since it develops from attraction. I enjoyed the plot line, and the fact that there actually was one! This was a very fast read and I enjoyed getting to know the characters and look forward to reading more of them.
I was provided a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 2, 2013
Started/ended 02/18/13. PNR, fantasy, ebook. Luna helps with infertility and
more. She rescued by the snowcat alpha who has been searching for her for years. He has to figure out if she's his
true mate or was it the chase? And she has to figure out whether she can believe in her happiness. Very good story.
****
more. She rescued by the snowcat alpha who has been searching for her for years. He has to figure out if she's his
true mate or was it the chase? And she has to figure out whether she can believe in her happiness. Very good story.
****
July 17, 2013
La storia era carina e poteva essere sviluppata facendono un bel libro, peccato che si è voluto esagerare nel fattore sesso un po' in tutti i sensi, ci ha tirato dentro anche il bondage M/M/F alla fine che mi ha un po' scocciato, non tanto per la scena in sè ma proprio perchè non aveva senso.
Si ringrazia NetGalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 2 stelle
Si ringrazia NetGalley per la gentile preview.
Voto: 2 stelle
May 4, 2010
I was unexpected happy with this one from the start. Some extreme sexual stuff, just as a FYI, but the characters are interesting and pretty well developed. I'll definitely be catching the rest of this series. :)
August 2, 2013
Check out my review at: Escape by Fiction
July 8, 2013
This was a first by this author for me but I found I liked the style and the story. I got this for free somewhere and if you like Lora Leigh's books, this is good too.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews