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Paranormal Hunger #2
Forbidden Flirtation
When an esteemed vampire doctor treats an injured young werewolf, desire sparks between them.
Dr. Benjamin Arleth has devoted his life to finding a medical cure for his species' most devastating weakness—sunlight. Finally, one of his pharmaceuticals shows promise, but sabotage looms large in the lab.
Wolf shifter Nathan Cramer is eager to finish grad school and begin his career when a trip to a Peace Conference goes awry. Weak and bleeding, Nathan knows his wounds could prove fatal. Dr. Arleth is his only hope.
Can love flourish between enemy species despite a society in turmoil? Could vampires walk in the daylight or will darkness reign? In a race for answers, Ben will have to put his trust in Nathan if they're going to make it out alive.
***
Forbidden Flirtation is a MM urban fantasy/paranormal romance and the second book in the Paranormal Hunger series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. This book was previously published as Forbidden Love by Lee Colgin. It's been revised and re-edited though the love story remains unchanged.
Dr. Benjamin Arleth has devoted his life to finding a medical cure for his species' most devastating weakness—sunlight. Finally, one of his pharmaceuticals shows promise, but sabotage looms large in the lab.
Wolf shifter Nathan Cramer is eager to finish grad school and begin his career when a trip to a Peace Conference goes awry. Weak and bleeding, Nathan knows his wounds could prove fatal. Dr. Arleth is his only hope.
Can love flourish between enemy species despite a society in turmoil? Could vampires walk in the daylight or will darkness reign? In a race for answers, Ben will have to put his trust in Nathan if they're going to make it out alive.
***
Forbidden Flirtation is a MM urban fantasy/paranormal romance and the second book in the Paranormal Hunger series, but can be enjoyed as a standalone. This book was previously published as Forbidden Love by Lee Colgin. It's been revised and re-edited though the love story remains unchanged.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2020
68 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 19, 2020
Book 2 of the "They Bite" series was fine, but I enjoyed book 1 a whole lot more, if I'm being honest.
In the first book, we met Nathan, an MBA student and member of Mitchel's werewolf pack, who was kind and caring, so I immediately took a liking to him.
Then when Nathan got shot following a bombing at a supernatural conference, it was the Vampire Council's top doctor, Ben, who patched Nathan up again, with their mutual attraction being a byproduct of their meeting.
I was really excited to see their story, but this one didn't pull me in nearly as much as the first book did. This story just felt a bit more generic and bland for me, possibly because neither MC had much of an edge to them.
I did like both of the MC's and mostly enjoyed the book; however, it was a much more subdued experience this time around.
My favorite parts of this story were when the previous characters made appearances, including Sinclair's awesome parents, and the bits where we saw the vampires and werewolves beginning to work together to heal the centuries-long rifts between their species'.
My least favorite part was the twist that the mystery of Ben's lab experiments on vampire immunity to sunlight took, which felt extremely rushed and skimped on providing any in-depth specifics behind the betrayal.
We were introduced to Ben's snarky, pint-sized maker in this story, and I immediately liked him, so I'm hoping that the next book in the series is his, but I have no idea who his love interest might be.
So to recap, this story was "fine", but a bit of a let-down after the excitement in the first book, and I'd rate it at around 3.25 stars.
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
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April 17, 2024
~2.5~
This book wasn't nearly as good as the first. The romance was lackluster, and the "sabotage" plot regarding Benjamin's secret medical trials was rushed and not fully resolved
The best part was Ben's friend, Samuel, whose story is up next.
This book wasn't nearly as good as the first. The romance was lackluster, and the "sabotage" plot regarding Benjamin's secret medical trials was rushed and not fully resolved
The best part was Ben's friend, Samuel, whose story is up next.
May 16, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun romantic suspense story between a vampire doctor trying to create an anti-sunlight serum and a young shifter working towards his masters. They meet during a crisis at a Peace Assembly where the doctor removes a bullet from the shifter.
Nathan and Ben are really cute together. Ben is adorably nerdy and Nathan is the right amount of heroic but humble and sweet.
Part of the story is them trying to navigate a long distance and day vs night relationship and part is dealing with the threat towards Ben and his research. The suspense part was the right amount of action without being drawn out. I haven't read the first book in the series, (and you don't have to in order to follow along) but those characters show up in this one too.
This was a fun romantic suspense story between a vampire doctor trying to create an anti-sunlight serum and a young shifter working towards his masters. They meet during a crisis at a Peace Assembly where the doctor removes a bullet from the shifter.
Nathan and Ben are really cute together. Ben is adorably nerdy and Nathan is the right amount of heroic but humble and sweet.
Part of the story is them trying to navigate a long distance and day vs night relationship and part is dealing with the threat towards Ben and his research. The suspense part was the right amount of action without being drawn out. I haven't read the first book in the series, (and you don't have to in order to follow along) but those characters show up in this one too.
May 19, 2020
Really enjoyed another fast reading well written love story, this is the second book in They Bite series but can be read as a stand alone and another winner by Lee Colgin. Ben meets Nathan it is after a horrendous attack on the convention center and the kidnapping of Sinclair a prominant vampire. After he was injured retreiving the vampire, Nathan is taken to the hospital where he meets the handsome Doctor and is drawn to the man and wants to spend some time together dating, but there are not a lot of romances between Werewolves and Vampires. This however doesn't stop these two as they get to know each other better, trying to find out if a future together is what they desire.
May 18, 2020
Forbidden Love by Lee Colgin is the second book in the They Bite series. This is a paranormal M/M romance withshifters and vampires, but no mpreg. Enemies species turned lovers.... a forbidden love during a suspenseful time. Benjamin and Nathan are amazing characters. The story has suspense, action, drama, and heat. Loved this!
June 15, 2020
I loved the first book so much that when I saw there was a second book, I grabbed it.
Ben is a doctor who happens to be a vampire. He's happy being a doctor and researcher who is trying to find a cure for vampires sunlight problems but he's lonely too.
Nathan is a wolf shifter and still in college trying to get through the last year.
This book picks up directly after the first book when there was an explosion and Nathan got shot. Nathan ends up on the operating table of Dr. Ben and they flirt after he starts healing which was fast since he's a shifter. They make plans to see each other and stay in contact when they go back to their lives but it doesn't work out right away. Later when Nathan goes to find Ben and they make up for lost time and get closer. They both know they made mistakes and are determined not to let that happen again.
There are a few problems that arise because of the vampire-shifter relationship and because not everyone approves of that. But once they find their happy place and really get to know one another, things start moving smoothly and these two are so cute together. Of course there's some danger in the middle of all of this because something has to stop all the fun, but seriously it does get dangerous for both Nathan and Ben at one point and I held my breath waiting to see what would happen.
So far this series is so much fun and this is just the second book! I can't wait for more.
I really love some of the secondary characters and really hope we get Samuel's book at some point because even though the dude is scary, he's really interesting too.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Ben is a doctor who happens to be a vampire. He's happy being a doctor and researcher who is trying to find a cure for vampires sunlight problems but he's lonely too.
Nathan is a wolf shifter and still in college trying to get through the last year.
This book picks up directly after the first book when there was an explosion and Nathan got shot. Nathan ends up on the operating table of Dr. Ben and they flirt after he starts healing which was fast since he's a shifter. They make plans to see each other and stay in contact when they go back to their lives but it doesn't work out right away. Later when Nathan goes to find Ben and they make up for lost time and get closer. They both know they made mistakes and are determined not to let that happen again.
There are a few problems that arise because of the vampire-shifter relationship and because not everyone approves of that. But once they find their happy place and really get to know one another, things start moving smoothly and these two are so cute together. Of course there's some danger in the middle of all of this because something has to stop all the fun, but seriously it does get dangerous for both Nathan and Ben at one point and I held my breath waiting to see what would happen.
So far this series is so much fun and this is just the second book! I can't wait for more.
I really love some of the secondary characters and really hope we get Samuel's book at some point because even though the dude is scary, he's really interesting too.
Disclosure: I was given an ARC via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2020
good story.. good characters.. interesting and sexy.. it was confusing at times... i got a bit lost here and there.. but overall i enjoyed it.. i really feel like i should have read the first book first. but who knows.. lol. i enjoyed it
May 19, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Forbidden Love is the second book in Lee Colgin’s They Bite series. The story overlaps with the end of Forbidden Bond, giving us a look at the explosion, the aftermath, and Nathan’s injury from Ben and Nathan’s POVs. It helps here if you have read the first book, since it does go more into the overall world building, but the relationship and most of the storyline stand alone fine.
The book starts off with a lot of excitement as we see Nathan and Ben caught up in the events of the conference and Sinclair’s rescue, as well as Nathan’s injury. I liked this alternate look at some of the events we had already seen and it gave the story a lot of energy and intensity at the start. Ben and Nathan are immediately drawn to each other and their connection is very sweet and lovey as they talk in the hospital and seem to be well on the way to falling for each other. However, the story then slows down quite a bit as they each go home and both start to second guess every move.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Forbidden Love is the second book in Lee Colgin’s They Bite series. The story overlaps with the end of Forbidden Bond, giving us a look at the explosion, the aftermath, and Nathan’s injury from Ben and Nathan’s POVs. It helps here if you have read the first book, since it does go more into the overall world building, but the relationship and most of the storyline stand alone fine.
The book starts off with a lot of excitement as we see Nathan and Ben caught up in the events of the conference and Sinclair’s rescue, as well as Nathan’s injury. I liked this alternate look at some of the events we had already seen and it gave the story a lot of energy and intensity at the start. Ben and Nathan are immediately drawn to each other and their connection is very sweet and lovey as they talk in the hospital and seem to be well on the way to falling for each other. However, the story then slows down quite a bit as they each go home and both start to second guess every move.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 18, 2020
Ben and Nathan, a vampire and a werewolf in a relationship was an interesting pairing, especially in the turmoil of some fractions of the paranormals wanting to reveal themselves to humans and other against it. And I liked the idea of Ben's research for a cure to vampires' sensitivity to sunlight.
But, honestly, with also an explosion, a kidnapping and a mystery added to the mix it seemed like the author wanted to cram to much into a too short page count. By the end of the book, I didn't feel the connection between Ben and Nathan, and the mystery was rushed and just meh. I'm sure that with a bit of tweaking and lenght, this could have been amazing.
*ARC provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review
But, honestly, with also an explosion, a kidnapping and a mystery added to the mix it seemed like the author wanted to cram to much into a too short page count. By the end of the book, I didn't feel the connection between Ben and Nathan, and the mystery was rushed and just meh. I'm sure that with a bit of tweaking and lenght, this could have been amazing.
*ARC provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing&Design in exchange for an honest review
February 15, 2023
* cute but socially awkward MCs
* vampire/werewolf pairing
* doctor
* research
* sabotage
* high heat
I thought there would be some problems with the humans but they seem to have been forgotten.
* vampire/werewolf pairing
* doctor
* research
* sabotage
* high heat
I thought there would be some problems with the humans but they seem to have been forgotten.
January 22, 2023
Un grand merci à l’auteure pour cet ARC et sa confiance.
J’avais tellement hâte de lire le tome 2 après le léger aperçu dans le tome précédent.
Celui-ci est un peu moins porté sur le côté ennemies-to-lovers qu’au premier tome même si leurs deux espèces (vampires/loups-garous) se vouent toujours un mutuel ressentiment.
L’histoire revient juste avant le début de la conférence de paix afin d’avoir les événements menant à la rencontre de Nathan et Benjamin de leurs points de vue.
Ils sont tellement adorables!☺️ Tout hésitants et rougissants comme des ados. Chacun rêve désespérément d’échapper à la solitude et d’avoir quelqu’un à aimer qui les aime en retour.
Et le côté longue distance de leur relation vient encore compliqué les choses.😅
Nathan est un jeune loup gentil et courageux, désespéré de trouver son âme sœur. Ce qui semble presque impossible quand on sait que les loups-garous gays sont plutôt rares. Du moins ils le sont en présence de Nathan.
Il lui faudra attendre de se fasse tirer dessus et frôle la mort pour rencontrer, non pas le loup de ses rêves, mais le vampire en blouse blanche à qui il devra la vie.
Benjamin est un vampire qui dédie la sienne à soigner ses patients et à mettre au point un traitement qui permettrait aux vampires de marcher au soleil.
Ben est relativement jeune pour un vampire, transformé il y a 25 ans à l’âge de 21 ans par Samuel son meilleur ami psychopathe dont je désespère déjà de lire le tome. Surtout quand l’auteure sort ce genre de phrase: “That’s his story to tell. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it."
J’ai beaucoup aimé ce second tome, même s’il était plus "doux" que le précédent. Le tâtonnement sentimental que Nathan et Ben expérimentent avec cette relation longue distance inter-espèces m’a fait fondre, tout comme le "age-gap kink" de Nathan qui s’attendait à un vampire de 400 ans.😆
J’avais tellement hâte de lire le tome 2 après le léger aperçu dans le tome précédent.
Celui-ci est un peu moins porté sur le côté ennemies-to-lovers qu’au premier tome même si leurs deux espèces (vampires/loups-garous) se vouent toujours un mutuel ressentiment.
L’histoire revient juste avant le début de la conférence de paix afin d’avoir les événements menant à la rencontre de Nathan et Benjamin de leurs points de vue.
Ils sont tellement adorables!☺️ Tout hésitants et rougissants comme des ados. Chacun rêve désespérément d’échapper à la solitude et d’avoir quelqu’un à aimer qui les aime en retour.
Et le côté longue distance de leur relation vient encore compliqué les choses.😅
Nathan est un jeune loup gentil et courageux, désespéré de trouver son âme sœur. Ce qui semble presque impossible quand on sait que les loups-garous gays sont plutôt rares. Du moins ils le sont en présence de Nathan.
Il lui faudra attendre de se fasse tirer dessus et frôle la mort pour rencontrer, non pas le loup de ses rêves, mais le vampire en blouse blanche à qui il devra la vie.
Benjamin est un vampire qui dédie la sienne à soigner ses patients et à mettre au point un traitement qui permettrait aux vampires de marcher au soleil.
Ben est relativement jeune pour un vampire, transformé il y a 25 ans à l’âge de 21 ans par Samuel son meilleur ami psychopathe dont je désespère déjà de lire le tome. Surtout quand l’auteure sort ce genre de phrase: “That’s his story to tell. I probably shouldn’t have mentioned it."
J’ai beaucoup aimé ce second tome, même s’il était plus "doux" que le précédent. Le tâtonnement sentimental que Nathan et Ben expérimentent avec cette relation longue distance inter-espèces m’a fait fondre, tout comme le "age-gap kink" de Nathan qui s’attendait à un vampire de 400 ans.😆
January 27, 2023
I liked this book.
"Forbidden Flirtation" wasn't as good as "Forbidden Bond" (Mitchel and Sinclair still own my heart!), but I did enjoy following Nathan and Ben's story.
They're both so cute and lovable, and their romance was very, very sweet and very endearing. Like I said, I definitely enjoyed Sinclair and Mitchel's more spirited dynamic (enemies to lovers is more of my jam), but these two were very cute.
I wasn't the hugest fan of the plot (I was more interested in the romance), but on the other hand, all the side characters (but especially Samuel), were very intriguing. I'm curious to read his story now! Short, murderous and ruthless? Yes please, I already love him!
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
"Forbidden Flirtation" wasn't as good as "Forbidden Bond" (Mitchel and Sinclair still own my heart!), but I did enjoy following Nathan and Ben's story.
They're both so cute and lovable, and their romance was very, very sweet and very endearing. Like I said, I definitely enjoyed Sinclair and Mitchel's more spirited dynamic (enemies to lovers is more of my jam), but these two were very cute.
I wasn't the hugest fan of the plot (I was more interested in the romance), but on the other hand, all the side characters (but especially Samuel), were very intriguing. I'm curious to read his story now! Short, murderous and ruthless? Yes please, I already love him!
Thank you GRR for the ARC. I received it in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2023
Okay, the first book was so good I decided to read the second one. This book did not disappoint me at all. This book picks up from the first one book. But one can read the second one first and not be lost. This is the story of Nathan, a wolf shifter, and Ben, a vampire doctor. As the story opens, there is still tension between vampires and shifters. But Ben helps save Nathan’s life when he injured saving a friend who is a vampire. Ben tries to flirt with the doctor and the doctor tries to flirt back. But it is awkward on both sides which leads to a misunderstanding. But they eventually clear it up. Ben is doing some important research and he involves Nathan in it, but there is treachery. The two men will definitely have to trust each other to survive.
January 27, 2023
Love love loved it. Ben and Nathan were so great together. Ben is a vampire and a doctors for the council. Nathan is a werewolf and almost finished school. They went to a conference to see about outing supernaturals. When the leader’s son gets kidnapped, Nathan is part of the team to rescue him. He gets hurt and rushed to the hospital where Ben performs surgery. They both hit it off and this is their story of how they got together. There was a mystery they had to solve and they were able to do it. I have to go and read Sinclair’s and Mitchell’s book to see how they got together also. Cannot wait for Samuel’s book.
February 1, 2023
I really liked the first book in this series and wanted to read more I this world building, so I was happy to read this one . And I was not disappointed.
Ben and Nathan are a sweet couple and it is fun to explore their attraction with each other.
I would have liked to see more of Mitchell and Sinclair here too, but the glimpses we got, were good.
The book made me really looking forward to the next one. Can't wait to read Samuel's book
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
Ben and Nathan are a sweet couple and it is fun to explore their attraction with each other.
I would have liked to see more of Mitchell and Sinclair here too, but the glimpses we got, were good.
The book made me really looking forward to the next one. Can't wait to read Samuel's book
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
January 26, 2023
He is a vampire and doctor hoping a cure for the reaction to sunlight can be created. They are a young shifter who is badly injured and they are soon in his care. Surprisingly an attraction heats up and this will make them consider everything. What is going to happen? Can they make it work? What will others say? See where this romance will take them and you
February 11, 2023
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for this wonderful arc!
This is another excellent paranormal story from Lee Colgin. We met both Ben and Nathan in book 1, and I really loved their story.
When Nathan is injured on a heroic mission to save his Alpha’s vampire mate, his friends want to make sure he gets the best care possible. There’s no better paranormal doctor then Dr. Benjamin Arleth, and him being a handsome vampire doesn’t hurt.
Due to reservations and insecurity on both sides, these two almost don’t happen. They have a few stops and starts until they get it right, but it’s a threat to Ben’s work and his life that really brings them together.
These two are very sweet together and very 🔥🔥🔥. Lee never disappoints me in both plot and steam!
This is another excellent paranormal story from Lee Colgin. We met both Ben and Nathan in book 1, and I really loved their story.
When Nathan is injured on a heroic mission to save his Alpha’s vampire mate, his friends want to make sure he gets the best care possible. There’s no better paranormal doctor then Dr. Benjamin Arleth, and him being a handsome vampire doesn’t hurt.
Due to reservations and insecurity on both sides, these two almost don’t happen. They have a few stops and starts until they get it right, but it’s a threat to Ben’s work and his life that really brings them together.
These two are very sweet together and very 🔥🔥🔥. Lee never disappoints me in both plot and steam!
October 14, 2022
So this is the second series I'm reading of this author and this is the second time where the couple in the first book is semi-adult and talking to one another and the couple in the next one aka. this book don't talk and thus are separated for a time. Which was totally unnecessary and brought nothing new to the story. There was no reason for it. No milestones, no learning curve, no reason that kept them separate.
While I like the general story and the characters enough to want to read them finding their HEA I can't help but feel a little unsatisfied. The story doesn't feel finished for me. Maybe I forgot, but one of the main hurdles the two of them had to overcome was the distance
And does anybody else find it weird that only Nathan is being treated as a hero getting a car and not the other wolf, Josh, as well who just was lucky enough to having not been shot? What did he get? A slap on the back? It wasn't as if Nathan had jumped in front of the bullet mean for Sinclair or something. He and Josh both offered to help free Sinclair.
Well, this sounds all rather as if I didn't like the book at all. That's not true. I liked it just fine. And that is it, it was fine. Mybe the things bothering me are not important to you or you read the scenes completely different than I did. And all of that is ok, as long as you had a fun time reading!
While I like the general story and the characters enough to want to read them finding their HEA I can't help but feel a little unsatisfied. The story doesn't feel finished for me. Maybe I forgot, but one of the main hurdles the two of them had to overcome was the distance
And does anybody else find it weird that only Nathan is being treated as a hero getting a car and not the other wolf, Josh, as well who just was lucky enough to having not been shot? What did he get? A slap on the back? It wasn't as if Nathan had jumped in front of the bullet mean for Sinclair or something. He and Josh both offered to help free Sinclair.
Well, this sounds all rather as if I didn't like the book at all. That's not true. I liked it just fine. And that is it, it was fine. Mybe the things bothering me are not important to you or you read the scenes completely different than I did. And all of that is ok, as long as you had a fun time reading!
May 17, 2020
If you just want a quick m/m romance, I definitely recommend checking this one out!
I feel like there was not much depth to the characters, they did not really develop throughout the story (but then the book is also very short!) Their relation feels very quick, they basically fall in love on their first meeting, and we only see a little bit off their relation growing.
The plot also felt a bit bland. Their wasn't much happening on Nathan's side of the story, and there was stuff happening with Ben, but I feel like the book was too short for that plot to really develop!
But, as I said, if you just want some m/m romance, this was good I would say!
I feel like there was not much depth to the characters, they did not really develop throughout the story (but then the book is also very short!) Their relation feels very quick, they basically fall in love on their first meeting, and we only see a little bit off their relation growing.
The plot also felt a bit bland. Their wasn't much happening on Nathan's side of the story, and there was stuff happening with Ben, but I feel like the book was too short for that plot to really develop!
But, as I said, if you just want some m/m romance, this was good I would say!
September 3, 2020
I loved these two. Ben was so single minded, he just knew he would figure out how to safely get the vampires back into the sun. What he didn't expect is to fall in love with a wolf. Off to the next one as Samuel is getting his own wolf and I can’t wait.
June 16, 2020
Fine but I hoped better. Def i liked the first one.
May 27, 2020
*3.5 stars*
"Forbidden Love" is the second volume of "They Bite" by Lee Colgin. I admit that this novel has a unique, very distinct vibe, which I consider to be typical of stories like this one, so quite simple, in which we have a theme of instant love and a small amount of drama. In this case, therefore, the book is perfect for people who feel like they want to read this type of story – quite short, uncomplicated, focused primarily on instant feelings, however, with other motifs that make the story more interesting. To be honest, reading "Forbidden Love" is expected something a bit more ambitious, but I'm not disappointed with this novel. It has potential and aroused my positive emotions, encouraged me to further explore "They Bite" series, and I think this is very important.
As for the plot, it is undoubtedly interesting and rich in events that would be worth developing to enrich the whole series. It so happens that although the action of this volume directly affects our main characters, it does not really focus on them. This is interesting because usually in the novels we see the opposite situation, when the characters are in the center of the events and they are the main reason behind them. Meanwhile, Ben and Nathan are simply unlucky as they are mixed up in the incidents that complicate their lives. This structure of the plot is rather rare, therefore to some extent interesting.
The big advantage of "Forbidden Love" is the way the series universe is presented in this volume. Let's start with the fact that in the novel I really liked the realistic manner in which the coexistence of ordinary people and paranormal creatures was shown. Although this topic is not developed and thoroughly outlined, the story clearly shows that revealing the existence of beings such as vampires and shapeshifters could result in attacks on them. Let's be honest, people can't accept the differences among their own race, let alone the situation when it turns out that there are other intelligent beings on this planet. Another huge advantage of the world of "Forbidden Love" is the fact that there are laboratories in which research works focus on improving the lives of paranormal creatures within a given race. When we consider that werewolves and vampires, although cooperating in some areas, are still opponents, various organizations gathering among their members the beings of one race and working on its behalf emphasize this concept of the paranormal world which is divided between races.
A few words I have to write about one more thing, namely about experiments. Wow! In this respect, Lee Colgin really surprised me. Let's start with the fact that by reaching for "Forbidden Love" I did not expect the topic of laboratory tests conducted by paranormal beings, in this case by vampires. I admit that I fell in love with this motif in the blink of an eye. However, my surprise was even greater when I learned the way in which the fruits of the scientists' work are tested, and more specifically when I learned who the test objects are. I think it's quite controversial, especially since it concerns one of our main characters. We are rather used to righteous, politically correct characters who act very ethically. Meanwhile, in "Forbidden Love" we are dealing with a "typical" scientist who focuses on progress, although he definitely isn't deprived of all feelings. So Ben is a character I'd really like to get to know even better. He's really fascinating.
In summary, "Forbidden Love" is not a great novel, but undoubtedly it's a good one. It is interesting, has its unique vibe, encourages us to read the whole "They Bite" series. And what's more, we can find here some elements, such as events or characters, that make us think.
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„Forbidden Love” jest drugim tomem „They Bite” autorstwa Lee Colgin. Przyznaję, że powieść ta posiada wyjątkowy, bardzo wyraźny klimat, który uważam za typowy dla historii takich, jak właśnie ta, a więc dosyć prostych, w których występuje motyw szybkiej miłości oraz niewielka ilość dramatu. W tym wypadku mamy więc do czynienia z książką idealną dla osób, które mają ochotę na tego rodzaju historię – dosyć krótką, nieskomplikowaną, skupioną przede wszystkim na szybkim uczuciu, w której pojawiają się jednak także inne wątki mające uczynić fabułę bardziej interesującą. Prawdę mówiąc, czytając „Forbidden Love” liczyłam na więcej, jednak nie jestem tą powieścią rozczarowana. Posiada ona potencjał, obudziła we mnie pozytywne emocje, zachęciła do dalszego zgłębiania serii „They Bite”, a to bardzo ważne.
Co się tyczy fabuły, jest ona niewątpliwie interesująca i bogata w wydarzenia, które warto byłoby rozwinąć, aby wzbogacić całą serię. Tak się bowiem składa, że chociaż akcja tego tomu dotyka bezpośrednio naszych głównych bohaterów, tak naprawdę nie skupia się na nich. Jest to o tyle interesujące, że zazwyczaj w powieściach widzimy sytuację odwrotną, kiedy to bohaterowie znajdują się w centrum wydarzeń, które w pewnym stopniu sami nakręcają. Tym czasem Ben i Nathan po prostu mają pecha i dlatego zostają wmieszani w wydarzenia, które komplikują ich życie. Taka budowa fabuły jest raczej rzadko spotykana, dlatego też w pewnym stopniu interesująca.
Dużą zaletą „Forbidden Love” jest przedstawienie w tym tomie uniwersum serii. Zacznijmy od tego, iż w powieści bardzo spodobał mi się realny sposób, w jaki ukazane zostało współistnienie zwyczajnych ludzi oraz istot paranormalnych. Temat ten nie jest wprawdzie rozwinięty i dokładnie zarysowany, jednakże fabuła pokazuje nam wyraźnie, iż ujawnienie istnienia istot takich, jak wampiry i zmiennokształtni wiąże się z atakami na nich. Nie oszukujmy się, ludzie nie radzą sobie z akceptacją odmienności wśród własnej rasy, a co dopiero w przypadku, gdyby okazało się, że nie są na tej planecie jedynymi inteligentnymi istotami. Kolejną ogromną zaletą świata ukazanego w „Forbidden Love” jest fakt istnienia laboratoriów, w których prowadzone są badania skoncentrowane typowo na poprawie życia istot paranormalnych w obrębie danej rasy. Kiedy weźmiemy pod uwagę, że wilkołaki i wampiry chociaż współpracują w niektórych dziedzinach to jednak nadal są przeciwnikami, różnego rodzaju organizacje skupiające wśród swoich członków istoty jednej rasy i pracujące na jej rzecz uwydatniają tę właśnie koncepcję wciąż jeszcze poróżnionego między sobą świata paranormalnego.
Kilka słów muszę napisać jeszcze o jednej rzeczy, a mianowicie o eksperymentach. Wow! Pod tym względem Lee Colgin naprawdę mnie zaskoczyła. Zacznijmy od tego, że sięgając po „Forbidden Love” nie spodziewałam się tematu badań laboratoryjnych prowadzonych przez paranormalne istoty, w tym wypadku wampiry. Przyznaję, że zakochałam się w tym motywie w mgnieniu oka. Moje zaskoczenie było jednak jeszcze większe, kiedy poznałam sposób, w jaki testowane są owoce pracy naukowców, a dokładniej mówiąc chodzi o obiekty testów. Uważam, że to dosyć kontrowersyjne, tym bardziej, że dotyczy jednego z naszych głównych bohaterów. Przywykliśmy raczej do prawych, politycznie poprawnych postaci, które postępują bardzo etycznie. Tymczasem w „Forbidden Love” mamy do czynienia z „typowym” naukowcem, który stawia na postęp, chociaż przecież nie możemy nazwać go pozbawionym uczuć. Ben jest więc bohaterem, którego naprawdę chciałabym jeszcze lepiej poznać, jest naprawdę fascynujący.
Podsumowując, „Forbidden Love” to powieść nie rewelacyjna, ale bez wątpienia dobra. Jest interesująca, posiada właściwy sobie klimat, zachęca do dalszego poznawania serii. A co więcej, znajdujemy w niej elementy, jak chociażby wydarzenia czy postaci, które zmuszają nas do myślenia.
"Forbidden Love" is the second volume of "They Bite" by Lee Colgin. I admit that this novel has a unique, very distinct vibe, which I consider to be typical of stories like this one, so quite simple, in which we have a theme of instant love and a small amount of drama. In this case, therefore, the book is perfect for people who feel like they want to read this type of story – quite short, uncomplicated, focused primarily on instant feelings, however, with other motifs that make the story more interesting. To be honest, reading "Forbidden Love" is expected something a bit more ambitious, but I'm not disappointed with this novel. It has potential and aroused my positive emotions, encouraged me to further explore "They Bite" series, and I think this is very important.
As for the plot, it is undoubtedly interesting and rich in events that would be worth developing to enrich the whole series. It so happens that although the action of this volume directly affects our main characters, it does not really focus on them. This is interesting because usually in the novels we see the opposite situation, when the characters are in the center of the events and they are the main reason behind them. Meanwhile, Ben and Nathan are simply unlucky as they are mixed up in the incidents that complicate their lives. This structure of the plot is rather rare, therefore to some extent interesting.
The big advantage of "Forbidden Love" is the way the series universe is presented in this volume. Let's start with the fact that in the novel I really liked the realistic manner in which the coexistence of ordinary people and paranormal creatures was shown. Although this topic is not developed and thoroughly outlined, the story clearly shows that revealing the existence of beings such as vampires and shapeshifters could result in attacks on them. Let's be honest, people can't accept the differences among their own race, let alone the situation when it turns out that there are other intelligent beings on this planet. Another huge advantage of the world of "Forbidden Love" is the fact that there are laboratories in which research works focus on improving the lives of paranormal creatures within a given race. When we consider that werewolves and vampires, although cooperating in some areas, are still opponents, various organizations gathering among their members the beings of one race and working on its behalf emphasize this concept of the paranormal world which is divided between races.
A few words I have to write about one more thing, namely about experiments. Wow! In this respect, Lee Colgin really surprised me. Let's start with the fact that by reaching for "Forbidden Love" I did not expect the topic of laboratory tests conducted by paranormal beings, in this case by vampires. I admit that I fell in love with this motif in the blink of an eye. However, my surprise was even greater when I learned the way in which the fruits of the scientists' work are tested, and more specifically when I learned who the test objects are. I think it's quite controversial, especially since it concerns one of our main characters. We are rather used to righteous, politically correct characters who act very ethically. Meanwhile, in "Forbidden Love" we are dealing with a "typical" scientist who focuses on progress, although he definitely isn't deprived of all feelings. So Ben is a character I'd really like to get to know even better. He's really fascinating.
In summary, "Forbidden Love" is not a great novel, but undoubtedly it's a good one. It is interesting, has its unique vibe, encourages us to read the whole "They Bite" series. And what's more, we can find here some elements, such as events or characters, that make us think.
_________________________
„Forbidden Love” jest drugim tomem „They Bite” autorstwa Lee Colgin. Przyznaję, że powieść ta posiada wyjątkowy, bardzo wyraźny klimat, który uważam za typowy dla historii takich, jak właśnie ta, a więc dosyć prostych, w których występuje motyw szybkiej miłości oraz niewielka ilość dramatu. W tym wypadku mamy więc do czynienia z książką idealną dla osób, które mają ochotę na tego rodzaju historię – dosyć krótką, nieskomplikowaną, skupioną przede wszystkim na szybkim uczuciu, w której pojawiają się jednak także inne wątki mające uczynić fabułę bardziej interesującą. Prawdę mówiąc, czytając „Forbidden Love” liczyłam na więcej, jednak nie jestem tą powieścią rozczarowana. Posiada ona potencjał, obudziła we mnie pozytywne emocje, zachęciła do dalszego zgłębiania serii „They Bite”, a to bardzo ważne.
Co się tyczy fabuły, jest ona niewątpliwie interesująca i bogata w wydarzenia, które warto byłoby rozwinąć, aby wzbogacić całą serię. Tak się bowiem składa, że chociaż akcja tego tomu dotyka bezpośrednio naszych głównych bohaterów, tak naprawdę nie skupia się na nich. Jest to o tyle interesujące, że zazwyczaj w powieściach widzimy sytuację odwrotną, kiedy to bohaterowie znajdują się w centrum wydarzeń, które w pewnym stopniu sami nakręcają. Tym czasem Ben i Nathan po prostu mają pecha i dlatego zostają wmieszani w wydarzenia, które komplikują ich życie. Taka budowa fabuły jest raczej rzadko spotykana, dlatego też w pewnym stopniu interesująca.
Dużą zaletą „Forbidden Love” jest przedstawienie w tym tomie uniwersum serii. Zacznijmy od tego, iż w powieści bardzo spodobał mi się realny sposób, w jaki ukazane zostało współistnienie zwyczajnych ludzi oraz istot paranormalnych. Temat ten nie jest wprawdzie rozwinięty i dokładnie zarysowany, jednakże fabuła pokazuje nam wyraźnie, iż ujawnienie istnienia istot takich, jak wampiry i zmiennokształtni wiąże się z atakami na nich. Nie oszukujmy się, ludzie nie radzą sobie z akceptacją odmienności wśród własnej rasy, a co dopiero w przypadku, gdyby okazało się, że nie są na tej planecie jedynymi inteligentnymi istotami. Kolejną ogromną zaletą świata ukazanego w „Forbidden Love” jest fakt istnienia laboratoriów, w których prowadzone są badania skoncentrowane typowo na poprawie życia istot paranormalnych w obrębie danej rasy. Kiedy weźmiemy pod uwagę, że wilkołaki i wampiry chociaż współpracują w niektórych dziedzinach to jednak nadal są przeciwnikami, różnego rodzaju organizacje skupiające wśród swoich członków istoty jednej rasy i pracujące na jej rzecz uwydatniają tę właśnie koncepcję wciąż jeszcze poróżnionego między sobą świata paranormalnego.
Kilka słów muszę napisać jeszcze o jednej rzeczy, a mianowicie o eksperymentach. Wow! Pod tym względem Lee Colgin naprawdę mnie zaskoczyła. Zacznijmy od tego, że sięgając po „Forbidden Love” nie spodziewałam się tematu badań laboratoryjnych prowadzonych przez paranormalne istoty, w tym wypadku wampiry. Przyznaję, że zakochałam się w tym motywie w mgnieniu oka. Moje zaskoczenie było jednak jeszcze większe, kiedy poznałam sposób, w jaki testowane są owoce pracy naukowców, a dokładniej mówiąc chodzi o obiekty testów. Uważam, że to dosyć kontrowersyjne, tym bardziej, że dotyczy jednego z naszych głównych bohaterów. Przywykliśmy raczej do prawych, politycznie poprawnych postaci, które postępują bardzo etycznie. Tymczasem w „Forbidden Love” mamy do czynienia z „typowym” naukowcem, który stawia na postęp, chociaż przecież nie możemy nazwać go pozbawionym uczuć. Ben jest więc bohaterem, którego naprawdę chciałabym jeszcze lepiej poznać, jest naprawdę fascynujący.
Podsumowując, „Forbidden Love” to powieść nie rewelacyjna, ale bez wątpienia dobra. Jest interesująca, posiada właściwy sobie klimat, zachęca do dalszego poznawania serii. A co więcej, znajdujemy w niej elementy, jak chociażby wydarzenia czy postaci, które zmuszają nas do myślenia.
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February 23, 2023A bit average but still enjoyable read with some nice elements... mostly a sappy, sweet paranormal romance with a little mystery/action plot to spice things up.
Ben is a doctor. He's trying to come up with a serum/cream that would allow vampires to... not burn in sun, basically. The vampires of this age are obviously money-savy and drink artificial blood (which is actually a pretty unique thing) and I approve.
Nathan is a wolf, he blushes easily when he's not rescuing random people from burning buildings - no, he's not a firefighter, he's a grad student who is sad shifters are poor but vampires are rich so he went to college to try to change that.
They meet at a conference about "Should Paranormals Reveal Their Existence to Humans" and now that's an interesting way of handling things! So is the fact that there is exposure and, get this, there is no, like, world-wide panic. barely any change! It's kind of crazy... in a nice way.
But mostly, as I said, there's the romance. The instant connection, the fumbling attempts to connect... and make a relationship work. There is very little build-up except for an almost teenage-level does he like me? No, he must have certainly forgotten all about me? Should I call him? No? Now? Later? Wait for him to cal?? *cue cute angst and pining* Because their connection was so easy, the issues were a bit dramatic and felt a bit silly and instead of heroic shifter intent to change the world meets a respected vampire doctor/researcher and they meet their matches it's... sappy. It's Nathan liked Ben so he says he's handsome and they make luv... like, eventually. The vampire-shifter conflicted that resulted in war some time ago? Practically non-issue since all wolves accept his new boyfriend with open arms and he is likewise welcomed in vampire spaces.
So if you want a fluffy paranormal piece, you should definitely give this one a try.
Ben is a doctor. He's trying to come up with a serum/cream that would allow vampires to... not burn in sun, basically. The vampires of this age are obviously money-savy and drink artificial blood (which is actually a pretty unique thing) and I approve.
Nathan is a wolf, he blushes easily when he's not rescuing random people from burning buildings - no, he's not a firefighter, he's a grad student who is sad shifters are poor but vampires are rich so he went to college to try to change that.
They meet at a conference about "Should Paranormals Reveal Their Existence to Humans" and now that's an interesting way of handling things! So is the fact that there is exposure and, get this, there is no, like, world-wide panic. barely any change! It's kind of crazy... in a nice way.
But mostly, as I said, there's the romance. The instant connection, the fumbling attempts to connect... and make a relationship work. There is very little build-up except for an almost teenage-level does he like me? No, he must have certainly forgotten all about me? Should I call him? No? Now? Later? Wait for him to cal?? *cue cute angst and pining* Because their connection was so easy, the issues were a bit dramatic and felt a bit silly and instead of heroic shifter intent to change the world meets a respected vampire doctor/researcher and they meet their matches it's... sappy. It's Nathan liked Ben so he says he's handsome and they make luv... like, eventually. The vampire-shifter conflicted that resulted in war some time ago? Practically non-issue since all wolves accept his new boyfriend with open arms and he is likewise welcomed in vampire spaces.
So if you want a fluffy paranormal piece, you should definitely give this one a try.
January 31, 2023
I enjoyed the first book in this series, and loved catching up with the characters again. I liked the different werewolf/vampire relationship in this story with Ben being older and turned. I loved his and Nathan’s connection, and romance. The action part of the plot is nicely done with the combination of mystery and building tension.
I liked how the story revisits the events at the end of the first book in the series, but from different perspectives which keeps it fresh, and uses that to lead into Ben and Nathan’s first meeting. I also liked how the repercussions from Nathan’s actions in that story pan out in this one.
Neither Ben nor Nathan have much experience of relationships and it takes them a while to figure out their wanting one is mutual. I liked that although Ben is older, he’s no more onto the relationship thing than Nathan is so they need to work it out together, after some nudging from their friends. I thought they worked well together, with Ben becoming a part of Nathan’s world, and Nathan growing into his future with Ben.
I liked the mystery behind why Ben’s research is failing and how Nathan provides the clues leading to the answer. Nicely done twist! Vampires and werewolves haven’t worked together much in the past, but this shows one of the reasons that needs to change. I enjoyed learning more about vampires in this story too. The worldbuilding is interesting and a bit different from other series I’ve read.
I’m intrigued by Samuel and happy that his is the next book. I also enjoyed seeing Mitchel and Sinclair again, and Nathan’s growing friendship with Sinclair. Eleanor rocks. I liked her friendship with Nathan.
I’m hoping to see more of Ben and Nathan in book 3.
I liked how the story revisits the events at the end of the first book in the series, but from different perspectives which keeps it fresh, and uses that to lead into Ben and Nathan’s first meeting. I also liked how the repercussions from Nathan’s actions in that story pan out in this one.
Neither Ben nor Nathan have much experience of relationships and it takes them a while to figure out their wanting one is mutual. I liked that although Ben is older, he’s no more onto the relationship thing than Nathan is so they need to work it out together, after some nudging from their friends. I thought they worked well together, with Ben becoming a part of Nathan’s world, and Nathan growing into his future with Ben.
I liked the mystery behind why Ben’s research is failing and how Nathan provides the clues leading to the answer. Nicely done twist! Vampires and werewolves haven’t worked together much in the past, but this shows one of the reasons that needs to change. I enjoyed learning more about vampires in this story too. The worldbuilding is interesting and a bit different from other series I’ve read.
I’m intrigued by Samuel and happy that his is the next book. I also enjoyed seeing Mitchel and Sinclair again, and Nathan’s growing friendship with Sinclair. Eleanor rocks. I liked her friendship with Nathan.
I’m hoping to see more of Ben and Nathan in book 3.
January 25, 2023
(4.5) I loved being back in this world!
I really enjoy this world that Lee has built, I get sucked into this world and it's very difficult to get myself unstuck. I read the first book in one sitting, just as I did with this one. I enjoyed getting to see the characters from the previous book in this one, albeit briefly.
We get to see Nathan's and Ben's point of view of what happened when the attack at the Peace meeting happened. It might feel a bit repeating first after having read that scene in the first book, but it's really interesting getting different point of views on what happened. We didn't know what Nathan was thinking in the first book and in this one we do.
I think this was a great story and the writing is just as good as it was with the first book. I am really glad I was able to 'get to know' Ben and Nathan. Their story was definitely different and more fast paced than the previous one was, that's why I didn't rate this a 5 star rating. I still enjoyed the characters and this book but not as much as the first.
There was more action and even more mysterious things happening throughout the course of this book. I am so intrigued by Samuel, I'm excited that his story is next!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
I really enjoy this world that Lee has built, I get sucked into this world and it's very difficult to get myself unstuck. I read the first book in one sitting, just as I did with this one. I enjoyed getting to see the characters from the previous book in this one, albeit briefly.
We get to see Nathan's and Ben's point of view of what happened when the attack at the Peace meeting happened. It might feel a bit repeating first after having read that scene in the first book, but it's really interesting getting different point of views on what happened. We didn't know what Nathan was thinking in the first book and in this one we do.
I think this was a great story and the writing is just as good as it was with the first book. I am really glad I was able to 'get to know' Ben and Nathan. Their story was definitely different and more fast paced than the previous one was, that's why I didn't rate this a 5 star rating. I still enjoyed the characters and this book but not as much as the first.
There was more action and even more mysterious things happening throughout the course of this book. I am so intrigued by Samuel, I'm excited that his story is next!
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
January 22, 2023
I was looking forward to this story after being introduced to Nathan in book 1. He was such a sweet character - protective, loyal and caring towards others. He had great chemistry with Ben from the moment they met (the stuff in the hospital was super sweet) and it was good to see how they overcame the barriers to their relationship and developed together. The book starts before the dramatic events near the end of book 1 and follows the pair from this first meeting. I enjoyed the dynamic they had and I really love all the secondary characters too. I'm so happy that book 3 is Samuel's story - I foresee some fireworks ahead!
For me, it's an easy 4 stars. The only reason I've not gone with 5 is that I would have liked a tad more action throughout the book, rather than it all happening at the beginning/ end. Overall, this is a good story with a lovely HEA. It has likeable characters, an interesting world and lots of steam and romance. If you like this genre, then I'd definitely recommend the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
For me, it's an easy 4 stars. The only reason I've not gone with 5 is that I would have liked a tad more action throughout the book, rather than it all happening at the beginning/ end. Overall, this is a good story with a lovely HEA. It has likeable characters, an interesting world and lots of steam and romance. If you like this genre, then I'd definitely recommend the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this second installment in the series. It is not necessary to have read the first book even though the beginning Ben and Nathan's story over laps the ending of the first book. Ben is a leading doctor in the vampire world who is trying to develop a serum that will enable vampires to walk in the sun. He meets Nathan, a wolf shifter, when Nathan is injured saving another vampire from humans and operates on him to save his life. He and Nathan ae immediately attracted to each other but they live several hours apart and Nathan life is during the daylight hours and Ben's is during the night.They are each plagued by their own self doubts and have to learn to be open and to communicate their feelings to each other. Be is endangered when he realizes someone sabotaged the last batch of the serum and caused one of the test subjects to die. Nathan and Ben join forces to find the vampire traitor and end the threat to Ben's life. This is a really sweet story and both of the MC's are very liable. I'm looking forwards to when Samuel's story comes out.
January 30, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars, good read, I liked it but not as much as the first in the Paranormal Hunger series. The first few chapters of Ben and Nathan's story runs adjacent to the last few chapters of Sinclair and Mitchel's story. Ben and Nathan immediately connect even though Ben is a vampire and Nathan a werewolf, two supernatural groups who have only just began working together. Ben is a successful researcher and surgeon, who is close to solving the problem of vampires and sun. Nathan is a grad student in Mitchel's pack. Their romance is sweet and sexy. The suspense is resolved a bit clunky. We get visits with Mitchel and Sinclair, Sinclair's lovely parents. We get to know Eleanor, a fellow student and wolf, so fun. And Colgin introduces Samuel, so intriguing, please let him get the next story!
January 23, 2023
This can easily be read as a stand alone, although the story was so good I ended up going back and reading the first book, which was also great. Eagerly anticipating more books as well. I do adore this author.
Ben and Nathan are cute together, despite an awkward beginning that almost ends before it starts. Their relationship is sweet, spicy, and just enjoyable to read. Nathan has concerns about his age, his place in life, and how that relates to being in a relationship with an older, established man that are legitimate, and addressed wonderfully by other characters. Nice to see that bit of realism. Enough angst to keep you interested until the very end. I can't wait to see the pit Samuel manages to get himself in.
Ben and Nathan are cute together, despite an awkward beginning that almost ends before it starts. Their relationship is sweet, spicy, and just enjoyable to read. Nathan has concerns about his age, his place in life, and how that relates to being in a relationship with an older, established man that are legitimate, and addressed wonderfully by other characters. Nice to see that bit of realism. Enough angst to keep you interested until the very end. I can't wait to see the pit Samuel manages to get himself in.
February 7, 2023
Forbidden Flirtation by author Lee Colgin is the second book in the Paranormal Hunger series. I have not read the first book in this series and I will admit I was a little lost, not a lot but a little. This story is told in dual POV and that works well.
Nathan is a kind, sweet, and loyal wolf. I loved how he can put others first, he is a strong man and does the right thing.
Ben is a doctor he is a vampire. He is more rigid, but he has a good heart. I loved getting to know him he is a complex and very polarizing character.
I loved this story, and I will go back and read the first book, I would love to know more, so I cannot wait for book three. Well worth the read I loved it.
Five Shooting Stars
Nathan is a kind, sweet, and loyal wolf. I loved how he can put others first, he is a strong man and does the right thing.
Ben is a doctor he is a vampire. He is more rigid, but he has a good heart. I loved getting to know him he is a complex and very polarizing character.
I loved this story, and I will go back and read the first book, I would love to know more, so I cannot wait for book three. Well worth the read I loved it.
Five Shooting Stars
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