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Southwestern Shifters #2
Relentless
Zane Mitchell is about to learn that you can’t outrun your destiny—especially not when that destiny is wrapped up in the form of one big, sexy, relentless shapeshifter, Aidan Criswell.
Zane is the alpha of the Gila National Forest pack of shifters. He’s been forced to make some very bad choices—like kicking out Mika Blackwell, a gay shifter who was once Zane’s friend. The elders demanded it, and Zane gave in to them rather than stand up to them.
When he and all other alphas of Southwestern packs are called to a mandatory meeting with the Dux Ducis—Aidan Criswell, the man in charge of all shifter packs in the Southwest U.S.—something happens that sends Zane fleeing in panic. He’s found his mate, the one person who can complete him—and the one person Zane knows could never want him because of his past actions.
Aidan Criswell is as shocked to discover the man he’d been ordered to investigate—a man who’d had a pack member banned for being gay—is his mate. But destined mates are always exactly perfectly matched, and once Aidan accepts that fact, he believes there is more to Zane’s story than meets the eye—and as Zane is soon to discover, Aidan Criswell is one relentless son of a bitch.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Zane is the alpha of the Gila National Forest pack of shifters. He’s been forced to make some very bad choices—like kicking out Mika Blackwell, a gay shifter who was once Zane’s friend. The elders demanded it, and Zane gave in to them rather than stand up to them.
When he and all other alphas of Southwestern packs are called to a mandatory meeting with the Dux Ducis—Aidan Criswell, the man in charge of all shifter packs in the Southwest U.S.—something happens that sends Zane fleeing in panic. He’s found his mate, the one person who can complete him—and the one person Zane knows could never want him because of his past actions.
Aidan Criswell is as shocked to discover the man he’d been ordered to investigate—a man who’d had a pack member banned for being gay—is his mate. But destined mates are always exactly perfectly matched, and once Aidan accepts that fact, he believes there is more to Zane’s story than meets the eye—and as Zane is soon to discover, Aidan Criswell is one relentless son of a bitch.
Reader Advisory: This book is best read in sequence as part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
187 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2010
27 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Bailey Bradford
191 books552 followersA few things about me...
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
I am a married mom of four who spends most of the day writing, either on stories or at the blog. I love to write as much as I love to read. I am generally quiet and laid back, choosing to let things slide off me rather than stick and irritate me.
And it's really hard trying to think of descriptives for myself, so I'll just let y'all e-mail me or comment at the blog if there's something specific you'd like to know, and spare you from reading a boring bio:D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 17, 2015
3 Stars
Relentless is the sequel to Rescued,and this book contains explanations after many questions in the previous book have not been answered yet.
I'd say that I really enjoy this book,but sometimes conversations between the characters left me confused about who talked to whom and maybe I missed something because when the story referred to the past why Zane had to cast Mika or how his abusive uncle effected his life totally,the characters always changed the issue immediately and that made me speechless because I want to know what happened with Zane,not some stuffs about kinky sex.
Relentless is the sequel to Rescued,and this book contains explanations after many questions in the previous book have not been answered yet.
I'd say that I really enjoy this book,but sometimes conversations between the characters left me confused about who talked to whom and maybe I missed something because when the story referred to the past why Zane had to cast Mika or how his abusive uncle effected his life totally,the characters always changed the issue immediately and that made me speechless because I want to know what happened with Zane,not some stuffs about kinky sex.
August 28, 2010
This is book two in the Southwestern Shifters series and even though I haven't read book one I had no trouble following the story. Zane is the Alpha of his pack but it's not a position that's brought him much happiness. In Rescued, the first book in the series, he was forced to throw out one of the pack members, Mika, for being gay and now finds that his own chosen mate is a man. And not just any man since Aidan Criswell is the Dux Ducis, or second in command, to the Alpha Anax.
Zane is certain that Aidan won't want a messed up Alpha as his mate and takes off. Determined to do better for his pack he heads back even though he knows he's about to be betrayed. Afterward, gravely injured and needing to make amends before leaving the area for good, he heads off to see Mika and his mate Gabe. In the meantime Aidan is coming after Zane to claim his mate. When he finally catches up to Zane he's surprised to find him being cared for by the very man that Zane had wronged earlier.
When Aidan and Zane finally meet they both fall under the "insta-love" shifter mate phenomenon but that doesn't mean things are all rosy and happy between them. There are quite a few issues they have to resolve before they can get to their HEA future. With the help of their friends will they be able to overcome the danger that threatens them all?
Relentless is an entertaining story even though it's also a bit predictable. Zane and Aidan, along with Mika and Gabe, are likable characters and I enjoyed their interaction as they slowly built an unexpected friendship. Both couples had good chemistry and the sex scenes are well written although there are a bit too many of them. It seems as if one or the other of the couples is always getting it on as they all have hair-trigger libidos.
The plot itself was interesting even though as I said earlier it was a bit predictable. The shifters meet, are instant mates, have tons of sex and battle a bad guy. What was different and kept the book at a 4 rating was the subplot of Zane's past and how it's affected his life and brought Mika and Gabe together.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it quite a bit. Solid writing, an interesting storyline, engaging characters and some scorching hot sex scenes combined to make this an entertaining read. The ending sets up the next book in the series and I'm definitely going to be reading it. Recommended for those looking for a fast-paced shifter story with lots of hot man love thrown into the mix.
Zane is certain that Aidan won't want a messed up Alpha as his mate and takes off. Determined to do better for his pack he heads back even though he knows he's about to be betrayed. Afterward, gravely injured and needing to make amends before leaving the area for good, he heads off to see Mika and his mate Gabe. In the meantime Aidan is coming after Zane to claim his mate. When he finally catches up to Zane he's surprised to find him being cared for by the very man that Zane had wronged earlier.
When Aidan and Zane finally meet they both fall under the "insta-love" shifter mate phenomenon but that doesn't mean things are all rosy and happy between them. There are quite a few issues they have to resolve before they can get to their HEA future. With the help of their friends will they be able to overcome the danger that threatens them all?
Relentless is an entertaining story even though it's also a bit predictable. Zane and Aidan, along with Mika and Gabe, are likable characters and I enjoyed their interaction as they slowly built an unexpected friendship. Both couples had good chemistry and the sex scenes are well written although there are a bit too many of them. It seems as if one or the other of the couples is always getting it on as they all have hair-trigger libidos.
The plot itself was interesting even though as I said earlier it was a bit predictable. The shifters meet, are instant mates, have tons of sex and battle a bad guy. What was different and kept the book at a 4 rating was the subplot of Zane's past and how it's affected his life and brought Mika and Gabe together.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I liked it quite a bit. Solid writing, an interesting storyline, engaging characters and some scorching hot sex scenes combined to make this an entertaining read. The ending sets up the next book in the series and I'm definitely going to be reading it. Recommended for those looking for a fast-paced shifter story with lots of hot man love thrown into the mix.
May 6, 2017
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Southwestern Shifters series. I’m now officially immersed in this shifter world and devoted to its gorgeous characters – which kind of sucks ass because the series count currently stands at 10 books, with no end in sight. That’s quite a commitment, but there’s no backing out now (not for this obsessive-compulsive reading nutjob).
There’s also that little bitch of a reading incentive that I love to hate and hate to love, called a cliffhanger. Some people may not refer to the events within the epilogue as a cliffhanger, but it so fricken was, acting more like an abrupt mid-story ending than an actual epilogue. I’d be mad at this, but I also find it a tad ingenious. I finished, I scoffed in outrage, and then I immediately scurried over to Amazon and spent my precious money one-clicking the crap out of book #3. Well done, Bradford, you evil genius.
I’ve gone off-road with this review. My apologies. Let’s redirect, shall we!?
This story picks up one year after the events of Rescued - and yes, you should be reading sequentially, or I’ll start lashing out with a spatula (inside joke for readers of the book). This story follows Zane, our (seemingly) bigoted, homophobic Alpha from the previous story. In the opening sequence, Zane is shocked to find that his ‘mate’ is Aiden, the newly appointed Dux Ducis Alpha (aka super important charge of the Southwestern Shifter territory). Before they even speak, Zane flees, terrified of Aiden’s possible reaction to Zane’s controversial past behaviour as an Alpha. Upon finding out who his mate is, Aiden’s reaction is a mixed bag of emotions; shocked and displeased upon realising who Zane is, while being equally hurt and angry that his mate would run from him.
A bit of a chase/explain/claim story ensues. It was fairly predictable, but I was in the mood for mindless fluff, so I’m happy that this was a nice, easy read.
In my opinion, this story had substantially more plot going for it than its predecessor. There is still a lot of sex - maybe too much sex - but I found the story much more satisfying as a whole. I think I’ve just come to accept that in this particular shifter world, those who are mated, or destined to be mated, have one track minds once they find each other. It’s like their libidos are on overdrive. The sex is hot, but like I said, there is just too much of it.
Gabe and Mika (the MC’s from book #1) are also back, and heavily present within this story. This was great for me because I love revisiting characters and seeing how they are living in the aftermath of their original HEA. Unfortunately, the two play such a big role (even having their own narratives and more fricken sex scenes), that I felt it detracted from the main couple and their story. I’m happy they were major players here, but I could have done without their constant 'sex-segments,' because I feel we all had quite enough of that in the first story.
I need to express my love for Zane as a character. He played the misunderstood Alpha so well. He had a unexpected, yet interesting backstory, and ended up being a richer character for it. It also helps that my imagination has conjured up a sexy as sin visual to work with, too. Trust me, guys, in my head he’s positively delicious!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to find out what happens next with all the guys.
I really enjoyed this second instalment of the Southwestern Shifters series. I’m now officially immersed in this shifter world and devoted to its gorgeous characters – which kind of sucks ass because the series count currently stands at 10 books, with no end in sight. That’s quite a commitment, but there’s no backing out now (not for this obsessive-compulsive reading nutjob).
There’s also that little bitch of a reading incentive that I love to hate and hate to love, called a cliffhanger. Some people may not refer to the events within the epilogue as a cliffhanger, but it so fricken was, acting more like an abrupt mid-story ending than an actual epilogue. I’d be mad at this, but I also find it a tad ingenious. I finished, I scoffed in outrage, and then I immediately scurried over to Amazon and spent my precious money one-clicking the crap out of book #3. Well done, Bradford, you evil genius.
I’ve gone off-road with this review. My apologies. Let’s redirect, shall we!?
This story picks up one year after the events of Rescued - and yes, you should be reading sequentially, or I’ll start lashing out with a spatula (inside joke for readers of the book). This story follows Zane, our (seemingly) bigoted, homophobic Alpha from the previous story. In the opening sequence, Zane is shocked to find that his ‘mate’ is Aiden, the newly appointed Dux Ducis Alpha (aka super important charge of the Southwestern Shifter territory). Before they even speak, Zane flees, terrified of Aiden’s possible reaction to Zane’s controversial past behaviour as an Alpha. Upon finding out who his mate is, Aiden’s reaction is a mixed bag of emotions; shocked and displeased upon realising who Zane is, while being equally hurt and angry that his mate would run from him.
A bit of a chase/explain/claim story ensues. It was fairly predictable, but I was in the mood for mindless fluff, so I’m happy that this was a nice, easy read.
In my opinion, this story had substantially more plot going for it than its predecessor. There is still a lot of sex - maybe too much sex - but I found the story much more satisfying as a whole. I think I’ve just come to accept that in this particular shifter world, those who are mated, or destined to be mated, have one track minds once they find each other. It’s like their libidos are on overdrive. The sex is hot, but like I said, there is just too much of it.
Gabe and Mika (the MC’s from book #1) are also back, and heavily present within this story. This was great for me because I love revisiting characters and seeing how they are living in the aftermath of their original HEA. Unfortunately, the two play such a big role (even having their own narratives and more fricken sex scenes), that I felt it detracted from the main couple and their story. I’m happy they were major players here, but I could have done without their constant 'sex-segments,' because I feel we all had quite enough of that in the first story.
I need to express my love for Zane as a character. He played the misunderstood Alpha so well. He had a unexpected, yet interesting backstory, and ended up being a richer character for it. It also helps that my imagination has conjured up a sexy as sin visual to work with, too. Trust me, guys, in my head he’s positively delicious!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to find out what happens next with all the guys.
July 10, 2011
I was really enjoying the plot until the first sex scene of the book, it was all down hill from there
I don't really know who Aidan is wooing, Zane or Gabriel, i'm afraid at some point it will turn into a menage, Zane was right in being jealous by his so called mate behavior.
And the characters were so annoying, at first they come as drama-queens it isn't until Zane starts telling what happened to him that the real drama should have kicked in.
And damn it!, too much protagonism from Gabriel & Mika!, I didn't like them! that's why I didn't read the first book!, and there was too many scenes between them and too much meddling in to the main characters lives, Gabriel is such a queen and it's overly apparently one of the writer favorite characters, the why he acts and refers to everyone else and how he gets it always his way, I hated him a lot.
and the main couple... I was highly disappointed, because I was expecting two alpha males finding there were mates, strong and determined to have it their own way and then Aidan is so easy going and flirty with Gabriel and then goes all macho on Zane at the point of claiming him when he couldn't agree or disagree, he was just at the edge of becoming a douchebag to me, and Zane, he goes from this manly intelligent tortured character i loved at the beginning to this prissy "I-never-wanted-to-be-alpha" girl, i wanted to cry.
Finally there were certain points on the book when I didn't know who was talking to who, I had to reread some paragraphs to make sense out of them.
I skipped a lot of pages, don't even remember how that bad guy was killed, all I want to do is forget I read this book.
I don't really know who Aidan is wooing, Zane or Gabriel, i'm afraid at some point it will turn into a menage, Zane was right in being jealous by his so called mate behavior.
And the characters were so annoying, at first they come as drama-queens it isn't until Zane starts telling what happened to him that the real drama should have kicked in.
And damn it!, too much protagonism from Gabriel & Mika!, I didn't like them! that's why I didn't read the first book!, and there was too many scenes between them and too much meddling in to the main characters lives, Gabriel is such a queen and it's overly apparently one of the writer favorite characters, the why he acts and refers to everyone else and how he gets it always his way, I hated him a lot.
and the main couple... I was highly disappointed, because I was expecting two alpha males finding there were mates, strong and determined to have it their own way and then Aidan is so easy going and flirty with Gabriel and then goes all macho on Zane at the point of claiming him when he couldn't agree or disagree, he was just at the edge of becoming a douchebag to me, and Zane, he goes from this manly intelligent tortured character i loved at the beginning to this prissy "I-never-wanted-to-be-alpha" girl, i wanted to cry.
Finally there were certain points on the book when I didn't know who was talking to who, I had to reread some paragraphs to make sense out of them.
I skipped a lot of pages, don't even remember how that bad guy was killed, all I want to do is forget I read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2012
Zane Mitchell, the Alpha who kicked Mika out of his pack in book one returns in this book after a run in with some of his own pack members who are trying to depose him. Zane had never wanted to be the Alpha in the first place, and his biggest regret has been kicking his friend Mika out of his pack. Hoping to make amends, Zane seeks out Mika and his mate Gabe.
This book was even worse than the first one in terms of sex. Not only do we have Zane and Aiden, his mate, going at it like jackrabbits even though Zane is on his deathbed, Mika and Gabe are STILL at it, hornier than ever! That's twice as much sex jammed into this book. I don't necessarily agree with some of the other reviewers that there was no plot, it's just that you really had to wipe away the cum smears to find it. Okay, sorry, that was a gross visual, but definitely apt.
I did like the back story about Zane and his uncle and felt that there was a decent plot in this book. But when you are skimming pages and flipping past sex scenes to get to it, you know something went wrong. I did keep reading this series, though, because I own two more books and I'm glad I did because the series definitely did start picking up for me. I would like to think it's because the author read some of the reviews and backed down on the sex scenes.
This book was even worse than the first one in terms of sex. Not only do we have Zane and Aiden, his mate, going at it like jackrabbits even though Zane is on his deathbed, Mika and Gabe are STILL at it, hornier than ever! That's twice as much sex jammed into this book. I don't necessarily agree with some of the other reviewers that there was no plot, it's just that you really had to wipe away the cum smears to find it. Okay, sorry, that was a gross visual, but definitely apt.
I did like the back story about Zane and his uncle and felt that there was a decent plot in this book. But when you are skimming pages and flipping past sex scenes to get to it, you know something went wrong. I did keep reading this series, though, because I own two more books and I'm glad I did because the series definitely did start picking up for me. I would like to think it's because the author read some of the reviews and backed down on the sex scenes.
October 4, 2010
Definite strong 4 Stars - the second in the Southwestern Shifters series featuring two different characters that are both strong shifters.
I liked that the originals from “Rescued” still played a dominant part (lol and were still having lots of sex) and I fell for the new characters, as well. The hurt/comfort aspect is something I really love in my fics and this was fabulous for that. This was also more of an emotional read for me than the first as Kane struggled with what had happened to him in his past, as well as what he’d done to Mika. It was heartwrenching for Aidan to read his thoughts and insecurities and it made me love the book, and the characters, even more.
I’m not sure it can be strictly called GFY since Kane did have feelings before, but it was definitely “first time with a man”. In the beginning, I was a little disturbed that Aidan wanted to have sex so badly with the so-obviously injured Kane, but he ended up being such a caring and gentle lover even in the heat of the “mating connection” being so strong that my opinion quickly changed. They’re a lovely couple, beautiful in both wolf and human form.
I liked that the originals from “Rescued” still played a dominant part (lol and were still having lots of sex) and I fell for the new characters, as well. The hurt/comfort aspect is something I really love in my fics and this was fabulous for that. This was also more of an emotional read for me than the first as Kane struggled with what had happened to him in his past, as well as what he’d done to Mika. It was heartwrenching for Aidan to read his thoughts and insecurities and it made me love the book, and the characters, even more.
I’m not sure it can be strictly called GFY since Kane did have feelings before, but it was definitely “first time with a man”. In the beginning, I was a little disturbed that Aidan wanted to have sex so badly with the so-obviously injured Kane, but he ended up being such a caring and gentle lover even in the heat of the “mating connection” being so strong that my opinion quickly changed. They’re a lovely couple, beautiful in both wolf and human form.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2011
‘Relentless’, the second book in the Southwestern Shifters series, packs a very hard punch, in the best possible way, while delivering a scorching romance. The continuation of the overall story satisfied my need to know what happens to all the characters and the fact they get to play a fairly substantial role in this second book delighted me. This volume picks up where the first book left off, and gives us the story of Zane, the pack alpha who kicked out Mika, and Aidan, the new regional alpha, or Dux Ducis, who is in charge of ‘modernizing’ shifter society.
Discovering the real reasons for Zane’s behavior was fascinating. His story and the way he deals with his past show what a strong character he is. The suffering he went through would drive anyone to their knees, but, luckily, he has Aidan to help him through it all. I loved the emotional intensity behind his situation, as well as the sizzling heat between him and his newfound mate.
Aidan starts out as a bit of an arrogant idiot. He assumes all kinds of things about Zane, which I thought was interesting because it sums up what I bet a lot of readers (including myself) thought about Zane after the first book. In a way, I learned with Aidan and that made the book very interesting. The attitude adjustment Aidan makes is substantial, and while it starts out in his head (needing to at least hear the other side of the story before making a final judgment), his heart quickly gets involved as well.
If you like shifter stories with more than just pack politics, a gripping plot which deals with some pretty serious issues at the same time, and a scorching hot romance, you will probably like this book. It does contain some pretty graphic references to emotional abuse, so if that bothers you, this may not be for you. However, the focus is more on the aftermath and recovery, which mitigated its effect on me. I was enthralled from the beginning and loved reading the book.
Discovering the real reasons for Zane’s behavior was fascinating. His story and the way he deals with his past show what a strong character he is. The suffering he went through would drive anyone to their knees, but, luckily, he has Aidan to help him through it all. I loved the emotional intensity behind his situation, as well as the sizzling heat between him and his newfound mate.
Aidan starts out as a bit of an arrogant idiot. He assumes all kinds of things about Zane, which I thought was interesting because it sums up what I bet a lot of readers (including myself) thought about Zane after the first book. In a way, I learned with Aidan and that made the book very interesting. The attitude adjustment Aidan makes is substantial, and while it starts out in his head (needing to at least hear the other side of the story before making a final judgment), his heart quickly gets involved as well.
If you like shifter stories with more than just pack politics, a gripping plot which deals with some pretty serious issues at the same time, and a scorching hot romance, you will probably like this book. It does contain some pretty graphic references to emotional abuse, so if that bothers you, this may not be for you. However, the focus is more on the aftermath and recovery, which mitigated its effect on me. I was enthralled from the beginning and loved reading the book.
February 3, 2015
2.5 stars
Overall I like the series so far but it has way too much sex and Gabe's snarky attitude is getting on my nerves. I think he should come over as funny but he's just annoying me a lot. And if I read a book about Aidan and Zane who have lots and lots of sex than I really don't need lots and lots of sex scenes with Gabe and Mika too. They already had their book...
I love sex in my books (I'm a huge smut fan) but that's too much sex even for me!
Overall I like the series so far but it has way too much sex and Gabe's snarky attitude is getting on my nerves. I think he should come over as funny but he's just annoying me a lot. And if I read a book about Aidan and Zane who have lots and lots of sex than I really don't need lots and lots of sex scenes with Gabe and Mika too. They already had their book...
I love sex in my books (I'm a huge smut fan) but that's too much sex even for me!
March 12, 2013
I thought I was going to hate Zane, but the author did a good job in explaining why he did what he did. There was a bit too much sex in this, and spanking which is not my thing, but the story was good, and kept me enthralled.
May 31, 2011
way too much sex and almost no plot... the little plot there was was enjoyable at least
April 27, 2013
As with the previous book, I liked this one much more during this second reading than I did at the first, two years ago. Perhaps I am just generally more accepting of certain faults than I used to be, which is strange enough because if anything, I would have thought I’d become more nit-picky over time. Or perhaps it’s a shifting of priorities.
Because yes. There is no denying the faults.
The writing here’s still not the finest, but the emotions run strong from the first moment and the storytelling aspect works beautifully.
Certain things… *sigh* It wasn’t a coincidence after all. “Had went” for “had gone”, “hearing it spoke” for “hearing it spoken”. Some authors don’t seem to recognize the past participle. (Or maybe it’s just this one author. Hard to keep track sometimes.) Luckily this only ever becomes apparent with some of the irregular verbs, so it’s still readable. It’s just that you’d think someone (editor, maybe?) would have caught on to the need to clean this up by the time of publishing.
Also, breath and breathe keep getting mixed up. Both ways. That kind of thing.
While the dialogue might not always be extremely manly, it does flow easily. No lengthy discussions during the sex scenes either, thank god.
And again. So many adult gay men, and all of them extremely bashful or embarrassed in connection with their sex life being exposed to their peers. Seems odd that these guys who go naked among others all the time due to shifting and their animalistic nature would blush so much over it. Oh well.
Not a huge fan, anyway, of using Gabe and Mika (POV, no less) just so we can get more sex scenes early on. Okay, not just for that, and I recall it’s an ongoing thing in this series, but it’s not as if they didn’t have more than enough sex in the first volume.
And there’s soooo much sex. Do they ever stop thinking about it, mentioning it, or having it? Although it definitely is more than just that, plus it helps to counteract boredom that the scenes aren’t drawn out unnecessarily. (In this and the previous volume, the guys tend to come very fast. Often to go at it again, but still.)
There is a lot of hand holding going on, which I find cute, if not very realistic. Lots of blushing, too; did I mention that already?
One thing I appreciate is that the long term repercussions of are demonstrated in an unusually explosive way. No downplaying, no over-dramatizing, but rather describing the physical reactions to those memories. Good stuff.
I do also like the lengthiness. Granted, not everything is strictly necessary, not every single shared orgasm drives the story forward, especially by the end, but it does offer an, uh, deluxe version of events. Like the uncut version. XD And when I like a story very much then that can actually be a bonus.
As for the characters, Zane’s just heartbreaking from the beginning. Strange how much of an endearing trait deep self-loathing can be in a character when backed by the right amount of trauma.
I found Aidan maybe a touch too bossy for me at first. Then again, it seems he needs to be when it comes to Zane. Besides, the fact that he struggles with his instincts, guilt and confusion as well helps towards the whole character depth thing.
The villain, on the other hand, is extremely villainous and not nuanced even slightly. That’s not ideal but all right.
Seriously though, I may feel more lenient towards Gabe in general but the way he abuses Mika is still awful.
In my ongoing comparison between now and then, here’s some of what I thought about Gabe in 2011: “It was good to see that Gabe from the first volume is still physically abusing his mate… Fucker. Although I gotta admit that things start to even out a little when they discover , even if that is then turned into a general staple. Another good thing is that apparently Gabe really doesn’t provide an example of how couples are going to be in this series. He stands out in this volume too and I don’t know whether to groan or laugh whenever someone observes him with admiration when he is being petty, confrontational and childish. But still, much better than in the first volume.”
Again, I feel much less harshly this time around, but can’t dispute most of what I thought then. I do, however, see more of that core of strength now than I did before.
Overall? Yeah, I really enjoyed this very much. I guess there’s a whole lot I can forgive when a story manages to get a good grip on me. <3
Because yes. There is no denying the faults.
The writing here’s still not the finest, but the emotions run strong from the first moment and the storytelling aspect works beautifully.
Certain things… *sigh* It wasn’t a coincidence after all. “Had went” for “had gone”, “hearing it spoke” for “hearing it spoken”. Some authors don’t seem to recognize the past participle. (Or maybe it’s just this one author. Hard to keep track sometimes.) Luckily this only ever becomes apparent with some of the irregular verbs, so it’s still readable. It’s just that you’d think someone (editor, maybe?) would have caught on to the need to clean this up by the time of publishing.
Also, breath and breathe keep getting mixed up. Both ways. That kind of thing.
While the dialogue might not always be extremely manly, it does flow easily. No lengthy discussions during the sex scenes either, thank god.
And again. So many adult gay men, and all of them extremely bashful or embarrassed in connection with their sex life being exposed to their peers. Seems odd that these guys who go naked among others all the time due to shifting and their animalistic nature would blush so much over it. Oh well.
Not a huge fan, anyway, of using Gabe and Mika (POV, no less) just so we can get more sex scenes early on. Okay, not just for that, and I recall it’s an ongoing thing in this series, but it’s not as if they didn’t have more than enough sex in the first volume.
And there’s soooo much sex. Do they ever stop thinking about it, mentioning it, or having it? Although it definitely is more than just that, plus it helps to counteract boredom that the scenes aren’t drawn out unnecessarily. (In this and the previous volume, the guys tend to come very fast. Often to go at it again, but still.)
There is a lot of hand holding going on, which I find cute, if not very realistic. Lots of blushing, too; did I mention that already?
One thing I appreciate is that the long term repercussions of are demonstrated in an unusually explosive way. No downplaying, no over-dramatizing, but rather describing the physical reactions to those memories. Good stuff.
I do also like the lengthiness. Granted, not everything is strictly necessary, not every single shared orgasm drives the story forward, especially by the end, but it does offer an, uh, deluxe version of events. Like the uncut version. XD And when I like a story very much then that can actually be a bonus.
As for the characters, Zane’s just heartbreaking from the beginning. Strange how much of an endearing trait deep self-loathing can be in a character when backed by the right amount of trauma.
I found Aidan maybe a touch too bossy for me at first. Then again, it seems he needs to be when it comes to Zane. Besides, the fact that he struggles with his instincts, guilt and confusion as well helps towards the whole character depth thing.
The villain, on the other hand, is extremely villainous and not nuanced even slightly. That’s not ideal but all right.
Seriously though, I may feel more lenient towards Gabe in general but the way he abuses Mika is still awful.
In my ongoing comparison between now and then, here’s some of what I thought about Gabe in 2011: “It was good to see that Gabe from the first volume is still physically abusing his mate… Fucker. Although I gotta admit that things start to even out a little when they discover , even if that is then turned into a general staple. Another good thing is that apparently Gabe really doesn’t provide an example of how couples are going to be in this series. He stands out in this volume too and I don’t know whether to groan or laugh whenever someone observes him with admiration when he is being petty, confrontational and childish. But still, much better than in the first volume.”
Again, I feel much less harshly this time around, but can’t dispute most of what I thought then. I do, however, see more of that core of strength now than I did before.
Overall? Yeah, I really enjoyed this very much. I guess there’s a whole lot I can forgive when a story manages to get a good grip on me. <3
June 14, 2013
2.5 Stars
I was enjoying this PNR-shifter story. I liked the first book and I was excited about the characters in the second. I was chomping at the bit with what I thought were two alpha mates. *squee* Fun times, right? Wrong! BB took my beloved Zane, alpha of the Gila National Forest pack of shifters, and turned him into a whiny girl. It also didn't help that Gabe (from book 1) was an irritating, bitchy counterpoint throughout the story. I loathe m/m novels wherein the characters take on m/f characteristics. If I wanted to read m/f, I'd read m/f dammit!
Bottom line: turned off by the chick-with-a-dick.
I was enjoying this PNR-shifter story. I liked the first book and I was excited about the characters in the second. I was chomping at the bit with what I thought were two alpha mates. *squee* Fun times, right? Wrong! BB took my beloved Zane, alpha of the Gila National Forest pack of shifters, and turned him into a whiny girl. It also didn't help that Gabe (from book 1) was an irritating, bitchy counterpoint throughout the story. I loathe m/m novels wherein the characters take on m/f characteristics. If I wanted to read m/f, I'd read m/f dammit!
Bottom line: turned off by the chick-with-a-dick.
August 21, 2010
3.5 bumped to 4 cause I really like the story line.
I just wished there was more of the storyline mixed in the all the sex scenes. There was paragraphs of the story mixed in with pages and pages of sex scenes. But I did like the characters and we do see alot of the ones from the first book in this series.
It does get into the past of Zane, but we don't see much of pack dealings and Aidan as the Dux Ducis. Many of the things that were uncovered within this story, I think deserve much more time/pages than it was given.
I just wished there was more of the storyline mixed in the all the sex scenes. There was paragraphs of the story mixed in with pages and pages of sex scenes. But I did like the characters and we do see alot of the ones from the first book in this series.
It does get into the past of Zane, but we don't see much of pack dealings and Aidan as the Dux Ducis. Many of the things that were uncovered within this story, I think deserve much more time/pages than it was given.
March 6, 2014
Second effort is even better than the first. Loved Aidan and Zane together. I appreciated how things came to light about Zane's background - took me a while to forgive him still though. Towards the end I thought the emotional pieces made Zane seem sort of off - but it was traumatic. Appreciated how it was told as it allowed for good balance to show/tell. The one I really want to read is the 3rd and, truth be told, I only read the first two because I am dying to read the 3rd. I love me some captive and torture and healing! I hope it's even better than this one!
April 26, 2017
This is my favorite book in the series so far and I keep coming back to read it. I just love how things were way mire complicated than they appeared at first and I really enjoyed Aidan and Zane together.
April 21, 2011
I don't think it was even edited, at least not version I have. I've never had any problems with Total-E-Bound before, so I prefer to think that I receided an unedited book by error than to think that they did this kind of bad work on the book.
The numbers of faults that I found...and I'm not even native in English.
Grammatical mistakes, lost word, contiguous words (ex: 'Jordansat' instead of 'Jordan sat') personage that change of name (Azrael Lowell, p.12/135 Azrael DeLuna, p.23/135, Azrael Bannon p.116/135), the number of people in one scene that changed sudenly.
Ok, something bother me. When the pack expulsed Mika in the first book, it's because he is gay. Now, in this one, Aidan said that his brother and him try to change thing for gay (and everyone). So what, they were never a soul-mate gay couple before? That's a modern thing? I can understand being gay and not out in your pack, even if you're in love with someone (not being your soul-mate) if they're going to react badly. But what happened to the true mate?
Mika and Gare are interesting but it's was not their book. Why pass all this time on them?
Too much sex. That's make me sad because I really enjoy reading about Aidan/Zane when they didn't have sex. Zane problems's were interesting to read about. He is much more complex than he appeared at first.
The numbers of faults that I found...and I'm not even native in English.
Grammatical mistakes, lost word, contiguous words (ex: 'Jordansat' instead of 'Jordan sat') personage that change of name (Azrael Lowell, p.12/135 Azrael DeLuna, p.23/135, Azrael Bannon p.116/135), the number of people in one scene that changed sudenly.
Ok, something bother me. When the pack expulsed Mika in the first book, it's because he is gay. Now, in this one, Aidan said that his brother and him try to change thing for gay (and everyone). So what, they were never a soul-mate gay couple before? That's a modern thing? I can understand being gay and not out in your pack, even if you're in love with someone (not being your soul-mate) if they're going to react badly. But what happened to the true mate?
Mika and Gare are interesting but it's was not their book. Why pass all this time on them?
Too much sex. That's make me sad because I really enjoy reading about Aidan/Zane when they didn't have sex. Zane problems's were interesting to read about. He is much more complex than he appeared at first.
August 28, 2010
Zane Mitchell is the alpha who kicked Mika out of his pack. It's doesn't matter why because he can't change it. Then Zane is called to the manitory meeting with the Dux Ducis—Aidan Criswell. As soon as Zane smells Aiden, he knows Aiden is his mate and his shame causes him to turn around and run.
Aidan Criswell is upset that his mate is the alpha who a pack member banned for being gay. Aren't destined mates are always exactly perfectly matched? Aiden twin Marcus pushes Aiden to go after Zane when news comes in that his pack is going to ambush Zane when he gets back home.
So without giving out spoilers I will just say that nothing with the Gila National Forest pack is what it seems. Zane goes in search of forgiveness which puts him and his small groups of friends on the road of discovery and healing.
And then Bailey had to go and throw in the Epilogue which sets up book three...which of course is not out yet. I am so not good at waiting.
Aidan Criswell is upset that his mate is the alpha who a pack member banned for being gay. Aren't destined mates are always exactly perfectly matched? Aiden twin Marcus pushes Aiden to go after Zane when news comes in that his pack is going to ambush Zane when he gets back home.
So without giving out spoilers I will just say that nothing with the Gila National Forest pack is what it seems. Zane goes in search of forgiveness which puts him and his small groups of friends on the road of discovery and healing.
And then Bailey had to go and throw in the Epilogue which sets up book three...which of course is not out yet. I am so not good at waiting.
October 3, 2013
2.5 stars but I bumped it up to 3...just because I love Gabe! (and nope...this isn't his book)
Going into the book I didn't like Zane, if you read book 1 you know why. Not to long into the book I started to like him and I actually enjoyed him. Aiden was a good guy too. So 2 total bang on our chest alpha males and I didn't love the story...why the hell not?! I'm all for a sexin good time but this was a bit over the top for me, while yes it was really hot and definitely steamy we didn't get as much story as I would have liked. It was about 70% sex...30% story. *sigh*
If another challenge comes up where I need to read PNR...I'll more than likely pull out the next book in the series.
Going into the book I didn't like Zane, if you read book 1 you know why. Not to long into the book I started to like him and I actually enjoyed him. Aiden was a good guy too. So 2 total bang on our chest alpha males and I didn't love the story...why the hell not?! I'm all for a sexin good time but this was a bit over the top for me, while yes it was really hot and definitely steamy we didn't get as much story as I would have liked. It was about 70% sex...30% story. *sigh*
If another challenge comes up where I need to read PNR...I'll more than likely pull out the next book in the series.
March 18, 2012
Oh, I'm seriously starting to love it. Much better than previous book. Zane and Aiden are so hot. But the main reason for me to continue is Gabe. He's such a sweetheart, he's funny, hot for Mika all the time and to top it all he's got balls of steel. I love his quick wit. "Double D" is absolutely hilarious. And I can't wait for Marcus' book.
July 23, 2016
DNF 42%
There seems to be a pretty interesting story in here but lost in the amount of sex. I love hot scenes... Obviously or I wouldn't be reading this but I also want a bit more story to balance it out overall.
There seems to be a pretty interesting story in here but lost in the amount of sex. I love hot scenes... Obviously or I wouldn't be reading this but I also want a bit more story to balance it out overall.
August 7, 2025
Zane Mitchell is the alpha of the Gila National Forest Pack. Called to a meeting with the Dux Ducis, the alpha in charge of the Southwest shifter packs, Zane is shocked to realize the Dux Ducis, Aidan Criswell, is his destined mate. Shocked, Zane runs as he is sure Aidan will not want him as a mate. Aidan is shocked to discover that Zane is his mate as well. He had been ordered to investigate him for banning a pack member because he was gay. Aidan is nothing if not relentless as he follows him to determine the facts.
Relentless turned out to be a very exciting and captivating book. The story pulls you in right away as you witness Zane having problems with the pack as well as his own feelings of inadequacy. He knows Aidan would not one such as him, so he runs. Aidan is not deterred. He truly is relentless in determining what had happened to Zane. As everything comes to light, you cannot help but feel the pain that Zane does. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal, danger, and surprises twists with their MM romance stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Relentless turned out to be a very exciting and captivating book. The story pulls you in right away as you witness Zane having problems with the pack as well as his own feelings of inadequacy. He knows Aidan would not one such as him, so he runs. Aidan is not deterred. He truly is relentless in determining what had happened to Zane. As everything comes to light, you cannot help but feel the pain that Zane does. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal, danger, and surprises twists with their MM romance stories.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2025
The author continues this series with Zane’s story. When Zane and Aiden cross paths everything changes. Zane has no idea what to do and runs but Aiden will not be deterred. What will happen when the two come together and Aiden finds out who Zane is?
I was pulled in to this story right from the start. Aiden and Zane are strong characters who find that love is something worth fighting for. There is a bit more heat than plot in this story yet overall, this is a good read. When secrets and a painful past come out will the bond be strong enough to keep Zane and Aiden together? It was nice to see the journey that they go through to find their happiness. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am interested to know what will happen next in this world.
I was pulled in to this story right from the start. Aiden and Zane are strong characters who find that love is something worth fighting for. There is a bit more heat than plot in this story yet overall, this is a good read. When secrets and a painful past come out will the bond be strong enough to keep Zane and Aiden together? It was nice to see the journey that they go through to find their happiness. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am interested to know what will happen next in this world.
January 29, 2018
This book reminded me very much of the first as in a lot of sex and little plot happening. That isn't to say I disliked it. I was quite happy to hear Zane's story after what he did to Mika. I wanted him to be redeemed because in the first book it felt like there was more to his story. Safe to say I liked this quick and easy read. But I wasn't in love with it. After reading Sandrine gasq dions shifter books, it's hard to love up to in my opinion I suppose.
April 30, 2021
As I said with the first book, there’s way too much sex! I probably cut at least an hour out of reading time just skipping it all. I mean if it’s supposed to be erotica it has a damned good plot and I really like the characters but geeze. Give it a rest for a few chapters! Without that I would have given it four stars maybe even five.
January 10, 2023
I loved the parts of Aidan & Zane but disliked Gabe/Mika. I did not like Gabe at all and I thought he was over the top (not in cute/interesting way). It came out like he was trying too hard to be cool which he was not and came out annoying / disrespectful shit. Still, did not want to lessen the rating because of them. Full 5* only for Aidan and Zane scenes.
May 9, 2016
Finally a shifter denying a mate who realizes he's dooming the other person to a life spent mateless.
A high ranking female. An alpha who did horrible things in the last book is now the MC and we see him and his failings as well as the good things. This is getting better and better!
He should fight the strongest opponent first when he is at his strongest. Then the others would probably back down. If he lost, they might still back down.
I don't want to be in another couple's head, especially during sex, even if it's the pair from the first book. This isn't about them. It feels gratuitous.
Some head hopping and Zane and Gabe and Aiden sound and so much alike that with several people doing things in a paragraph it was sometimes difficult to keep everyone straight. It was at least a chapter of two to four names every paragraph along with head hopping and I wanted to stab something. It pisses me off when I can't read at high speed. I can only justify reading this crap if I read it double time.
I'm going apeshit over this naming issue in shifter books. The names of key players shouldn't rhyme (or nearly) and have the same # of syllables!
Way too much sex. And it's not even interesting, just boring same old crap. They're on the bed or in the bathroom, penetration straight in from the front or on all fours in the hack, bottom begging for release, some alpha-y demands, always hissing when the top pulls out, a couple of normal blow jobs and one riding because if injury, although near-death didn't stop them from grinding together. Relentless is exactly the right name for this book. God it's boring. If it weren't for the excellent peril and near death and abyss stuff, I would have stopped reading long ago.
What is up with the anti-pity thing? Pity is empathy: "sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, unhappy." Why is that bad?
Throwing poison at someone wouldn't leave lines but circles, droplets.
He tried a threesome with his brother even once?? Oh but they didn't like it so that's okay? Gross gross gross. I know some readers get off on it but I find it disgusting. It isn't realistic and the book is already too far fetched. (In real life, porn star twins do it because they get paid probably more than other porn stars since it's so rare. They may get off on it but seriously, how many of us would do a threesome with our closest sibling? Excuse me, I need to go vomit now.)
The final confrontation was lame. With the huge amount of peril leading up to it, the scene was a huge disappointment. I'm happy that a heterosexual couple find their mates since in these books usually everyone but parents are gay and that unsuspected my disbelief. But I'm also frustrated that the powerful female .
More sex again. Part of me wants to go back through the book and count the sex scenes because I bet it's around 20. But I'm too bored to do that. Fortunately, nothing important happens in them so I just skimmed after a while. But really, this is a standard short shifter book made half again as long with sex scene filled. (And that doesn't count the times they run on each other and stop because they don't have time even though doing that took time and they make other people wait who know--or can hear--what they're doing.)
There's a cliffhanger in the epilogue which is so vague, it feels like the scene ended in the middle. Only when you know what the following book is about do you realize that something major just happened.
2.5 star plot minus 1 for the sex but plus 1 for the injury and peril and another .5 for the abuse/angst stuff. (Yeah, I know I'm a sick puppy.) So 3 stars
A high ranking female. An alpha who did horrible things in the last book is now the MC and we see him and his failings as well as the good things. This is getting better and better!
He should fight the strongest opponent first when he is at his strongest. Then the others would probably back down. If he lost, they might still back down.
I don't want to be in another couple's head, especially during sex, even if it's the pair from the first book. This isn't about them. It feels gratuitous.
Some head hopping and Zane and Gabe and Aiden sound and so much alike that with several people doing things in a paragraph it was sometimes difficult to keep everyone straight. It was at least a chapter of two to four names every paragraph along with head hopping and I wanted to stab something. It pisses me off when I can't read at high speed. I can only justify reading this crap if I read it double time.
I'm going apeshit over this naming issue in shifter books. The names of key players shouldn't rhyme (or nearly) and have the same # of syllables!
Way too much sex. And it's not even interesting, just boring same old crap. They're on the bed or in the bathroom, penetration straight in from the front or on all fours in the hack, bottom begging for release, some alpha-y demands, always hissing when the top pulls out, a couple of normal blow jobs and one riding because if injury, although near-death didn't stop them from grinding together. Relentless is exactly the right name for this book. God it's boring. If it weren't for the excellent peril and near death and abyss stuff, I would have stopped reading long ago.
What is up with the anti-pity thing? Pity is empathy: "sympathetic sorrow for one suffering, distressed, unhappy." Why is that bad?
Throwing poison at someone wouldn't leave lines but circles, droplets.
He tried a threesome with his brother even once?? Oh but they didn't like it so that's okay? Gross gross gross. I know some readers get off on it but I find it disgusting. It isn't realistic and the book is already too far fetched. (In real life, porn star twins do it because they get paid probably more than other porn stars since it's so rare. They may get off on it but seriously, how many of us would do a threesome with our closest sibling? Excuse me, I need to go vomit now.)
The final confrontation was lame. With the huge amount of peril leading up to it, the scene was a huge disappointment. I'm happy that a heterosexual couple find their mates since in these books usually everyone but parents are gay and that unsuspected my disbelief. But I'm also frustrated that the powerful female .
More sex again. Part of me wants to go back through the book and count the sex scenes because I bet it's around 20. But I'm too bored to do that. Fortunately, nothing important happens in them so I just skimmed after a while. But really, this is a standard short shifter book made half again as long with sex scene filled. (And that doesn't count the times they run on each other and stop because they don't have time even though doing that took time and they make other people wait who know--or can hear--what they're doing.)
There's a cliffhanger in the epilogue which is so vague, it feels like the scene ended in the middle. Only when you know what the following book is about do you realize that something major just happened.
2.5 star plot minus 1 for the sex but plus 1 for the injury and peril and another .5 for the abuse/angst stuff. (Yeah, I know I'm a sick puppy.) So 3 stars
August 16, 2015
It’s been right at a year since I read book one in the series, Rescued, so I was excited to sink my teeth into Relentless. If only everyone else had been excited for me and left me the heck alone while I read, I would have been a much happier camper today. Do you know how irritating it is to get interrupted while reading the sex scenes? A Bailey Bradford hot as heck sex scene? Repeatedly? Let’s just say that I felt Zane’s pain when Aiden made him wait … or when Gabe interrupted them … lol.
Although I didn’t immediately remember Zane from the first book, Bradford uses a mandatory meeting of the alphas as a way of making sure a new reader (or a forgetful one) has all the pertinent info as to who Zane is and the part he played in Mika’s ejection from the Gila pack. But that info is rendered almost meaningless when Zane finds out who his mate is and it’s not good considering all that Zane has done as the Gila Alpha; which causes him to leave the meeting before his mate can recover from his shock. Oh yes. Zane’s mate is male. Even better, Aiden is the #2 among all the alphas – the Dux Ducis – second only to the Alpha Anax, who is his twin brother. It turns out that finding his mate is only the beginning of Zane’s troubles when he learns on his way home that there are three wolves set to challenge him for the position of Alpha. When they decide to ambush him, he fights for the sake of his pack even as he questions his suitability to remain Alpha. Once Zane secures his place as Alpha, he immediately appoints the new Alpha and sets out make amends for the wrongs he did as leader of the Gila pack. Just as Zane turns up at Mika and Gabe’s front door, Aiden is on his way to Gila to find out why he was mated with a man whom everyone believed to be a heterosexual bigot. I know, right?!?!? Aiden is relieved to learn of his mate’s location before getting all the way to Gila – that is, until he meets Gabe. Good grief, you gotta love Gabe and his refusal to give respect before it’s earned. The beauty of Gabe being human means the Alpha vibe is ineffective on him and that makes for a boatload of humorous scenes throughout the book. And Gabe’s spatula-wielding antics go a long way in evening out the mood of the book as Zane’s secrets are revealed – at times, even to himself.
One of the many things I enjoyed about this book was that Bradford gave fans of the series the chance to catch up with Mika and Gabe while they got to watch Aiden show Zane of his intent to keep his mate no matter what. As a large part of the book takes place at Mika and Gabe’s house, we are not only treated to the scorching hot sex scenes between the newly mated Aiden and Zane, but we also get to share in Mika and Gabe’s moments of intimacy as well. Because Zane has a lot of healing to do from the ambush, Aiden takes the opportunity to get to know his mate and to help him overcome not only his physical injuries, but his emotional ones as well. Despite what appears to be a heavy focus on romance, sex, and relationship development, Bradford has no problem writing action scenes that will leave you wondering if all of the good guys are going to make it or not. I enjoyed the heck out of Relentless and look forward to reading the next book in the Southwestern Shifters series soon.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Although I didn’t immediately remember Zane from the first book, Bradford uses a mandatory meeting of the alphas as a way of making sure a new reader (or a forgetful one) has all the pertinent info as to who Zane is and the part he played in Mika’s ejection from the Gila pack. But that info is rendered almost meaningless when Zane finds out who his mate is and it’s not good considering all that Zane has done as the Gila Alpha; which causes him to leave the meeting before his mate can recover from his shock. Oh yes. Zane’s mate is male. Even better, Aiden is the #2 among all the alphas – the Dux Ducis – second only to the Alpha Anax, who is his twin brother. It turns out that finding his mate is only the beginning of Zane’s troubles when he learns on his way home that there are three wolves set to challenge him for the position of Alpha. When they decide to ambush him, he fights for the sake of his pack even as he questions his suitability to remain Alpha. Once Zane secures his place as Alpha, he immediately appoints the new Alpha and sets out make amends for the wrongs he did as leader of the Gila pack. Just as Zane turns up at Mika and Gabe’s front door, Aiden is on his way to Gila to find out why he was mated with a man whom everyone believed to be a heterosexual bigot. I know, right?!?!? Aiden is relieved to learn of his mate’s location before getting all the way to Gila – that is, until he meets Gabe. Good grief, you gotta love Gabe and his refusal to give respect before it’s earned. The beauty of Gabe being human means the Alpha vibe is ineffective on him and that makes for a boatload of humorous scenes throughout the book. And Gabe’s spatula-wielding antics go a long way in evening out the mood of the book as Zane’s secrets are revealed – at times, even to himself.
One of the many things I enjoyed about this book was that Bradford gave fans of the series the chance to catch up with Mika and Gabe while they got to watch Aiden show Zane of his intent to keep his mate no matter what. As a large part of the book takes place at Mika and Gabe’s house, we are not only treated to the scorching hot sex scenes between the newly mated Aiden and Zane, but we also get to share in Mika and Gabe’s moments of intimacy as well. Because Zane has a lot of healing to do from the ambush, Aiden takes the opportunity to get to know his mate and to help him overcome not only his physical injuries, but his emotional ones as well. Despite what appears to be a heavy focus on romance, sex, and relationship development, Bradford has no problem writing action scenes that will leave you wondering if all of the good guys are going to make it or not. I enjoyed the heck out of Relentless and look forward to reading the next book in the Southwestern Shifters series soon.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
June 4, 2015
Well...took me almost a year to pick this book up and read it but I finally did it. Unfortunately, while it wasn't bad, it wasn't all that great either. I didn't like Aidan's attitude one bit. I don't have a problem with anyone being domineering in bed when the relationship itself is balanced. Unfortunately I don't think that was the case with these two. Zane, while a former alpha, was still very strong and the idea you get with Aidan's actions is that because he was abused as a child by his uncle and therefore a little vulnerable emotionally, he's no longer strong enough to be able to make his own damn mind and needs not only to be protected all the damn time but also constantly dominated. I hated it. I know the intention of this author was to make the sex scenes all hot and sexy but for me they weren't precisely because it annoyed me like hell the way Aidan was constantly undermining Zane. The first thought Zane has when he stops at Mika's house and really lets himself think about a male mate is how he doesn't think he can just bottom for anyone and, while I fully admit he can change his f*cking mind whenever he wants, he doesn't actually get to because Aidan pretty much stops him from doing it. He immediately jumps into the sex wagon and never even asks if Zane is certain of anything. He simply assumes that's what's gonna happen and it pisses me off a lot. Particularly after reading a book where a guy who had never bottomed for anyone before did so for months so his new boyfriend (a straight guy who had never even considered other guys before) felt ready to try. I'm not saying it's wrong for Zane to be a bottom because he was an alpha. He can do whatever the f*ck he wants. My issue is with Aidan not even considering that it might be difficult for Zane and his assumption that he would just roll over for him. Then again I'm a woman and maybe that kind of sh*t doesn't even come to mind with two guys and I'm just projecting my reaction had it been with me.
2.5 ★
2.5 ★
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2014
Zane is ashamed of what he did to Mikah and knows he diserves every bit of bad pointed his way, but when the head of the teritory turn out to be his mate he flees. Because why does he diserve a mate espically one as amazing as Aiden. Yea so he wasn't expexting to mate to a guy, but he's not unhappy about it either. Problem is he's never gonna be good enough so he runs.
His mate just ran and it's not until he finds out who it is that he unterstands why. After all how does the guy who kicked out a man from his pack for being gay turn out to be his mate? With too many questions and no answers he has to decide weather or not to go after him and see if there's more to the story than anyone knew. But when the truth comes out how will it be handled?
Aiden is an alpha male to the core and hard headed to boot, but when he knows what he wants he goes after it with a passion. Zane is a sweetie no two ways about it, when we met him in book 1 he was the bad guy, but now we find out he wasn't so bad after all. I loved seeing him open up and work through everything that has happend and is happening to him. The journey between the two opens you up to seeing new troubles in the shifter world and you feel even more a part of it as the story goes on.
Then you have Mikah and Gabe making apperances throughout and my oh my what a BLAST!!!! If I loved them in the first one it's even better now. And the humor throughout definitley keeps you on your toes!!!
His mate just ran and it's not until he finds out who it is that he unterstands why. After all how does the guy who kicked out a man from his pack for being gay turn out to be his mate? With too many questions and no answers he has to decide weather or not to go after him and see if there's more to the story than anyone knew. But when the truth comes out how will it be handled?
Aiden is an alpha male to the core and hard headed to boot, but when he knows what he wants he goes after it with a passion. Zane is a sweetie no two ways about it, when we met him in book 1 he was the bad guy, but now we find out he wasn't so bad after all. I loved seeing him open up and work through everything that has happend and is happening to him. The journey between the two opens you up to seeing new troubles in the shifter world and you feel even more a part of it as the story goes on.
Then you have Mikah and Gabe making apperances throughout and my oh my what a BLAST!!!! If I loved them in the first one it's even better now. And the humor throughout definitley keeps you on your toes!!!
August 13, 2015
This is book two, and even though we have overlap with characters and story the author does a good job at explaining enough of the first story so you can read as stand alone.
I have read in order, and I liked this one better. Zane, the Alpha of Mika old pack has been called to a meeting in which he realizes his mate is there and is a male. Aidan an openly gay shifter, at first doesn’t understand why Zane runs until he is told who and what Zane is and did. After some talking to, Aiden decides to go after his new mate, but finds it may be too late.
This book is all about rediscovering ones self and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the banter between Aiden and his security team as well as his brother. I knew from the first book that there had to be more to Zane story then him just being a jerk so I’m glad we found out the complete background and he got closure and can start healing. As well as Mika. I have to add though, Gabe was really starting to aggravate me with his ‘I’m not pack’ so therefor I’m be as sarcastic as I want to be attitude. I think the only thing that saved me from complete disliking him is knowing he’s not a 100 pound whining twink. But I do hope that he starts to fade out of the rest of this series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews.
I have read in order, and I liked this one better. Zane, the Alpha of Mika old pack has been called to a meeting in which he realizes his mate is there and is a male. Aidan an openly gay shifter, at first doesn’t understand why Zane runs until he is told who and what Zane is and did. After some talking to, Aiden decides to go after his new mate, but finds it may be too late.
This book is all about rediscovering ones self and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the banter between Aiden and his security team as well as his brother. I knew from the first book that there had to be more to Zane story then him just being a jerk so I’m glad we found out the complete background and he got closure and can start healing. As well as Mika. I have to add though, Gabe was really starting to aggravate me with his ‘I’m not pack’ so therefor I’m be as sarcastic as I want to be attitude. I think the only thing that saved me from complete disliking him is knowing he’s not a 100 pound whining twink. But I do hope that he starts to fade out of the rest of this series.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviews.
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