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Change of Heart #2
Trusted Bond
Jin Rayne is having trouble adjusting to the new life he’s supposed to love. Instead of adapting to being the mate of tribe leader Logan Church, Jin can't get past the fact that his lover was straight before they met. He's discovered the joy in belonging to Logan but fears his new life could disappear at a moment’s notice, despite Logan's insistence that they are forever, end of story.
Jin wants to trust Logan, but that desire will be put to the test both by a rival tribe leader and by a startling revelation about Jin's existence. At stake is Jin's life and his place in the tribe. If he's going to survive to see Logan again, he'll have to release his fear and freely accept the bond, for only then can he truly trust.
Jin wants to trust Logan, but that desire will be put to the test both by a rival tribe leader and by a startling revelation about Jin's existence. At stake is Jin's life and his place in the tribe. If he's going to survive to see Logan again, he'll have to release his fear and freely accept the bond, for only then can he truly trust.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2010
146 people are currently reading
1566 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,016 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
March 6, 2020
Why do I read gay romance when I'm not male or gay? I dunno. Something different. I've read male/female romances all my life and I don't have a homophobic bone in my body, so this works for me sometimes... I'm also wishing there were some better writers in this genre, like T.J. Klune who is awesome, because I have found a lot of mediocrity here. Books that are "fine" but not great. This is one of them.
Oh Henry Cavill, did they get to you too? You don't even look that hot in this gif. They totally "meh'ed" you.
There, fixed it.
Okay, so this is a second book in the series so you know something has to happen to screw with our couple, right? How about a nice kidnapping and torture that goes on way too long and is horrifying? Something so terrible that the poor character will never sleep comfortably again because they will definitely have PTSD? It's like the author looked at her character, a brain child that she created with love and sweat and said:
Holy crap, what is that thing? I think it is fucking me up. With its cuteness.
gimme gimme gimme.
Yeah, so that is the main part of the story. There is a ton of other stuff - additional kidnappings and abuse, as well as a few attempted rapes, but really the torture takes center stage here. It's hard to out-do a horrific torture. Oh, and there is relationship drama. New couple.
Overall it was okay. I'm going to finish the series because I do like the characters. Maybe they will keep getting better.
Oh Henry Cavill, did they get to you too? You don't even look that hot in this gif. They totally "meh'ed" you.
There, fixed it.
Okay, so this is a second book in the series so you know something has to happen to screw with our couple, right? How about a nice kidnapping and torture that goes on way too long and is horrifying? Something so terrible that the poor character will never sleep comfortably again because they will definitely have PTSD? It's like the author looked at her character, a brain child that she created with love and sweat and said:
Holy crap, what is that thing? I think it is fucking me up. With its cuteness.
gimme gimme gimme.
Yeah, so that is the main part of the story. There is a ton of other stuff - additional kidnappings and abuse, as well as a few attempted rapes, but really the torture takes center stage here. It's hard to out-do a horrific torture. Oh, and there is relationship drama. New couple.
Overall it was okay. I'm going to finish the series because I do like the characters. Maybe they will keep getting better.
March 3, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might Contain Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Second re-read: 03.03.2021
The author's main male character in this one and in at least two others are so goddamn alike! Especially with their reaction to something bad happening to them, and with everyone wanting to touch them or wanting to be around them/in their personal space. When I have read two different series of this author one after another, it's really noticeable. And I'm not sure I like it. That said, I love the animalistic side to Mary Calmes characters in this book, however, Logan wasn't that much in this book and frankly, it's difficult to connect to Jin. I still like it, somewhat - I mean why else would I keep coming back for it?
Trigger:
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*What's wrong with me?*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 24.05.2017
I don't understand myself. I mean, this book, series, is really not the best out there, nor is it my favorite. Hell, I'm not even sure I like it, but still I found myself coming back. I just freaking read it in April!?! Jesus, what is wrong with me?! Seriously, there's must be something about Mary Calmes...
First read review:
I wasn't supposed to continue with this series as I was disappointed with book #1, but here I am... The tribe leader Logan Church (32) and Jin Rayne (24) the mate of the tribe leader are cute together. Really, they are. I just wished...there were more. Jin gets and I think that it's weird and wrong that nothing more is being done. I just need more from the characters and the story...
Glossary:
“Sometimes the choices others make take ours from us. Do you understand?”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Logan Church.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars
January 29, 2020
3 stars
The first time I picked this book up was in the Summer and afer reading 28%, I put it on hold and now I picked it up again. Jin’s arguing with Logan was exhausting, I don’t know someone with his confidence why had insecurities like Jin! Another thing is with what Laurent did to Jin, I expected him to get a little bit traumatic but he was like himself (even he became more powerful) and the only thing he was thinking was Logan Logan logan...! Yeah, definitely OTT! Told in single POV, 1st person, it’s the second istallment in the "Change of Heart" series and has to be read in order. It’s a bit angsty and has some dark elements (but I don’t count in as a dark story). As for the pacing, it dragged at some places. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
The first time I picked this book up was in the Summer and afer reading 28%, I put it on hold and now I picked it up again. Jin’s arguing with Logan was exhausting, I don’t know someone with his confidence why had insecurities like Jin! Another thing is with what Laurent did to Jin, I expected him to get a little bit traumatic but he was like himself (even he became more powerful) and the only thing he was thinking was Logan Logan logan...! Yeah, definitely OTT! Told in single POV, 1st person, it’s the second istallment in the "Change of Heart" series and has to be read in order. It’s a bit angsty and has some dark elements (but I don’t count in as a dark story). As for the pacing, it dragged at some places. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
August 15, 2016
Re-read 8-14-16 Still in Love!! ❤️❤️❤️
Another hit! I am so loving Jin and Logan! I gotta say though, as much as I enjoyed this book it was hell on my nerves! OMG! what these two go through (well Jin mostly). And i will admit that if you don’t love these two guys, this book could seriously piss you off in my opinion. Jin never gets a break, he goes from one to situation to an even worse one. Jin in his heart is waiting for his new found home and security to end. Logan is forever reassuring him and then outside forces pull them apart.
This was fun, exciting, steamy, funny, sad and irritating at times! I had to text my girl Macky more then once with one of my rants! but after some encouragement and a drink I would dive back in. LOL. Honestly, though I enjoyed every moment of it. I was never ever bored!
Let’s talk about sex…OMG! Yes, it’s still panties on fire hot! When they are finally reunited I might have drooled a little on my kindle. Oh dear lord, oh dear lord!!!
And like I said in the review of the first book, I love the customs, the world building, everyone’s different positions in the tribe. I love this stuff! There was action, trauma, sadness, heat and chemistry that was off the scale! There was also a frustration factor for me, at times. Just when I thought they would get a break, chaos would erupt again. But, then there would be reunion sex to enjoy and retribution to witness! YES! So when i was trying to decide my rating, I couldn’t go less than 5 stars. The fact is I was hooked to this story! As much as I ranted, I was not able to put it down. I love this world, these two guys, I am so loving this!! Onto the next book….
Another hit! I am so loving Jin and Logan! I gotta say though, as much as I enjoyed this book it was hell on my nerves! OMG! what these two go through (well Jin mostly). And i will admit that if you don’t love these two guys, this book could seriously piss you off in my opinion. Jin never gets a break, he goes from one to situation to an even worse one. Jin in his heart is waiting for his new found home and security to end. Logan is forever reassuring him and then outside forces pull them apart.
This was fun, exciting, steamy, funny, sad and irritating at times! I had to text my girl Macky more then once with one of my rants! but after some encouragement and a drink I would dive back in. LOL. Honestly, though I enjoyed every moment of it. I was never ever bored!
Let’s talk about sex…OMG! Yes, it’s still panties on fire hot! When they are finally reunited I might have drooled a little on my kindle. Oh dear lord, oh dear lord!!!
And like I said in the review of the first book, I love the customs, the world building, everyone’s different positions in the tribe. I love this stuff! There was action, trauma, sadness, heat and chemistry that was off the scale! There was also a frustration factor for me, at times. Just when I thought they would get a break, chaos would erupt again. But, then there would be reunion sex to enjoy and retribution to witness! YES! So when i was trying to decide my rating, I couldn’t go less than 5 stars. The fact is I was hooked to this story! As much as I ranted, I was not able to put it down. I love this world, these two guys, I am so loving this!! Onto the next book….
January 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was equal parts frustrating and nerve wracking, as I vacillated greatly from being enraged, indignant, and melting into goo.
So yes, this had classic Jory and Sam overtones. However, overlay it with a confounding culture steeped in legends, barbaric rules, and mad power plays, and you get one crazy story. Are you surprised?? Surely not.
Here, Jin comes into his own in more ways than one. He goes from annoyingly insecure to seriously strong, as his love for Logan is tested over and over, bringing about a change in him that no one could predict. The consequences of such make these two a formidable pair - which of course, in this wackadoodle werepanther world, can only mean one thing.
Trouble.
And though I'm a lot apprehensive, I've got to say, this is still one enticing carrot dangling in my face.
Thank you Meags for being equally emotionally up in arms throughout this wild ride of a story! We have no choice but to move forward!!
This was equal parts frustrating and nerve wracking, as I vacillated greatly from being enraged, indignant, and melting into goo.
So yes, this had classic Jory and Sam overtones. However, overlay it with a confounding culture steeped in legends, barbaric rules, and mad power plays, and you get one crazy story. Are you surprised?? Surely not.
Here, Jin comes into his own in more ways than one. He goes from annoyingly insecure to seriously strong, as his love for Logan is tested over and over, bringing about a change in him that no one could predict. The consequences of such make these two a formidable pair - which of course, in this wackadoodle werepanther world, can only mean one thing.
Trouble.
And though I'm a lot apprehensive, I've got to say, this is still one enticing carrot dangling in my face.
Thank you Meags for being equally emotionally up in arms throughout this wild ride of a story! We have no choice but to move forward!!
May 26, 2022
I cannot stress this enough - THIS IS NOT A STANDARD FLUFFY ROMANCE - these shifter stories have bite.
I had a lot of fun listening to Jeff Gelder's narration. That's not to say I don't miss Sean Crisden's narration, because I do. I miss Crane's Muppet voice and Logan's growly Batman voice, but I'm weird, I know. I'm always skeptical and worried when they go with another narrator mid-series. Luckily Jeff Gelder does a decent job, though, for the sticklers: He does mispronounce several words, and names, and he repeats several sentences, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the performance overall.
I love the werepanther world Calmes has built. In Book two of the series, Jin and Logan are mated, but that doesn't mean that everything's calmed down, the opposite is far more true. Their growing pains trying to assimilate to the enormous changes in their lives is fascinating, maddening, and fantastic!
I loved the parts when I got to see some of Logan's struggle to be the number one in Jin's life...
This was a hard story to read in a lot of places. For the majority of the story Jin and Logan are kept apart in ways that are fucking brutal to read/listen to. It's definitely NOT for the faint of heart. But, in the end we get to see a BAMF! Jin make his way back to Logan's side, and all becomes right in their world again.
Look, I'm not going to lie...Mary Calmes just does it for me. The insta-love, the sarcasm, the humor, the pain in the ass MC...it all works for me. The alpha / dominant who's also able to let his lover be himself hits all my tingly spots.
Sure, it's not going to be for everyone but, for me, it was a super enjoyable read and for those who love Calmes' work, I don't think they'll be disappointed with the series.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Read: 09/2014, 10/2014, 11/2014, 12/2014, 01/2015, 02/2015, 03/2015, 04/2015, 05/2015, 06/2015, 07/2015, 08/2015
I had a lot of fun listening to Jeff Gelder's narration. That's not to say I don't miss Sean Crisden's narration, because I do. I miss Crane's Muppet voice and Logan's growly Batman voice, but I'm weird, I know. I'm always skeptical and worried when they go with another narrator mid-series. Luckily Jeff Gelder does a decent job, though, for the sticklers: He does mispronounce several words, and names, and he repeats several sentences, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the performance overall.
I love the werepanther world Calmes has built. In Book two of the series, Jin and Logan are mated, but that doesn't mean that everything's calmed down, the opposite is far more true. Their growing pains trying to assimilate to the enormous changes in their lives is fascinating, maddening, and fantastic!
I loved the parts when I got to see some of Logan's struggle to be the number one in Jin's life...
“I’m your mate! There is nothing or no one I care about more than you, but first, before anything, I am semel to your reah. Your semel! If you’re hurt, you call me. If you’re sad, you call me. If you need protection or love or… anything––you call me! I am the one you turn to for all things. No one else, only me!”
“We’re different, it’s true, but not enough to matter and never enough to be apart. I don’t need to be everything; I just need to be close to it, because for me…you’re all there is.”
This was a hard story to read in a lot of places. For the majority of the story Jin and Logan are kept apart in ways that are fucking brutal to read/listen to. It's definitely NOT for the faint of heart. But, in the end we get to see a BAMF! Jin make his way back to Logan's side, and all becomes right in their world again.
“You have to have me with you. I’m your mate, Logan Church, and I am necessary.”
“More than that,” he groaned deep in the back of his throat, dropping to one knee, unable to take even one more step. “You’re it, you’re all there is.”
Look, I'm not going to lie...Mary Calmes just does it for me. The insta-love, the sarcasm, the humor, the pain in the ass MC...it all works for me. The alpha / dominant who's also able to let his lover be himself hits all my tingly spots.
Sure, it's not going to be for everyone but, for me, it was a super enjoyable read and for those who love Calmes' work, I don't think they'll be disappointed with the series.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
Read: 09/2014, 10/2014, 11/2014, 12/2014, 01/2015, 02/2015, 03/2015, 04/2015, 05/2015, 06/2015, 07/2015, 08/2015
September 25, 2015
This was good, but the kidnapping and torture and fight scenes took me out of the Jim/Logan romance and relationship. It lagged for me in the middle.
Still, this book fucking rocked! Can't wait to read the next one.
Still, this book fucking rocked! Can't wait to read the next one.
October 6, 2024
I feel pretty much exactly the same as my original review. It might have been even more difficult to re-read though.
Re-Read 2023
*******
Whoa. This one hurt my heart a lot. There were parts of this that were very difficult to read but I just couldn't stop. I was very scared and very anxious for a lot of this book. But, this is Mary and I knew without a doubt that the beautiful that would come would make up for all the pain. And yeah, it really, really did. I am just head over heels in love with Jin and Logan. I just want to snuggle them both up and listen to them purr and growl :) So freaking good.
Read.
Re-Read 2023
*******
Whoa. This one hurt my heart a lot. There were parts of this that were very difficult to read but I just couldn't stop. I was very scared and very anxious for a lot of this book. But, this is Mary and I knew without a doubt that the beautiful that would come would make up for all the pain. And yeah, it really, really did. I am just head over heels in love with Jin and Logan. I just want to snuggle them both up and listen to them purr and growl :) So freaking good.
Read.
January 31, 2014
still, incredibly, absurdly, boner-summoningly hot.
plus, a great chase scene and a couple of decent reveals.
just like a cadet at a military academy in your typical MM-romanze:
dumb, hung, full of cum.
(and way-way fun.)
plus, a great chase scene and a couple of decent reveals.
just like a cadet at a military academy in your typical MM-romanze:
dumb, hung, full of cum.
(and way-way fun.)
February 14, 2017
This one starts off with a bit of:
And some:
Which leads to a lot of:
Mary loses her shit in the middle and goes hardcore on Jin. I mean we have an absolutely cuckoo for cocoa puffs semel situation. Followed by a kind of unstable sheseran followed by a cuckoo for cocoa puffs semel-aten. The semel-aten wants himself a wosret, the cheeky bugger, and well Jin is rare so you know, gotta have some of that.
Not confusing at all right?
So!! I'm still not sure what's happening but I'm also still faking it and by doing so I'm kind of making it. The thing I'm finding most difficult is matching the names to the titles. Ivan for instance almost broke my brain. I sat staring off into space trying to match him up for far longer than I should have. I read Mary Calmes so I can switch off not so I have to sit and think. Ivan by the way was Domin's sylvan.
There are so many people to keep track of. So many. Let's have a little example shall we?
“You sent Yuri up the mountain to the hunting grounds with Ivan and some of the others; you sent me to Delphine, sent Markel to talk to Christophe with Peter, and Domin was gone, and Logan was gone, and Mikhail and Koren were at Simone’s mating ceremony…. Who exactly took care of you? Eva?”
I mean come on!!!
I can now translate this into tribe speak though.
“You sent the sheseru up the mountain to the hunting grounds with the (former) sylvan and some of the others; you sent me (beset) to Delphine, sent the (former) sheseru to talk to the semel with Peter, and the (former) semel/maahes was gone, and the semel-re was gone, and the sylvan and Koren were at the aset's mating ceremony…. Who exactly took care of you? Eva?”
That's all in my brain now. I forget where I put me keys and what I walked into a room for but that I remember. I judge myself really.
So it's complicated, but I'm okay with that. I'm looking at it as a challenge. There are plot holes. So many plot holes but I'm also okay with overlooking them cause it's Mary. Jin is Jory and Logan is Sam, what's not to love there? Lots and lots of growly alpha smexy time and they are all panthers, how wonderful. My biggest problem? The thing that makes me want to fuck the kindle against the wall? (Joking, I'd never, ever do that.)
The fact that these particular cats have fucking terrible hearing!! Being able to eavesdrop and sneak up on other shifters and have conversations under your breath in the presence of shifters?
I took a star off for that. We need to keep it realistic people!! I mean FFS!!!
And some:
Which leads to a lot of:
Mary loses her shit in the middle and goes hardcore on Jin. I mean we have an absolutely cuckoo for cocoa puffs semel situation. Followed by a kind of unstable sheseran followed by a cuckoo for cocoa puffs semel-aten. The semel-aten wants himself a wosret, the cheeky bugger, and well Jin is rare so you know, gotta have some of that.
Not confusing at all right?
So!! I'm still not sure what's happening but I'm also still faking it and by doing so I'm kind of making it. The thing I'm finding most difficult is matching the names to the titles. Ivan for instance almost broke my brain. I sat staring off into space trying to match him up for far longer than I should have. I read Mary Calmes so I can switch off not so I have to sit and think. Ivan by the way was Domin's sylvan.
There are so many people to keep track of. So many. Let's have a little example shall we?
“You sent Yuri up the mountain to the hunting grounds with Ivan and some of the others; you sent me to Delphine, sent Markel to talk to Christophe with Peter, and Domin was gone, and Logan was gone, and Mikhail and Koren were at Simone’s mating ceremony…. Who exactly took care of you? Eva?”
I mean come on!!!
I can now translate this into tribe speak though.
“You sent the sheseru up the mountain to the hunting grounds with the (former) sylvan and some of the others; you sent me (beset) to Delphine, sent the (former) sheseru to talk to the semel with Peter, and the (former) semel/maahes was gone, and the semel-re was gone, and the sylvan and Koren were at the aset's mating ceremony…. Who exactly took care of you? Eva?”
That's all in my brain now. I forget where I put me keys and what I walked into a room for but that I remember. I judge myself really.
So it's complicated, but I'm okay with that. I'm looking at it as a challenge. There are plot holes. So many plot holes but I'm also okay with overlooking them cause it's Mary. Jin is Jory and Logan is Sam, what's not to love there? Lots and lots of growly alpha smexy time and they are all panthers, how wonderful. My biggest problem? The thing that makes me want to fuck the kindle against the wall? (Joking, I'd never, ever do that.)
The fact that these particular cats have fucking terrible hearing!! Being able to eavesdrop and sneak up on other shifters and have conversations under your breath in the presence of shifters?
I took a star off for that. We need to keep it realistic people!! I mean FFS!!!
March 13, 2016
4 Stars
I'm so pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed this story as much as I did. For me, it was a great step up from the often irrational madness of its predecessor.
Disregarding the silliness and the frustration caused by the first 15% of this story, I finally warmed to Jin and Logan as characters and as a mated pair, which was something I struggled with in Change of Heart.
I liked the overall story arc too, and I'm definitely on my way to being fully invested in the lives of the various members of the Mafdet tribe.
Thanks to R for another awesome BR! I almost had as much fun discussing the book as I had reading it. Book #3, here we come!
I'm so pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed this story as much as I did. For me, it was a great step up from the often irrational madness of its predecessor.
Disregarding the silliness and the frustration caused by the first 15% of this story, I finally warmed to Jin and Logan as characters and as a mated pair, which was something I struggled with in Change of Heart.
I liked the overall story arc too, and I'm definitely on my way to being fully invested in the lives of the various members of the Mafdet tribe.
Thanks to R for another awesome BR! I almost had as much fun discussing the book as I had reading it. Book #3, here we come!
January 8, 2014
5 stars first time around, and 5 stars again for the second. OMG! I'm having a fantastic time revisiting Jin, Logan and all their panther gang! I adore this series every sizzling, dramatic, conflict ridden page of it. I'm not afraid to say I'm a massive Mary Calmes fan girl and her guys always give me ( and themselves < wink> ) great pleasure.
I'd forgotten how on the edge of your seat, frustratingly exciting this one gets. My god, how any of these guys survive a whole day is anybody's guess, but they do and they take you on an a real roller coaster ride with them. Like always I was glued to my Kindle, sometimes wanting to throw it but most of the time holding it in sweaty paws!
Sex scenes to blow the top of your head off, lots of really nasty baddies and a storyline that keeps you on your toes because the panther lore is really indepth. In fact it can have you scratching your head a bit if you're not careful because there are so many different hierarchies so its a good job there's a glossary to look back on.The Egyptian feel adds a nice touch to the whole world that Mary has built around her panther communities and gives it an almost fantasy feel at times. In this particular book, Jins own metamorphosis becomes really exciting, adding even more to his and Logan's volatile yet ultra passionate relationship.
Talking about Jin and Logan.. WOWSER!! Those two drive each other potty sometimes, Jin himself just seems to be one hell of a trouble magnet but personally I love that. Make him a more logical character and the whole story would just lose its impetus, anyway whenever he puts himself in the path of danger, it just makes the love scenes and make up sex between him and Logan even more squirmy and tingly!
On to book 3 and even at this stage I'm sort of dreading the moment when I've finally done the rounds again. I'm having such a fabulous time with the series. Awesome!
I'd forgotten how on the edge of your seat, frustratingly exciting this one gets. My god, how any of these guys survive a whole day is anybody's guess, but they do and they take you on an a real roller coaster ride with them. Like always I was glued to my Kindle, sometimes wanting to throw it but most of the time holding it in sweaty paws!
Sex scenes to blow the top of your head off, lots of really nasty baddies and a storyline that keeps you on your toes because the panther lore is really indepth. In fact it can have you scratching your head a bit if you're not careful because there are so many different hierarchies so its a good job there's a glossary to look back on.The Egyptian feel adds a nice touch to the whole world that Mary has built around her panther communities and gives it an almost fantasy feel at times. In this particular book, Jins own metamorphosis becomes really exciting, adding even more to his and Logan's volatile yet ultra passionate relationship.
Talking about Jin and Logan.. WOWSER!! Those two drive each other potty sometimes, Jin himself just seems to be one hell of a trouble magnet but personally I love that. Make him a more logical character and the whole story would just lose its impetus, anyway whenever he puts himself in the path of danger, it just makes the love scenes and make up sex between him and Logan even more squirmy and tingly!
On to book 3 and even at this stage I'm sort of dreading the moment when I've finally done the rounds again. I'm having such a fabulous time with the series. Awesome!
April 20, 2019
3.5*
The previous book ‘Change of Heart’ started incredibly well. But it was dragged down by inconsistencies.
This book started badly (for me anyway) Jin annoyed me from the get go and I was ready to call it quits. But I kept reading and it became a crazy OTT strangely addictive read. Jin is like Jory on steroids but his drama is far more dangerous than Jory’s ever was.
I’m still not completely sold on this series but I’m sure I will beat some point. I’m continuing on with the next book so fingers crossed for me.
The previous book ‘Change of Heart’ started incredibly well. But it was dragged down by inconsistencies.
This book started badly (for me anyway) Jin annoyed me from the get go and I was ready to call it quits. But I kept reading and it became a crazy OTT strangely addictive read. Jin is like Jory on steroids but his drama is far more dangerous than Jory’s ever was.
I’m still not completely sold on this series but I’m sure I will beat some point. I’m continuing on with the next book so fingers crossed for me.
August 27, 2020
I want to give this 4 stars, because it reads fast, it's enjoyable and memorable and so much happened, but the relationship makes me uncomfortable sometimes, so I just can't.
December 26, 2010
I really enjoy watching a writer deepen her craft, and I think that's something that's apparent in Trusted Bond. Mary Calmes is the master of charming and witty dialog and the HAWT sex scene, and we see that here, but we also see a flawed character, a hurt, frightened man, and a terrible enemy, all in the sarcastic, likable person of Jin Rayne. Logan Church, his mate has flaws as well--but just enough to make him a dream guy, and like Jin, I can't get enough of 'looking' at him on the page. The plot was tight and frightening in places, and the ending was highly satisfying, and the prose smooth and flowing and always utterly engaging. This book was fun and entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed myself
December 13, 2025
Re-Read 2016 for the third time. Still love it - very dramatic and satisfying! This had a very different feel than the first in the series. It really is primarily focused on Jin - and Logan almost felt like a side character. Since I love dark and deviant I loved the whole Laurent thing..of course I also like abuse/damaged characters and the one's who heal them so that helped. Overall really this was a 3.5 but I'm rounding up because of the way the author added so many universe details. I thought it dragged a bit about 75% in - and I kept waiting for it to end and it just kept going and I don't know whether I wanted it to end earlier or if I was just so emotionally exhausted from all the drama. Calmes remains one of my favorite MM authors!
January 1, 2011
Well, thank the Lord that what I thought was going to happen because of a careless comment to save someone else's rear didn't actually occur. I was so sure it was going to that I couldn't sleep last night, I was so emotionally involved in the middle of this book. (I put it down in a bad place, but I just had to get to bed.)
I absolutely love Jin and Logan (the covers of the books help too!), and I really enjoyed the examination of the semel/reah bond between them in this book. It felt right to me all the way through, although I do admit that Logan seemed a lot more at peace with others being near/touching his mate just six months later, and that didn't quite feel right based on the first book.
I also enjoyed the discovery of why Jin can be/is a male reah. There is a reason behind it, other than 'fluke'. I got to see all the things that I wanted to see in this story, and I was really pleased with it as a sequel. And I will still read more about them if there is more story to tell! (I want to see kids! And Crane's HEA.)
I absolutely love Jin and Logan (the covers of the books help too!), and I really enjoyed the examination of the semel/reah bond between them in this book. It felt right to me all the way through, although I do admit that Logan seemed a lot more at peace with others being near/touching his mate just six months later, and that didn't quite feel right based on the first book.
I also enjoyed the discovery of why Jin can be/is a male reah. There is a reason behind it, other than 'fluke'. I got to see all the things that I wanted to see in this story, and I was really pleased with it as a sequel. And I will still read more about them if there is more story to tell! (I want to see kids! And Crane's HEA.)
October 8, 2015
Now Jin is getting used to his new life as Logan and Mafdet Tribe’s Reah, but without compromising his very own independence (which is good I relate to that) but the thing here, is that even if he is all peace and love with everyone, he can’t stop making everyone else around him, crave for him… which, of course develops into great problems…
So basically 80% of this book was like this:
MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine!
Then Jin, in the middle of it
Then Logan realizing of it
The interesting part comes when, finally, someone… some sort of ancient priest explains Jin’s background, given that he’s not a simple reah but something entirely different that I can’t remember right now something like a nekhet cat which means he goes all chimera likes and transform into every single animal he can think of… and the only one who can make him go back is… LOGAN
All of that sprinkled with lots of :
So basically 80% of this book was like this:
MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine! MINE!, No is Mine!
Then Jin, in the middle of it
Then Logan realizing of it
The interesting part comes when, finally, someone… some sort of ancient priest explains Jin’s background, given that he’s not a simple reah but something entirely different that I can’t remember right now something like a nekhet cat which means he goes all chimera likes and transform into every single animal he can think of… and the only one who can make him go back is… LOGAN
All of that sprinkled with lots of :
January 20, 2018
4.25 stars
Now, the first time I read this I gave this book 2 stars. But I’m so glad my fellow Mary addicts gently nudged me in the direction of this series again. And I couldn’t be more thankful! Because I really loved it this time (book people can be so weird with their changing tastes….).
It’s been 6 months since Jin became Logan’s mate, but Jin still has trouble believing Logan truly loves him and is not simply overcome by hormones because of their bond. And that’s why Jin doesn’t immediately call Logan when Jin gets attacked in his own home while Logan is away. Jin doesn’t know what to do with people who care about him, so he hides how badly he is hurt from everyone. But instead of Jin keeping Logan happy because of that, it backfires and Logan is very angry with him.
But then Jin gets kidnapped by someone from his past….
I know what bothered me the first time I read this, but for some reason I forgot how small that part actually is. I remembered this book being all about werepanther politics, but it wasn’t so bad this second time around.
This book is filled with hurt/comfort goodness and of course lots of growling and MINE MINE MINE.
I’m so happy I tried this series again.
Now, the first time I read this I gave this book 2 stars. But I’m so glad my fellow Mary addicts gently nudged me in the direction of this series again. And I couldn’t be more thankful! Because I really loved it this time (book people can be so weird with their changing tastes….).
It’s been 6 months since Jin became Logan’s mate, but Jin still has trouble believing Logan truly loves him and is not simply overcome by hormones because of their bond. And that’s why Jin doesn’t immediately call Logan when Jin gets attacked in his own home while Logan is away. Jin doesn’t know what to do with people who care about him, so he hides how badly he is hurt from everyone. But instead of Jin keeping Logan happy because of that, it backfires and Logan is very angry with him.
But then Jin gets kidnapped by someone from his past….
I know what bothered me the first time I read this, but for some reason I forgot how small that part actually is. I remembered this book being all about werepanther politics, but it wasn’t so bad this second time around.
This book is filled with hurt/comfort goodness and of course lots of growling and MINE MINE MINE.
I’m so happy I tried this series again.
December 16, 2010
I think Mary Calmes is a guilty pleasure. I read her books and can point out the flaws, of which there are many, yet there is an engaging voice and sheer outrageousness to the characters and actions that delivers an entertaining and fun read regardless. Calmes is the kind of reader that fans love even if the story has issues and I can appreciate that because there is something about the characters that draws you in. I easily read Trusted Bond in one sitting and although it sets up the same situation over and over again – Jin in trouble, again as everyone wants him – the story remains entertaining.
In this sequel to Change of Heart, Jin and his mate Logan are back. Jin is the star of this story as his special status makes him a repeated target. I’d suggest you read the first book before tackling the sequel or re-read the first book if you want to understand it all. You can pick this one up for the sheer guilty pleasure and not care about the various interconnecting storylines and then it won’t matter. I’d read CoH over a year ago and while I could remember some details, Trusted Bond throws out tons of names, details, positions, and situations that seem foreign without any context. I was pretty lost in how the majority of these people and their jobs/positions connected to Jin and his family but after a while I just gave up and didn’t care.
The world building feeds into this confusion since it’s so haphazard. The rules and theories of the werepanther world change to meet whatever tension and drama is needed. This is what happened in the first book and continues here with rules mentioned and then ignored later with no consequences. It keeps the tension high as the overly political were packs have tons of rules, regulations, laws, and protocol that all work to keep Jin from Logan, or so it seems. So the reader is never quite sure what will happen since really anything can. It’s a very sloppy way of creating tension with messy world building at best. Additionally, many of the characters offer information via dialogue that makes no sense. The information is important for the reader but the characters would already know it, so their saying it is a clumsy way of conveying that information to the reader.
The action tends to be very frantic and exaggerated with the characters even more so. Jin is once again the special were panther with abilities never seen in one like him before. He’s the super special flower, the only one in existence that’s like him and well if you’ve read Calmes books before you know how exaggerated and perfect her characters tend to be. Jin is no better but he has warmth and charm that makes you want to forgive his obvious characterization and root for him anyway. His chemistry with Logan is smoking hot and their sex scenes are delightful, sexy, and plentiful. He is too perfect though and he only becomes more so in this book with even more power, even more special abilities, and even more people vying to save or kill him.
The frantic action keeps the story hopping though as Jin manages to be beaten, kidnapped, and/or both no less than three times in a row. There is some relationship drama with Logan as Logan’s gay for you love freaks Jin out. Jin comes to put more trust and faith in Logan and their love by the end of the story and the two have a special, one of a kind connection. Their relationship works even though Logan never really gets out of his rather flat, two dimensional box. The story is all about Jin though so that’s ok. I wish Domin and Koren would get their own book because that’s a couple that nearly steals all the attention when they’re on page.
Really the engaging writing and easy to read entertainment make this a fun guilty pleasure. It has a lot of problems though so for those readers that are bothered by messy world building, clumsy information dumps, perfect characters, and obvious scenarios may have problems with this. It’s not perfect at all and will appeal more to those readers that can ignore the faults because they enjoy the writing anyway. If you’re that reader – you’ll likely adore this. If you’re not, I wouldn’t recommend this.
In this sequel to Change of Heart, Jin and his mate Logan are back. Jin is the star of this story as his special status makes him a repeated target. I’d suggest you read the first book before tackling the sequel or re-read the first book if you want to understand it all. You can pick this one up for the sheer guilty pleasure and not care about the various interconnecting storylines and then it won’t matter. I’d read CoH over a year ago and while I could remember some details, Trusted Bond throws out tons of names, details, positions, and situations that seem foreign without any context. I was pretty lost in how the majority of these people and their jobs/positions connected to Jin and his family but after a while I just gave up and didn’t care.
The world building feeds into this confusion since it’s so haphazard. The rules and theories of the werepanther world change to meet whatever tension and drama is needed. This is what happened in the first book and continues here with rules mentioned and then ignored later with no consequences. It keeps the tension high as the overly political were packs have tons of rules, regulations, laws, and protocol that all work to keep Jin from Logan, or so it seems. So the reader is never quite sure what will happen since really anything can. It’s a very sloppy way of creating tension with messy world building at best. Additionally, many of the characters offer information via dialogue that makes no sense. The information is important for the reader but the characters would already know it, so their saying it is a clumsy way of conveying that information to the reader.
The action tends to be very frantic and exaggerated with the characters even more so. Jin is once again the special were panther with abilities never seen in one like him before. He’s the super special flower, the only one in existence that’s like him and well if you’ve read Calmes books before you know how exaggerated and perfect her characters tend to be. Jin is no better but he has warmth and charm that makes you want to forgive his obvious characterization and root for him anyway. His chemistry with Logan is smoking hot and their sex scenes are delightful, sexy, and plentiful. He is too perfect though and he only becomes more so in this book with even more power, even more special abilities, and even more people vying to save or kill him.
The frantic action keeps the story hopping though as Jin manages to be beaten, kidnapped, and/or both no less than three times in a row. There is some relationship drama with Logan as Logan’s gay for you love freaks Jin out. Jin comes to put more trust and faith in Logan and their love by the end of the story and the two have a special, one of a kind connection. Their relationship works even though Logan never really gets out of his rather flat, two dimensional box. The story is all about Jin though so that’s ok. I wish Domin and Koren would get their own book because that’s a couple that nearly steals all the attention when they’re on page.
Really the engaging writing and easy to read entertainment make this a fun guilty pleasure. It has a lot of problems though so for those readers that are bothered by messy world building, clumsy information dumps, perfect characters, and obvious scenarios may have problems with this. It’s not perfect at all and will appeal more to those readers that can ignore the faults because they enjoy the writing anyway. If you’re that reader – you’ll likely adore this. If you’re not, I wouldn’t recommend this.
October 13, 2014
Bubbles, this is a toss up. It's really, really good and I think you'll like it but there's some violent parts that you might not like. So, it's bubbles-safe but not.
This is an awesome book. In fact, it was so good I can’t decide which was better, this one or Change of Heart. It’s a tough decision because I loved CoH soo much. Lol
I liked how we learned more of the world Jin and Logan inhabit. The customs of werepanthers not only in America but in other countries, too, was really fascinating to me. I love when worlds like these are given lots of details because it allows me to get immersed in the story that much easier.
Jin isn't quite the same as he was in CoH but I liked that. He was still the stubborn reah we all loved in the first book but now we got to see more of his feelings and his insecurity with not believing he'll always have a permanent home with Logan and his tribe. How he struggles to survive when people from his past scramble up his new life and what he's now become. Logan was just the same alpha cat he was in CoH and I'm glad he didn't change much from that book to this one because although I love Jin, Logan's my favorite. There's just something to be said about a possessive guy like that. ^_^
Be warned, though, this sequel is definitely not a sweet story. Jin is forced to go through a lot of stuff before his life becomes somewhat normal again. Going from being kidnapped to abused to held hostage again, all without his mate, is a slightly brutal process to read about. But all ends well when Jin's rescued and all his insecurities are brought to the forefront and settled, leaving the story on a definite high note.
However, you'll want to read Change of Heart before reading this one because although it is very detailed and there's a glossary, I started off confused because you get bombarded with names in the beginning. It gets way better once you get past that overload and from there, whenever a weird word pops up, there's a glossary you can look up to help you understand them.
All in all, I was in no way disappointed with this sequel and I'm hoping with the way it's left off, we'll be reading more about Jin and Logan and see what else Jin can do to be a pain in the ass for Logan. Definitely recommended. [image error]
This is an awesome book. In fact, it was so good I can’t decide which was better, this one or Change of Heart. It’s a tough decision because I loved CoH soo much. Lol
I liked how we learned more of the world Jin and Logan inhabit. The customs of werepanthers not only in America but in other countries, too, was really fascinating to me. I love when worlds like these are given lots of details because it allows me to get immersed in the story that much easier.
Jin isn't quite the same as he was in CoH but I liked that. He was still the stubborn reah we all loved in the first book but now we got to see more of his feelings and his insecurity with not believing he'll always have a permanent home with Logan and his tribe. How he struggles to survive when people from his past scramble up his new life and what he's now become. Logan was just the same alpha cat he was in CoH and I'm glad he didn't change much from that book to this one because although I love Jin, Logan's my favorite. There's just something to be said about a possessive guy like that. ^_^
Be warned, though, this sequel is definitely not a sweet story. Jin is forced to go through a lot of stuff before his life becomes somewhat normal again. Going from being kidnapped to abused to held hostage again, all without his mate, is a slightly brutal process to read about. But all ends well when Jin's rescued and all his insecurities are brought to the forefront and settled, leaving the story on a definite high note.
However, you'll want to read Change of Heart before reading this one because although it is very detailed and there's a glossary, I started off confused because you get bombarded with names in the beginning. It gets way better once you get past that overload and from there, whenever a weird word pops up, there's a glossary you can look up to help you understand them.
All in all, I was in no way disappointed with this sequel and I'm hoping with the way it's left off, we'll be reading more about Jin and Logan and see what else Jin can do to be a pain in the ass for Logan. Definitely recommended. [image error]
September 24, 2015
4.5 Nekhene cats stars
If you are going to read this sequel of the series make yourself ready for drama and a Reah with ADHD.
I can really see how some of the readers can be confused and have mixed emotions about Jin. He is not a feminine character but some of the stuff he does is confusing and makes you think ok.... that was something I would have said or done, but in a weird way it all comes together and for me it worked.
Be glad Jin doesn't want revenge other wise there would have been a lot of coffins:
You need to get that Jin is not a snob without brains, yes he does not hate and plot revenge. This is ware a lot of the confusion takes hold, seeing that I am one of those who will plot revenge it's difficult to grasp the fact that there are people out there that does not see it like we do - I am married to such a person and believe me they are very special. So see for me to get Jin was easy and to be hones he's a little bit like Jory (if you're a Mary Calmes fan you will know who he is).
Jin can be very playful if he's not being kidnapped ( yes that happens a lot he's like ME, ME PICK ME I WANT TO BE KIDNAPPED LOL)
But he can be very scary if kept from his mate or when his mate Logan is in danger. (That's one evil looking Panther you don't want to piss off)
One last thing (there's a lot happening in this book but one that stands out) you will be introduced to the Panther version of the Voltori mix with the Vatican
xoxo
If you are going to read this sequel of the series make yourself ready for drama and a Reah with ADHD.
I can really see how some of the readers can be confused and have mixed emotions about Jin. He is not a feminine character but some of the stuff he does is confusing and makes you think ok.... that was something I would have said or done, but in a weird way it all comes together and for me it worked.
Be glad Jin doesn't want revenge other wise there would have been a lot of coffins:
You need to get that Jin is not a snob without brains, yes he does not hate and plot revenge. This is ware a lot of the confusion takes hold, seeing that I am one of those who will plot revenge it's difficult to grasp the fact that there are people out there that does not see it like we do - I am married to such a person and believe me they are very special. So see for me to get Jin was easy and to be hones he's a little bit like Jory (if you're a Mary Calmes fan you will know who he is).
Jin can be very playful if he's not being kidnapped ( yes that happens a lot he's like ME, ME PICK ME I WANT TO BE KIDNAPPED LOL)
But he can be very scary if kept from his mate or when his mate Logan is in danger. (That's one evil looking Panther you don't want to piss off)
One last thing (there's a lot happening in this book but one that stands out) you will be introduced to the Panther version of the Voltori mix with the Vatican
xoxo
January 8, 2014
Read this back to back with A Change of Heart. Loved it! Despite the fact that it was an established couple, the intense separation/longing and reunion kept this plenty hot as a romance while there was excellent fantasy world building going on. On to the next...
September 30, 2011
I can't. It hurts too much, its the end. I am never venturing here again.
June 3, 2019
Five stars for the book.
Three stars for the narration.
I miss Sean Crisden, even if he does make Crane sound like Kermit the Frog.
Three stars for the narration.
I miss Sean Crisden, even if he does make Crane sound like Kermit the Frog.
June 29, 2015
I loved this novel as much as the first book. It has not just continued elements of world building, but a captivating and quite tense plotline. Both Jin and Logan go through hell, and quite a bit of (much needed) growth and there are enough loose ends to make me hope for a further installment. What more could I want?
Where much of the world building in book 1 was around the rules within a werepanther tribe and how a semel (leader) and his reah (true mate) should live together, most of the revelations in this book were around the larger werepanther society and its history. The same gradual reveal that fascinated me so much in the first book was used here and I loved the additional pieces of Ancient Egyptian mythology added here.
Jin is a very strong man, but he is a bit slow in some respects. He annoyed me a little in the beginning, but then, his situation is so unique and different, that his lack of 'perfect adaptation to his new life' should not have been a surprise. And he makes up for it in bunches with the way he grows and deals with all the new obstacles thrown at him.
Logan continues to be a little less approachable, mainly because we never 'hear' from him so to speak (the story is still told entirely from Jin's point of view). But we do have his actions to judge him by, and those are unequivocally supportive and very loving.
If you liked the first book, you will love this second one as much as I did. If you're curious about a truly different shifter society and are looking for some fascinating mythology to go with it, go for it (but I do recommend you read book 1 first). And if you like stories with hot men and hotter sex, this one is a no-brainer.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Where much of the world building in book 1 was around the rules within a werepanther tribe and how a semel (leader) and his reah (true mate) should live together, most of the revelations in this book were around the larger werepanther society and its history. The same gradual reveal that fascinated me so much in the first book was used here and I loved the additional pieces of Ancient Egyptian mythology added here.
Jin is a very strong man, but he is a bit slow in some respects. He annoyed me a little in the beginning, but then, his situation is so unique and different, that his lack of 'perfect adaptation to his new life' should not have been a surprise. And he makes up for it in bunches with the way he grows and deals with all the new obstacles thrown at him.
Logan continues to be a little less approachable, mainly because we never 'hear' from him so to speak (the story is still told entirely from Jin's point of view). But we do have his actions to judge him by, and those are unequivocally supportive and very loving.
If you liked the first book, you will love this second one as much as I did. If you're curious about a truly different shifter society and are looking for some fascinating mythology to go with it, go for it (but I do recommend you read book 1 first). And if you like stories with hot men and hotter sex, this one is a no-brainer.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 13, 2013
I moderately enjoyed the first one, with a considerable amount of reservations about several plot holes (like how people tried to kill the oh-gift-from-heaven Reah, to begin with) but I decided, anyway, to read the second book, hoping that some of the points that bothered me from the first one got solved, or at least improved to some degree.
Unfortunately, that did not happen. Rather, all that I did not like from the first book was actually multiplied in the second, and thus I'm done with this series. Jin is ridiculously perfect, overpower (and gets even more powerful at the end of the book!), and in short, unlikeable. The fact that everybody wants to either kill him or copulate with him makes me think of really bad japanese comic.
And this may be a really minor issue, but I really, REALLY disliked the fact that the idea of a Semel and a Yareah mating because they are in love seems to be unlikely. Rather, the yareah is pretty much any female, finger picked for a semel who doesn't actually cares for her other than for passing genes, then lives with no other obligation than being comfortable under her man's protection, until a reah comes into scene and the yareah loses her head and gets hysteric, because they're not in love, no, there is no love between a semel and a yareah. I know we're reading about men being in love but that's no reason to dismiss the possibility of heterosexual partners having feelings as well.
Unfortunately, that did not happen. Rather, all that I did not like from the first book was actually multiplied in the second, and thus I'm done with this series. Jin is ridiculously perfect, overpower (and gets even more powerful at the end of the book!), and in short, unlikeable. The fact that everybody wants to either kill him or copulate with him makes me think of really bad japanese comic.
And this may be a really minor issue, but I really, REALLY disliked the fact that the idea of a Semel and a Yareah mating because they are in love seems to be unlikely. Rather, the yareah is pretty much any female, finger picked for a semel who doesn't actually cares for her other than for passing genes, then lives with no other obligation than being comfortable under her man's protection, until a reah comes into scene and the yareah loses her head and gets hysteric, because they're not in love, no, there is no love between a semel and a yareah. I know we're reading about men being in love but that's no reason to dismiss the possibility of heterosexual partners having feelings as well.
November 8, 2018
2.75 stars
Who let this book go to publication back in 2010??? Editors at Dreamspinner should have been fired. The formatting is a travesty. It was nearly impossible to know who was talking.
OMG, the attention to detail about the Egyptian structure of "panther" politics and culture was mind numbing. And not in a good way. I have the same issues with this book as I had with the first one. I'm not sure why I keep reading except that Mary Calmes writes some of the most memorable, romantic characters in the genre.
Who let this book go to publication back in 2010??? Editors at Dreamspinner should have been fired. The formatting is a travesty. It was nearly impossible to know who was talking.
OMG, the attention to detail about the Egyptian structure of "panther" politics and culture was mind numbing. And not in a good way. I have the same issues with this book as I had with the first one. I'm not sure why I keep reading except that Mary Calmes writes some of the most memorable, romantic characters in the genre.
December 11, 2010
Mary kicked sequel arse in this follow up to Change of Heart. If anyone is hesitating, don't. Trust me on this.
July 18, 2022
4th re-read July 2022
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