shifter romance – GoodeyReads

Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: E.J. Mellow
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: April 21st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Protect the Peace.

On the Isle of Kazola, peace has always been protected by The Onyx Guard, an elite force of genetically modified soldiers.

Kasha has lived her life in the Onyx Guard. But when she is passed over for an advancement and forced to follow the Alpha promoted in her place, she must find a way to put her anger aside and work with him.

Because their team is on the hunt for Elliot Wells, an elusive killer who has terrorized Kazola for years. And there is more to his twisted deviance that meets the eye.

Along the journey, Kasha must learn to face her past, accept her new reality, and trust others…or else the deaths will continue, and everything she has built for herself might just slip away.

This New Adult Paranormal Fantasy & Romance tale takes readers on an epic journey of found family, a swoon-worthy rivals to lovers slow burn, and a unique twist on werewolves and vampires that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

HMM.

I went in with high hopes about this one but was pretty dashed as things went on. As a ME thing,, I love a good amount of dialogue and the start of this book didn’t have a lot. The inner monologue of Kasha was good for a bit then I needed more.

The idea of the combined shifter + vampire lore was unique! I did like that and the general world building and magic system. It’s clearly explained and easy to follow. I liked the urban setting that combined some technology aspects with old world things too.

Romance was, I don’t know if I can even call it rivals to lovers? There’s not actually any rivalry. Just a general miscommunication (not in a bad way) that gets solved pretty quickly that then leads to a romance. It has some sweet moments, but I wasn’t swept away with Nolan and Kasha like I wanted to be.

I enjoyed all of the found family and side characters too. There was a great tight knit bond between Kasha and her group and I am always here for unconditional support. There’s another small plot thing or two that I struggled with. I’m on the fence about continuing the series at this time.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: light
Romance: kisses
Violence: moderate
Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, serial killer, sexual assault & rape (recounted), therapy sessions

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Length: 352 pages
Author: April Asher
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Release Date: February 8th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A fake relationship between a magic-less witch and a wolf shifter turns to more in the start of a bewitching new paranormal rom-com series.

Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne—the man who broke her fragile, teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time.

The joke’s on them. When old feelings make a reappearance—along with Violet’s magic—they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

In Not the Witch You Wed, April Asher brings all the hilarity and sweet, sexy moments you love in a romantic-comedy—plus a fun dose of magic—to this spell-binding new series about being sexy, single, and supernatural in New York City.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an audio ARC.

SURPRISED ME!

I am one of those readers who has never been super into shifter/paranormal romances. But I gave this a chance based off of a trusted friend’s remarks and y’all. I adored this!!!

Since I listened to an advanced audio copy let me first say, the audio was GREAT. I had no issues with the narration. Loved the way it was told, easy to keep on a high speed. It was wonderful and definitely recommend that avenue!

Back to the story now. Let me throw out some tropes that I LOVE that this book had: fake dating and fated mates. I will take those always and forever. I loooove fated mates and I think this was really well written! I think the addition of the second chance trope helped too. There’s a slow build, but clear attraction between Lincoln and Violet. I did struggle with how much heavy innuendo there was (but I know that’s a point for others, so I’m mentioning it!). There’s also DUAL-POV. Which I am an absolute sucker for.

I really liked the larger plot with the politics of shifter groups and supernatural organizations. The romance kept the necessary front seat, while an enjoyable back seat plot pushed the narrative forward. All around a wonderful read I’m glad I took a chance on and I can’t wait to see what next book will be in the series!

Overall audience notes: