Review: Mated Knight (Immortal Knights #5) by Marcy Jacks

Kevin loves being mated to his immortal lion shifter. The man is alpha in all ways, but he is annoying in his insistence that Kevin stay perpetually in bed until the birth of their child. Especially considering that Keaton, the man who murdered Kevin in a past life, is still out there and finding new and inventive ways to stalk Kevin, including threatening to steal his and Alistair’s child to get back at Alistair.

Alistair hates that he can't have peace with his mate, and he's terrified in the most un-alpha way that history will repeat itself and his lover will be taken from him again.

When the best bargaining chip falls right into Alistair's hands, he will be forced to go against his morals to protect the man he loves more than his own life and their unborn child.

Title: Mated Knight (Immortal Knights #5)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publication Date: January 2017
ISBN:978-1-68295-765-3
Buy it from Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★

One of the reasons I'm still closely following this series is that I am super curious about Keaton and his mate. In the first place, this whole fiasco about the mates dying and getting reincarnated in the present time all started with him and his mate Golda. As silly as it sounds, I'm a sucker for big bad guys being brought to their knees by their mates. I have been holding out for that bit. But it already looks like I will be very disappointed.

In this book we're introduced to Gary, who is Golda's reincarnation. Interestingly enough, the story begins with Gary running away from Keaton, because Gary has been getting visions about Keaton and all the nasty things that he has been doing without Gary/Golda around. I thought was an interesting twist. I felt like this added more conflict that what would have otherwise been a smooth reunion between the two of them. Gary just falling into Keaton’s arms upon reunion would have been too easy and unexciting, too, if you ask me.

Unsurprisingly, when Gary meets Keaton, he knows he's not supposed to like the guy, but he does. We get a bit of introspection, where Gary feels a pull strong enough to make him question why he ran away from Keaton in the first place. Despite being conflicted, Gary also graciously tries to convince Keaton to just let Kevin go.

On the other hand, for some bizarre reason – and this is where I really have problems with the narrative and characterization – Keaton is overall… subdued when he finally sees his mate again. In the flesh. Reincarnated. After literally hundreds of years.

Sure, we’re told Keaton cries when he meets Gary, but… well, that’s about it. In fact, he spends so little time fawning over Gary and returns almost immediately to terrorizing the very pregnant Kevin.

Uh-huh.

For the last four installments, we’ve been told time and again how much Keaton adores his mate. How much it destroyed him when Golda died. So much so, in fact, that he killed his brother’s mates when they refused to help him get back at the people who killed Golda. And since the first installment, when he first meets Kevin and learns there must be some way to bring back Golda, he’s made it a point to persistently hound them for her. And then now he meets her reincarnation in Gary, and he spends about two minutes talking to her before going back to ruining Kevin’s life.

ARE. YOU. FREAKING. KIDDING. ME.

This is Keaton. He’s obviously not right in the head, but clearly if there’s one thing he wants more than he wants to kill his brothers and their mates, it’s to get his mate back. In fact, he spends the first few installments repeatedly saying that he will leave them alone if Kevin just brings him back his mate. I will be the last person to believe the words of a nutjob like Keaton, but WHY ON EARTH ISN’T HE FAWNING OVER GARY THE WAY HE’S SUPPOSED TO??? It’s such a deviation from what he’s been telling us for the last few books. I’m not even complaining that he still wants to ruin Kevin’s life and his brothers’, but his reaction to Gary is so flat I’m honestly asking if this is really the person he jeopardized his own life for. It’s so disappointing.

As for Gary – I have some concerns about how he thinks his relationship with Keaton should go. Uhm, I think we all know that the thinking that you can reform a horrible person with your love is the very strong foundation of abusive relationships. It just doesn’t work that way. And even if it did – Gary, dude, my man, you literally just met Keaton. Fuck your history; that was in the past. Honestly, I’m not even sure I’m pissed that he’s giving himself too much credit by assuming that Keaton will immediately listen to him just because they’re mates, or I’m upset because he’s giving up so easily on Keaton without even trying. Maybe it’s a 50-50 split. Either way, I’m not happy with this guy.

Oh, and just to make matters worse, can I just say how much Carlisle pisses me off? UGH. I can already see some bullshit ménage à trois happening in the future. I’m not a fan of that arrangement, and I never will be. My biggest pet peeve is when authors add this idea in the middle of a fucking series. Just when you’re invested enough and cannot get away. It’s just terrible, especially if you really dislike it but have to put up with it because you won’t understand what happens next if you skip that particular installment. THIS IS A REALLY SHITTY THING TO DO. Look, I don’t care if you like ménage à trois; that’s totally you’re thing and I respect that. BUT DON’T ADD IT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SERIES THAT’S ORIGINALLY TAGGED TO BE FEATURING A TWO-PERSON RELATIONSHIP. Go start a new series with a menage theme for fuck’s sake.

I'm so disappointed in this book I want to cry. One star.

Review: Sideline Submission (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #3) by Kora Knight

Round two with Scott hadn't been what Tad expected, but it did end up providing a few important realizations. For one, that crazy first encounter was definitely more than mere male hormones. Which meant he felt a true attraction to the guy. Something that explained his defenselessness against Scott's smoldering charms. Seriously, the dude had cut through his fortifications like the things hadn't even existed.

Which, yeah, was pretty unsettling.

So Tad had resolved to cope with his findings the only logical way he knew how: purge the guy from his system once and for all by staying away for good. Unfortunately, that proved way more uncomfortable than he'd anticipated. Seemed his 'stupid infatuation' ran considerably deeper, which made going cold-turkey one miserable chore.

So when Scott unexpectedly seeks him out, Tad's too drained to fight his turmoil any longer. Allowing himself a much needed fix, he agrees to hang out, neither he nor Scott knowing Dom boy Max will end up part of the deal. What starts out as an unassuming evening quickly turns shockingly licentious. Question is, will Tad be able to handle it? And more importantly, what path will it send him down in his ongoing journey of discovery?

Title: Sideline Submission (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #3)
Author/s: Kora Knight
Publication Date: November 2014
ASIN: B00PYBITZS
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Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

Not sure I'm entirely into Max and Sean at the moment but OH LAWD TAD AND SCOTT MY TWO FAVORITE PEOPLE GETTING IT ON FUCK YEAH. I swear I spent a godawful amount of time just squealing and giggling and actually pausing from reading because they're so unbearably cute. Particularly that bit about Tad fretting over the fact that hey, Scott totally could have called him. And then Scott actually did call him just when he was running out of ideas for an excuse to call the man. GUYS PLS.

I was surprised they were able to finish the workout session without anyone getting too... err, handsy hahaha. I was particularly happy about the introspection here, because we get a chance to know more about how stressed Tad is about the whole thing, because it's all that he's thought about for literally a month. That despite the fact that he's so conflicted, he just can't seem to ignore how much he appreciates Scott and what he does to him, makes him feel when he's around, etc. I thought it was a solid step toward the ~relationship~ direction.

What really stuck to me in this installment are Scott's hella smooth pickup lines. Man, I enjoyed those more than I can say. It made him very charming to me. I didn't feel like he was coming on too strong, but just vocal enough to remove any doubts that yup, he's definitely into Tad and Tad would have to be blind not to pick up on those things.

I'm not totally sure of Max and his lifestyle as a full-time Dom, because I'm not really into that thing. When I initially read the summary of this installment I had some concerns because I don't like threesomes or menage or any variation thereof. THANK GOD THAT'S NOT THE TWIST. I originally ventured into this series wanting to read about Max and Sean, but I'm seriously so invested in Tad and Scott that there's no room for any other couple. Sorry, guys. Maybe in your own book haha.

Towards the end of the book, when Tad and Scott finally got it on GOOD LORD. I'm not even talking about Scott's skills in bed. Let's talk about Scott having a way with words. Him saying everything while they're fucking just seems so wrong and so right at the same time. Of course Tad will think Scott is just saying things in the heat of the moment. On the flip side, damn if that didn't make the delivery more... meaningful. I'm pretty positive that anyone in such vulnerable position would be more honest than if there were under any other situation. I have no words how adorable and hot and sweet I found that scene.

For some reason, I feel like Max's interruption was totally called for. Like, I'm happy to know that Tad would have gone for the kiss if there hadn't been any distraction, but I'm also glad it didn't happen. I feel like there could be more buildup towards that step, but at least knowing that Tad is not averse to the idea at all just leaves me very excited for how he and Scott will get to that point. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Oh, and Max's reaction and that bit about Scott's tone when he was talking about his background? I feel like there's more to that. Maybe something happened to Scott in the past that he doesn't want to tell Tad? I'm not totally sold on Max yet but he has a bro vibe to him that I like; kind of like he's protective of Scott in a way a brother would be. I'm definitely waiting for the big reveal. I think there's something important here.

Yet again solid five stars for this installment.

Review: Test of Endurance (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #2) by Kora Knight

The last time Tad saw Scott, the ripped physical trainer left him with quite a lot to think about. And that's pretty much all Tad's been doing for nearly two weeks straight. At his wit's end, he seeks Scott out, voluntarily, on his own terms. Will the completely different setting offer what he's seeking; proof that their exchange's unexpected turn was just a random mishap? Hormones run amok and truly nothing more? Or will being in Scott's presence suggest something different... their newest encounter tempting Tad's resolve while testing his ultimate limits.

Title: Test of Endurance (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #2)
Author/s: Kora Knight
Publication Date: October 2014
ASIN: B00OA35882
Buy it from Amazon

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

HOLY CRAP THIS IS EVEN HOTTER THAN THE FIRST ONE I WANT TO SCREAM!! Also oops sorry for the capslock abuse but honestly, I feel like this book warrants all the capslock I can manage because IT'S. THAT. HOT. At first I was kind of like "man this reads like porn" (because reallyyyy, massage? Sure, Scott, whatever you say lol) and of course there was Tad being so conflicted about his feelings toward Scott and what Scott did to him so he went all "y'know what I'll give it another go how bad could it be lol I'm defs not gay". And then we all see how that works out haha.

But, despite my initial misgivings I really got into it and soon I was squealing like mad in excitement. I don't even know how to describe this book. It's freaking magical. It manages to get you into this ridiculously intense, drawn out sex scene and just when you think everything is done and over nope NOPE it gives you emotions and feelings. Actual. fucking. feelings. Scott obviously, obviously wants to get together with Tad, but Tad is still having major doubts because he has this idea of who he is, and that's hard to change for one person just because he's given Tad two mind-blowing orgasms. Ugh. I'm so ridiculously invested in Tad and Scott here it's not even funny. On one hand I want them to get together already but on the other hand, all the drama, the conflict, the struggle! I want them to be together so bad but at the same time I also live for the unresolved sexual tension and overall frustration and confusion from either of them.

P.S. I kinda regret finding this book now because I really need to go back to studying and I just know I will reading the third installment later hahahahahaa bye

Review: Loser Takes All (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #1) by Kora Knight

Tad’s weekend started out like any other: hitting a college frat party with a handful of buddies. But just as the evening hits its peak, things get up-ended fast. Ditched by his drunken, trolling friends, Tad winds up getting hustled by three jocks playing poker. Now he’s forced to pay his dues in the most outlandish of ways: accepting a couple broken bones or spending an hour with his victors’ favorite flogger, Scott. But the tantalizing torture quickly proves to be the least of Tad’s worries… and the kickoff to a night of raw, shocking lust.

Experience the graphic, minute-by-minute account of that hour spent at the hands of Tad’s insatiable tormentor. Addicting chemistry lights the stage as Scott ignites Tad’s reluctant desires into a frenzy of forbidden need.

Title: Loser Takes All (Up-Ending Tad: A Journey of Erotic Discovery #1)
Author/s: Kora Knight
Publication Date: September 2014
ASIN: B00NC2G2FK
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Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

Okay, super quick review because I should be studying but UGH THAT WAS SO. HOT. I can’t believe someone could write flogging and sexing and stretch it for that long without the whole thing becoming tedious or irritating. The whole thing just sucked me in, and honestly, I was getting almost as frustrated as Tad was halfway through the delicious torture haha. Also, there was definitely some pretty good chemistry between Tad and Scott. I'd originally read this because I wanted to read The Dungeon Black Duology, but I'm so glad the author mentioned reading Tad and Scott's story would make the whole reading experience better. I really liked this book and I'm totally sold on this couple.

Five solid stars!!

Review: Mating His Captor (Mating His Captor #1) by Marcy Jacks

Erin Swanson is the son of a powerful man, and his father is out to exterminate all shifters off the face of the earth. He's a hard man, but everyone knows he loves his son, which is why Damon Slaughter, so named because of all the kills under his belt, targets Erin for revenge and makes Erin his mate.

The plan was simple. Damon wouldn't fall in love. That should have been easy, considering how weak the whelp was that he took. Erin is small, hardly befitting of the son of a tyrant. But something in his spirit, in the way Erin doesn't lay down and die, in how hard he works, calls to Damon in a primal way he hasn't felt in years.

Damon is falling in love, which is bad timing when people in his pack, who are unhappy with this mating, choose to take matters into their own hands and dispose of Erin once and for all.

Title: Mating His Captor (Mating His Captor #1)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publication Date: December 2016
ISBN: 978-1-6829-5631-1
Buy it from Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★

Noooot convinced by this, in the least. I could only suspend my disbelief for so long. Some of the things I had problems with include:

1. If Erin's father was really the second most powerful man (in the world? I forget, but his dad is very powerful), then why was Erin traveling all alone, without even a single bodyguard tailing him? I would imagine his dad would think of his safety, since the book blurb explicitly says that everyone knows how much Erin's dad loves him. Damon kidnapped Erin so easily I almost had to ask why Damon had to bring more wolves with him. He could have just done it alone.

2. Erin accepted things far too easily. I'm supposed to believe that someone who was born into wealth and power would easily accept being pushed into doing manual labor? Uh, no. I can't remember what Erin was supposed to be doing prior to being kidnapped, but unlike what the summary says, he didn't really put up much of a fight. Sure, he protested and kicked and all upon being kidnapped, but after that there was nothing. He didn't even attempt to escape. Mated or not, the slightest attempt would have been a welcome development. I couldn't even understand why he wouldn't want to get back to his family as soon as possible, when he supposedly had such a great relationship with his father.

3. The romance was kinda blah. I'm not sure why Erin and Damon liked each other, except maybe because Damon put the mating bite on Erin and the whole romance bit just kicked in. There were some pretty hot sex scenes between them, but there was simply not enough emotional tug for me to be really invested.

Overall the whole thing just felt contrived. I'm really disappointed because I looked forward to this one; the excerpts were really good, but other than those the story was pretty weak. If there's a second book perhaps there could be more world building, and I would be happy to read more. But for now, by itself, this book is not solid enough to stand on its own.