Review: Sorin's Protector (A Dragon's Growl #3) by Marcy Jacks

Sorin has been a captive ever since the dragons came and expelled the vampires from his family home. Sorin is young for a vampire, only twenty-five, so he knows nothing of the war between his kind and the dragons. His life has been turned upside down. At least his jailer is handsome. Lucian seems like an honorable man, but what are the chances he would ever want something with the enemy kept prisoner in the basement?

Lucian is a rock dragon, a powerful alpha in his clan, and he volunteered to watch over Sorin. After an attack that nearly cost him his life, he owes Sorin big. Sorin stayed behind and defended Lucian when he could have run away. For that, Lucian feels wholly responsible when Sorin is attacked.

A passionate night together leads to a misunderstanding that might leave them separated before they can discover the truth they both couldn't see.

Title: Sorin's Protector
Author: Marcy Jacks
Publication Date: June 2017
ISBN: 978-1-64010-421-1
Buy it from Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

I have so much feelings for this book I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START.

Just kidding it's really because I got super invested in Sorin from the first two installments of this new series and I just wanted a happy ever after for him SO BAD. I was and still am here for Sorin. The poor guy was just so fragile and helpless in the first two books I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be okay. Thankfully Lucian was there to do just that - bless you Lucian. And can I just say, the sexual tension between the two of them could practically set ice on fire. IT MADE ME SO HAPPY.

Marcy Jacks is one of my favorite go-to authors when I want less lengthy reads where I can be assured I'll get a happy ever after (usually!). I think one of the reasons why I really like her is because she has this uncanny ability to get you super invested in different characters in her book and therefore ensure that you will buy and read the next one. Some might call her stories formulaic, but since I've read almost all her books (even the old ones because I'm a huge fan and I'll read anything she writes!), I can safely say that she never fails to add something unique to either the characters or the circumstances to make sure it's different. The situation is like this: I have a vague idea how the character will behave and I also have a vague idea how the story will end, but I get so invested in the characters it's basically a trap I willingly fall for everytime. In this the introduction of Sorin and Lucian really won me over and when the second book mentioned the little mishap that Sorin got involved in, I got totally hooked. The thing is, I wouldn't have cared so much except Lucian didn't get there in time to save Sorin when Sorin got in trouble. Actually lol Lucian it took you days to get there what the fuck do you have to say for yourself. And as a reader who's already so invested in Sorin's safety and happiness, how am I supposed to react? Of course I'll get his book and cry a little while I'm reading because Sorin deserves only the best.

I finished this book so fast I think it didn't take me an hour. The book itself is actually quite short, but I have no complaints about the pacing.There's predictably lots of sex, but there's also lots of feelings which more than made up for it. Also, Lucian's powerful words about anyone answering to him if they ever lay a finger on Sorin made me swoon. Legit read it three times because there is nothing hotter than a guy standing up for his boyfriend. Totally made my day.

I think the least I like about this book is the little epilogue featuring Lucian beating the crap out of Van. I know it would have been tedious describing the whole thing but I would have liked to see Van getting the daylights kicked out of him. Van keeps giving me asshole vibes even if he's somewhat justified in his anger. Somewhat. Also he hurt Sorin so he's automatically in my unofficial shitlist for this series.

Also I think it will be unsurprising to say that I will read the next book because Micah and Stefan are gonna be in it. I CALLED THAT SHIT IN THE FIRST BOOK.

*inhales deeply, calms down*

Also Taylor is gonna be super important later on I'm calling it now so I can later say I told you so.

Anyway before I get sidetracked again I just want to say I'm liking this series and I think it has a lot of potential. Sorin and Lucian's book is my favorite so far but I can tell there will be more interesting characters that will be introduced later. I recommend it because it's such a light read and it's so easy to get emotionally invested in the characters and their happiness and that makes the reading experience so much more fun.

The book is not without fault, but for its ability to invoke so much emotion? Five stars.

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: The Admiral's Mate (Space Warriors #5) by Sydney Lain

 Creel Stark always felt like an outsider in Warsarian society. He never measured up and his family hated him because of it. Instead of trying to fit in, Creel left before his secret was exposed. He can see the future, a rare Warsarian ability that, if discovered, would limit his freedom.

Admiral Zeith Stern is the Warsarian king's uncle and head of the military. He doesn’t respect non-warriors. It’s survival of the fittest, and all warriors need to be prepared for battle. Those beliefs are challenged when Creel enters his life.

Creel has a vision and uses his ability to save Zeith’s life, which causes Zeith to question the real strength of a warrior. Will these two be able to work together and stop a dangerous group from attacking their home planet? Opposites attract and passions ignite, but can Creel and Zeith accept each other or will their different beliefs drive them apart?

Title: The Admiral's Mate (Space Warriors #5)
Author/s: Sydney Lain
Publisher: Siren Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: March 2015
ISBN: 978-1-632591-09-8
Buy it from Siren Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

I loved this book. I enjoyed it much better than the first four, and I grew to love the characters despite the novella's length. It was fast paced and to the point; there was no beating around the bush when it came to telling the story it wanted to tell.

I adored Creel. He wasn't the typical image of what a "warrior" was by Warsarian standards, but he was intelligent and he knew how to get things done. I was sympathetic to his plight as an outcast of his race, and I felt really bad about reading what he went through in the hands of his father. I was delighted to read him mention about Kaden, since it clearly showed how his story tied up with Theo's. I actually liked Creel better than Kaden because while Creel was rightfully scared of the implications of mating, he didn't spend ninety percent of the time trying to put himself down and/or trying to run away. He knew something needed to be done, and he was completely focused on accomplishing what he came for. Despite his terrible history with his people, he was brave and kind enough to return and warn them of the impending danger.

I won't lie: Zeith started off like a bit of an asshole. I had deep misgivings about how his feelings would be toward Creel, since Zeith supposedly had no regard for those he considered "non-warriors". Even when he bumped to Creel, you could immediately tell that he wouldn't have given Creel a second second glance if they hadn't been mates.

Even so, Zeith proved himself a pretty decent guy as the story moved forward. He had his doubts about Creel's claims, which I thought were pretty reasonable, with him being Admiral and all - he was required to doubt everything in the interest of his people. While I didn't particularly enjoy reading about him thinking that Creel was insane, I respected him for being wary even of his lifemate's claims. He had an important job, and I'm glad he didn't lose focus because of Creel. If anything, I appreciated him trying to do something so Creel would be cleared of possible charges that could be held against him. Zeith never once thought of losing his pride or whatever because of being mated to a non-warrior, but instead, he started contemplating on his long-held beliefs about strength and power. I thought it was quite admirable that he was willing to open his mind to a new way of thinking because of his mate.

Overall, I loved Creel and Zeith together because of their amazing dynamic. Zeith has a domineering personality, but underneath it all he really cares for Creel and what he wants to do. He's supportive of it, going as far as joining Creel in doing what he set out to do. Creel, on the other hand, may not be considered a warrior in the traditional sense of their people, but he had a unique strength to him that made him very realistic and easy to relate to. He wasn't as dominant as Zeith was, but he was stubborn and feisty and his dedication to what he was doing was admirable; I thought he was simply the perfect mate for Zeith.

Before I forget: I liked seeing Kwan and Alex in this book, too! It was nice to see them ruling together, with Alex having some influence on Kwan's decisions. I would have liked to see Creel's reunion with Theo, although I suppose it wasn't totally necessary in the story.

This is probably the best book in the series so far, and it's easily one of my favorites. Five stars.

Review: Monster Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #7) by Marcy Jacks

Peter Ramsey is a human and a doctor in training, all things that his mate, alpha wolfhound Phoenix, despises. Though Phoenix loves him, Peter thinks something is wrong, especially when he and Phoenix can hardly spend any time together thanks to Peter's work and schooling. If Phoenix decided he didn't want him, Peter wouldn't be able to survive it.

Phoenix doesn't understand humans. Even after mating with Peter, he still distrusts them, especially scientists and doctors. The only human he does like is his mate, and even then, Phoenix worries that Peter might not want to live the dangerous life that comes with being mated to a wolfhound.

When humans and rogue wolfhounds attack the pack, Phoenix loses control of the vicious animal within him for he first time in years. His nightmare comes to life as that bloodthirsty animal comes face to face with the man he loves. The man who cannot defend himself should Phoenix attack.

Title: Monster Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #7)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publisher: Siren Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: December 5, 2015
ISBN: 9781632598561
Buy it from Siren Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

I waited all week for this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. After the sixth book, I was looking forward to reading more about Phoenix and Peter and their adjustment to their lives as mates.

This will sound all wrong, but I love the miscommunication between them. It’s very realistic, especially considering Phoenix’s past experience with humans. He’s very guarded even against Peter, and it makes him more sympathetic and much easier to relate to. His uncertainty is adorable; he’s so convinced that Peter doesn’t want him despite being already told otherwise. His struggle to come to terms with his feelings and the fear of not being good enough is… oddly sweet, especially for a man (wolfhound) as tough and as powerful as he is. He’s undoubtedly the alpha in their relationship, but his moments of self-doubt make him almost too fragile.

I really like Peter. He has a certain manner of conducting himself that makes him the perfect match for Phoenix. His love for Phoenix is given, but he tries to strike a balance by not being so clingy, as he puts it. Like Phoenix, he’s scared that Phoenix doesn’t want him, but he still makes an effort to reach out. Granted, he’s not always doing a very good job of expressing himself and how much he really loves Phoenix, but he keeps trying.

Despite their weak communication, there’s something about Peter and Phoenix’s relationship that makes it work. I think it has to do with the fact that they genuinely care for one another, despite their struggle at saying just how much. Reading about how they gradually come around and finally say what they have to is beautiful, because you know that they took great pains to get to that point.

I specifically love the part where Peter coaxes Phoenix to shift from wolfhound to human. Peter is rightfully terrified, of course, but when it's done and over you realize just how sweet it really is. That it's Peter who can compel Phoenix to return to his senses and shift back from his wolfhound form is a great demonstration of just deep the bond is between them. Considering Phoenix's history with human doctors, the scenario delivers a very powerful evidence of just how far he and Peter have come as mates.

Overall, this was a very good read. It’s a slow, agonizing burn watching Phoenix and Peter fumble with their words, but the knowledge that they’re actually so into each other makes it all worth it. One thing I really would have liked to see was Phoenix finally setting Peter apart from other humans, but I guess it’s a start that he’s able to keep his bloodlust and not harm his mate even in wolfhound form. Nevertheless, it doesn’t keep the book from telling a wonderful story. This is definitely one of my favorites from this series.

Five solid stars.

Review: Command Me, Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #6) by Marcy Jacks

Phoenix absolutely hates the human race. Born and bred in a lab, he's a creature that should not exist because of his thirst for blood. He can control these urges now, but sometimes he doesn't want to. When he discovers his mate is human, he doesn't know whether to lock him up or spend every waking moment loving him.

Peter Ramsey is an intern at the hospital, and he hasn't been feeling so good lately. After passing out in the parking lot, he wakes up in a strange place. He was kidnapped by the most handsome man on the planet, a man who lights him up with pleasure only to leave him immediately after they finish.

Though Phoenix is distant, the man is still sending small hints that he cares, and Peter wants to care for him too. He wants to love him, but he cannot spend the rest of his life locked away, not even for love.

Title: Command Me, Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #6)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publisher: Siren Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: November 28 2015
ISBN: 978-1-63259-831-8
Buy it from Siren Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

I've been dying to get my hands on this book ever since the fifth installment stopped at a cliffhanger two weeks ago. My timezone is ahead by a few hours, so you can just imagine how worked up I was as soon as the 28th hit; I was furiously refreshing the Bookstrand page so I'd know as soon as the book was finally available for buying. Finally!

I've always been fascinated by Phoenix. He is, after all, "the biggest human hater of them all", as Dean puts it. We've read some of his interactions with George and Joey, and they weren't exactly pleasant. I've always wondered what it would be like if he got mated to a human, and I was absolutely delighted when I found out that that  was going to be the case.

For someone who hated humans, I thought Phoenix was actually pretty nice to his mate. He was always very aware of what he was doing, and it was interesting to read his conflicting thoughts and feelings toward having Peter as his mate. Peter was both a doctor (in training) and a human, everything that Phoenix had had traumatizing experience with, but Phoenix never once directed his hate to Peter, and I really appreciate that. He was wary of Peter, yes, but he never blamed him for what had been done to him before. In fact, the worst he ever did was distance himself from Peter, despite the growing attraction between them; I honestly thought that was a bit cute. Not that Phoenix would appreciate being called cute.

I liked Peter. He was pretty cool with the whole mating business, and it left me snickering a bit when he admitted being attracted to Phoenix despite the "gruff personality and mean nature in general". He wasn't scared to talk about what he felt (e.g. he told Phoenix he missed him, which of course did all sorts of weird things to Phoenix's heart and ego), and he wasn't scared to go to his mate and confront him about it. I liked him even better when he found what happened to Phoenix and he... didn't try to really open the subject, but he very subtly offered Phoenix an assurance that he was going to be different from the other humans that Phoenix had dealt with in the past. He never showed Phoenix pity or contempt for it, despite Phoenix's deep misgivings about the subject, and I thought his approached just worked. It definitely disarmed Phoenix, which I thought was an important step forward for their relationship.

I squealed like mad when they slept together outside and Phoenix allowed Peter to touch and pet his wolfhound. It really underscored the gradual buildup of trust between them. Oh, and how they admitted they loved each other? That was fantastic. I was reduced to a pile of goo.


In my review of Rogue Wolfhounds #5 I mentioned suspecting that Monster Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #7) would be about Hyde because, well, I thought for sure they'd use that sort of title on him. Upon checking Bookstrand, however, I found out that I was wrong. Surprisingly, it turns out book #7 will still be about Phoenix and Peter, when Peter goes back to the hospital and the university.

While I have been really looking forward to reading about Hyde and his mate (who I'm still hoping will be a tiny human who loves cuddling), I am in no way disappointed by this interesting twist. Hell, I AM TOTALLY DOWN WITH THIS CONTINUATION. Marcy Jacks can write three more books about Phoenix and Peter and I'll happily support her, because these two are easily my favorite couple in this series. As it is, book #6 leaves so much room for them to grow, and I'm super excited to find out how their love deepens and how their relationship further develops. Hopefully the next book will show Phoenix coming to trust Peter a hundred percent, and being able to distinguish between his mate and the humans who experimented with him before.

This book is definitely my favorite in the series so far. Can't wait for Monster Alpha.

P.S. I'm really stumped by the development of Dean and Joey's relationship. At the moment I'm at least 85% sure that they aren't mates, because Dean doesn't appear to be experiencing that mysterious pull that Phoenix himself describes as pretty darn intense. Sure, Dean has grown to actually give a shit about Joey, but it just... kind of develops, and it isn't even a desperate need to care for him and make sure he's okay, etc. I have two theories: (1) the experiments fucked with Dean's biology so he's ended up not being able to distinguish his mate, among other things; and (2) Joey and Dean aren't really mates, but Joey has been getting sick because his actual alpha mate is somewhere in the house and there's gonna be one hell of a drama when the alpha mate finally reveals himself.

Of course both my theories could be wrong lol. Just gave it a shot.

Review: The Alpha Takes What He Wants (Rogue Wolfhounds #5) by Marcy Jacks

Jason has no last name, just a number. Born and bred in the labs to be a killer, he and his pack have escaped, and have been hiding among the humans for years. Jason also harbors a dangerous secret. He is in love with one of the doctors who used to oversee his care, and after years of careful self-control, he can't hold back anymore.

George Green helped the pack to escape, and he's been a prisoner of the Wolfhounds ever since, but that's not enough to distract him from his lust for one particular alpha in the pack.

It's sick. George cannot believe himself for having such thoughts, not after what he once put Jason through. But his love and lust are so great that he can hardly resist when Jason takes what he wants, and though George wants it, he believes Jason cares nothing for him, and he doesn't know if his heart can handle that.

Title: The Alpha Takes What He Wants (Rogue Wolfhounds #5)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publication Date: November 2015
ISBN:978-1-63259-818-9
Buy it from Siren Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

This book was very fast-paced, the world of wolfhounds expanding and slowly unraveling as the series continues. What I really like about Marcy Jacks is how she makes sure all books are interrelated through the characters; she tells you about them, makes you want to know more about them, so that when she finally writes their story, you're already fairly invested. I myself look forward to some of them, in fact.

There's a certain maturity to both George and Jason that makes their relationship work. George is human but he's far from being a weakling; he has a responsibility to the pack and he's really good at it. I think it's perfectly understandable that he has some ambivalence about his pack standing, seeing as he was one of those who used to experiment on Jason and the others. I like him because he has his own fears, but at the same time he enjoys what he's doing, perhaps even takes pride in it, and he doesn't want to quit it just because he's a little intimidated. Jason, despite being five years younger than George, is actually fairly straightforward about the whole mating process. He's already made a decision that likes George, so he does something about it, and despite the good amount of miscommunication and hitches along the way, he comes into terms with the mating easily. I think he's even relieved to find out that George is his mate, since it makes the claiming much easier.

One of the biggest reasons I love this book is because it showed us more about Phoenix, who hates humans. A lot. In my review of the previous installment, I had this weird theory that Phoenix may actually be Joey’s mate, too, because hey, who doesn’t like menage, right? (I hate menage lol.) This book stomps on that idea and completely tosses it out the window, which I'm very, very glad for. I savored the last few pages telling of Phoenix and that small strip of cloth he managed to snag from his human in the hospital. I was giggling like mad when he admitted feeling like a pervert for practically making a treasure out of the cloth and sniffing it like his own personal cocaine. It was hilarious; I really wanted his mate to be human and I'm giddy to know what will happen because it's apparently the case.

I ventured out a little more and checked if there was already a summary about Phoenix and his human mate – there’s no way the next book isn’t about them! – so I went to Siren Bookstrand and apparently the release date of the sixth book is November 28. That's just two more weeks away and I'M. SO. EXCITED.

Even better, it looks like Rogue Wolfhounds #7 will be about Hyde, if the title is anything to go by. (Sorry, Hyde, but who else will be called the Monster Alpha?) This one will be out December 5, just a week after Phoenix's book. I'm a sucker for "wounded" characters, and I'm really looking forward to reading about a wolfhound outside Max's original pack.

Review: Being Offered to the Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #4) by Marcy Jacks

Ryland wasn't expecting to see his mate again so soon. He especially wasn't expecting to see him so sick. Scott looks to be near death, and Ryland needs to save him before he loses his mate before he can even have him.

Scott can't understand it when he wakes up in a lavish room he's never been to before. His body is on fire with burning lust and pain, and he can't explain why, but he needs to get off... right now.

When Ryland walks into his room and finds his mate in heat, he can't resist. He has to have him. Scott's passion impresses Ryland to no end, and now that he finally has his mate, he is determined to make up for all the bad things Scott had to live through by giving him everything he has.

Title: Being Offered to the Alpha (Rogue Wolfhounds #4)
Author/s: Marcy Jacks
Publication Date: November 2015
ISBN:978-1-63259-799-1
Buy it from Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★★

I was very excited to read this book; the third installment left a cliffhanger that made me want to cry in frustration. Thankfully I read Trust in Me only recently, and I was happy to know that this one was coming out on the 7th (yesterday).

The book was very fast paced, and I really appreciated how it picked up from where the last book stopped. I liked Scott; I thought despite being an omega he had a certain strength to him that made him very easy to like. Quite vulnerable, but not so much that he was annoying or irritating. I sympathized with his plight, and I couldn't help but feel a little bad for him when he was starting to settle with the rest of the pack and he was slightly uncomfortable at having everything in front of him suddenly (i.e. how there was so much food, when they had to hunt for it before, etc). 

I thought Ryland was a good alpha; he certainly gave off the dependable, "I would be your shield" kind of vibes. One thing I really liked was how he didn't pretend and told Scott that he would have fought for the latter to the death when they first met. I know mating stories have that sort of concept going on for them, so it was a bit of a surprise to me when he said that. I actually liked him even more because of that; I thought it was only realistic and rational that Ryland's sense of loyalty could not be overridden by the mating pull. Not that that wouldn't change soon lol.

One thing that really confused me about the story was the effects of the drugs. I thought what they injected Scott was... gonna make him turn against his mate or something? I would have liked to see more of that. Another thing: Why didn't Ryland go after them in the first place? Because Smith did, as we've seen in the previous book. Is the mating thing different for different people? Am I mixing up the shifter universes that I'm reading about? Very likely.

Now I'm curious about Griffin because he was apparently mated to Scott's dead brother Remy. But, y'know, in shifter stories that usually just leads the widower to find another mate... so I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully Marcy Jacks is planning on something creative. I'm actually thinking Remy might be alive. It's like an unwritten rule, isn't it? If you don't see the body, that fucker ain't dead. That's just my theory, though. It'd be interesting to see where that leads should it be true.

I feel bad for Logan because Max was really giving him a hard time, and I'm not really sure if I'm rooting for Max or I just want to punch him in the face (read: Dean treating Joey like shit). I definitely like Logan much better, because I felt like he had been doing such an amazing job at taking care of his pack despite their lack of resources. Hopefully he finds his mate soon; I'm really excited to read about that.

I'm not comfortable at the idea of Dean and Joey being mates; I just... I don't know, Dean has sadly failed to endear himself to me, and it's already the fourth book. Given his asshole-ish attitude I doubt he'd care, and honestly I don't give a fuck either. He's a douchebag and I don't care how much he hates humans - I hate people who treat others like shit just because he was wronged by their peers. That's stupid and fucking narrow-minded. Also, may I recall book two where Dean walked away while Joey was drowning. I know, I know, he saved Joey in the end, but hey, can we say that again? Dean fucking walked away and actually had plans of letting Joey drown and die. What the fuck is romantic in that? He even has the guts to make it sound like Joey owes him for saving his life. Ugh. If I were Joey I'd be running to Max and demanding to be reassigned or something. Dean is so full of shit, and I can't believe Max isn't doing anything about it. (Oh hey maybe this is why I like Logan better. He actually called Max out on Dean's shit.)

On a positive note, I LOVE HYDE. I don't know why but I just want to read more about him and his future mate. I'm torn between wanting Marcy Jacks to prioritize his book, and wanting to learn about him from the perspective of the other members of the pack. Either way, I want to read more about him very soon.

Overall, I liked this book and there are some very interesting characters I'm keen on reading more about. I'm wondering about Phoenix because I feel like there's a huge possibility that he's also Joey's mate or something. I don't know. I hate menage but I'm beginning to think like I hate Dean more.

Review: Just Breathe (Primal Heat #5) by Lynn Hagen

All Jake ever wanted was a perfect life with a bonded mate. He soon finds that life is never that easy and things can go very wrong. After having his heart ripped out twice already, Jake decides the perfect life doesn’t exist. That is, until he meets Zach and Quad.

Quad Cash is an enforcer for the Bourne Coalition but leads a double life. He's a mercenary and has just been handed a contract to take out a Russian drug lord. But things go wrong and he barely escapes with his life.

Leaving a life of luxury behind, Zach becomes an enforcer in Stillwater. He's lusted after Jake for three years, but when Zach is kidnapped by a man who swears he has intel that he doesn’t, his life is forever changed.

Can three men on different paths come together to build a life together, or will the insurmountable forces destroy them all?

Title: Just Breathe (Primal Heat #5)
Author/s: Lynn Hagen
Publication Date: June 2015
ISBN 13: 9781632594044
Buy it from Bookstrand

Maria's Rating: ★★★★

I don't usually read menage; the first and the only time I'd given it a chance, the book was so poorly written and so ridiculous I nearly gouged my eyes for even trying. But even without that, the idea makes me squirm and for me it's just hella unthinkable that three people would be totally cool with... y'know, being in a relationship together and acting like that's normal. I don't care if it's straight or gay; heck, I don't care if it's between a monster and a human - I really just prefer reading romantic relationships between two people.

Anyway, I decided to give this a go because it appeared to be the last one in the series. And besides if there ever turns out to be another coming after this then I'd save time and jump on the sixth book.

This book was actually well written for most part, although something could be said about the swift 'resolution' of the other conflicts brought up in the previous books (e.g. the necessity for Dane to drink Lucius' blood because he was dying, and Lucius wanted Syn to help him find his traitor brother). It was rushed and it disappointed; I really expected more since Hagen is usually fond of drawn out battle scenes.

I have to say, however, that Hagen's latest materials are a far cry from how bad her first ones were; she has definitely improved over the years, particularly in pacing, fleshing out characters, and telling a balanced relationship. It showed in this book, and I was very glad for it. I still found some typos while reading, however, and although they were not really distracting, I felt bad because the editor should have been able to point them out and got them fixed before publication. Hagen certainly deserved better than that, especially since she a relatively established name in the book's publishing house.

I started the book rooting for Jake and Zach, but as the story progressed, Jake proved to be an exasperating main character. He came across as whiny and desperate and overall a pain in the ass who wanted to get laid and fast. I understand he was trying to get over how Zach had ditched him, but really, developing feelings for Quad while still pining for Zach AND keeping Quad at bay was a total dick move. I know, I know, this is menage, and he needed to NOT get over both guys, but honestly, it was painful to read. I don't know how many times I muttered "please fucking calm your dick, Jake" to myself while reading the book, especially when he decided he'd go for Manny, too, since Quad no longer appeared to be interested in him. Seriously, how needy and pathetic could one person be? He never really endeared himself to me, and most especially not when he said he wanted both Zach and Quad. At the same time. Even if it's menage. You can tell me I'm missing the point of menage, and I know I am, but it really got to me.

I got tired of Jake's shit barely fifty percent into the book, so when I saw an opening aka sexual tension that didn't involve Jake somehow, it was only natural for me to jump ship and be Team ZachQuad instead. Without Jake in between. Screw that indecisive, horny sonofabitch.

I liked Zach. Of course I wanted to whack him in the head when he couldn't even bother with a call to Jake after what happened between them, but overall he was a chill guy. I sympathized with him after his torture in the hands of the Russian, and I felt bad because the mistake that wasn't even his own cost him so much. I thought there was more chemistry between him and Quad (not to mention A LOAD OF SEXUAL TENSION), because they were at each other's throats prior, and it was hella interesting to find them... working things out between them after what had happened. I was actually giddy when I read Quad comforting Zach while the latter was having nightmares. Quad claimed that he was just guilty that Zach got mistaken for him and took the torture that was intended for him, but what the hell. He rescued the guy, kept him in his home while he healed, and comforted him when he was plagued by nightmares. There was too much good material to make them into a fantastic pairing, and they totally were.

I have this theory that Hagen actually ended up liking Zach and Quad together better than the menage with Jake. For one, Zach and Quad got to have an actual private sex without Jake, which was hilarious in a twisted sort of way, because they claimed to tolerate each other for Jake. But nope, Quad and Zach humped like bunnies without Jake in there between them, and Quad actually bit Zach to establish a sort of claim on him. Quad told Zach not to hide anything from him, and they even engage in a playful banter in the middle of sex. HOW AMAZING IS THAT.

Overall, I liked the book, but I'm definitely Team ZachQuad all the way! I'd read it again for those two, really. I wish Hagen had gone in that direction instead; I certainly would have given it one more star if it did.