#BookReview – “Serengeti Heat” by Vivi Andrews

Blurb

Ava Minor is done being the good girl. As the smallest and weakest in a pride of shape-shifting lions where size and strength rule, she's never had any choice but to toe the line. Now, with sexy, nomadic alpha Landon King winning control of the pride, she grabs her one chance to let her inner feline out to play. 
Landon would rather focus on reforming the antiquated traditions of his new pride than taking a mate...until the rebellious Ava crosses his path. All his noble intentions go up in flames, incinerated by the heat she exudes-especially when he realizes she's in heat. 
Ava, knowing she isn't mate material, is determined to revel in one wild night before she's sent back to her place in the pride pecking order. Except Landon has no intention of letting his daring, seductive lioness go... 

Review

In the first Serengeti Shifters novella, beta lion Ava Minor wants to have fun in a rough human bar. As the smallest, weakest lion in her pride of lion shifters, she is used to the other lionesses bullying her, male lions ignoring her, and having to deal with her four overprotective brothers. In the bar, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with the new alpha in her pride, the only man she’s ever really wanted.

After years as a nomad, Landon King challenged the former alpha of the Three Rocks Pride months earlier and won the right to lead the pride. He wants to change the antiquated rules and bring the pride into the modern era, but he knows he needs a mate to help him bring about the changes. Though he forces Ava to leave the bar to save her from her own folly, he cannot control himself around her. She challenges him in ways he never expected, and neither of them believes one night together will be enough.

Wow! I love this story. Ava is so smart and brave, but she doesn’t realize her inner strength because she’s been put down her entire life. Landon is definitely open-minded and willing to do whatever is necessary to protect his new pride as well as honoring his heart, so I liked him a lot.

Zoe, Landon’s sister, is awesome, and I’m looking forward to reading her book later in the series. Ava’s brothers need to be knocked down a few pegs, but their stubbornness stems from love and a need to protect her, even when she doesn’t need protecting.

I enjoyed Ms. Andrews’ voice and writing style. I didn’t notice any typos or spelling mistakes, which is very refreshing. Even though this novella is short, it told a full story. Still, I really wish the story would’ve been longer because I enjoyed the characters and the world building, and didn’t want it to end.

5 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

#BookReview – “Unforgettable Lover” by Rosalie Redd

Blurb

The Betram ritual, when the full moon occurs on the summer solstice, is a sexual rite—and a requirement—for all unbonded Stiyaha of age. The irresistible urge to mate drives their inner beasts. Some succumb and transform, while others hide behind masks. None can escape the compelling need.

For Leonna, Betram offers one night of freedom from a destiny she doesn’t want. Eager to participate, she’s drawn to a formidable male whose tenderness burrows into her soul. Despite discovering she’s below his status, she is caught up in their passionate frenzy, and loses her heart to a male she can never have.

Though reluctant, as an unbonded male, Prince Nicholai must participate in the Betram ritual. Because he fears harming anyone he gets close to, he dons his mask and vows to stay in human form. What he doesn’t expect is the intensity of his hunger for a certain honeyed female hidden behind a disguise. As much as he longs to forget her, he can’t, for she’s unforgettable.

Review

In the prequel to the Warriors of Lemuria series, Prince Nikolai is one of the strongest warriors of the Stiyaha (a shape-shifting race from another planet sent to earth to battle the evil Gossums), and he lives his life around duty and responsibility. He fears he will fail the people he cares for, which prohibits him from making many friends and taking a mate.

Leonna yearns for freedom. The responsibility of her family’s honey-making business weighs heavily on her shoulders, and all she wants to do with her life is paint. Though she’s looking forward to the Betram ritual—a sexual rite all unbonded Stiyaha males and females must attend, to help them find mates—she doesn’t want a mate, at least until she meets Nikolai. Though both of them are wearing disguises, she recognizes him as the future king and believes they can never be together beyond the Betram.

I really liked Nikolai and Leonna. They’re both hardworking, loyal people who are trapped under their families’ expectations and needs, and I think their plight could speak to a lot of readers.

Though I enjoyed the story and understood the environment/world in which the characters lived, I’m relieved I’ve already read book one in the series. The first book just gave much more detailed information about the world than this novella did. The writing is strong, but there were a few minor typos. Since this story takes place 600 years ago, in the 1400s, I was surprised the characters spoke like people from contemporary times, and not in more old-fashioned terms.

Anyway, it’s a good story, and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Redd.

4 Stars

Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.