not my favorite in the series

This book was a miss for me. I really enjoy the series , but not every book works for me.
Will probably continue the series and hope next one is better.
Also didn't enjoy the narration this time around but that might not be the narrators' fault.

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Loved so much

Book 4 in the Immortal vices and virtues: shadow shifter bonds. Love the books in this series that are each written by a different author and pack filled with adventure, nail biting goodness and so addictive. If you have not jumped on these set of books, you have no idea what you're missing.
#TheFlockonTour

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Entertaining!

This story is set in the Immortal Vices and Virtues Universe. Stella and Oz's story is entertaining, filled with danger, action, and twists and turns. I enjoyed this paranormal romance. Lexi Evans and Michael Norman Johnson did a great job bringing this story to life. #PFPAudio

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The Battle Between Loyalty and Your True Mate

A stand-alone in the romantasy series Immortal Vices and Virtues.
We are introduced to Oz as a young shifter who is alone and running after a death. He is saved by a Prince from death himself and pledges his life to the prince. Loyalty is challenged and becomes an insurmountable when he is pulled in two directions. Sent to retrieve the Prince’s mate from the human world (based upon a vision) and Ozrecognizes her as his mate.
The battle of love and loyalty is a struggle that is resolved but not in a way you may expect and sets up a story revolving around the prince.
Excellent narration and an action packed romance.

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Can't get enough of IVV...

I’ve come to love the IVV world, and the Shadow Shifter season may be my favorite. This is a fun installment in this world, though the IVV world-building isn’t very heavy. It’s more set in its own world with some IVV crossover, and has more of an urban fantasy feel than the dystopian one that other IVV reads had me expecting. (Not a bad thing at all—just an observation—I enjoyed this world, filled with lots of magical and supernatural elements.)

It’s written in alternative, first-person POV which is always a good time, as I like getting multiple parties’ POVs as the reader. The writing could’ve been a bit stronger, as it favored a lot of ‘telling’ over ‘showing’, but it worked.

The steamy scenes were a bit drawn out for me, though I expect most romance readers will appreciate that. It’s giving romantasy/ lost princess, and has lots of adventure, action, discovery, magic, mysteries, and … well:

Cheating.
Fated mates.
Royalty.
Magic.
Fight scenes.
Vampires.
Protective 4lpha MMC.
Danger.
Slow-burn.
Worshipping mate.
Semi-broken heroine.
Pirates.
Rejected mates.
Betrayal.


Overall:
Based on this experience, I’d be open to reading more by this author—this was my first and it was pretty fun!

3.5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

🎧 Audio:
Both narrators were perfect and the quality overall: flawless. 5 stars.
🦩

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Forbid Me

Forbid Me is another standalone book in the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series. Ines Johnson wrote an amazing book. I have loved these books in this series.

Lexi Evans and Michael Norman Johnson did a great job narrating this book.

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lots and lots of danger and suspense

Stella and Oz's story was intriguing...even if I did want to shake my head at some cluelessness along the way. Mysteries to solve, lots and lots of danger as the journey to safety is traveled, and plenty of suspense. And seeing characters from previous stories I listened to make cameos was fun. I am there for Stella's brothers book next. The narrators brought the story to life.

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Fighting For and Alongside Your Fated Mate is in Style

This is my second book in this series. They are stand alone stories, but I sense they build off each other world-wise.
Stella is a part-witch/part-shifter (although it’s dormant and she keeps it a secret) who works in the cross-roads, the slums of the United States where a full blooded human is rare. After discovering her boyfriend cheating and a pot of someone she trusted, she runs off when a magical portal goes off, bumping into a man whose touch literally changes both their lives.

The two are now on the run from numerous threats, her safety the priority of this head guard of the Panther king, a Panther shifter named Oz, Stella the forbidden fruit he feels pulled to and desires to sink his fangs into.

I will say, compared to the first book in the series I read, book 1, this one flows better and the lore and world building was more natural, so I could sink into it. I appreciate that from the author. Also, having technically run by magic or solar, electricity rare, was a fun twist.

Although, as a Missourian, having the cross roads, aka, slums, be in my beloved state made me sad. I get it, I promise; middle of the nation. But the description of arch and Busch stadium in ruins…my heart.

I understand a book like this with fated mates and animal shifters will have different dynamics of how intimacy and romance plays out, but…I’m so conflicted on Stella.
I love her fashion rated powers and her creativity using them.
I love her style and confidence.
I love her curves and how she’s seem as beautiful as deserved.
I love her kindness and lineage when revealed.
But…
She was almost clingy.
Now, she has trust issues with men. She’s a romantic. She’s a shifter so different culture of fate and a yearning for it. She’s on a whirlwind of an adventure for her life. All reasonable.
But she’s still too pushy with poor Oz, who makes it clear he has a mission.
Yes, Oz is in denial and hides a few things from her, but he never hurt her nor wanted to.
And when our formulaic ‘fight’ with our leads towards the end happens…how she handles it…is so opposite with no thought. Hurt my heart and upset me.
So, I like Stella, but she rubbed me the wrong way sometimes.

I WILL always praise my favorite female narrator, Lexi Evans, for portraying her flawlessly, layered and charming like a good garment, no matter the emotion. She saved Stella for me.

Oz was a delicious piece of chocolate by looks, protective nature, loyalty, strength, and how he ‘plays.’ But he had that soft caramel center; timid, handling his worth, and tenderness. I think his backstory, yes sad, was a little…nonsensical, even with a panther like culture. Although I’d bonk his mother for treating anyone like that! Poor thing.

Oz is magical without spells and his narrator did a paw-tastic job bringing every spot of his appeal to life.

I do think our pairing is an engaging and enjoyable rapport.

I would give this book a listen to see if it claims you.

P.S. King Deon was brilliant! I want more of his story after the events of this one!

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Love this series

I have really enjoyed this series. The way the author brings these different types of characters to life. As well as the growth in the characters, can't wait to read more.

The audio was really well done just like the previous ones in the series.

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Ok!

Stella and Oz

The narrators did a good job telling the story and portraying the characters as the author wrote them.

I have listened to a couple of the books in this series, this one just for me. I am not a fan of whining, desperate sounding, helpless characters especially female characters. I don't want to give anything away. She's cheated on, finds out she's being manipulated by her boss and her cheating ex and is more focused on how no one loves her. Throws herself at Oz the minute she meets him. Then when Oz tells his childhood story all I can say is serious. Then there's the whole misunderstanding because none of these characters know how to talk everything is just bits of information leaving important details out.

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