JD Tyler - Phoenix Reborn

Wolf shifter and Firewalker Phoenix “Nix” Monroe has finally met his ultimate Bondmate—Alpha Pack nurse Noah Brooks. Unable to accept his own sexual identity, Nix rejects Noah despite the intense attraction he feels towards him.
By the time Nix realizes he has cast aside the love of his life, it may be too late to save Noah from a terrifying enemy...

Comment: This novella is installment #7.5 in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler.

I've been going through the series and this is the last story released since we don't even have a scheduled release date for the next one.

In this novella we have Phoenix's story, he was one of the alpha pack members rescued a few books ago and he has been recovering most of the time.

Nix, as he is called, has some psychic powers just like the rest of his team but his biggest struggle is actually recognizing his sexual identity and he has been in denial. This is a complicated situation because he has met his bondmate, the nurse Noah, a beloved element of the team as well.

Noah is more than ready to accept a relationship with Nix but he has been patient. However, it seems Nix won't admit anything and Noah starts to think he won't ever find happiness and wonders if it's all worth it. Will he wait for Nix to be ready?

I'll keep my comment short for this was a short story as well.

I liked the fact we get to go straight to the point and the author didn't waste much time with setting up. This means that for new readers, it can be quite confusing so it's better to read the stories in order. But at the same time it can put the fans right at the center of action.

I just think that the author, by summarizing a lot, also made things look a little too quick, especially since by reading the blurb one gets the idea the main couple doesn't hit it off. I assumed we would have a more angsty story, with more scenes where the protagonist dealt with their feelings.

Sadly for my personal tastes, this was not what happened. Yes, the story was shorter than usual, but most of the time Noah and Nix were getting along even if Nix showed dome reluctance to admit what he wanted.

I expected more emotional struggle to come to terms about everything and that this would be reason behind their lack of mating so far.

The reality is that the struggle is only obvious almost at the end and of course Nix has a change of heart pretty quick. He does say he has had issues for a long time but we don't see that, we only know of it. This means the emotional impact is not as big or heartfelt. Then Nix has to save the day and at the end all is well but... such a potentially great story was lost among clichés and missed opportunities. I wanted more emotion, not as much scenes with things we could guess anyway.

I think Nix's story well used could have been one of the strongest. All issues were solved too easily and too quickly.

Still, I feel happy this story exists and I hope the next ones can be amazing.

Grade: 6/10

JD Tyler - Chase the Darkness

Believed dead by his Pack mates, Micah Chase, a wolf shifter and Dreamwalker, was held captive for months, subject to tortures that left him physically scarred and emotionally unsettled.
Now under the care of the Alpha Pack’s doctors, he’s been prescribed an experimental healing drug, but he still can’t shake the nightmares. Even more damning is that Micah’s problems pose a danger to his team, and if he doesn’t get himself under control, they’ll all suffer a terrible fate.
There is a key to his salvation. Jacee is a beautiful coyote shifter, and though her kind is hated, she’s falling in love with a man whose very future is in her hands. Together they’ll face his personal demons as well as a deadly enemy—and for both of them desire has never come with such risk.

Comment: This is the 7th installment in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler. So far, this has been a paranormal series I've been quite a fan of, because I like the protagonists for the most part and also because the stories include many scenes with recurrent characters, which is always a positive for me.

This story, however, felt a little weaker when comparing to some of the others.

In this story we finally have Micah as a protagonist. We know he has suffered a lot in the past, he was captured, later on tortured but finally rescued a few books ago. He has been recovering but of course he still feels a lot of emotional pain and he has relied on some pills to bear his anxiety and trauma.

Jacee is a coyote shifter who works in a bar close to the complex where the Alpha Pack lives in and she likes that almost no one has realized she is a coyote. She has had a relationship with Jax (from book #1) before he met his mate but things never felt as right as they do when she meets Micah and realizes they are mates.

Despite the connection between them and the fact both try to make things work, can Micah let go of what he hates and suffers in order to embrace happiness before his choices kill him?

From what I wrote just now, it seems this story had all going on to be a very good one. Besides the known factors before these two get together from other stories, along with the focus on romance, this would be expected. However, I must say I was hoping for a more engaging plot/romance.

The romance is very often the element that most people want to see well in a book labeled so. I wasn't that  eager to have a book about about Micah and Jacee (their names are also a little annoying, they sound so childish to my foreign ears lol) because either had been that memorable for me from the glimpses I've seen of them before. But of course I'd be happy to see them achieve an HEA. As one can guess, the majority of their relationship is based on insta-lust (they are mates after all) and fighting each others demons, mostly Micah's.

I must say the combination of these two elements wasn't that well done in my opinion.

First, the attraction, despite convenient, doesn't explain everything and I liked how they took some baby steps to get to know each other better, they tried to respect one another but as usually happens, all progress was too quick.

Then, Micah has obvious issues to overcome, to get over...this also takes time and although I think the author was clever in letting him slowly improve from a few books ago (we would have someone comment on this and that) so that now things wouldn't seem as a miracle, Micah has things he still can't get past. I can understand this, he has been tortured. It's logical to assume he wouldn't be fine quickly. My issue is that there is a lot of talking about this but his issues aren't always treated as something that takes time to deal with. As if eh should heal faster now that most his worries are gone and he has found a mate. All this mixed up made the story a little repetitive and boring at times.

The villain chosen to balance against Micah's improvement was too "handy" and rather pointless. I'd have preferred no enemy to exist and this story being about a more realistic (and lengthier in tale) recovery for Micah.

Jacee, as his mate, obviously plays a certain part.. I liked how she was made to interact with the other characters, to give us the sense everyone was friendly if not best buddies, which is fine as well. I guess I'd have wanted to see more about them together besides the basic and the "mate bonding" theme.

There are more details to think about and I do love all the glimpses of the characters, even possible ones in future books but my favorite part, as usual in most serial books/installments, is how we get to see the interactions between everyone. It's really special to have the feeling we can also be part of such a community.

What a pity that for me, in this case, some aspects weren't as engaging or interesting overall.

Grade: 6/10

JD Tyler - Wolf's Fall

Still tormented by his recent captivity, Alpha Pack commander Nick Westfall isn’t sure he’s fit to lead—especially when he meets the one woman he can’t claim without reliving the torture he endured at the hands of a rogue vampire.
Vampire princess Calla Shaw has seen her own share of heartbreak, but she can tell that the wild attraction she and Nick feel for each other could turn into something significant—if only he’d let it. But Calla isn’t about to give up on her mate without a fight.
Time is running out, not only for Nick to claim his mate, but for Calla and her coven. A vampire war is on the horizon, one the Alpha Pack can’t hope to win if their leader can’t pull himself back from the abyss… 

Comment: This is the 6th installment in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler. Although all the books haven't been perfection, I've had quite an entertaining tie with them, so I keep reading, even more because I want to know what happens to the characters that will be protagonists yet.

In this book we finally have Nick Westfall's story. Since he is the alpha of the group of shifters/soldiers in the alpha team, Nick has always been the person the others look up to. Nick is also a pre cog, which means he often has visions about scenes that will happen in the future and that can sometimes be very useful but often it's not, as Nick himself can attest.

In the previous book something happened to Nick so now he isn't feeling his best and the notion he and Calla, the vampire sister of one of his allies, are mates makes everything change for him...

Well, this is a shorter book when compared to the others in the series, so my comment will be a short one as well.

I thought this book to be too generalist, as if anyone could be the hero and not Nick alone. Nick has ben the hero behind the scenes in every book there has always been an aura of mystery behind him and his life so I feel his story was sadly played down. 

I also think his heroine wasn't a good choice. Nothing against her being a vampire, that obviously played well into the plot needs, but Calla, as a character didn't offer much in terms of personality and although I wouldn't want someone impossible for him, I certainly imagined a much more balanced relationship.

The romance isn't perfect, no. Nick need to face a situation that started in the previous book and that affects his bond with Calla. I get it that he needs to solve something for himself before he can let go and embrace happiness, but the reality is that the whole situation feels contrived and "staged" and I couldn't really feel empathy towards his issues.

Calla also had some bad memories to overcome but I felt she was more stable, emotionally, than Nick. I just didn't find her interesting and imagined someone different for Nick when it came to personality. I don't mind they are a couple but I certainly imagined the interactions between them would have been much better.

The plot is focused on the usual battles, there's always an enemy on the lookout and our heroes need to make things right. I don't mind this since we still see scenes with everyone here and there and their friendships seem strong and good. I hope the next books bring more of this.

As for this book, I feel sad this isn't a favorite but to me Nick's characters wasn't used up well in his own plot, his mating felt weak and he doesn't seem to be as well portrayed here as he was in previous books.

Grade: 5/10

J.D. Tyler - Cole's Redemption

Once, they were Navy SEALS. Now they are the Alpha Pack: a top secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers who take on the darkest dangers on Earth. But sometimes the greatest danger lies within their own hearts....
Healer and black wolf shifter Zander Cole has survived horrors that would have broken a weaker man. But when a battle leaves him deaf and his powers dimmed, Zan is devastated. Believing himself to be a burden to his team, he sees only one option: leave the Pack forever.
White wolf shifter Selene Westfall knows pain—she is certain her father was responsible for her mother’s death. And she lives to exact revenge. So when she is challenged by a savage black wolf, she puts up a vicious fight—only to become the black wolf’s Bondmate as a result of his bite.
Two damaged souls—one filled with hatred and one who’s lost his reason for living—are forced together as they come to terms with their unlikely, turbulent bond. A love neither expected may be all that stands between them and a killer trying desperately to keep the past dead and buried...

Comment: This is the 5th installment in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler. The books haven't been crazy amazing but so far all stories have managed to be entertaining and I hoped this one would be as well. Thankfully, I was proven right..at least my opinion is a positive one.

In this book we have Zander Cole's story, he is another element of the team that was attacked in Afghanistan and later on included in the Alpha team because of the powers they got by being bitten by werewolves. Zander is the healer of the group, he can help mend broken bones and other health issues as long as he arrives on time. In the previous books Zander was affected in one of the several battles and now suffers hearing problems. As it is expected, he can't fix himself.

The team is now fixing some issues here and there although they still look for the guilty person or persons who engendered their change in Afghanistan. In just another step towards that goal they now have a real werewolf looking after their leader Nick, something related to what happened in the previous book.

In an attempt to help Nick, Zander follows him and the other wolf and while trying to protect him, he bites the unknown wolf not realizing he just met his bond mate, meaning the wolf is actual a female now bonded with Zander for life...

This is a PNR series quite focused on the adventures of the characters. I guess what makes me like this series the most is precisely the interaction between characters. I like when they behave not only as a tea but mostly as a group of friends. Often authors just focus on one couple and the other characters are just props and so on but in this series this aspect is well done in my opinion. I like the feeling I get they are more friends than just co workers and this helps me to empathize with them.

In this particular book, the romance developed between Zander and Selene, a new character who brings quite the secrets. I don't usually mind the insta-relationship that authors use as a tool to make the connection quicker than what one would accept because I always hope that connection develops with time.Sadly, what most authors do is to use that connection ss an excuse for sex which is meant to make the protagonists accelerate their emotional relationship. Most times, this doesn't really work and the romance feels flat or lacking development, feelings, emotional ties... in this book, I think this was what happened as I got the feeling their relationship went too fast from attraction to love but at the same time, it wasn't as bad as other books out there because the protagonists talked and neither behaved as a silly or possessive person (outside the expected in a mating pair).

The plot isn't complicated, I actually felt it run very smoothly but since most problems are solved, it kind of looks obvious each new installment brings new issues so the plot can move forward. But, like I said, I like the characters, it doesn't feel the author didn't think about this. What obviously comes to mind now is that this is a series that one must read in order to fully appreciate. Although every book can be read as stand alone in terms of structure, the issues mentioned are often related to previous stuff and that can make the reader feel there's information missing.

I don't have much to add unless I summarize plot scenes, so I can simply say I liked this installment, the romance wasn't the best but I can, personally, put that aside and just appreciate the world. In this regard, this was a book I liked more than some of the others.

Grade: 7/10

JD Tyler - Hunter's Heart

Ryon Hunter sees dead people—spirits that beg him for help in ways he can’t understand. He’d do anything to end the torment, until a beautiful spirit appears to him with a plea he can’t ignore: Help me…I’m alive. The woman is wildlife biologist Daria Bradford, mortally wounded after encountering a white wolf, calling to Ryon through a rare Psy gift.
When Ryon locates Daria in the Shoshone National Park, it is almost too late, but nursing her back to health at the Alpha Pack compound brings a new complication—Daria is his destined mate, and Ryon is afraid of what will happen when she discovers what he is, and what he had to do to save her life. But the biggest threat of all is still loose in the forest, leaving a merciless trail of death behind it. The Alpha Pack goes on the hunt for the mysterious white wolf, determined to stop the murderous rogue… only to find that the most lethal creature of all is the one they can’t see coming…

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler. I've been going through this series for some time, always looking for the one that screams "perfection". So far, I haven't found it but just the reading itself is interesting and I can still spend some entertaining time with them.

In this installment we have Ryon's story. Ryon is the element of the pack who can see ghosts ad this story begins because he sees the ghost of a woman asking for help. In fact, it's not really her ghost, simply a projection (the woman's sort of power) asking him for help because her body is in danger and she could die.

The team helps the woman, brings her to the compound and realize she is his mate and only he can save her. But the woman, Daria, also brings a connection which can unlock some secrets the pack wasn't aware existed...

In the last book, the team has defeated (some helped more than others) the big villain so I wondered which approach the author would have here as antagonism. Well, the big bad villain is dead but some minions still are out there so in a way this was how the plot managed to progress, even including meeting new characters and even species.

I'm quite interested in seeing what will happen with the new ideas which came forth in this installment and I hope the author uses them wisely.

The plot isn't too complicated because it revolves a lot around the main couple. I'm always eager to see glimpses of other characters, see what they are doing and I must say there's this amazing scene with Phoenix...I can't wait for his story.

In terms of overall plot, this fighting against traitors in the government or something....I can see why something like this has to exist, otherwise which substance could this series have but... I also could easily picture a situation where I could know they were fighting bad guys without details, I wouldn't mind a series even more focused on the human aspect and interactions between characters instead of fighting scenes and battles and stuff, which, to me, aren't as interesting...

My favorite part is to see how the guys deal with each other, how they help one another...and then the romance. I think Ryon and Daria's relationship had everything to be developed well but... why authors need to add the "insta-love" device to PNR stories I don't know... yes they are mates, yes they know, or one of them knows, do they need to have sex immediately? Where's the emotional connection? How can it be presented in a believable manner? I think these stories would gain hugely from a more developed romance, with more details and time for the couple to know one another well before going from sex, some angst and into love. It just feels too easy and lacking the emotional structure I love in situations like this.

All things considered, this was entertaining as I expected, we did learn new things, I still want to see what happens but it feels  bit demeaning that I can envision some changes so easily which, in my opinion, could improve this "world" a lot. Maybe the next story has a more balanced relationship...

Grade: 6/10

JD Tyler - Black Moon

A group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers combating the greatest dangers in the world. But sometime those dangers are more intimate than they bargained for…
Ever since he saved Dr. Mackenzie Grant’s life, panther shifter and sorcerer Kalen Black has had trouble keeping the beautiful doctor out of his thoughts, and his heart. The brush with death awakened an intense passion between them—one that for the first time had the notorious loner letting down his guard.
With the Alpha Pack battling an evil Fae who is slowly gaining control over Kalen’s mind, Kalen can no longer trust his own actions, and he breaks off his affair with Mackenzie in order to keep her safe. But when Mackenzie learns that she is carrying Kalen’s child, no amount of danger will keep her away from the man she loves. To be with his mate and unborn child, Kalen will have to unleash the full fury of his power, and risk destroying them all…

Comment: This is the third installment in the Alpha Pack series by author JD Tyler. I didn't particularly like the first book but the second somehow won me over and I was eager to see if this improving trend would continue. I didn't have as much fun reading this one as I did with the second but there enough elements to make me want to read the next one, at least.

This book features Kalen, one of the youngest members of the pack, and a sorcerer. Kalen has been suffering with the influence of Malik, the villain behind many of the bad things that have happened and with which the pack has had to deal with.

Kalen also deals with his feelings towards Mackenzie, one of the compound's doctors, and the fact she is his mate. They can't seem to agree on their relationship because of Kalen's issues with his own perception and the bad influence that takes a toll on him, but will Kalen be able to overcome all that in order to be free and find happiness with Mac?

This story focused very heavily on Kalen's struggle to fight against the influence of Malik. We've been knowing about this since book #1 and it's obvious it was a difficult part of plot, how could Kalen simply fight the influence Malik had on him. In a way, this made sense, after all, this was an important part of things, but I also admit it felt like it was the only things going on. I think it would have suited the story a lot more if we could have had more interactions between Kalen and everyone else in the pack.

The romance between Mac and Kalen had its moments... I don't mind seeing them together but as it usually happens in the genre, it revolved a little too much on physical scenes and not much on their intellectual or emotional matching. Yes, they say things but the way they act doesn't always seem very appropriate to what they say. Oh well.

It also annoyed me a bit because it's one of my per peeves, that she was older. I can't remember by how much, and I really don't care but just knowing got in my way of reading everything else.

I guess the relationship isn't badly done overall, but more scenes with them just getting their bond stronger would have added the reader to feel more confident in the certainty of their feelings.

The plot outside Malik's influence seemed very non existent. What else is happening? After the way this book ended, it seems books will be more centered on couples again? I hope so, because that is one of the best elements in the stories. I guess I'd love to have the sense of community for everyone to be more accentuated in each book. I really hope that happens in the next installment.

I think the author has a great concept here, interesting details and situations in which characters need to prove themselves. For a paranormal romance, things seem to be well placed. But I think every series needs something to make it more compelling than something else, in order to grab and keep out attention. I just wish things could go a more personality/character interaction way than a usual bad guy fighting/sex with mate when possible kind of story so often seen in these books.

I liked this book overall, but it won't be a favorite for sure.

Grade: 6/10

TBR Challenge: JD Tyler - Savage Awakening

After one of their own is captured, the Alpha Pack must save him. With them is Psy Dreamwalker Rowan Chase. Her priority is her brother's rescue. What she doesn't bargain for is a scorching affair with a rugged wolf shifter. When his life is endangered, Rowan must ask herself what she's willing to sacrifice in the name of love.

Comment: Another read for the TBR challenge and this month the theme is paranormal or romantic suspense. I went with PNR with glimpses of suspense, not that I can say there is much of it...but it suited my reading list of October and it was the closest I had with the intended theme.

This is the story of Aric Savage, he is a member of the secret military OP Alpha Team, a group of operatives who became shape shifters after a weird mission. Aric has been taken by the enemy and has been tortured but he is rescued, along others in the beginning of the story and that is important because he will meet his mate after that.

Rowan Chase is a cop in LA but she never accepted her brother was killed and hint after hint leads her to the Alpha Pack complex where she meets the team and later on helps rescuing her brother and Aric, a man she feels strongly attracted to.

All would be well if the Alpha Pack hadn't to fight a specific enemy and to do that they have to figure out who that person is. But maybe the answers arrive too late to save all their loved ones...

This is my second attempt in reading this series. The first installment wasn't a favorite of mine, I've read it at the end of 2014, said I'd read more during 2015 but well, it's almost the end of 2016...where does time go? Anyway, the first book didn't impress me much but I feel glad I could still remember some things as soon as I started this second book. And I liked this one better. It's not perfect, but in terms of being able to maintain my interest in reading, this was better.

The story isn't too complicated when it comes to the plot. A bunch of guys (some girls, mostly doctors) in a shared complex, they are battling supernatural forces most humans would consider fantasy, they are buddies, some are nicer than others, all have their own personal supernatural abilities and were changed into wolves - and a panther.

The idea isn't that original for a PNR, but somehow works. As always, what makes it interesting are the specific characters, their powers, the friendship between them, the fact they behave like family and have a strong bond...well, to be honest, I think this aspect isn't used to its maximum potential, but whatever. They have enemies, humans and others they have to battle, they have comrades to rescue, not a single one wants to be mated and fights it when it happens...so, pretty much any type of PNR out there. Still, I liked this one better, I don't know if I was simply in the mood, if the writing is more fluid, therefore easier to follow and go through, if the characters felt more captivating...something surely was but don't expect originality or "amazingness".

The romance is always an important element in these types of stories and this wasn't an exception. Usually the romances are rushed and too much insta-love (even shape shifters/mating issues and rules aside) and I kind of noticed it here as well, but somehow, despite seeing it, I think it's better compared to the first one because of the attitude Rowan and Aric had going into it. I just think I can respect their decision and their lack of drama while being together. Of course, there is a slightly drama issue closer to the end, which was unnecessary but there's a HEA at the end and that was great.

The characters have to deal with emotional issues, they have to talk and discuss important things about themselves and I don't mean only the protagonists. I liked how the next story started to be prepared. Some people think this ha a cliffhanger but I don't agree. Sure, we are left wondering what will happen, but the way things are done I don't think it's not bearable. I liked how even things related mostly to other people somehow were important to the protagonists and others, not only the couple meant to be.

There is an obvious lack of more layers, more sense of community for a bunch of people living togther and the romance could have been done with more sweetness and romantic gestures...

The suspense parts, at least the ones we can address as suspense, certainly look weak and maybe there just to fill up space but to me it's perfect: not too much to make the story a thriller and just enough to make is a part of the team's purpose and goals.

All in all, Rowan and Aric provided an interesting story, yes there are obvious things one could change but I was entertained and I'm looking for to read the next story too.

Grade: 7/10

JD Tyler - Primal Law

Founded by a group of former Navy SEALS, the Alpha Pack is a top-secret team of wolf shifters with Psy powers tasked with eliminating the most dangerous predators in the world. But the gift of their abilities comes at a price…
After a massacre decimates half his team and leaves him crippled, Jaxon Law must relearn how to fight—and battle the anger and guilt threatening to overwhelm him. But when he rescues a beautiful woman who reawakens his primal instincts, Jax is unprepared for the dangers that lie ahead.
On the run from her employer, brilliant lab assistant Kira Locke has evidence that leads the Alpha Pack on a hunt for someone targeting human civilians with Psy abilities. And as Jax and Kira circle both the killer and each other, Jax will have to decide if the deep connection he feels with Kira is worth breaking the ultimate shifter rule—because bonding with Kira means putting his abilities at risk, and they might be the only tools he has to keep his mate alive… 

Comment: One more small comment for another of the last books of 2014.

This book has been in the pile for a long time, but it's always better late than sorry and finally I picked this one up.

This is a paranormal story featuring a group of soldiers who were bitten by wolves during a mission and they are now shapeshifters. This the first of a series called Alpha Pack and the main protagonist is Jaxon, someone who saw friends die because he trusted the wrong woman and never let it go, despite his friend's support.

Kira Locke is a lab assistant who suspects something's wrong and steals something her bosses are secretly working on. She has the help of Alpha Pack when she is attacked in Las Vegas and they take he to their compound. In there, Kira faces a new reality, finds friends and starts falling in love for Jaxon and vice versa. But in a world with more paranormal beings that she dreamed of, are the military missions the worst danger the team faces?

This story isn't very original in terms of paranormal ideas. Still, it has the potential to be a good series just like we see with so many other authors out there. However, I think the author tried all the clichés possible and sometimes less is more. I also think the pace wasn't well done, because some things happen too fast, others don't seem to be explained enough, there's importance given to many details and the romance was the biggest loser in my opinion.

Kira and Jaxon have a connection but I didn't think the author used the best tools to enhance their relationship. I was glad they found happiness but the process wasn't romantic or interesting.

Another thing that caught my eye for the not so good reasons was how the guys have powers, unique and personal to each one of them, and they can do things with that. I didn't like what Jaxon did at the end with his, or better, what I didn't really like was how the author used devices to increase angst and drama where it wasn't needed. 

Once again, some things are better savored with less drama than more and it felt fake and melodramatic to make the end like that.

I wasn't very impressed with the story but I have hopes for some f the next protagonists. I'll read the next one during this year and see how it goes, if I want to keep up with the series.

Grade: 5/10