J.R. Rioux

Terrific Idea

Writing about a rape victim is always a good thing to bring awareness to all of these issues. I do have some issues, though. Speking from someone who's been there and helped others, here are a few points:
1. 3 days is simply not enough time to start exploring.
2. Whatever great intent a man might have, I've yet to meet a rape victim that comfortable with a strange man handling them while they are out and naked.
3. Most of us tend to cover ourselves almost excessively so no one will look at us and get ideas.
4. I don't think I've ever heard of a rape victim see anyone as attractive and think about what might have been before they were raped, because you don't tend to want any man/woman looking at you with any appearance of interest. Anyone touching you without warning tends to make you jump in fear.
5. She would need pads because she would likely be bleeding for several days afterward.
6. The shame and humiliation follow you for a long time beyond the first few days, and those first days, those feelings consume you.

Of course, everyone's experience is different, but there are some general things that tend to be universal. The physical effects take days/weeks to heal, the mental health issues can last a lifetime. That kind of betrayal makes it extremely hard to form new connections with people. I would have never gotten on a boat with a strange dude 3 days after a brutal rape because you're terrified of everyone. Women, if you're a chick, not so much as men, who are all a threat, except perhaps the police officer/doctor/family member/close friend whom you are comfortable with.

Just some things you might want to keep in mind. Like I said, everyone is different, but the time span you've set does not feel right at all.

A feel good story

The story is incredibly well-written and flows beautifully. The character development and their evolution through the story is inspiring. There are few tweaks needed here and there, but it doesn't detract from this lovely tale that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. (I don't usually use that description, but this time it really fits.)

A true gem

From a girl's heart wrenching past to finding the love of a lifetime, this story takes you on a massive journey that seems to span for far longer than the number of chapters. You can read it in a couple of hours, but it will feel like you've lived the months of the lives of the characters. This is not 'the Alpha's girl', this is a man, who happens to be an Alpha, fights for his mate; for her life, for her love, and for her peace of mind.

This story is not wht you're expecting - it's better

While there are plenty of typos, the story itself is astounding. If you like biker romances at all, this is a must read. Even if you don't generally like biker romances, you've got to give it a shot. It's just that good and twice as rewarding at the end.

Not a typical falling in love with the boss kind of story

This book takes you up, down, and throws in twists and turns that make a surprisingly intesnse reading experience. It's artful and nuanced, with a wide range of emotions and follows a realistic path that leads to a happy conclusion. Does need some minor editing, but it's hardly noticeable unless you're looking.

It will leave you speechless

This story is a werewolf story like no other. In fact, it's so different it is hard to make specific comments without ruining the plot. What I can say is that it is, from start to end, a story you can't put down as you're sucked into the lifes of main characters. Only when you reach the last chapter do you realize it's almost over. You are taken through the fear, the wonder, the excitement, the arousal, and the sadness the characters - the full range of emotions as two people, destined to be together, find their way to each other, fall in love, and explore all that their connection has to offer. The use of a specific astrological event in combination with an ancient symbol representing their tribe's history helps give the entire society a more primal feel, as though they were more in touch with their inner animal selves that seems to make them feel more real. More natural. These are not half human. These are human wolves, connected to the piece of the world around them, living in seclusion in relative peace. If you don't read this, you are truly missing out.

Worth reading, but needs work

I hate to be highly critical when it comes to typos or sentence structural errors, but this one has some issues. The biggest ones are mixed pronouns, inconsistencies, and places where the story jerks - no lead up that you would expect when someone say, has an emotional outburst. Those things that play into something happening. There are a couple of key places where this happens and you're left going... wtf? It can be a little difficult to read in areas, where the words in the sentence just don't make sense. It's clear author types as quickly as possible to keep up with thoughts, but does not go back through and clean it up a bit and make sure things are followed through with. And yes, it is a draft and it is going to be imperfect, I get that because I do the same thing - but I do go through and glance over everything generally as I'm writing to double-check that I didn't skip half a sentence in the middle of another one because that does happen.
Having said all that - READ THIS STORY
Screw the errors, skip over the jerks, and just read it. The characters are amazing people, the supporting cast is pretty good. The emotions are strong most of the time and you can really get a sense of their vulnerabilities in most of the important places. Some of the errors do throw some of that off, but, if you overlook them, you still have a really good story that, at it's most basic level, has the shine of a diamond within it. It just needs cut and polished to perfection.
I truly believe if author sits down and takes time to read over it, make some editing changes, reword some things, add a few details, fill in a few places, that this would be a truly intense experience that you'd read from beginning to end and then want to read it again.

A feel good kind of story

This is a sweet romance story - nothing more, nothing less. The MCs are very curious individuals and just seem to fit together from the start. There's no excessive drama or backbiting exes, just a couple of twenty-somethings finding their place in the world - together and apart from one another. These are good, decent folks, just trying to do the best they can and trying to be happy. It's not super original, but it will leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling once you're done, satisfied with the conclusion to a story that will keep you smiling.

quite a joy to read

While there are a ot of grammatica errors (shes and hes and his and hers scrambled a lot), it's an engaging page-turner. The greatest challenge to any writer is to evoke emotion in their readers, and this does quite well, for the most part, in giving you that intensity. Definitely needs editing and refining, but the story is too good for that to matter much in this type of format.

Keeps you on the edge of your seat...

There are a couple of plot holes and it needs some editing, but this is almost the most unique plot for a werewolf book I've ever seen. It's comparable to Not My Alpha in quality and uniqueness, just not as dark. The characters each have a life of their own, and it's hard to put the story down, even to sleep. You just feel the need to keep reading to find out what's next. Do not miss this book, or you are really going to miss out on something amazing.

Even without editing, this is a really amazing read!

I've never seen a storyline like this before. It's intense, heart-wrenching, hopeful, and full of those moments that make life worth living. Your heart will break for all Erica has suffered and all she goes through during the story. You'll want to smack Wade a few times, but he shows himself to be a good leader with compassion and a strong, wonderful heart. Some of the other characters you'll love or hate, all of which pulls you in deeper and deeper until you realize you've reached the end. Don't miss out on this awesome book!

A must read!

First off - some of the content is a bit difficult to read and may make you uncomfortable, but, there's nothing over the top. Some people may disagree with certain aspects of the story, however, it's all important to the overall tale. That said, from chapter to chapter, you will find it impossible to look away as you continue along with the well-written characters, all of whom are completely different and well flushed out. It's a verry compelling story; a real page turner. You just can't look away until it's done.

Meh...

It starts out strong from the gate. The writing is good, the story is intriguing... then it just kinda falls off. There's the cliche slut, the typical controlling ex, then the story just gets worse from there. Instead of taking time to build up a relationship, there's some ridiculous arbitrary date that the male MC character has to have his mate by or he has to choose a she-wolf to be his mate for some reason, there's no flexibility allowed even though she's human and fresh out of a divorce, and he sets off every alarm bell you've ever seen or heard of for what an abusive partner does. There's no build-up, there's no romance, there's nothing except the words of some 'connection' because they are fated mates. He comes across as a stalker, and she comes across as normal, right up until the last 2 chapters, where suddenly she becomes okay with everything, in spite of the fact the entire story spans less than 2 weeks. Author says 3 in the story, but it's not, going by the story itself. Also, apparently there's a bright light when they 'shift', which is as dumb as sparkling vampires, because it makes them SO easy to detect. It has a lot of potential, and the writing itself is good, it's just like author got to the last two chapters and went, okay, let's end it here and happily ever after, without any of the things needed to get there.

Wonderfully written story, though title is misleading

This story is beautifully written. However, you will not find the title matches the story at all. Maybe 'Self-Worth Restored' or something else, because this poor female main character goes through some serious shit in this story, and her destined is the cause of much of it. The other parts of the plot are really well implemented, and keep you following the story. You won't be invested as much in Sebastian, as he is NOT what anyone would have thought he was from the first book. You WILL be invested in Maddie, because she is quite easy to get attached to.

A Unique Twist

This story is well worth a read. It does need some editing, and you may have to read a couple of things twice, but it's god a great flow and you're constantly waiting for the next thing to happen. Then, you find yourself at the end and you're left wanting just a little more. The ups, downs, zig-zags, and the lovely lack of some tropes makes it stand out against the average werewolf story.

Wattpad-style Werewolf 'Romance'

If you want a doormat woman and an overbearing male, here you go. There is some originality that makes it start out REALLY nice. It has all the trademarks of a good story. That is, until she meets her so-called mate who puts her in a dungeon and has her tortured. Of course, she forgives him, because... well, apparently being mated makes you lose any self-respect, sense of self-preservation, and apparently causes you to forget being whipped across your back for a freaking week.

Another Amazing Tale

If you don't read it, you're missing out. That's all that really needs to be said.

Well worth a read

There are like... none of the normal tropes. This is a sweet and beautiful romance that doesn't leave your gut churning at the next horrible thing to happen.

It's well worth the read

Not your normal romance, but certainly one that's far more enjoyable than you might expect. The families of these two are hilarious. Big personalities, some real bluntness, and lots to laugh at. Enough bad stuff to give it drama, but the people are reasonably well-adjusted people and they handle things reasonably well. All in all, there are far more laughs than tears or horror.

A Lovely Historical Romance

There are a few minor errors, but nothing to detract significantly from the tale. The writing style in many places reminds me of Oscar Wilde, and it is set some years previous to him. There are a few things you may need to look up if you're unfamiliar with 17th century English terms, though, if you don't, you can still visualize it all well with the way the scenes are portrayed. The whirlwind romance and the questional behavior of the mother are the main focus, flowing naturally as the story progresses. The characters are well developed and feel like real people, with all the ugly and beautiful things that make them individuals.
If you like historical romances - this is a must read.

A story of love after life-altering injuries

Two accidents, two people who barely survived. The long-term struggles, both physical and emotional, and the path they take to survive and move on is stunningly well written. Time advances allow you to see as they find ways to move forward. It's heartbreaking, tragic, painful, healing, and gratifying, all in one as the story progresses. The ending speaks of hope, leaving you feeling warm inside. A definite must read.

Great Story!

Thre are a few minor issues and one issue of consistency, but it is a wonderfly written story. Just enough clues to allow you to visualize, without getting too wound up on details. The characters are amazing, even the bad people are rally flushed out. You truly feel each are unique individuals, none are generic, and the plot takes a few twists you aren't expecting out of the blue. I loved it. Well worth a read.

An amazing journey

This story has so many twists and terns, you have to pay attention. From on event to another, this is a story of action, betrayal, secrets, and stunning events that keep you wondering from one chapter to the next. It does drag a bit in a few places and thre are a few minor errors, but this is well worth the read!

It's good, but it desperately in need of work

Details are skipped or ignored further on. Choppy in some areas, a lot of using the wrong homonyns. Story is decent otherwise, just things move a bit too quickly.

Extremely poorly written

Needs punctuation - quotes, periods, commas in the right places, and all the rest. The enter key seems to have been forgotten about unless there are a lot of them in a row. From what I can tell, the story is a bit too much, too fast, and very bland. There's no depth. I hope as writer matures, they will revisit this and rewrite it.

Spellbinding. An incredible ride.

This story breaks every expectation you have in a vampire romance. This goes beyond romance and into a true supernatural drama, with elements of horror, heart-stopping fear, and astonishment as the pages fly by. The descriptions are incredible and the atmosphere set is almost poetic; dark and gloomy one moment, bright and cheery the next. It's an adventure with a romantic story blended within.

Decent but neds work

The plot is not bad at all. The characters are all relatively unique and the background characters aren't all typical, for the most part. The problem is in execution. The typos and technical issues are too numerous to count, and the punctuation is questionable. The writer has problems with certain types of descriptions, especially as the story progresses, as if they have forgotten how to describe or say something. POV has repetivive scenes without anything changed from one to the other in several chapters as well. It's really a good story that has yet to reach it's potential. I actively encourage author to revamp this story and improve on the lovely foundation you have created.

Too many serious problems as is to recommend.

It really starts out great and I was expecting a good story from this author. This was not what I was expecting. It starts off relatively normal, even good... then things suddenly start going real fast, then her personality changes completely on a dime, changes back, then things go way too fast then suddenly nothing makes sense anymore. You have to both ignore major inconsistencies in character behavior, bizarre events that make no freaking sense and actions/words/descriptions that just do not fit into any type of concept of reality. Forget suspending disbelief, you have to suspend the part of your brain that thinks and has been outside in the world ever.

Heart Pounding, Expectation Shattering

It's rare that a sequel or second part of a book can be even more riveting than the last, but this one picks right where the last one stopps. You hit the ground running and never slow down. The plot thickens and you're left looking for the next part right away.

Grabs you from page one and never lets go.

While there are still technical errors and so forth, it does not detract in any way from the story. There are a few places where you're questioning exactly what is going on, but if you keep going, you'll soon figure it out. Honestly, if edited and polished and so on, this would be a book I'd buy. I'd definitely read it more than a few times.

The satisfying conclusion

The errors seem much less prominent in this one, or maybe I was too wrapped up in the story to notice as many. Either way, read the first two, then this one. Somehow though, I'm not sure this story is completely over, but then, that's the Author's choice. ;)

Flawed, but Worthy

Sometimes a story is just too good that you will overlook the flaws to keep going. This is one of those. Lots of errors, a little confusion here and there, but the story is so worth it. The plot is twisty, curvy, shifting like a highway snaking around an old forest atop a mountain going 200 mph. It definitely keeps you guessing.

Technically Flawed, An Excellent Read

Author really needs to learn how to use the enter button and making sure POVs and various talkers aren't mixed in the same paragraph. It is a bit frustrating in a few areas. Loads of missing quotes, so sometimes you aren't sure if anyone is speaking or not.
With that said, the story in itself is really amazing. The characters are different, consistent in their personality, and the plot is really intriguing. There's always this hidden element underneath everything that you can't quite pinpoint but you know is there somewhere. Author does incredibly well at creating a 'keep you guessing' feel to the story and the characters are all very human, complete with ugly flaws and capable of cruelty as well as great passion. It's not an erotic story, it's a complex story with erotic scenes and that is why I loved it.

Summary has potential, but story fails to deliver

The story concept is a pretty good one. Biker falls in love with a victim of some gang leader who's been in hiding, after being paid to find her and bring her back.
Unfortunately, the story isn't written well, and leaves you disappointed. Besides using shutter instead of shudder all over the place, there are so many details missed, overlooked, or simply ignored. You grab a chick from a fight club and take her back to your cubhouse and that is all she has, yet somehow she has multiple outfits to change into. Putting 250k in an envelope twice (not possible), the 'treating ointment' for after being rape (wtf is that even supposed to be?), and a 'romance' that gos way too fast, especially for a woman who hasn't had sex with anyone but her former rapist that last occured 3 years ago. Having been there and done that, I find is highly improbable she's just going to up and have sex with a man who's been paid to return you to captivity, especially since you cannot trust a guy at that point.
It goes way too fast between them, even for a biker book, and she just falls in line because of promises a woman in her position should and would never be able to trust on face value. There is an overall lack of consistency in the female MC's character and her behavior from start to finish. It's as if writer has no world experience and has no concept of how people work, how things function, how the human ody works, nor ever even spoke to a rape or domestic violence victim ever. Desperately needs major revision, it just doesn't work as it is.

Impossible to read

I am not sure if author is a native English speaker with a low quality education or a non-native English speaker trying to learn - but this story is incredily difficult to read. I can't even begin to list all the mistakes - from sentence structure to adjectives to .... well, everything. I can't tell whether or not the characters are likeable - they seem to be, but it's so difficult to try to follow and make sense of what's written, it simply cannot be enjoyed. Needs a thorough re-write and checked by someone who is both a native English speaker and has had a moderately decent education.

Forget every story you've ever read about werewolves. This blows almost every other out of the water!

I literally have zero flaws to point out. Maybe a typo or two, but that would literally be it.
As a person who doesn't have a normal emotional range, this book had me all over the place. I was grinning, I was crying, I was laughing, enraged, and everything in between with this story. Having read hundreds (quite literally) of supernatural books focusing on werewolves, I can only think of 1 other story that even compares in quality, in the ability to get you absorbed so deep, there world around you simply doesn't exist.
Out of two broken spirits desperately needing one another, with all the emotional struggle that comes with it creates a tale that is so profound, so perfect in its protrayal of true love, that you can't walk away untouched. The highs, lows, the compassion and understanding - it's a love story of the highest level; a true display of the lengths someone will go to when they put the person they love's needs ahead of their own in the fashion of true, unconditional love. The characters constantly evolve as they find a way to heal from their own pain, supported by a real family and friends who truly only want what's best for their child and the mate they quickly learn is the one who will truly help her become whole.
This is a must read for any fan of the genre, and I promise you - you'll never look at love stories the same again. Especially books about werewolves and their mates. This is what love should always look like.

An easy read to enjoy

Well worth a read, especially if you just need something sweet to lighten up your day, or night. It's not the most passionate or intense story, just a story of two people who happen to fall in love in a slightly complicated situation. You will finish off with a grin on your face and feeling satisfied all's well.

A lovely retelling of a true classic

It's not easy to remake a classic as beloved as this, without feeling like you're just reading a copy of the original. While this isn't the most original retelling I have seen, it is a very one, nonetheless. There are a few places where it needs a bit of editing and refining; even a bit added as it is lacking some fundamental details as is, however, all in all, it's very well done and a lovely way to pass a couple hours out of your day.

Sequel as good as the first

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but I was quickly caught up in the fate of the 4 primary characters and what a roller coaster it was. A tale of love that crosses the boundaries of time; even through life and death itself. A murdered man, an empathetic woman - doing whatever it takes to do what's best for the one they love - no matter the cost. Happiness, sadness, eroticism, action, mystery, true love, a stunning horse - it has a bit of everything and it really works.
One of the few times a sequel is on par with the first. The next is every bit as great as the first and this one are.
A Must Read.

An intense ride

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but I was quickly caught up in the fate of the 4 primary characters and what a roller coaster it was. A tale of love that crosses the boundaries of time; even through life and death itself. A murdered man, an empathetic woman - doing whatever it takes to do what's best for the one they love - no matter the cost. Happiness, sadness, eroticism, action, mystery, true love, a stunning horse - it has a bit of everything and it really works. A Must Read.

An intense experience

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this, but I was quickly caught up in the fate of the 4 primary characters and what a roller coaster it was. A tale of love that crosses the boundaries of time; even through life and death itself. A murdered man, an empathetic woman - doing whatever it takes to do what's best for the one they love - no matter the cost. Happiness, sadness, eroticism, action, mystery, true love, a stunning horse - it has a bit of everything and it really works. A Must Read.

An Emotional Roller Coaster!

Needs some minor editing. This isn't your typical falling in love with the boss romance. It has much more depth, drama and hardships. The characters have to fight their own demons and insecurities, make mistakes and grow for things to come out good in the end. There are a lot of twists and turns that will make you laugh and cry and cheer them on. Well worth the read.

Not Impressed

While some aspects of the BDSM are realistic, the author fails to take time to build up the relationship between the MC's. Shortcuts aren't acceptable in BDSM because of the potential risks. With a character as vulnerable as the female MC, author has failed to respect the most necessary aspect of BDSM relationships: patience. These relationships are not and cannot be rushed into. Sadly, this throws off the entire pace of the story very quickly in. There's no build-up to the relationship at all.

Eh...

The plotline is good. The description is good. There are a lot of technical errors that can be distracting, but the main problem is that it moves somewhat awkwardly. The character development is lacking and there are a number of plot holes. Unrealistic responses are littered throughout, for example - a friend cheats on her mate with MC's mate, yet MC has no reaction after spending hours in agonizing pain because of it.

Awesome story!

I am not generally a fan of short stories but this one is well worth the read. Of course it could be lengthened (in my opinion), but it's really awesome as it stands. It goes outside of the cliché, making it more original than the hooker meets rich guy story. I definitely recommend it!

A fantastic read!

This story is a real page turner! Well developed characters, awesome plot and it's so easy to slip into their world and live it. A very fine storyteller, indeed.

Why is this even on here?

There's nothing here

Chapters way too short

Seems very rushed and is little more than 1 chapter spread into 4 parts.

Worth the read!

The characters are appealing, the storyline is realistic and the characters emotions are easy to relate to.