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Shadow Effect 2. Hybrid Journey

   (24 reviews)
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Elijah's world is turned completely upside down when he returns home from Montana. 
Can darkness be the path to happiness or will shadows overwhelm him?


More twists and turns (and yes, cliffies too!) in the journey of finding out what happened to the hybrid pups. 


It's not an easy path. I promise. 

(This story is a continuation of Spirit Wolves which should be read first.)

Copyright © 2022 kbois; All Rights Reserved.

Story Recommendations (83 members)

  • Action Packed 74
  • Addictive/Pacing 76
  • Characters 77
  • Chills 44
  • Cliffhanger 68
  • Compelling 61
  • Feel-Good 46
  • Humor 49
  • Smoldering 40
  • Tearjerker 53
  • Unique 59
  • World Building 54

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Table of Contents
  • 1. Chapter 1
    • 5,800 Words
    • 7,271 Views
    • 173 Comments
  • 2. Chapter 2
    • 5,130 Words
    • 4,756 Views
    • 114 Comments
  • 3. Chapter 3
    • 4,765 Words
    • 4,663 Views
    • 124 Comments
  • 4. Chapter 4
    • 4,636 Words
    • 4,273 Views
    • 127 Comments
  • 5. Chapter 5
    • 4,303 Words
    • 4,853 Views
    • 142 Comments
  • 6. Chapter 6
    • 4,423 Words
    • 4,285 Views
    • 119 Comments
  • 7. Chapter 7
    • 4,341 Words
    • 5,460 Views
    • 171 Comments
  • 8. Chapter 8
    • 4,257 Words
    • 4,413 Views
    • 158 Comments
  • 9. Chapter 9
    • 4,238 Words
    • 3,875 Views
    • 119 Comments
  • 10. Chapter 10
    • 5,001 Words
    • 4,173 Views
    • 122 Comments
  • 11. Chapter 11
    • 4,804 Words
    • 4,480 Views
    • 139 Comments
  • 12. Chapter 12
    • 4,267 Words
    • 4,002 Views
    • 137 Comments
  • 13. Chapter 13
    • 4,637 Words
    • 3,666 Views
    • 106 Comments
  • 14. Chapter 14
    • 4,305 Words
    • 3,700 Views
    • 126 Comments
  • 15. Chapter 15
    • 4,869 Words
    • 4,355 Views
    • 196 Comments
  • 16. Chapter 16
    • 4,449 Words
    • 4,382 Views
    • 188 Comments
  • 17. Chapter 17
    • 4,849 Words
    • 6,335 Views
    • 332 Comments
  • 18. Chapter 18
    • 4,762 Words
    • 4,933 Views
    • 162 Comments
  • 19. Chapter 19
    • 4,271 Words
    • 3,663 Views
    • 118 Comments
  • 20. Chapter 20
    • 4,850 Words
    • 4,605 Views
    • 205 Comments
  • 21. Chapter 21
    • 4,984 Words
    • 3,559 Views
    • 127 Comments
  • 22. Chapter 22
    • 4,230 Words
    • 4,335 Views
    • 196 Comments
  • 23. Chapter 23
    • 4,800 Words
    • 3,579 Views
    • 149 Comments
  • 24. Chapter 24
    • 4,326 Words
    • 3,636 Views
    • 177 Comments
  • 25. Chapter 25
    • 4,144 Words
    • 3,861 Views
    • 145 Comments
  • 26. Chapter 26
    • 4,248 Words
    • 3,423 Views
    • 140 Comments
  • 27. Chapter 27
    • 4,546 Words
    • 3,428 Views
    • 144 Comments
  • 28. Chapter 28
    • 4,869 Words
    • 6,111 Views
    • 308 Comments
  • 29. Chapter 29
    • 4,427 Words
    • 4,345 Views
    • 199 Comments
  • 30. Chapter 30
    • 4,039 Words
    • 4,154 Views
    • 153 Comments
  • 31. Chapter 31
    • 4,300 Words
    • 3,382 Views
    • 119 Comments
  • 32. Chapter 32
    • 4,333 Words
    • 4,292 Views
    • 167 Comments
  • 33. Chapter 33
    • 4,361 Words
    • 4,822 Views
    • 243 Comments
  • 34. Chapter 34
    • 4,622 Words
    • 4,765 Views
    • 223 Comments
  • 35. Chapter 35
    • 4,452 Words
    • 4,060 Views
    • 166 Comments
  • 36. Chapter 36
    • 6,114 Words
    • 4,295 Views
    • 184 Comments
  • 37. Chapter 37
    • 5,423 Words
    • 4,147 Views
    • 163 Comments
  • 38. Chapter 38
    • 4,998 Words
    • 4,283 Views
    • 154 Comments
  • 39. Chapter 39
    • 5,479 Words
    • 4,017 Views
    • 134 Comments
  • 40. Chapter 40
    • 4,043 Words
    • 7,680 Views
    • 367 Comments

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drpaladin

   16 of 16 members found this review helpful 16 / 16 members

Writing a series has its pros and cons. The biggest con is they get measured against each other. The author had a daunting task to follow-up Spirit Wolves.

She has more than delivered with Shadow Effect. Each chapter draws you to the next. It will be hard to put down and when you get through, you'll want the next book. Now that is success.

Response from the author:

Thank you!

I'm always happy to see when I've met or exceeded expectations. It makes writing worthwhile. 

Thanks for all your comments along the way!

  • Love 20
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84Mags

· Edited by 84Mags

   14 of 14 members found this review helpful 14 / 14 members

The second book in a planned trilogy (readers are already requesting a fourth book), follows Elijah and his best friend Tyler as they confront the evils of the shifter world. It’s an emotional journey filled with love, loss, loyalty, betrayal, self discovery, and the ever present struggle between good verses evil. The story is expertly woven with humor, a vibrant descriptive narrative and nail biting worthy drama. Take your time reading each chapter; there are hidden clues and tidbits threaded throughout. 

Response from the author:

Mags, you kept me on my damn toes with this one. I swear, some of your observations made me question what the hell I wrote. You have a unique way of looking at things that make me want to do whatever I can to stay one step ahead and throw you off the scent. Lol. 

You're an author's dream reader and their worst nightmare (but in the best possible way!) 

Thanks for being there!

 

  • Like 2
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  • Haha 2
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centexhairysub

   14 of 14 members found this review helpful 14 / 14 members

This is a well written story and truly flows beautifully.  It is multi layered and complex in many ways but really can be broken down into what we are willing to do for family; and who is considered family.

The feelings generated by this story are truly all over the place; from extreme happiness to gut wrenching sorrow.  But they all add to the story and how we view this wonderful characters.  The characters are so well created and developed.  Even the secondary characters are very well done; and you will soon find those special ones that you can't wait to see pop up from time to time.

@kboisis truly a gifted writer and I am sure a delightful person; but that said she must learn to embrace the true knowledge that Cats are a superior species that are designed to be worshipped and admired by one and all....

Response from the author:

I think this is the best full length story I've written so far. I told Mrsgnomie earlier that I think the reason Spirit Wolves sat untouched for so long is because I needed to develop my writing skills to truly do this series justice. 

I am a delightful person and cats suck. Dogs all the way!!🐶🐕🐩🦮🐕‍🦺🐺🦊

  • Love 17
  • Haha 2
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Mrsgnomie

· Edited by Mrsgnomie

   14 of 14 members found this review helpful 14 / 14 members

I love this story. Not all writers can do shifter (me 🙋‍♀️) But Kbois can and she's killing it. This second installment follows Elijah as he heads home after helping Sebastian bust the hybrid ring. He's joined by his bestfriend Tyler (cutie!) Right away, nothing goes as planned. My heart broke for him as he dealt with loss, then I was overjoyed as good things happened for him. I won't spoil anything because it's Kbois and there are lots of twists and turns and times I wanted to slam my phone down.

Read this story! Slowly, if you can. The ending will leave you wanting more and the final installment is NOT ready yet. 

Response from the author:

Thanks, Boo!

(Look! The comma is properly placed.)

  • Like 1
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raven1

   13 of 13 members found this review helpful 13 / 13 members

The paranormal world of shifters created by @kbois is filled with danger, excitement, love, drama, a lot of laughs and excellent characters you will love. (Check out the pictures above for further motivation.) The author writes great stories, but Spirit Wolves and Shadow Effect are her best. The good news is that you will have time to read both these books before the third book in the series is posted.  Be prepared to have all your different emotions on the ride of your life.  These stories are very binge worthy, and more fun if you take the time to read the comments!

Response from the author:

Ah, Raven!

You are so much fun to have along during the posting of any story. I always look forward to your comments. 

Thanks for being so involved and for being a founding member of the Krew!

  • Like 1
  • Love 19
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Jkeeletupelo

   13 of 13 members found this review helpful 13 / 13 members

Once again, @kbois has left me breathless - volume 2 is a fast paced, witty, funny and very emotional journey. Binge reading over a weekend is a definite must, but make sure you have your Kleenex!

Response from the author:

Thank you! You made this dudette very happy!

  • Like 3
  • Love 16
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chris191070

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

This is Book 2 of Hybrid Journey and you need to read Book 1 before you even attempt this on.

We are taken on a truly remarkable journey in this book, with each chapter throwing up plenty of drama. You'll find yourself happy, sad, laughing, crying and angry at different stages of this book.

We meet alot of familiar faces in this story, welcome alot of newcomers good and bad.

Be prepared for plenty of cliffhangers, but ultimately enjoy the tremendous story that sets us up for the next Book of Hybrid Journey.

Highly recommended.

Response from the author:

As always Chris, it's wonderful to have you as part of my Krew! As a charter member, a commemorative t-shirt is being shipped out. Don't tell the others. 🤭

  • Like 2
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  • Haha 1
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CincyKris

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

As great as Spirit Wolves was, I think this is even better!  There is a great combination of romance, action, mystery, and comedy!  I happen to like well-written shifter stories, but even if it's not your favorite, this series stands on its own as great reading.  And the comments are a hoot!  I felt like I was part of a community enjoying and speculating!

Response from the author:

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I loved having you right there in the thick of things, commenting along the way!

  • Like 1
  • Love 17
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Onim

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

What more can be said...excellent writing, fabulous charcters, stunning concept...nail-biting cliffies and just left us gasping for more! The characters in her books dare you to open and read...you're hooked from, as has been said before, "from the very first paragraph!! Thank you...and on to the next book...PLEASE :heart:

Response from the author:

Thank you Onim! 

I love getting feedback such as yours. It makes writing totally worth it!

  • Love 17
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drsawzall

· Edited by drsawzall

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

Book 2 of Hybrid Journey saga takes right off from Book 1 and does not disappoint! Superbly written, with more twists and turns than a package of Twizzlers!

Read this carefully, clues are cleverly sprinkled where you would least expect them. You will laugh, cry, say WTF and all along, appreciate the ride the author takes you on.

Once again, we are so lucky to have Gay Authors, who allow such talented writers to grace their pages with some of the finest writing to be found on the 'net!!

 

 

Response from the author:

Thank you! 

I appreciate you reading and commenting along the way. I always look forward to your take on the chapters. I'm still jelly over the fall colors. 

  • Love 19
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Howzat

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

We definitely need to be able to give more than 5 stars, especially to a story such as this - it's definitely worth at least a TEN!

If you haven't read the first story (Spirit Wolves) in this (yet to be completed) trilogy then get the hell away from this part and go and read that one first! (Otherwise most of this story will not make any sense!!)

I'm not going to give any plot spoilers but suffice it to say that your emotions will be up and down and all over the place and that's just in Chapter 1!!

When you read the chapter comments you'll get to meet The Korner Krew (yes, I'm a member) and you'll soon work out why we exist!!

@kbois is having a rest before getting to grips with the final part of this trilogy which won't be posted until it's ready, so you will have a couple of months (at least) to read (or re-read) both Spirit Wolves & Shadow Effect. Don't forget to use the reactions, comment, review & use the recommendations button too!

P.S. @Mrsgnomie@astone2292and @Danilo Syrtisall deserve praise for their editing & beta-reading - they join in on the comments too.

Response from the author:

Readers such as yourself is why I write. I really enjoy making people cry. Oh yeah... and laugh, rage, scream, tear their hair out and smile like the village idiot. The Korner Krew can happily plot their next mayhem meeting while I type furiously away on my keyboard. 

Thanks for being part of my Krew!

  • Like 1
  • Love 17
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Daddydavek

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

Shifter stories are not my favorite genre and I rarely do more than sample them. 

Shadow Effect had my interest and hooked me from the first chapter and held me for all 40 chapters.  The writing is superb, the main characters are well drawn and loveable and the plot has you on a roller coaster of emotions.  There is evil mystery, subterfuge, intense drama, romantic love and a sense of family that shines throughout. 

This is the second book of a planned trilogy.  It may be helpful to read the first one but I have not,  and found no problem with diving right into this one.  I certainly plan to read the next one and am hopeful for a happily ever after for the good guys. 

I heartily recommend this story to everyone who enjoys a good story, well told!

TWO THUMBS UP!

At The Movies GIF

Response from the author:

I'm thrilled I could draw you into a genre you don't normally go for. You might want to go back and read Spirit Wolves. It does help a lot of things in this story make sense. 

Thanks for reading!

  • Like 1
  • Love 19
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weinerdog

   12 of 12 members found this review helpful 12 / 12 members

I'm hesitant to say much about this because the story isn't finished yet you have  and I stress HAVE TO! read Spirit Wolves first.I have never read  a story with this kind of paranormal wolf theme because the topic never really interested me but  that didn't matter with this author she knew how to make this a great read.

Without saying much about the plot this story has what every great story has characters you grow to love  and also characters you love to hate and you just can't wait until they get whats coming to them this story has that in droves along with every range of emotion one can feel.

So if your reading this review and haven't read any of this yet get started on Spirit Wolves and then this one before the author finishes the next sone it sounds like a lot of reading but it is so riveting you'll be done before you know it.Highly recommended

.

 

Response from the author:

It's been so much fun having you along for this wild ride!

Thanks for being a founding member of the Korner Krew!😘

  • Like 2
  • Love 17
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Blue Fan Lady

   11 of 11 members found this review helpful 11 / 11 members

Don't start reading if 1) you are about to go to bed 2) don't have eye drops bcos you will binge read 3) are supposed to be doing something else - cooking for visiting family, going to work. I experienced the rollercoaster of emotions reading this amazing story and was disappointed when it ended. Highly recommend this story

Response from the author:

Thank you!

It's not the end of the series. Just a pause. The gang will be back before you know it!

  • Like 1
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Alexmugs

   11 of 11 members found this review helpful 11 / 11 members

Wow!

@kbois has written a fantastic story that will grip you right from the start. It delves deeper into the issues first brought to our attention in Spirit Wolves. (A must-read before starting this). 

Tears is the operative word for this story. Tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of frustration, loss, anger, anticipation and damn near every other emotion will have you turning page after page. Well written, excellent pacing and characters you immediately connect with make this as good as any best-seller on the NY Times list. 

Hop to it! Go read!

 

Response from the author:

Thanks Alex! 

Once again, welcome to the Krew. 

I'm so glad you enjoyed the stories. Looking forward to having you on-board for the next one!

  • Love 16
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Sherye Story Reader

   11 of 11 members found this review helpful 11 / 11 members

I recommend this story to all readers cause it is a very well written story that packs a punch in all areas of your imagination. I love supernatural stories the best and always will. Fantastic job @kbois!!!!!

Response from the author:

Supernatural books and movies are up there with Mango Habanero and peanut butter whiskey (not together though... eww).  Totally my favorite!

Thanks for reading S!

  • Like 3
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  • Wow 1
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Rkench

· Edited by Rkench

   10 of 10 members found this review helpful 10 / 10 members

An addictive read, full of suspense, shifting loyalties (no pun intended), varying perspectives, danger, unexpected twists, and sometimes off-beat humor.  Most of all, this story has a ton of heart. I loved Spirit Wolves and  @kboisunique  take on shifter Mythos. In this part two of her saga, Shadow Effect starts with unfathomable trauma and loss for a minor, but lovable character from part one. On the way home from triumph and playing a crucial role in a very good deed, our shapeshifter’s life is shattered. Elijah’s struggles lead to a murder mystery, deeper ties to his best friend/brother, the passionate love of a sexy bad boy, and incredible growth out of loss. And that doesn’t even get you through the first half of the story. Highly recommended. It’s a page-turner (screen-scroller??) that rewards more than one pass through each chapter. Clever writing plants hints and Easter eggs that lead to payoffs down the road. 

 If I were to level a criticism, it has a frustrating cliffhanger of an ending. But if this is her Empire Strikes Back, I’m eagerly awaiting Return of the Jedi. 
(final note: the user chapter comments and guesses are a lot of fun  I’m in her Korner now)  

 

 

  • Like 3
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DONNA

· Edited by DONNA

   9 of 9 members found this review helpful 9 / 9 members

Kbois is a great author.

She hooked me with Spirit Wolves & continued on with Shadow Effect.

Her stories have action, adventure, romance plus cliff hangers which are fun. Yes fun. After all.She has to make sure we come back. LOL

Now, to let you REALLY know how good her stories are: I can count on 1 hand the number of Authors I will read their stories while they are"in Process".

Yes, Kbois is that good.

I highly recommend the Hybrid series.

Read the first 2 now & be ready for the 3rd.

I can't  wait for her next story.

Response from the author:

Thank DONNA!

I appreciate the great feedback. I'm like you, there are only a handful of authors that I read as the story is being posted, so I'm flattered to be one of your handful. 

I'm looking forward to having you along for the final installment. 

  • Like 5
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mdm6303

   7 of 7 members found this review helpful 7 / 7 members

Great story!! Very engaging, exciting and suspenseful!! 

Response from the author:

Thank you! 

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Until next time! 

  • Like 5
  • Love 10
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Ticklishboy30

   6 of 6 members found this review helpful 6 / 6 members

I've wrestled with whether or not to write a review for this story. I didn't write one for Spirit Wolves, not because it wasn't an exceptionally phenomenal story, it was and so much more. My concern for writing a review for this series has been the thought of what I could add, or say that wasn't said before. 

"Shadow Effect" and it's predecessor, "Spirit Wolves" are awe inspiring, beautifully crafted, and they feed every one of your inner soul's cravings. Whether you look for romance, action, adventure, insight into the unsettling darkness and sociopathic tendency that resides in humanity, the uneclipsed hope that fuels the desire in the core of our beings, humor that speaks to anyone who's ever laughed so hard they've shed tears of joy, and most importantly, the love that overcomes all evil and hatred. It's all contained in the words of this story. 

@kbois I cannot express verbally the joy, and gratitude I feel because of your heartfelt creation of art. You are truly a blessed and gifted author, and are very much worthy of the praise you've received and will receive in the future.

Thank you for all the time, energy, love, and compassion you've poured into this story. It's more than a work of fiction, it's transcended to become a living entity. 

Response from the author:

Thank you! I'm so glad you decided to give this series a chance. These characters have taken on a life of their own and I appreciate the recognition. 

  • Like 2
  • Love 5
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Sussins

   6 of 6 members found this review helpful 6 / 6 members

You stories always give your characters life you read and you want to get to know them because it feels more real than fiction and as usual you did it again create real people that are finding love fighting for their love and making memories beautiful as usual you write stories that keeps me coming back for more and I will never get tired coming back thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us

Response from the author:

Thanks so much! I love feedback such as yours. I try my best to make my characters relatable and so far it seems like I've succeeded. 

  • Love 9
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Cane23

   5 of 5 members found this review helpful 5 / 5 members

@kbois has written an amazing, profound, deep, intelligent multi leveled story. Each level has been approached to with seriousness and details as it is story for itself.

First level is the individual level, it is the story about Elijah, a shapeshifter we met in first instalment. His journey home has been disturbed by devastating news – death of his parents. Elijah’s life is changing completely, he will learn of loose, of friendship, of first love, sex and first heart broke. He will grow to face the evil, find his place under the sun and establish his position in shifters world.

Another level is the level of friendship. Strong, unbreakable, everlasting friendship. Elijah and Tyler have a strong bond, beautiful connection which is not caused by some shifter's world rules or some paranormal activities. It is a real, human love and affection that connects these two guys.

There is a beautiful level of family. Unlike the first story which deals with dysfunctional family and its repercussions on family members; this story shows us loving, caring, accepting…in a way ideal family.

Global level and dangerous events in shifting world which effected all the characters is another level of the story. @kbois deals with serious issues we can find parallel in real world. Trafficking, child pornography, pedophilia underground network, corruption and involvement of the highest authorities. There are also elements of SF, genetics experiments and mutations creating hybrids, searching for a cure. Elements of original legendarium and myths from the first story are upgraded – Sentinels, led by Sebastian, their Alpha, fight the evil again in order to punish villains and repair the damage they made.

Underneath the surface, this is the story of Kage, a shadow shifter. His impact is exceptionally significant, and his presence is so strong, physical or metaphysical, from the beginning till the end of the story. His shadow covers everybody, or truth to be told, it is his light that illuminates all.

Waiting the third part, I highly recommend this beautiful story. You will entertain, cry, and laugh. There are cliffhangers, twists and turns, lot of action, plenty of emotions, some sensual erotic scenes. @kbois surpassed herself with this story.

Response from the author:

The shifter world is a rather complicated place but I've tried to make it easy to navigate my version. I've said it before... the greatest part of writing fiction is being able to make things up as you go along. I don't intentionally start out aiming for complex. It just ends up that way. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thans for the review!

 

  • Love 8
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Doha

   14 of 15 members found this review helpful 14 / 15 members

The second in a trilogy, Shadow Effect, is the continuation of Elijah's story. Tyler, Seb, Dev and a host of other characters give this story a depth that is not often seen. 

Fighting the evils that threaten the existence the supernatural world, Elijah and Tyler, mature and grow into remarkable young men and wonderful protagonists, ultimately finding love along the way. 

This is an exceptional read

 

Response from the author:

Thank! 

I enjoyed having you along for this one!

  • Like 2
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Danilo Syrtis

· Edited by Danilo Syrtis

   13 of 14 members found this review helpful 13 / 14 members

The story has actually 2 stories inside. The shifters story and the Korner Krew story 😄

The shifters story should to be read after Book 1 « Spirit Wolfes » (it is different from all the shifters books I have read) and will be someday followed by Book 3 (logical 😆)

The Korner Krew story (comments) is for fun 😂 (you will have even more fun if you start with Book 1’s comments)

You can even contribute to the Korner Krew story by adding your own comments (highly recommended 😉 )

Response from the author:

As my beta you're supposed to review right after the story is marked complete. Oh well better late than never!

Thanks for picking up the slack when the other two dropped the ball. You're still my loveable geek. 😘

  • Like 1
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