What do you think?
Rate this book
The Phoenix Pack #3
Carnal Secrets
A pack Alpha and his estranged, true mate wrestle with painful secrets, ruthless enemies, and their own irresistible attraction, in the sexy third book of the Phoenix Pack series.
Half-shifter Shaya Critchley may hold a submissive role in her pack, but she’s done taking orders. After her Alpha wolf mate refused to claim her—but committed to interfering in her life—she took off. Now she hides from him, posing as a human in a town full of anti-shifter extremist groups. She thinks he’ll never find her again, and that suits her just fine. But she’s wrong.
Nick Axton can barely control his feelings for Shaya, but he could never claim her—not if he truly cares for her. The degenerative brain condition he keeps secret would ultimately leave her with a burden rather than a mate. But when Shaya runs away, Nick can’t bear the thought of never seeing her again. After tracking her down, he discovers Shaya’s feisty and passionate side in the process…a side he’d never seen before.
Under the menacing gazes of territorial local packs and violent human extremists, Nick vows to finally claim the spirited Shaya…and despite her initial resistance, Shaya just might find his fiery determination to be the ultimate aphrodisiac.
Half-shifter Shaya Critchley may hold a submissive role in her pack, but she’s done taking orders. After her Alpha wolf mate refused to claim her—but committed to interfering in her life—she took off. Now she hides from him, posing as a human in a town full of anti-shifter extremist groups. She thinks he’ll never find her again, and that suits her just fine. But she’s wrong.
Nick Axton can barely control his feelings for Shaya, but he could never claim her—not if he truly cares for her. The degenerative brain condition he keeps secret would ultimately leave her with a burden rather than a mate. But when Shaya runs away, Nick can’t bear the thought of never seeing her again. After tracking her down, he discovers Shaya’s feisty and passionate side in the process…a side he’d never seen before.
Under the menacing gazes of territorial local packs and violent human extremists, Nick vows to finally claim the spirited Shaya…and despite her initial resistance, Shaya just might find his fiery determination to be the ultimate aphrodisiac.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2014
About the author
Suzanne Wright
67 books14k followersSuzanne Wright lives in England with her husband, two children, and her Bengal cats. When she's not spending time with her family, she's writing, reading, or doing her version of housework - sweeping the house with a look.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,315 reviews
July 10, 2023
3 Insecure Stars
***SPOILERS***
First read on June 26, 2014
Reread on June 19,2015
Re reread 4/10/2020
reread 7/10/23
“I’ve missed your scent. It drives me crazy.” Drinking in every detail of her face, he smoothed the pad of his thumb across her cheekbone. “I’ve missed looking at you. Watching you.”
Okay so Not as good as the others. So Nick and Shaya yeah..............
“Just go.” “Not without you.” “You have no choice in the matter. I can’t go with you.” “Why?” “Because I don’t trust you!”
So I am noticing a recurring theme Messed up Alpha man with dominance issues and anal fetishes and Sassy mouth chicks with issues that can kick ass. There is always some kind of war that ends with a fight and another person that wants one of the two main characters for a lover so much so that they are willing to kill the competition.
The story was okay but it wasn't great. I got a little bored and there was a few times I wanted to reach in my kindle and Slap Shaya. At first I felt sorry for her, but I lost all respect for her when she played childish silly bitch games and went on a date with another man just to see if Nick would leave her, and hurt him, after 3 weeks of his kissing her ass for another chance. I mean really you go on a date with another guy???????
He had made himself a part of her everyday life to the extent that if he left again, it would have a huge impact on her an impact she wasn’t sure she could bear. If that was going to happen, she would rather he did it sooner instead of later. If one thing could succeed in making him give up, it was her going on a date with another guy. If he still didn’t give up…well, there would be no denying that he deserved a chance. It was a huge gamble, and it could blow up in her face, but she needed to know how committed he was to sticking around before she even properly considered giving him a chance. Really WTF?
For real whats with all the butt sex??????? I get it in some books but in this series it's like the freakin Holy Grail
Driving one finger deep inside her, he swirled it around and then withdrew it to circle the puckered hole lower down. “Has anyone ever been here before, Shay?” He’d asked it so casually that Shaya could almost believe her answer was inconsequential. But she knew better. Male shifters liked to claim their mates in every way possible, including anally, and dominant males in particular liked for that to be virgin territory. They wanted their mates to have saved something for them to be theirs and theirs alone. “No.”
and calling it a puckered hole made me giggle like a child and OMG what is with the butt plug...Sex toys are fine but to be sitting around with everyone eating and talking with a butt plug in your ass ?????
When a hand abruptly came down hard on her ass, she jumped. “That was for ignoring me when I told you to fight your orgasm, trying to escape your punishment.” Again he spanked her ass. “That was for almost taking my head off with a baseball bat oh no, baby, I haven’t forgotten about that.” He made the third spank extra hard. “And that was for going on a date with the web designer and almost tearing my heart out of my fucking chest.” He lightly massaged the prints he’d left on her ass, blowing on them. Then he drove one finger inside her and swirled it around, loving the look of her bent over, submitting to him and finally fully accepting that she was his. “Christ, you’re so wet.”
kinda of a let down I hope the next book is a little different
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
***SPOILERS***
First read on June 26, 2014
Reread on June 19,2015
Re reread 4/10/2020
reread 7/10/23
“I’ve missed your scent. It drives me crazy.” Drinking in every detail of her face, he smoothed the pad of his thumb across her cheekbone. “I’ve missed looking at you. Watching you.”
Okay so Not as good as the others. So Nick and Shaya yeah..............
“Just go.” “Not without you.” “You have no choice in the matter. I can’t go with you.” “Why?” “Because I don’t trust you!”
So I am noticing a recurring theme Messed up Alpha man with dominance issues and anal fetishes and Sassy mouth chicks with issues that can kick ass. There is always some kind of war that ends with a fight and another person that wants one of the two main characters for a lover so much so that they are willing to kill the competition.
The story was okay but it wasn't great. I got a little bored and there was a few times I wanted to reach in my kindle and Slap Shaya. At first I felt sorry for her, but I lost all respect for her when she played childish silly bitch games and went on a date with another man just to see if Nick would leave her, and hurt him, after 3 weeks of his kissing her ass for another chance. I mean really you go on a date with another guy???????
He had made himself a part of her everyday life to the extent that if he left again, it would have a huge impact on her an impact she wasn’t sure she could bear. If that was going to happen, she would rather he did it sooner instead of later. If one thing could succeed in making him give up, it was her going on a date with another guy. If he still didn’t give up…well, there would be no denying that he deserved a chance. It was a huge gamble, and it could blow up in her face, but she needed to know how committed he was to sticking around before she even properly considered giving him a chance. Really WTF?
For real whats with all the butt sex??????? I get it in some books but in this series it's like the freakin Holy Grail
Driving one finger deep inside her, he swirled it around and then withdrew it to circle the puckered hole lower down. “Has anyone ever been here before, Shay?” He’d asked it so casually that Shaya could almost believe her answer was inconsequential. But she knew better. Male shifters liked to claim their mates in every way possible, including anally, and dominant males in particular liked for that to be virgin territory. They wanted their mates to have saved something for them to be theirs and theirs alone. “No.”
and calling it a puckered hole made me giggle like a child and OMG what is with the butt plug...Sex toys are fine but to be sitting around with everyone eating and talking with a butt plug in your ass ?????
When a hand abruptly came down hard on her ass, she jumped. “That was for ignoring me when I told you to fight your orgasm, trying to escape your punishment.” Again he spanked her ass. “That was for almost taking my head off with a baseball bat oh no, baby, I haven’t forgotten about that.” He made the third spank extra hard. “And that was for going on a date with the web designer and almost tearing my heart out of my fucking chest.” He lightly massaged the prints he’d left on her ass, blowing on them. Then he drove one finger inside her and swirled it around, loving the look of her bent over, submitting to him and finally fully accepting that she was his. “Christ, you’re so wet.”
kinda of a let down I hope the next book is a little different
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
September 6, 2016
2.5 Nothing Carnal about these Secrets Stars
Dear book title,
Because there was nothing carnal about this book. You were barely somewhat steamy. To put it bluntly,
Because I expected some hot sex, some smut, some domineering alpha goodness. And I got some mediocre loving and a few fade to blacks. For serious? I expected
and instead what I got was
I'd say it's safe to say that this book was a huge disappointment for me. I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Nick and Shaya's book. Maybe this was the case of setting me hopes too high? Who knows? What I do know, is this was nothing like the first 2 books. It felt like I was reading an entirely different series altogether.
I absolutely loved the first book. The second book was really good, though not as good as the first. This one?
The first half was a whole lot of angst. I was happy to see that Nick was not claiming Shaya not only due to her being a submissive wolf. I was also looking forward to him groveling when he finally got his head out of his ass and went after her. But I did't expect him to be as mushy as he was. What happened to the domineering, super alpha from the previous books? It was sweet at first, but then I found myself growing tired with his constant "baby" this and "baby" that.
I also really liked Shaya at first. She was sassy, and feisty, exactly the type of heroine I like reading about. But sadly this didn't last long either. I was tired of the constant push and pull of their relationship. Enough already! She wasn't sassy anymore, but plain bitchy. Then she does something around the 40% mark and
I was over it!
Luckily around the half way mark, Shaya gets her shit together. But by that time I was just done. The second half of the book dragged. I skimmed pretty much at every chapter. The only highlight was getting more of Taryn, Trey, the grandma, and their snarky bickering.
The suspense and mystery of the second half of the book didn't do much for me either. At that point I was so bored with the story that it was a whole lot of skimming.
But more than anything, where the hell was the super hot sex scenes? The smut that I've come to expect with this series? I'd barely call the 3 sex scenes we get here lukewarm.
There was a twist at the end. It should have been interesting?
I hope to get Dominick's book next, and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that this series will go back to what it once was with the next installment. Because this one left a lot to be desired, at least for me. Hopefully you all will enjoy it more than I did.
I really love this author, so I definitely plan to continue with the series. But I guess you can't love them all...
For more reviews visit
Dear book title,
Because there was nothing carnal about this book. You were barely somewhat steamy. To put it bluntly,
Because I expected some hot sex, some smut, some domineering alpha goodness. And I got some mediocre loving and a few fade to blacks. For serious? I expected
and instead what I got was
I'd say it's safe to say that this book was a huge disappointment for me. I have been waiting for what feels like forever for Nick and Shaya's book. Maybe this was the case of setting me hopes too high? Who knows? What I do know, is this was nothing like the first 2 books. It felt like I was reading an entirely different series altogether.
I absolutely loved the first book. The second book was really good, though not as good as the first. This one?
The first half was a whole lot of angst. I was happy to see that Nick was not claiming Shaya not only due to her being a submissive wolf. I was also looking forward to him groveling when he finally got his head out of his ass and went after her. But I did't expect him to be as mushy as he was. What happened to the domineering, super alpha from the previous books? It was sweet at first, but then I found myself growing tired with his constant "baby" this and "baby" that.
I also really liked Shaya at first. She was sassy, and feisty, exactly the type of heroine I like reading about. But sadly this didn't last long either. I was tired of the constant push and pull of their relationship. Enough already! She wasn't sassy anymore, but plain bitchy. Then she does something around the 40% mark and
I was over it!
Luckily around the half way mark, Shaya gets her shit together. But by that time I was just done. The second half of the book dragged. I skimmed pretty much at every chapter. The only highlight was getting more of Taryn, Trey, the grandma, and their snarky bickering.
The suspense and mystery of the second half of the book didn't do much for me either. At that point I was so bored with the story that it was a whole lot of skimming.
But more than anything, where the hell was the super hot sex scenes? The smut that I've come to expect with this series? I'd barely call the 3 sex scenes we get here lukewarm.
There was a twist at the end. It should have been interesting?
I hope to get Dominick's book next, and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that this series will go back to what it once was with the next installment. Because this one left a lot to be desired, at least for me. Hopefully you all will enjoy it more than I did.
I really love this author, so I definitely plan to continue with the series. But I guess you can't love them all...
For more reviews visit
January 9, 2015
Solid 3 Stars
I wish I could give this book a higher rating, because I did enjoyed the second half of the story, but I can't. Simply put, I really, really disliked the first half of this book. So much so that if it wasn't for the hero, Nick, and the lovable secondary characters, I would have marked this story as a "did not finish" at 40%.
The first half of this book was missing what I have come to expect from this series–a captivating plot, witty humor, provocative romance, and a lot of eroticism. In addition, the heroine was an über shrew and I hated her unforgiving and malicious attitude toward the hero. Even though she completely redeemed herself by the end, her behavior throughout the first half left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth. Luckily, the second half redeemed the first half of this story and I was reminded why I love this series.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating, because I did enjoyed the second half of the story, but I can't. Simply put, I really, really disliked the first half of this book. So much so that if it wasn't for the hero, Nick, and the lovable secondary characters, I would have marked this story as a "did not finish" at 40%.
The first half of this book was missing what I have come to expect from this series–a captivating plot, witty humor, provocative romance, and a lot of eroticism. In addition, the heroine was an über shrew and I hated her unforgiving and malicious attitude toward the hero. Even though she completely redeemed herself by the end, her behavior throughout the first half left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth. Luckily, the second half redeemed the first half of this story and I was reminded why I love this series.
May 5, 2014
4 SEXY WOLFY LOVIN STARS ♥♥♥♥
I love Suzanne Wrights writing style, I love the way she weaves a tale and pulls the reader into her world. She has mad talent showing chemistry and emotions between her characters. Her stories never fail to hook me and keep me interested. I usually am hooked from page one of her stories.. this one, however, did take a bit longer. I found myself frustrated with the pace in the beginning, which is highly unusual for me with Suzanne's books...
If you’ve read the preceding book in this series, then you are familiar with who Nick and Shay are. If you’ve not read it.. this can be read as a stand alone but you will get much more out of this one having read the first one. Again, it's not necessary but it was wicked hot and should not be missed. Trust me on this. Anyway……. Nick and Shay are each others true mate. They both knew it when they saw each other for the first time several years ago. But Nick wouldn’t claim Shay… Shifters usually always claim their mates when they find them but Nick refused to claim Shay and this devastated her. She avoided him the best she could by sticking with her pack, the Phoenix Pack. Nick would still check on her regularly.. always keeping tabs on her, but never claiming her… This hurt Shay so much, that she finally decided to leave her pack and move away. Away from Nick and his complete rejection of her. She’s dealt with enough rejection in her life.. seeing Nick and knowing he doesn’t want her is too much for her to take anymore…
Shay
Nick has had his reasons for not claiming Shay. He’s kept her desire for her hidden from everyone. It kills him to not claim her when he knows she is meant for him and no one else. But Nick thinks that claiming her would not only be dangerous to Shay, it would also be selfish on his part, or so he thinks. Nick thinks Shay deserves more than what he thinks he can give her. So instead of explaining things, the big dummy just decides to avoid her the best he can. He still has the uncontrollable need to check on her and know where she is and what she is doing… he’ll keep her at a distance.. but not to far where he can’t know every single thing that is going on with her.
Nick
When Nick realized that Shay has left her pack, and left him at the same time.. he is stunned.. shocked, angry, sad, crazy… It’s a huge wake up call for Nick. Although he did not ever claim Shay, knowing where she was and still having contact with him was the only thing that comforted him. With Shay gone, that’s all out the window.
Nick is going after Shay, he can’t be without her and he’ll do whatever he has to do to be with her… but will he he lay it all on the line and finally claim her the way he was meant to? Shay had enough rejection from Nick over the years… to see him coming running after her, now that she has left, does not set well with her to say the least. Nick really has his work cut out for him… but Nick has some serious sexy skills and he’s going to use every thing in his arsenal to make Shay his.
It did take a little longer than what is normal in Suzanne's books for them to finally get down to the nitty gritty, but once they did… Wow! Holy hotness! They were intense together.. it was HOT.
While Nick works his ass off to earn Shay’s trust back, there are outside forces that want to keep them apart, and outside forces that want to just end not only them, but the entire shifter race. Shay and Nick have to deal with a lot of nastiness going on around them .. and all this is going on while Nick is doing his damndest to not only keep Shay safe but convince her that he wants her…
It did take a little longer for things to get going in this one as apposed to Suzanne’s other books.. but once things took off they didn’t slow down. I highly recommend this one if you have read her other books in this shifter series.. you don’t wan to miss Nick and Shay’s story. If you haven’t read this series.. what the heck are you waiting on ??!! If you like some spice shifter wolfy love then you will eat this series up.
Next up for this series is Marcus and Roni’s story and I am really looking forward to it. Once again though… it seems we are going to have to wait another year for the next book. Since none of these books end in a cliffhanger , each is a stand alone book that wraps things up for the characters involved, I don’t mind waiting.
I love Suzanne Wrights writing style, I love the way she weaves a tale and pulls the reader into her world. She has mad talent showing chemistry and emotions between her characters. Her stories never fail to hook me and keep me interested. I usually am hooked from page one of her stories.. this one, however, did take a bit longer. I found myself frustrated with the pace in the beginning, which is highly unusual for me with Suzanne's books...
If you’ve read the preceding book in this series, then you are familiar with who Nick and Shay are. If you’ve not read it.. this can be read as a stand alone but you will get much more out of this one having read the first one. Again, it's not necessary but it was wicked hot and should not be missed. Trust me on this. Anyway……. Nick and Shay are each others true mate. They both knew it when they saw each other for the first time several years ago. But Nick wouldn’t claim Shay… Shifters usually always claim their mates when they find them but Nick refused to claim Shay and this devastated her. She avoided him the best she could by sticking with her pack, the Phoenix Pack. Nick would still check on her regularly.. always keeping tabs on her, but never claiming her… This hurt Shay so much, that she finally decided to leave her pack and move away. Away from Nick and his complete rejection of her. She’s dealt with enough rejection in her life.. seeing Nick and knowing he doesn’t want her is too much for her to take anymore…
Shay
Nick has had his reasons for not claiming Shay. He’s kept her desire for her hidden from everyone. It kills him to not claim her when he knows she is meant for him and no one else. But Nick thinks that claiming her would not only be dangerous to Shay, it would also be selfish on his part, or so he thinks. Nick thinks Shay deserves more than what he thinks he can give her. So instead of explaining things, the big dummy just decides to avoid her the best he can. He still has the uncontrollable need to check on her and know where she is and what she is doing… he’ll keep her at a distance.. but not to far where he can’t know every single thing that is going on with her.
Nick
When Nick realized that Shay has left her pack, and left him at the same time.. he is stunned.. shocked, angry, sad, crazy… It’s a huge wake up call for Nick. Although he did not ever claim Shay, knowing where she was and still having contact with him was the only thing that comforted him. With Shay gone, that’s all out the window.
Nick is going after Shay, he can’t be without her and he’ll do whatever he has to do to be with her… but will he he lay it all on the line and finally claim her the way he was meant to? Shay had enough rejection from Nick over the years… to see him coming running after her, now that she has left, does not set well with her to say the least. Nick really has his work cut out for him… but Nick has some serious sexy skills and he’s going to use every thing in his arsenal to make Shay his.
It did take a little longer than what is normal in Suzanne's books for them to finally get down to the nitty gritty, but once they did… Wow! Holy hotness! They were intense together.. it was HOT.
While Nick works his ass off to earn Shay’s trust back, there are outside forces that want to keep them apart, and outside forces that want to just end not only them, but the entire shifter race. Shay and Nick have to deal with a lot of nastiness going on around them .. and all this is going on while Nick is doing his damndest to not only keep Shay safe but convince her that he wants her…
It did take a little longer for things to get going in this one as apposed to Suzanne’s other books.. but once things took off they didn’t slow down. I highly recommend this one if you have read her other books in this shifter series.. you don’t wan to miss Nick and Shay’s story. If you haven’t read this series.. what the heck are you waiting on ??!! If you like some spice shifter wolfy love then you will eat this series up.
Next up for this series is Marcus and Roni’s story and I am really looking forward to it. Once again though… it seems we are going to have to wait another year for the next book. Since none of these books end in a cliffhanger , each is a stand alone book that wraps things up for the characters involved, I don’t mind waiting.
February 15, 2014
BEFORE reading: Bring on Nick and Shaya! But first, make the bastard suffer!:D
AFTER reading: Considering I got more then 40 likes a two-sentences review of a book before it was published (really - LOL), at least I could do was read it. I absolutely loved Feral Sins. Werewolf romance is my ultimate guilty book-pleasure and that one was just the way I like it - strong main characters, possessive Alphas which comes with the hotness factor, and lots of laugh. The second book fell a little short for me, so I wasn't expecting much of this third one. It even sounded like it will be of the same cup as the other books. Also Nick pissed me of for refusing Shaya before but now I actually feel bad for wishing him to suffer which he did. And a lot. I bet all you ladies that liked my review before reading want to unlike it now, right? I understand perfectly, lol.
Shaya was a great heroine, I sympathised with her. I wouldn't do anything different then she did. Nick kept a lot of secrets from her. What's a girl gotta do? And Nick was the sweetest guy - extremly patient, self-sacrificing, romantic.. You can't help but love a guy that fights for his girl and doesn't give up no matter what.
The problem I had with the book that it often got too... sentimental, mushy. The hotness lacked a lot and I see others missed that. Nick even promised some light bondage and play but it never actually happened. I liked the side story of what was happening with the human exstremists; and that Trey and Taryn and the rest of the Phoenix pack made some appearance. All in all, I liked it more then I thought I would. Can't waith to see who's next!
PS: I want a story with Roni! Should Dominic be her match? I see something there.
AFTER reading: Considering I got more then 40 likes a two-sentences review of a book before it was published (really - LOL), at least I could do was read it. I absolutely loved Feral Sins. Werewolf romance is my ultimate guilty book-pleasure and that one was just the way I like it - strong main characters, possessive Alphas which comes with the hotness factor, and lots of laugh. The second book fell a little short for me, so I wasn't expecting much of this third one. It even sounded like it will be of the same cup as the other books. Also Nick pissed me of for refusing Shaya before but now I actually feel bad for wishing him to suffer which he did. And a lot. I bet all you ladies that liked my review before reading want to unlike it now, right? I understand perfectly, lol.
Shaya was a great heroine, I sympathised with her. I wouldn't do anything different then she did. Nick kept a lot of secrets from her. What's a girl gotta do? And Nick was the sweetest guy - extremly patient, self-sacrificing, romantic.. You can't help but love a guy that fights for his girl and doesn't give up no matter what.
The problem I had with the book that it often got too... sentimental, mushy. The hotness lacked a lot and I see others missed that. Nick even promised some light bondage and play but it never actually happened. I liked the side story of what was happening with the human exstremists; and that Trey and Taryn and the rest of the Phoenix pack made some appearance. All in all, I liked it more then I thought I would. Can't waith to see who's next!
PS: I want a story with Roni! Should Dominic be her match? I see something there.
November 20, 2020
What a surprise. I started this book thinking how Shaya deserves better than Nick after how he kept ignoring and rejecting their mating bond in the previous. Finishing Carnal Secret, now I think Nick deserves so much better than Shaya. The ✨ character development ✨is something else.
The whole plot in the first half of this book was basically Nick acting like the perfect boyfriend, or in this case mate, making up for his mistakes and being awesome, while Shaya was just acting like the biggest bitch on earth, snapping at him for not good enough reasons. After weeks of 'courting' her and doing everything to prove that his loyalty, Shaya really went out on a date with some random dude to 'test him'. If that wouldn't make Nick leave, she will believe that he will stay for good.
My boy is doing all THAT and what does he get in return? His mate disregarding his feelings like it's nothing, ripping his heart out by going on a date. I understand that she was hesitant at the beginning and wouldn't jump into Nick's arm when he finally came to claim her, but he had his reasons for staying away. The way SHE is acting is just unnecessary cruel and I don't stand for that. bye she's cancelled. Nick find someone else. You deserve better. 😌
he treated her like a queen and she treated him worse than dirt. nah, girl nah. I'm still so salty...
The shining light of all of this besides Nick, was my darling ✨Dominic✨ with his cheesy pick up lines.
please can he be any more annoying?? I don't think so and I wouldn't want it any other way. <3
Dominic flirting with every female a saga:
Trey shut up. Being normal is boring ... nobody wants that. Dominic is perfect the way he is. 😌
and one more
I CANT wait for the other pack members to give Dominic so much shit, when he finds his mate and annoy her with cheesy pick up lines. It's going to be 👑 glorious 👑
~ in case I haven't made it clear, but I think Nick deserves better. From all the Heroes so far he's the best, but I really couldn't stand Shaya, even though she wasn't too bad in the second half, but the damage was done.
THE PHOENIX PACK SERIES
#1 Feral Sins – 3.25 stars
#2 Wicked Cravings – 3 stars
#3 Carnal Secrets – 2.5 stars
#4 Dark Instincts – currently reading
#5 Savage Urges – tbr
#6 Fierce Obsessions – tbr
#7 Wild Hunger – tbr
#8 Untamed Delights – tbr
The whole plot in the first half of this book was basically Nick acting like the perfect boyfriend, or in this case mate, making up for his mistakes and being awesome, while Shaya was just acting like the biggest bitch on earth, snapping at him for not good enough reasons. After weeks of 'courting' her and doing everything to prove that his loyalty, Shaya really went out on a date with some random dude to 'test him'. If that wouldn't make Nick leave, she will believe that he will stay for good.
After three weeks of Nick doing his best to immerse himself in her life, Shaya was about ready to cry…because it was working. To her dismay, he was utterly consistent in everything he said and did. Each morning, he would be waiting at his car with a coffee and an offer of a ride, which she had given up on refusing. Each day at work, a gift and a text message would arrive that brought a smile to her face and made her want to laugh. Every lunch hour, he came to take her to lunch wherever she wanted to go. At the end of each day, he was there to collect her from work with a meal he’d cooked for her. And every Sunday, he helped her with grocery shopping and offered to do any jobs around the house.
My boy is doing all THAT and what does he get in return? His mate disregarding his feelings like it's nothing, ripping his heart out by going on a date. I understand that she was hesitant at the beginning and wouldn't jump into Nick's arm when he finally came to claim her, but he had his reasons for staying away. The way SHE is acting is just unnecessary cruel and I don't stand for that. bye she's cancelled. Nick find someone else. You deserve better. 😌
He abandoned you, remember, a voice inside her snapped. Yes, he had. But he had also apologized to her, had also been gentle with her, and had never once lost his patience with her no matter what she said or did. Even when she’d physically hurt him that first night, he’d never hurt her, never tried to intimidate her, and never tried to suppress her with his dominant vibes. More importantly, he hadn’t left her no matter what she’d done.
he treated her like a queen and she treated him worse than dirt. nah, girl nah. I'm still so salty...
The shining light of all of this besides Nick, was my darling ✨Dominic✨ with his cheesy pick up lines.
He abandoned you, remember, a voice inside her snapped. Yes, he had. But he had also apologized to her, had also been gentle with her, and had never once lost his patience with her no matter what she said or did. Even when she’d physically hurt him that first night, he’d never hurt her, never tried to intimidate her, and never tried to suppress her with his dominant vibes. More importantly, he hadn’t left her no matter what she’d done.
please can he be any more annoying?? I don't think so and I wouldn't want it any other way. <3
Dominic flirting with every female a saga:
Frowning, Shaya shook her head. “I don’t have Irish in me.”
“You don’t? Really?” That flirty smile crept onto his face. “Would you like some in you?” Anticipating that Nick would make a grab for him, Dominic quickly jerked out of the way. But Nick was too fast; he grabbed him and launched him into the pool. When Dominic burst to the surface of the water, he shouted in exhilaration and went into a fit of laughter.
Trey growled at his enforcer. “Could you try being normal for just a little while? I’d rather not have to take you home in a fucking casket.”
Trey shut up. Being normal is boring ... nobody wants that. Dominic is perfect the way he is. 😌
and one more
When a soaking-wet Dominic appeared at Shaya’s side, fidgeting with a weird grimace on his face, she looked at him questioningly. He wiped a hand over his brow. “Is it hot in here, or is it just you?” Naturally, Nick’s fist went flying at his jaw. Laughing, Dominic barely dodged it. He had to be suicidal.
I CANT wait for the other pack members to give Dominic so much shit, when he finds his mate and annoy her with cheesy pick up lines. It's going to be 👑 glorious 👑
~ in case I haven't made it clear, but I think Nick deserves better. From all the Heroes so far he's the best, but I really couldn't stand Shaya, even though she wasn't too bad in the second half, but the damage was done.
THE PHOENIX PACK SERIES
#1 Feral Sins – 3.25 stars
#2 Wicked Cravings – 3 stars
#3 Carnal Secrets – 2.5 stars
#4 Dark Instincts – currently reading
#5 Savage Urges – tbr
#6 Fierce Obsessions – tbr
#7 Wild Hunger – tbr
#8 Untamed Delights – tbr
August 4, 2019
This is the third book in The Phoenix Pack series, and it’s about Shaya and Nick! I actually enjoyed it but definitely not as much as the first two books. Still, I loved how we don’t just get a story about the main couple... we get to revisit all of our favourite characters from the pack as well! In this instalment we are introduced to a bunch of new characters too, and I am guessing that they will all get books down the road!
I love this series, especially the humour and friendships that are surrounding the pack members. It makes the story that much more entertaining! I am moving onto book 4 immediately!!!
I love this series, especially the humour and friendships that are surrounding the pack members. It makes the story that much more entertaining! I am moving onto book 4 immediately!!!
September 7, 2016
I can't believe that a Suzanne Wright book was so... ordinary.
I couldn't connect with this one. The MC was annoying as hell at the beginning (with good reason, but still!) and the story dragged for the first 30%. It was a 2 star read for a pretty long time...
It got better later, though, so it went up to 3 stars in the end. But it all was just, well, not what I expected. Maybe it was me, not the book. And it still made me curious enough not to skim (too much). It's not the best book Wright's ever written though.
I couldn't connect with this one. The MC was annoying as hell at the beginning (with good reason, but still!) and the story dragged for the first 30%. It was a 2 star read for a pretty long time...
It got better later, though, so it went up to 3 stars in the end. But it all was just, well, not what I expected. Maybe it was me, not the book. And it still made me curious enough not to skim (too much). It's not the best book Wright's ever written though.
April 1, 2016
***Upgraded to 4 Stars after numerous re-reads***
Original Review:
3.5 Stars
I was SO excited for the release of this book, it wasn't even funny.
Nick and Shaya are both great characters and we have been waiting for their story since book one.
As per Wright usual, the plot was great, the characters were awesome, and the dialogue was bitingly hilarious.
But I just didn't love it like the first two books in the series.
I felt like Nick and Shaya's connection wasn't as strong as I wanted it to be...and Shaya did a couple things that annoyed me big time.
I didn't feel the same pull between Nick/Shaya as I did with Trey/Taryn and Dante/Jamie.
It's totally a personal preference thing, but I like my alphas to be over-the-top alpha and I guess I felt like Nick was a little too civilized at times in his need for Shaya. Also, the story got kind of slow in some areas.
Other than that, I liked this well enough, although it might have fallen victim to the "too high expectations" phenomenon.
It was a decent read as I said, it just wasn't as good as books one and two IMO and didn't live up to what I had hoped for when it came to Nick and Shaya.
Original Review:
3.5 Stars
I was SO excited for the release of this book, it wasn't even funny.
Nick and Shaya are both great characters and we have been waiting for their story since book one.
As per Wright usual, the plot was great, the characters were awesome, and the dialogue was bitingly hilarious.
But I just didn't love it like the first two books in the series.
I felt like Nick and Shaya's connection wasn't as strong as I wanted it to be...and Shaya did a couple things that annoyed me big time.
I didn't feel the same pull between Nick/Shaya as I did with Trey/Taryn and Dante/Jamie.
It's totally a personal preference thing, but I like my alphas to be over-the-top alpha and I guess I felt like Nick was a little too civilized at times in his need for Shaya. Also, the story got kind of slow in some areas.
Other than that, I liked this well enough, although it might have fallen victim to the "too high expectations" phenomenon.
It was a decent read as I said, it just wasn't as good as books one and two IMO and didn't live up to what I had hoped for when it came to Nick and Shaya.
January 6, 2016
The Heart Wants what it Wants, but this book gets
3.5 "Make up your Damn Mind" Stars
Nick
“You are everything I ever could have wanted— everything I didn’t even know I wanted.
Ahhh..Sexxy, Alpha pack leader, Nick Axton, refused to claim his mate. Instead of claiming her, he chose to spy on her and intimidate any man that looked her way. But when she runs away and hides from his constant interference, and no one will tell him where she's gone, he freaking loses it. He becomes determined to find and claim what is his.
If I walk through that door, I am going to fuck you. Not soft and slow, but hard and deep. Over and over, until neither of us can move. Are you ready for that?
Shaya
You should have known I love you. You’ve heard what they say: ‘Love sucks; true love swallows.’ As I recall, I’ve always taken every last drop.
Shaya has wanted to be with her mate the moment she their eyes met. But she is a submissive wolf and he is was the Alpha of his pack. Many Alphas do not want a submissive mate because they become targets of the females in the pack. Shaya knows that this is why Nick has refused to claim her. So Screw him. She would rather live alone, away from the pack, than deal with his prejudice.
But when Nick comes to claim what is his, will she have the willpower to deny him?
This was actually better than I had thought it would be. I loved watching Nick make amends. Shaya may have been submissive, but she was no pushover and I loved that about her. Nick was a little wishy washy and REALLY needed to make up his freaking mind!!! He drove me a bit crazy.
This book was not half as sexy as the two previous books of the series. These two had been denied and had to wait to be together. I had expected something more nuclear from these two, but their lack of sex wasn't a deal breaker. This was still a solid 3.5 read with me rounding up to a 4 star read!
3.5 "Make up your Damn Mind" Stars
Nick
“You are everything I ever could have wanted— everything I didn’t even know I wanted.
Ahhh..Sexxy, Alpha pack leader, Nick Axton, refused to claim his mate. Instead of claiming her, he chose to spy on her and intimidate any man that looked her way. But when she runs away and hides from his constant interference, and no one will tell him where she's gone, he freaking loses it. He becomes determined to find and claim what is his.
If I walk through that door, I am going to fuck you. Not soft and slow, but hard and deep. Over and over, until neither of us can move. Are you ready for that?
Shaya
You should have known I love you. You’ve heard what they say: ‘Love sucks; true love swallows.’ As I recall, I’ve always taken every last drop.
Shaya has wanted to be with her mate the moment she their eyes met. But she is a submissive wolf and he is was the Alpha of his pack. Many Alphas do not want a submissive mate because they become targets of the females in the pack. Shaya knows that this is why Nick has refused to claim her. So Screw him. She would rather live alone, away from the pack, than deal with his prejudice.
But when Nick comes to claim what is his, will she have the willpower to deny him?
This was actually better than I had thought it would be. I loved watching Nick make amends. Shaya may have been submissive, but she was no pushover and I loved that about her. Nick was a little wishy washy and REALLY needed to make up his freaking mind!!! He drove me a bit crazy.
This book was not half as sexy as the two previous books of the series. These two had been denied and had to wait to be together. I had expected something more nuclear from these two, but their lack of sex wasn't a deal breaker. This was still a solid 3.5 read with me rounding up to a 4 star read!
February 16, 2014
Edit*
7 DAYS !!! 7 DAYS PEOPLE !! 7 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2014?...... What... no...NO!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
7 DAYS !!! 7 DAYS PEOPLE !! 7 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2014?...... What... no...NO!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
January 26, 2015
Update: Feb 11th
*******
We have a bluuuurb :D
*******
February 14th
So looong... Maybe an early release??? *wink*
*******
Nick & Shaya :D
But.... 2014??
*******
We have a bluuuurb :D
*******
February 14th
So looong... Maybe an early release??? *wink*
*******
Nick & Shaya :D
But.... 2014??
February 15, 2014
Title: Carnal Secrets
Series: The Phoenix Pack #3
Author: Suzanne Wright
Release Date: February 7th, 2014
Rating: 2 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
The Phoenix Pack is one of those series I have love/hate relationship with. On the one hand, I greatly appreciate reading this sexy, steamy, funny books about alpha wolves that all instantly melt my panties. On the other hand, I hate how repeatable some things are and how predictable it all is. Add to it, that I am not a fan of reading books in third person point of view and well, the plot has to be out of the charts amazing for me to finish it and give it decent rating. And while I liked first book and thought second was fantastic, I hoped that third will leave me speechless and in awe. Unfortunately, it did not.
This time around, it’s Shaya who has find her mate. And when she finally did so, it was not your usual rainbows and pink unicorns flying all around her. Nope, it was sad, heartbreaking and lonely. Shaya as submissive wolf is not the best match for Nick, alpha of the other pack. When Nick didn’t claim her and left her alone, Shaya decided to run away.
Six month later, furious Nick finally found her and decided to make her his. He left the pack and came to her apologizing, but Shaya doesn’t want to give him a second chance.
Carnal Secrets were getting on my nerves. Not only did it disappoint me, it pissed me off so much I thought I will throw my ereader across the room, and my ereader is my baby . So, yeah I was that angry.
Shaya was the worst, indecisive, whiny heroine ever. I hated her guts. She was selfish, dumb, and so full of pride, that for the most of the story I wanted to shake her and then bitch slap her. Geez! She totally ruined this book!
I totally understand she had her fears and was hurt, because rejection stings like a bitch, but please did she really had to make Nick feel like shit all the time?
What’s more the plot was so predictable and almost exactly followed the same drill as two previous books in the series. It was same ol’ same ol’ only characters had different names.
Personally, I think I have reached my limit. Not only I had to fight the urge to skim looking for sex scenes, when I finally reached them I was crushed and so, so dissatisfied. They were exact copies of sexy times from book one and two. The same dirty talk, the same kind of teasing foreplay and so on. Really! It’s like Nick and Shaya didn’t have their own unique personalities that would make sex different for them.
Summing up, Carnal Secrets were pain in my backside, while reading it. I couldn’t stop myself from feeling left down.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
September 7, 2016
4 Alpha Stars.
In this third book, Shaya got away. If you remember the previous books you know why. Nick, the alpha of another pack is her mate. Except he doesn’t want to claim her… or leave her alone to live her live.
Being very hard to stay near him she runs away. But Nick had his own important reasons for not to claim her, and neither of them was for not wanting her. Now that she’s gone those reasons don’t seem so important anymore so he goes after her. And this time he’s decided to claim his mate and bond with her. But Shaya is not so willing to easily forgive.
And to add to the party, they are now in a region where humans despise wolf-shifters and want to make them disappear, preferably with a little fun while they do it. So now, not only their personal life is a mess, but they also find themselves in a war between humans and shifters.
Well, I must unfortunately say that this book way was below the previous to. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe the book was in fact inferior to the others, but it was kind of a letdown for me.
But don’t worry: It’s still a great PNR book, and this series is still awesome.
Rating: 4 stars.
Storyline: Good, with some unexpected twists but a little predictability towards the end. Somehow the way their bond stays complete is ALWAYS the same. For every couple in this series. *rolling eyes*
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. Excellent writing and pretty addictive.
Character Development: It was great to see the Taryn, Trey, Jaime and Dante. I love them all. Shaya and Nick were pretty good, but they’ve got nothing on the previous couples.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
In this third book, Shaya got away. If you remember the previous books you know why. Nick, the alpha of another pack is her mate. Except he doesn’t want to claim her… or leave her alone to live her live.
Being very hard to stay near him she runs away. But Nick had his own important reasons for not to claim her, and neither of them was for not wanting her. Now that she’s gone those reasons don’t seem so important anymore so he goes after her. And this time he’s decided to claim his mate and bond with her. But Shaya is not so willing to easily forgive.
And to add to the party, they are now in a region where humans despise wolf-shifters and want to make them disappear, preferably with a little fun while they do it. So now, not only their personal life is a mess, but they also find themselves in a war between humans and shifters.
Well, I must unfortunately say that this book way was below the previous to. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe the book was in fact inferior to the others, but it was kind of a letdown for me.
But don’t worry: It’s still a great PNR book, and this series is still awesome.
Rating: 4 stars.
Storyline: Good, with some unexpected twists but a little predictability towards the end. Somehow the way their bond stays complete is ALWAYS the same. For every couple in this series. *rolling eyes*
Writing Style: Third person, dual POV. Excellent writing and pretty addictive.
Character Development: It was great to see the Taryn, Trey, Jaime and Dante. I love them all. Shaya and Nick were pretty good, but they’ve got nothing on the previous couples.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
September 19, 2014
4.5 forgive me stars
Nick and Shaya have history, and it isn't one that you can write home to your mama about, he burned her, humiliated her, and made her feel unworthy. Nick and Shaya are true mates, but Nick takes it upon himself to deny them of their fate with strong reasons of his own, he refuses her but keeps her close enough to know her every move. That all changes when Shaya hides in the human world, taking her own future in her own hands, she decides to leave the pack and live her life alone. Now that he doesn't know where she is, and if she is ok, him and his wolf are lost, and realize there really is no life without her in it. Doing what he needs to do, he changes his life all for her, he just hopes it's not to late for them.
What Nick wants, Nick gets and soon Shaya will realize he isn't going no where. Too bad for her he is a very patient man, and he is more than man enough to admit he is wrong. Wishing that fate could have hidden her forever from him, but for six months he searched for her and now is camped outside her house looking to stay as long as it takes. She tries to hold on the anger but it is almost impossible when he is being sweet, funny and very attentive.
Nick is a powerful alpha with issues of his own, his past has made him into the man he is today, but he decides to keep it to himself, not wanting Shaya to choose him out of pity but rather love. Over the weeks he breaks down her resolve, never pushing her for more, just happy to be there for her and provide for her in the simplistic of ways.
Being an Alpha comes as second nature to Nick as breathing, he is both respected and feared and his presence in this small town goes unnoticed; by rebel wolves, the Nazi wolves and the human extremists. He doesn't want any trouble, he is only there for Shaya, but as issues start to arise, he has no choice but to get involved and demand justice for all the wrongs. With Shaya by his side, he can do anything and as long as she puts up with him he will grant her anything she wants.
Carnal Secrets is a wonderful addition to the Phoenix Pack series, I cannot even begin to explain how much I love her writing style and the world of characters she created. I had some warning ahead of time, to not let the title drive my desire to read Nick and Shaya's story, because it's not all about being sexually carnal, and I liked that.
Nick and Shaya's story has been unfolding for quite some time now, and it makes sense to not give into the primal needs right away, she was hurt and it takes time to heal from that hurt. Seeing the big bad Alpha man, Nick grovel and play all nice and sweet was just too cute, not once did I think any less of him, because he did everything his own Alpha way. Shaya although a submissive wolf by nature, had an inner strength that rivaled any Alpha.
We got to circle back with the Phoenix Pack in the beginning and the end of the story and seriously up to now Taryn and the grandma still crack me up!
Can't wait for Marcus' book next!
“You are everything I ever could have wanted—everything I didn’t even know I wanted."
Nick and Shaya have history, and it isn't one that you can write home to your mama about, he burned her, humiliated her, and made her feel unworthy. Nick and Shaya are true mates, but Nick takes it upon himself to deny them of their fate with strong reasons of his own, he refuses her but keeps her close enough to know her every move. That all changes when Shaya hides in the human world, taking her own future in her own hands, she decides to leave the pack and live her life alone. Now that he doesn't know where she is, and if she is ok, him and his wolf are lost, and realize there really is no life without her in it. Doing what he needs to do, he changes his life all for her, he just hopes it's not to late for them.
“I don’t trust you not to hurt me. I don’t trust you not to leave me again.”
What Nick wants, Nick gets and soon Shaya will realize he isn't going no where. Too bad for her he is a very patient man, and he is more than man enough to admit he is wrong. Wishing that fate could have hidden her forever from him, but for six months he searched for her and now is camped outside her house looking to stay as long as it takes. She tries to hold on the anger but it is almost impossible when he is being sweet, funny and very attentive.
"I had the urge to text somebody who’s smart, hot, and sweet… but sending messages to myself is just pathetic, so hi."
Nick is a powerful alpha with issues of his own, his past has made him into the man he is today, but he decides to keep it to himself, not wanting Shaya to choose him out of pity but rather love. Over the weeks he breaks down her resolve, never pushing her for more, just happy to be there for her and provide for her in the simplistic of ways.
"I never wanted it to work, but it has.
I never wanted you to worm your way into my life, but you have.
I never wanted to care if you left, but I do.
I never wanted to dream about you, but I do, and then I wake up horny with no relief in sight.”
Being an Alpha comes as second nature to Nick as breathing, he is both respected and feared and his presence in this small town goes unnoticed; by rebel wolves, the Nazi wolves and the human extremists. He doesn't want any trouble, he is only there for Shaya, but as issues start to arise, he has no choice but to get involved and demand justice for all the wrongs. With Shaya by his side, he can do anything and as long as she puts up with him he will grant her anything she wants.
“Not selfish, baby.” His expression was all innocence. “I just like things my way. As long as they are, I’m very reasonable and accommodating.”
Carnal Secrets is a wonderful addition to the Phoenix Pack series, I cannot even begin to explain how much I love her writing style and the world of characters she created. I had some warning ahead of time, to not let the title drive my desire to read Nick and Shaya's story, because it's not all about being sexually carnal, and I liked that.
Nick and Shaya's story has been unfolding for quite some time now, and it makes sense to not give into the primal needs right away, she was hurt and it takes time to heal from that hurt. Seeing the big bad Alpha man, Nick grovel and play all nice and sweet was just too cute, not once did I think any less of him, because he did everything his own Alpha way. Shaya although a submissive wolf by nature, had an inner strength that rivaled any Alpha.
We got to circle back with the Phoenix Pack in the beginning and the end of the story and seriously up to now Taryn and the grandma still crack me up!
Taryn snorted, trailing after the woman. “At least I’m not so old that my birth certificate has expired.”
Can't wait for Marcus' book next!
January 25, 2020
I didn't like this as much as all the others. Shay really annoyed the hell out of me, which is funny because I did like her in all the other books. Still, even though this isn't my favorite, it's still better than a lot of other books I've read this year. I'm gonna give this one 3,5 stars, rounded up because I love this author and this series :)
December 31, 2022
Check out this and my other reviews at My Blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter and Pinterest
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars.
★Review★
Hmmm, I do not think I enjoyed this one as much as the others.
Mainly as I felt the lack of the pack to start, and I missed them.
However, I did find it a fun read all in. Tbh, it does feel a touch like the author knows only how to write sarcastic feisty females, but hey it works for her.
I did like this one with the danger coming from human extremists and it is in interesting way to go.
Maybe Shaya did test Nick too much, but I understood perfectly why she felt the need.
But, one thing that is starting to bug me, what is it with how the author portrays every other female, unless she has had a book or will get a book.
They are, each and every one, shifter or human, bitchy and horrible. In book 1, we had whats her face being horrible to Taryn, before she moved to another pack, book 2, there was some random female at Dante's brothers birthday party, his ex, his other ex, all who are beyond cartoony evil and insult the heroine left right and centre. This book we had the human hairdresser, Nick's healer who was a lying manipulative cow. The heroines mom is horrible. I do not get it.
★Book Basics★
Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - 3rd in the series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4 stars.
★Review★
Hmmm, I do not think I enjoyed this one as much as the others.
Mainly as I felt the lack of the pack to start, and I missed them.
However, I did find it a fun read all in. Tbh, it does feel a touch like the author knows only how to write sarcastic feisty females, but hey it works for her.
I did like this one with the danger coming from human extremists and it is in interesting way to go.
Maybe Shaya did test Nick too much, but I understood perfectly why she felt the need.
But, one thing that is starting to bug me, what is it with how the author portrays every other female, unless she has had a book or will get a book.
They are, each and every one, shifter or human, bitchy and horrible. In book 1, we had whats her face being horrible to Taryn, before she moved to another pack, book 2, there was some random female at Dante's brothers birthday party, his ex, his other ex, all who are beyond cartoony evil and insult the heroine left right and centre. This book we had the human hairdresser, Nick's healer who was a lying manipulative cow. The heroines mom is horrible. I do not get it.
February 19, 2014
Nick wants Shaya. Shaya wants Nick. Nick won't claim Shaya so Shaya runs. Nick chases.
Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, I certainly enjoyed it. I liked all the emotional drama but I will admit that it was on the border of too much with the going back and forth. Meaning Shaya's hurt and angry and she is definitely not going easy on Nick.
I noticed a lot of people felt this part was too slow and/or boring but for me it was a nice reprieve. I liked that Shaya didn't automatically take Nick back and that he had to earn her trust. I also enjoyed all the romance.
What's weird is in thinking back, I was totally anti Nick. I didn't like how he treated Shaya at all. I think because we get a lot of Nick's perspective in this book, it makes you soften towards him. He does have good reasons and it's easy for it to make Shaya into the bad person.
I did feel that we didn't get a lot of the fun loving Shaya and I missed that. But I was impressed with the extremes that Nick went to win Shaya back.
Unfortunately, since this takes a while, it seems like we don't get as many steamy scenes as the prior books. And they were always getting interrupted, what was up with that?
Another problem that seems to affect every series as it progresses is that there is an overabundance of characters. While it was great getting some of the older characters, it was a lot to take in with all the new ones and it seemed like less time devoted to the main characters.
Of course, there's other drama going on too. There's the local Alpha to deal with, some Rogue shifters and some nasty human extremists that have been up to no good. Oh and I can't forget to mention a certain someone that is constantly stirring up trouble.
Both Nick and Shaya have some crazy history in their past and it does take a while for them to work through things. And just in time for some good fight scenes that were pretty reminiscent of ones from the prior books!
I loved Nick's surprise at the end even if it was easy to guess. I think it will work out perfectly and I even like the name.
I haven't found any info on the next book but I'm hoping there's going to be a threesome...or at least a triangle. That's right...Roni and Dominic and...Marcus! SW hasn't explored that yet and it definitely seems like something she would do!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "We can take this as slow as you want. But I will claim you, Shay. You’re mine. I’m not staying away from you anymore.”
♥ "I’d ask how you’re doing and if you’ve been busy today, but these new binoculars work great—a “must-have” for all intense investigators."
♥ “If I’m Beavis, you’re Butt-Head.”
She snorted. “You wouldn’t call me that.”
Smiling, he licked one of the marks he’d left on her nape. “Sure I would, Butt-Head.”
Sounds good, doesn't it? Well, I certainly enjoyed it. I liked all the emotional drama but I will admit that it was on the border of too much with the going back and forth. Meaning Shaya's hurt and angry and she is definitely not going easy on Nick.
I noticed a lot of people felt this part was too slow and/or boring but for me it was a nice reprieve. I liked that Shaya didn't automatically take Nick back and that he had to earn her trust. I also enjoyed all the romance.
What's weird is in thinking back, I was totally anti Nick. I didn't like how he treated Shaya at all. I think because we get a lot of Nick's perspective in this book, it makes you soften towards him. He does have good reasons and it's easy for it to make Shaya into the bad person.
I did feel that we didn't get a lot of the fun loving Shaya and I missed that. But I was impressed with the extremes that Nick went to win Shaya back.
Unfortunately, since this takes a while, it seems like we don't get as many steamy scenes as the prior books. And they were always getting interrupted, what was up with that?
Another problem that seems to affect every series as it progresses is that there is an overabundance of characters. While it was great getting some of the older characters, it was a lot to take in with all the new ones and it seemed like less time devoted to the main characters.
Of course, there's other drama going on too. There's the local Alpha to deal with, some Rogue shifters and some nasty human extremists that have been up to no good. Oh and I can't forget to mention a certain someone that is constantly stirring up trouble.
Both Nick and Shaya have some crazy history in their past and it does take a while for them to work through things. And just in time for some good fight scenes that were pretty reminiscent of ones from the prior books!
I loved Nick's surprise at the end even if it was easy to guess. I think it will work out perfectly and I even like the name.
I haven't found any info on the next book but I'm hoping there's going to be a threesome...or at least a triangle. That's right...Roni and Dominic and...Marcus! SW hasn't explored that yet and it definitely seems like something she would do!
Favorite quotes:
♥ "We can take this as slow as you want. But I will claim you, Shay. You’re mine. I’m not staying away from you anymore.”
♥ "I’d ask how you’re doing and if you’ve been busy today, but these new binoculars work great—a “must-have” for all intense investigators."
♥ “If I’m Beavis, you’re Butt-Head.”
She snorted. “You wouldn’t call me that.”
Smiling, he licked one of the marks he’d left on her nape. “Sure I would, Butt-Head.”
April 25, 2015
“I won’t give you up. Not for anything. Not even for you.”
Wicked Cravings is the third book in the Phoenix Pack Series. As the series continues to develop, the characters continue to strengthen their bonds, establish dominance, protect their pack, and continue the search of finding their mate. In this world, your mate is what completes you. At the conclusion of the last book, we found out that Shaya is Nick Axton’s mate. Although they both recognized each other upon their first meeting, there is no sexy claiming story between these two. There is a huge show of “I know who you are and I don’t plan on doing a damn thing about it.” Shaya is heartbroken that Nick didn’t claim her. She takes his unwillingness to claim her as a form of abandonment. She is not a dominant wolf and of course that makes her feel she is not good enough.
Because Shaya has spent a lifetime feeling abandoned, the snub of her mate sends her running. With the help of her pack and her best friend Taryn (the alpha male of the Phoenix Pack), she escapes in to the human world. Although she feels a hole that nothing can fill, she is trying to make her way. She has a job, a house, and friends. Things seem to be going well for her. Little does she know her mate is coming. And once he gets there, he isn’t going to leave with out her.
“You’ll always be my business, Shay. You’re my mate, you’re mine.”-Nick
Nick is a bit of a mystery. He has presented himself as a cold hearted, strong willed, and overbearing alpha male. Everyone views his unwillingness to claim Shaya as an unforgiveable sin. After all, if you don’t want to claim your mate then stay out of their life and let them move on. The truth is Nick has good reason why he hasn’t allowed himself to claim her. The pain of Shaya running away has made him realize he can work through the issues. He is ready to claim his mate.
“This isn’t a game to me, Shay. You said that you don’t trust me not to leave you again. As much as I hate that, I can understand. So it strikes me that I need to make sure you know I’m serious. I need to prove to you that I’m not leaving you. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”-Nick
As soon as Nick sees Shaya, he realizes that he is going to have to work hard to gain her trust. He has to court her and make her realize that he would never leave her again. Although he is hesitant to admit the reasons why he couldn’t allow himself to be with her, he is willing to give her everything.
“What you don’t understand about me, Shay, is that when I really want something, I’ll do whatever it takes to make it mine. Like it or not, you already belong to me; I intend to make sure that’s not something you want to fight anymore.”-Nick
As with other books in this series, other characters are highlighted and past characters enter the story. We meet Roni. Roni is Nick’s sister and spends more time in her wolf form than her human form. She and Nick share a special brother sister bond. Roni recognizes who Shaya is right away. It was extremely touching to see Roni so protective of Shaya.
Shaya takes a long time to give Nick that second chance. I know many fans were disappointed with her inability to “get over it” and “move forward” and many claim this book to be “less sexy” then the others. However, I admire Ms. Wright for making each character individual and each story rich with it’s own idiosyncrasies. If every story was the same, why would we continue to read them? I view this story to be just as valuable as the other installments. Just another reason to consider this author to be authentic and sincere with her choices in plot lines and character development!
Nick and Shay were perfect for one another. Although the journey was rocky, the end result was sweet.
Overall, Wicked Cravings was a great read. I thoroughly enjoy these characters. The loyalty they share for one another surpasses any human group of friends. The POV is seamlessly divided between the two main characters. The writing style is fluid and the plot is rich with twists and turns. I highly recommend this series and was very pleased with this book.
Wicked Cravings is the third book in the Phoenix Pack Series. As the series continues to develop, the characters continue to strengthen their bonds, establish dominance, protect their pack, and continue the search of finding their mate. In this world, your mate is what completes you. At the conclusion of the last book, we found out that Shaya is Nick Axton’s mate. Although they both recognized each other upon their first meeting, there is no sexy claiming story between these two. There is a huge show of “I know who you are and I don’t plan on doing a damn thing about it.” Shaya is heartbroken that Nick didn’t claim her. She takes his unwillingness to claim her as a form of abandonment. She is not a dominant wolf and of course that makes her feel she is not good enough.
Because Shaya has spent a lifetime feeling abandoned, the snub of her mate sends her running. With the help of her pack and her best friend Taryn (the alpha male of the Phoenix Pack), she escapes in to the human world. Although she feels a hole that nothing can fill, she is trying to make her way. She has a job, a house, and friends. Things seem to be going well for her. Little does she know her mate is coming. And once he gets there, he isn’t going to leave with out her.
“You’ll always be my business, Shay. You’re my mate, you’re mine.”-Nick
Nick is a bit of a mystery. He has presented himself as a cold hearted, strong willed, and overbearing alpha male. Everyone views his unwillingness to claim Shaya as an unforgiveable sin. After all, if you don’t want to claim your mate then stay out of their life and let them move on. The truth is Nick has good reason why he hasn’t allowed himself to claim her. The pain of Shaya running away has made him realize he can work through the issues. He is ready to claim his mate.
“This isn’t a game to me, Shay. You said that you don’t trust me not to leave you again. As much as I hate that, I can understand. So it strikes me that I need to make sure you know I’m serious. I need to prove to you that I’m not leaving you. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”-Nick
As soon as Nick sees Shaya, he realizes that he is going to have to work hard to gain her trust. He has to court her and make her realize that he would never leave her again. Although he is hesitant to admit the reasons why he couldn’t allow himself to be with her, he is willing to give her everything.
“What you don’t understand about me, Shay, is that when I really want something, I’ll do whatever it takes to make it mine. Like it or not, you already belong to me; I intend to make sure that’s not something you want to fight anymore.”-Nick
As with other books in this series, other characters are highlighted and past characters enter the story. We meet Roni. Roni is Nick’s sister and spends more time in her wolf form than her human form. She and Nick share a special brother sister bond. Roni recognizes who Shaya is right away. It was extremely touching to see Roni so protective of Shaya.
Shaya takes a long time to give Nick that second chance. I know many fans were disappointed with her inability to “get over it” and “move forward” and many claim this book to be “less sexy” then the others. However, I admire Ms. Wright for making each character individual and each story rich with it’s own idiosyncrasies. If every story was the same, why would we continue to read them? I view this story to be just as valuable as the other installments. Just another reason to consider this author to be authentic and sincere with her choices in plot lines and character development!
Nick and Shay were perfect for one another. Although the journey was rocky, the end result was sweet.
Overall, Wicked Cravings was a great read. I thoroughly enjoy these characters. The loyalty they share for one another surpasses any human group of friends. The POV is seamlessly divided between the two main characters. The writing style is fluid and the plot is rich with twists and turns. I highly recommend this series and was very pleased with this book.
January 22, 2018
Narrator Review:
This is the same narrator as in book one and two. I feel that she was very consistent in her portrayal of these characters. I would recommend the audio version of this book. Jill Redfield really does a good job of distinguishing the different characters.
Story Review:
We finally get Shaya and Nick's story. We got to see them in the previous books and already know that they are true mates. We also know that Nick has not acknowledged Shaya and claimed her. We found this out in book 2, we just don't know why.
Shaya is a submissive wolf and believes Nick doesn't want her because a submissive wolf does not make for a good Alpha female and Nick is the Alpha male to his pack. While this is a legitimate concern for Nick, it's not his true reasons.
Nick's wolf was forced to the surface at a very early age which causes issues as they get older. He went to his packs healer but was warned that he may not be fully healed, that his issues could come back. This is the true reason he hasn't claimed Shaya. Nick doesn't want Shaya stuck with a mate that may become sick and completely dependent on her.
Nick's wolf does not understand the reason he is not claiming Shaya and he will not let him to just walk away from her. Nick tries to keep his distance but he also can't stop checking in on her and warning other males away. Shaya realizes that if she is going to be able to move on, she needs to leave her pack and hide from Nick. This seems to be the wake up call Nick needed to take the risk and claim her.
Since we know Nick didn't claim Shaya in the previous books, we actually get his change of heart right at the beginning of this book. I ended up really loving Nick's character because he took ownership of the hurt he caused and set to make it right. Shaya on the other hand didn't make it easy for him.
When I started this series, I actually read book 5 & 6 before I went back to the beginning. I didn't realize there was so much pushing away in the first part of this series. I'm not a huge fan of pushing away. While I still very much enjoy all the books, it has put a bit of a damper on the earlier books for me.
This is the same narrator as in book one and two. I feel that she was very consistent in her portrayal of these characters. I would recommend the audio version of this book. Jill Redfield really does a good job of distinguishing the different characters.
Story Review:
We finally get Shaya and Nick's story. We got to see them in the previous books and already know that they are true mates. We also know that Nick has not acknowledged Shaya and claimed her. We found this out in book 2, we just don't know why.
Shaya is a submissive wolf and believes Nick doesn't want her because a submissive wolf does not make for a good Alpha female and Nick is the Alpha male to his pack. While this is a legitimate concern for Nick, it's not his true reasons.
Nick's wolf was forced to the surface at a very early age which causes issues as they get older. He went to his packs healer but was warned that he may not be fully healed, that his issues could come back. This is the true reason he hasn't claimed Shaya. Nick doesn't want Shaya stuck with a mate that may become sick and completely dependent on her.
Nick's wolf does not understand the reason he is not claiming Shaya and he will not let him to just walk away from her. Nick tries to keep his distance but he also can't stop checking in on her and warning other males away. Shaya realizes that if she is going to be able to move on, she needs to leave her pack and hide from Nick. This seems to be the wake up call Nick needed to take the risk and claim her.
Since we know Nick didn't claim Shaya in the previous books, we actually get his change of heart right at the beginning of this book. I ended up really loving Nick's character because he took ownership of the hurt he caused and set to make it right. Shaya on the other hand didn't make it easy for him.
When I started this series, I actually read book 5 & 6 before I went back to the beginning. I didn't realize there was so much pushing away in the first part of this series. I'm not a huge fan of pushing away. While I still very much enjoy all the books, it has put a bit of a damper on the earlier books for me.
September 17, 2014
2.5 STARS
My Shaya and Nick:
Nick refused to claim Shaya as his mate because of personal reasons. But when she left to start new life away from his praying eyes, he couldn’t let it go and set on a quest to get her back. And so starts "hot and cold" romance between Nick and Shaya...
Carnal Secrets is an average book. It has some shifter action as well as some steamy parts (even though this book fades in comparison with previous instalments when it comes to sex department). But overall, it didn’t touch me in some special way neither it left some special impression.
I seek originality or a lot of emotions in books. Unfortunately, this book didn’t provide it. It was same old, same old; nothing that would surprise me. There is no fun in knowing who the "bed guy" is. It was very clear from the beginning that the same kind of character as in previous instalment was the betraying one.
Shaya with her irrational stubbbornness became my least favourite character of this series. The same goes for this book. Carnal Secrets didn’t meet my expectations and left me disappointed.
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
My Shaya and Nick:
Nick refused to claim Shaya as his mate because of personal reasons. But when she left to start new life away from his praying eyes, he couldn’t let it go and set on a quest to get her back. And so starts "hot and cold" romance between Nick and Shaya...
Carnal Secrets is an average book. It has some shifter action as well as some steamy parts (even though this book fades in comparison with previous instalments when it comes to sex department). But overall, it didn’t touch me in some special way neither it left some special impression.
I seek originality or a lot of emotions in books. Unfortunately, this book didn’t provide it. It was same old, same old; nothing that would surprise me. There is no fun in knowing who the "bed guy" is. It was very clear from the beginning that the same kind of character as in previous instalment was the betraying one.
Shaya with her irrational stubbbornness became my least favourite character of this series. The same goes for this book. Carnal Secrets didn’t meet my expectations and left me disappointed.
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
February 4, 2014
Carnal Secrets has now got to be my favorite in the Phoenix Pack Series!! It packed action, romance, steam, suspense, and even some wit!!
I had been waiting and waiting for this installment to find out what would happen between Nick and Shaya and I FINALLY got my hands on it!! *squeals!*
I’ll be honest, I hated Nick in the first two books but we do learn in here that he does love Shaya and has his reasons for not claiming her when he did.
But with Shaya deserting the pack and hiding from Nick in an anti-shifter town trying to pass off as a human, how will he redeem himself and make claim to his girl once and for all? And with danger in the midst will Shaya let go of her hurt and anger to let her and Nick have their happily ever after all? Or will they die trying?
SO, my verict?: I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Albeit, I did feel a few tidbits were lacking or things were stunted a little, I was still very impressed with everything from the writing, to the characters, and the immense chemistry and sexiness displayed between Nick and Shaya!!
I’m definitely looking forward to more reads from Suzanne Wright and hope that she will even dive into more juicy stories from other characters from the Phoenix Pack!!
*ARC provided by the publisher for an honest review.*
December 31, 2019
3.5 stars (Rounding up because it has some of the best grovel I have ever read!!!)
I enjoyed this one a bit more than many of my GR buddies. I appreciated the grovel. It is so rare to get good grovel that I pretty much wallowed in it!
I liked Nick. Liked Shaya ok and appreciated her strength in trying to make a new life for herself. I did think she was a bit too insecure and it went on too long, but I was pretty ok with it. And when Nick had his freak out she went all badass on him it was cool!
I appreciated that the ow drama was not a real ow (no prior relationship). Thank goodness!
Since I am listening to these on audible (free through KU) and an totally addicted, my hubby thinks that I have earbuds permanently implanted in my head since I have listened to 3 back to back and have already started the 4th!
This is an awesome series!
I enjoyed this one a bit more than many of my GR buddies. I appreciated the grovel. It is so rare to get good grovel that I pretty much wallowed in it!
I liked Nick. Liked Shaya ok and appreciated her strength in trying to make a new life for herself. I did think she was a bit too insecure and it went on too long, but I was pretty ok with it. And when Nick had his freak out she went all badass on him it was cool!
I appreciated that the ow drama was not a real ow (no prior relationship). Thank goodness!
Since I am listening to these on audible (free through KU) and an totally addicted, my hubby thinks that I have earbuds permanently implanted in my head since I have listened to 3 back to back and have already started the 4th!
This is an awesome series!
September 24, 2017
There's already hundreds of reviews for this book so I'll keep mine brief.
Short review.
Disappointing
Slightly longer review.
I was looking forward to this book and felt it should have maybe been the second one since the first two were so similar but it just didn't work for me and the first half in particular I found well...boring.
I like a strong alpha male but I also like sweet so I didn't really have too many issues with Nick but don't get me started on Shaya.
The first half (if I'm being very generous) gets 2* and involved a lot of skimming just to get through it. The second half was better and brings its rating up to a 3 but I'll admit after reading the amazing Dark in You series I was so disappointed in this.
I was intending to continue on and read the whole series (especially since it's on KU) but now I'm not sure I'll check the reviews first.
April 26, 2020
Initially I gave Shaya and Nick three stars. Reading it for the first time it was my least favorite however I have no changed my mind. 4 Stars.
If Nick Axton was mine I'd ditch the hubby and mate him. Grrr. .
The first book we know that Nick and Shaya are true mates. The second book we see that Nick practically ignores Shaya he doesn't want to claim her as he has his reasons. Shaya has her own scars to deal with. As the pain is too much she leaves the pack to try and lead a normal life. Shaya is a half shifter and a salient submissive shifter. Her mum is the shifter and her father is a crazy Navy Seal.
Shaya is crazy, sneaky and she has a hidden strength to her that made her even more likable. She made Nick suffer for so long and then decided to rip his heart out and stomp all over it. At least that is my opinion.
Nick is visiting and finds out that Shaya has left the Phoenix Pack and they aren't happy just as Nick isn't happy. Nick is the alpha of the Ryland Pack. Nick's wolf surfaced at the age of 5 which is too young as it usually happens in puberty. He defends his sister at the age of thirteen as humans want to rape her. He goes to shifter juvie and survives. As his wolf surfaced so early the cognitive areas of the brain start to degenerate. He wanted to protect her.
But he doesn't care anymore. He hunts Shaya and after 6 months he finds her. She is not a happy bunny. Nick aplogises and fights so hard for Shaya.
“I know I fucked up. I’ve said I’m sorry for hurting you; I meant it. I promised you that I wouldn’t let you down again; I meant it. You might not believe that right now, but you will in time— I won’t have it any other way. You’re mine, and I refuse to live my life without you in it.”
So there was a great plot to this book. We see more of the outer world and I like the shifters are out in the open well most of them anyway. That there is shifter juvie and that there are extremists trying to get a law to pass that all shifters should be chipped. The Nazi from the local pack has had some of his shifters gone missing therefore he has three lone wolves.
Nick is a magnet and has lots of contacts but they are actually friends he doesn't like making friends. He is the most anti social wolf and I loved how persistent he was with Shaya. Derren is a close second.
“You need to make some friends. Whether you like company or not, it’s important to have friends.”
“Why would I want friends when I have you?”
“You don’t have me.”
“I will. Do you want to know what makes me so sure of that? Because no other situation is acceptable to me.”
The scenes weren't as hot as in the previous two books but there were some raunchy moments.
“If I walk through that door, I am going to fuck you. Not soft and slow, but hard and deep. Over and over, until neither of us can move. Are you ready for that?”
After being claimed they go back to the Phoenix Pack to wait for the extremists. Where Nick is out of his depth as he doesn't like being touched or like having friends.
“Can we leave now?”
She laughed. Yeah, she probably shouldn’t have found it amusing that her mate was in hell surrounded by people … “Let me finish my cake and coffee.”
…
“Wrap up the cake with a napkin and bring it with you.”
Grinning at the impatience in his voice, Shaya said, “No, I want to eat it now.”
“But… people keep smiling at me.”
“So smile back.”
“I don’t want to.”
Ms. Wright has once again of doing a fabtastic job of getting the humor down to a T and having me once again in stiches. But please, I ask no I beg of you in the next book do not add a vindictive, horrible bitch. I can't wait to read Marcus and Roni's book.
If Nick Axton was mine I'd ditch the hubby and mate him. Grrr. .
The first book we know that Nick and Shaya are true mates. The second book we see that Nick practically ignores Shaya he doesn't want to claim her as he has his reasons. Shaya has her own scars to deal with. As the pain is too much she leaves the pack to try and lead a normal life. Shaya is a half shifter and a salient submissive shifter. Her mum is the shifter and her father is a crazy Navy Seal.
Shaya is crazy, sneaky and she has a hidden strength to her that made her even more likable. She made Nick suffer for so long and then decided to rip his heart out and stomp all over it. At least that is my opinion.
Nick is visiting and finds out that Shaya has left the Phoenix Pack and they aren't happy just as Nick isn't happy. Nick is the alpha of the Ryland Pack. Nick's wolf surfaced at the age of 5 which is too young as it usually happens in puberty. He defends his sister at the age of thirteen as humans want to rape her. He goes to shifter juvie and survives. As his wolf surfaced so early the cognitive areas of the brain start to degenerate. He wanted to protect her.
But he doesn't care anymore. He hunts Shaya and after 6 months he finds her. She is not a happy bunny. Nick aplogises and fights so hard for Shaya.
“I know I fucked up. I’ve said I’m sorry for hurting you; I meant it. I promised you that I wouldn’t let you down again; I meant it. You might not believe that right now, but you will in time— I won’t have it any other way. You’re mine, and I refuse to live my life without you in it.”
So there was a great plot to this book. We see more of the outer world and I like the shifters are out in the open well most of them anyway. That there is shifter juvie and that there are extremists trying to get a law to pass that all shifters should be chipped. The Nazi from the local pack has had some of his shifters gone missing therefore he has three lone wolves.
Nick is a magnet and has lots of contacts but they are actually friends he doesn't like making friends. He is the most anti social wolf and I loved how persistent he was with Shaya. Derren is a close second.
“You need to make some friends. Whether you like company or not, it’s important to have friends.”
“Why would I want friends when I have you?”
“You don’t have me.”
“I will. Do you want to know what makes me so sure of that? Because no other situation is acceptable to me.”
The scenes weren't as hot as in the previous two books but there were some raunchy moments.
“If I walk through that door, I am going to fuck you. Not soft and slow, but hard and deep. Over and over, until neither of us can move. Are you ready for that?”
After being claimed they go back to the Phoenix Pack to wait for the extremists. Where Nick is out of his depth as he doesn't like being touched or like having friends.
“Can we leave now?”
She laughed. Yeah, she probably shouldn’t have found it amusing that her mate was in hell surrounded by people … “Let me finish my cake and coffee.”
…
“Wrap up the cake with a napkin and bring it with you.”
Grinning at the impatience in his voice, Shaya said, “No, I want to eat it now.”
“But… people keep smiling at me.”
“So smile back.”
“I don’t want to.”
Ms. Wright has once again of doing a fabtastic job of getting the humor down to a T and having me once again in stiches. But please, I ask no I beg of you in the next book do not add a vindictive, horrible bitch. I can't wait to read Marcus and Roni's book.
June 17, 2016
***3.75 Stars***
I seriously cannot stop reading this series!
Yes, yes I did!
The angsty dynamic of Shaya and Nick's relationship was first introduced in the previous book and I was beyond excited to watch these two sort their shit. But then....then I saw a whole bunch of disappointed reviews and people telling me this was their least favorite book in the series. And well, that bummed me out. I have to admit, I was a little scared going into this book.
But I totally understand....this book is....different. Why? Well, the answer to that question is quite simple.....Shaya and Nick. They're not like the previous couples in this series.
Shaya isn't as sassy as the previous heroines. Yes, she's got spunk and she isn't a pushover....but she's also way too stubborn and frustrating for the first half of the book. I understood her feelings towards Nick and the hurt she was carrying around from being rejected, but the moment she crossed over into "playing games," she lost me. Luckily for the reader, this doesn't last very long at all. Thank you for that.
Once Shaya pulled her head out of her ass, I was fully on board. She gained some confidence, got laid and became much more pleasant.
Now, Nick...well I definitely understand why Nick didn't work for some. You see, he's not your typical Alpha. He's less in your face demanding...he carries a quiet confidence and dominance. He doesn't need to be loud and boisterous....his assertiveness and power just is. It fills the air like an intoxicating cologne. And I have to tell you, that worked for me....it worked for me big time.
Also, he has a vulnerability that the previous leading men didn't have...and well, I'm a sucker for a badass who thinks he might be a little broken. And can I just say, his relationship with Derren...the definition of loyalty and friendship.
However, there is one thing that this book lacks that I definitely share in the disappointment with others....and that's the lack of steam. There's still an okay amount, but definitely not up to the standards that I've come to expect from this series. The sex, while very enjoyable to read, also serves a purpose in this series...it solidifies the connection and bond between the MC's. And damn it, I wanted more of it here! I needed to feel more of that passion between Shaya and Nick. I needed to feel them connect on a primal level, surrendering themselves to the inherent bond they share. You can't name a book Carnal Secrets and not have it live up to its name!
The sub-plot with the human extremists was interesting and engaging. I was really looking forward to all that tension coming to a head and Suzanne Wright certainly didn't disappoint.
Overall, this book may not have been like the preceding two, but it still worked for me. It may have veered off onto its own path, but it also opened up the door to a potentially just as addicting spinoff. And well, I have three words for that......COUNT ME IN!
April 10, 2018
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
I liked the first part, then I started to loose interest. Something similar happened to me when I read the first book Feral Sins.
I liked the first part, then I started to loose interest. Something similar happened to me when I read the first book Feral Sins.
April 5, 2024
The mutual trust issues were getting boring real quick.😬
Wright has created a simple world with very interesting character, and I keep reading because I want to know these shifters story.
Nick & Shaya’s story was one rooted in insecurities and deep trust issues, and I found it to being able to hold my attention.
It’s not that I disliked it. It simply first started to become a bit interesting in the last 100 pages.
I both liked and disliked the writing. 😂 I like how Wright easily navigates through the plot, but I really do not like the shift in POV’s, since it comes so rapidly. That´s my preferance.
Read: 05/02/2021
1st rating: 2.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Paranormal/romance/fated mate/werewolf
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Multiple -3rd person (Mainly Shay & Nick)
Will I recommend: No, not this one☺️
Wright has created a simple world with very interesting character, and I keep reading because I want to know these shifters story.
Nick & Shaya’s story was one rooted in insecurities and deep trust issues, and I found it to being able to hold my attention.
It’s not that I disliked it. It simply first started to become a bit interesting in the last 100 pages.
I both liked and disliked the writing. 😂 I like how Wright easily navigates through the plot, but I really do not like the shift in POV’s, since it comes so rapidly. That´s my preferance.
Read: 05/02/2021
1st rating: 2.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Paranormal/romance/fated mate/werewolf
Cover: 3 stars
POV’s: Multiple -3rd person (Mainly Shay & Nick)
Will I recommend: No, not this one☺️
September 28, 2014
TOTALLY worth the wait!! Full review to come.
---------------------------
I need this book SO bad!!!! I read #2 and it literally left me completely heartbroken for Shaya and I can't stop thinking of the story, if it can be out before 2014, I will freaking kiss you, Im desperate! I knew I shouldnt have read 2 til they were all out.
---------------------------
I need this book SO bad!!!! I read #2 and it literally left me completely heartbroken for Shaya and I can't stop thinking of the story, if it can be out before 2014, I will freaking kiss you, Im desperate! I knew I shouldnt have read 2 til they were all out.
February 6, 2014
****ARC provided by Amazon and Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review****
Once again, Suzanne Wright has left my tail wagging and my heart racing with this third installment of the addicting and thrilling Phoenix Pack series! Carnal Secrets brings us Nick and Shaya's story, and fans of the series will know right from the start that this was going to be full of angst thanks to their situation. I was so angry with Nick when he was putting Shaya through the pain of not claiming her as his mate in Wicked Cravings, and I couldn't wait to get the story behind his choice and see just how much he was suffering along with her. She left her pack behind, shattered and feeling lost to the world, in an attempt to escape from the constant pain of seeing Nick act like she meant nothing. But little did she know, her leaving was exactly the kick in the tail the Alpha needed to make his wolf more than ready to stake his claim!!
Let me just say that Nick Axton is the perfect blend of scarred, sweet, and smoking-hot sexy alpha male that is sure to make readers very happy! I knew there was more behind his decision to not claim his mate, and he truly has a heartbreaking past that led to his choices. His wolf was damaged when it was forced to surface when he was just a boy, and it left both of them suffering physically and emotionally. You can't help but feel sorry for his plight, even though he ripped Shaya's heart out; it was torture for him, too, and he had the right intentions. Shaya, however, was not going to be easily convinced, and Nick had a lot of ground to make up in order to win her back.
After a life spent feeling like she'd always been a disappointment and always been unwanted, Nick's abandonment did a hell of a lot of damage to Shaya's psyche. I felt for this girl at every step of the way, because she really had no reason to trust anything he told her. She thought he was only refusing to claim her because she was a submissive, and his position as Alpha would put her in danger. As Nick made every attempt to prove that he was definitely in it for the long haul, and she slowly realized that he really wanted her, I loved how she still stood her ground and refused to let him simply have her heart and body without pause. There was a lot of hurt between them, but watching it turn into dedication and lust for each other was awesome.
One of the things I love most about the world and characters Suzanne Wright has created for this series is how she gives the wolves their own minds and own personalities through the thoughts of the shifters. The human vs. animal instinct that they deal with constantly makes them such dynamic and exciting characters, and I LOVED Nick's wolf just as much as I loved him! They were both at odds with Nick not claiming Shaya, but when he finally went after her...daaaayam, Nick was just as animalistic and commanding (maybe even more so) than Trey and Dante had been with their mates!! And submissive Shaya was right there with him, putting her mark on her man and proving that she was no one's bitch but his! And of course we get more of our favorite pack mates from the Phoenix Pack this time around too, and they were just as much fun and excitement as ever! They are fiercely protective of their own, and the shifters faced a threat to the safety of all of their kind this time around. When it came time to stand up for what was theirs, these wolves were once again a force to be reckoned with!
Shaya and Nick's bumpy road to happiness gives paranormal romance fans everything they love and then some. I had no doubt that when I finished this read I was going to yet again be left itching to get my hands on the next installment (I never claimed to be a patient reader!), and that is absolutely the case! I hated to leave the thrilling world of the Phoenix Pack and their fellow shifters, and I can't wait to see who's story we get next. If you haven't started this series yet, my only response is WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!
Quotes:
But although Trey might be strong and powerful, so was Nick; he let the full extent of his dominance leak into his expression, communicating that he was just as powerful as Trey. In actuality, he was also as fucked up as Trey--he just hid it better. ~ Loc 163
"And you know that voice in your head that tells you not to do wrong? I have one of those, but it doesn't give a shit about right and wrong when someone upsets her."~Loc 1802
"You know, Shaya, if you wanted to hurt me, you could have just stabbed me in the fucking chest and got it over with." ~Loc 2210
The feeling of finally having him inside her was incredible. He was heat. He was strength. He was intensity. She shaped his back with her hands, liking how his sleek muscles bunched under her touch as he pumped in and out of her. ~Loc 2814
Once again, Suzanne Wright has left my tail wagging and my heart racing with this third installment of the addicting and thrilling Phoenix Pack series! Carnal Secrets brings us Nick and Shaya's story, and fans of the series will know right from the start that this was going to be full of angst thanks to their situation. I was so angry with Nick when he was putting Shaya through the pain of not claiming her as his mate in Wicked Cravings, and I couldn't wait to get the story behind his choice and see just how much he was suffering along with her. She left her pack behind, shattered and feeling lost to the world, in an attempt to escape from the constant pain of seeing Nick act like she meant nothing. But little did she know, her leaving was exactly the kick in the tail the Alpha needed to make his wolf more than ready to stake his claim!!
Let me just say that Nick Axton is the perfect blend of scarred, sweet, and smoking-hot sexy alpha male that is sure to make readers very happy! I knew there was more behind his decision to not claim his mate, and he truly has a heartbreaking past that led to his choices. His wolf was damaged when it was forced to surface when he was just a boy, and it left both of them suffering physically and emotionally. You can't help but feel sorry for his plight, even though he ripped Shaya's heart out; it was torture for him, too, and he had the right intentions. Shaya, however, was not going to be easily convinced, and Nick had a lot of ground to make up in order to win her back.
After a life spent feeling like she'd always been a disappointment and always been unwanted, Nick's abandonment did a hell of a lot of damage to Shaya's psyche. I felt for this girl at every step of the way, because she really had no reason to trust anything he told her. She thought he was only refusing to claim her because she was a submissive, and his position as Alpha would put her in danger. As Nick made every attempt to prove that he was definitely in it for the long haul, and she slowly realized that he really wanted her, I loved how she still stood her ground and refused to let him simply have her heart and body without pause. There was a lot of hurt between them, but watching it turn into dedication and lust for each other was awesome.
One of the things I love most about the world and characters Suzanne Wright has created for this series is how she gives the wolves their own minds and own personalities through the thoughts of the shifters. The human vs. animal instinct that they deal with constantly makes them such dynamic and exciting characters, and I LOVED Nick's wolf just as much as I loved him! They were both at odds with Nick not claiming Shaya, but when he finally went after her...daaaayam, Nick was just as animalistic and commanding (maybe even more so) than Trey and Dante had been with their mates!! And submissive Shaya was right there with him, putting her mark on her man and proving that she was no one's bitch but his! And of course we get more of our favorite pack mates from the Phoenix Pack this time around too, and they were just as much fun and excitement as ever! They are fiercely protective of their own, and the shifters faced a threat to the safety of all of their kind this time around. When it came time to stand up for what was theirs, these wolves were once again a force to be reckoned with!
Shaya and Nick's bumpy road to happiness gives paranormal romance fans everything they love and then some. I had no doubt that when I finished this read I was going to yet again be left itching to get my hands on the next installment (I never claimed to be a patient reader!), and that is absolutely the case! I hated to leave the thrilling world of the Phoenix Pack and their fellow shifters, and I can't wait to see who's story we get next. If you haven't started this series yet, my only response is WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!!
Quotes:
But although Trey might be strong and powerful, so was Nick; he let the full extent of his dominance leak into his expression, communicating that he was just as powerful as Trey. In actuality, he was also as fucked up as Trey--he just hid it better. ~ Loc 163
"And you know that voice in your head that tells you not to do wrong? I have one of those, but it doesn't give a shit about right and wrong when someone upsets her."~Loc 1802
"You know, Shaya, if you wanted to hurt me, you could have just stabbed me in the fucking chest and got it over with." ~Loc 2210
The feeling of finally having him inside her was incredible. He was heat. He was strength. He was intensity. She shaped his back with her hands, liking how his sleek muscles bunched under her touch as he pumped in and out of her. ~Loc 2814
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,315 reviews