Reviewed by Sarina

 

TITLE: Owned by the Alpha: Manlove Edition

AUTHOR: Maia Dylan, James Cox, Jules Dixon, Elena Kincaid, L.J. Longo, Pelaam, and L.D. Blakeley

PUBLISHER: Evernight Publishing

LENGTH: 357 pages

RELEASE DATE: April 25, 2017

BLURB:

NEW Dark Paranormal Romance Stories by International Bestselling Evernight Authors!

The Alpha lives for the hunt…

Driven by instinct, an Alpha shifter recognizes his fated mate from one scent, one touch. He’ll pursue his man, regardless of the cost, and anyone else would be smart to get out of his way. He won’t stop until he takes possession of his prize.

Although the hunter doesn’t need convincing, his mate certainly does. The Alpha will have to prove himself as a lover and convince his man that he plays for keeps.

A Tiger’s Luck by Maia Dylan

Last Alpha Standing by James Cox

Mooncrest by Jules Dixon

His Guardian Panther by Elena Kincaid

The Scarf by L.J. Longo

A Matter of Trust by Pelaam

Conflict of Interest by L.D. Blakeley

ANTHOLOGY REVIEW:

On the whole, this was a good anthology that showcased a nice variety of stories all within the set Alpha theme. There were things I liked about all of the offerings presented here and while some stories were more successful than others, there wasn’t a story that I didn’t like. If you enjoy paranormal books, namely shifter stories, and like your men dominant and in charge, I’d recommend checking this book out.

A Tiger’s Luck by Maia Dylan 4.5*

This was my favorite story in the set and was a great way to start off the book. I really liked the set up and thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters. I will admit to thinking Yuri was in the mob for the majority of the book and was therefore surprised, but not disappointed when I learned the truth. Really enjoyable story with believable characters and reactions.

Last Alpha Standing by James Cox 4*

Another winner in the book, this was probably one of the more unique stories and I liked it a lot. The characters were well done and I liked how ‘winning’ the competition became less important than the two men wanting and getting to be together in the end.

Mooncrest by Jules Dixon 3.5*

This one had a kind of Romeo and Juliette vibe only better because there were shifters and no one died at the end. I do wish that I had been able to see the main characters spending more time together, especially before the first declaration of love, but I also understand that they knew each other, at least a little, previously so it wasn’t completely implausible. Nice story with good pacing.

His Guardian Panther by Elena Kincaid 3*

This was the shortest story in the collection and I’m sorry to say that it showed in not so great ways. I did really like the premise of the story and the beginning was great for setting things up but the rest kind of failed to deliver in any meaningful way. Things were way too rushed and the get together between the main characters wasn’t believable, especially seeing as how they initially parted ways. It was a nice story in general but more for the premise and what could have been rather than what was actually there.

The Scarf by L.J. Longo 3.5*

I had mixed feelings about this one. Firstly, the premise and world set up was great! I loved the differences here between the shifters I’m used to seeing and what the author actually did; it was also nice seeing a few different kinds. When Tru started his little daydream about what he’d do when he found the owner of the scarf, however, I rapidly began to lose interest. I honestly didn’t care much for the bulk of the story past the beginning and it was only at the end that I regained the desire to read the story. I can totally appreciate the unique elements and the fact that this was a nice start to finish case, but I would’ve liked a bit less fantasizing and more seriousness on Tru’s part, especially during the part where his character was being established.

A Matter of Trust by Pelaam 4.5*

Another great story; I really liked the character development and interactions here. It was also great having a character that wasn’t a shifter but that at least was familiar with shifters in general, even if he hadn’t had any meaningful interactions with any before this point. It was fairly obvious what kind of shifter Tudor was but it was nice that his ‘alphaness’ didn’t overwhelm all of his interactions with Rylan. Enjoyable story that made use of miscommunication effectively without wanting to make me bang my head into the wall. Definitely one of my favorites in the book.

Conflict of Interest by L.D. Blakeley 4*

This was a good story to end the collection; I enjoyed the opposites attract aspect of the story but would’ve liked a little more push/pull between the characters as a result. The reason for the frame up is never explicitly stated but I got enough of an idea that the overall story and ending made sense and I got a nice happily ever after to walk away with. Good premise and interesting characters; it would be great expanded a bit but I was happy with it overall.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Evernight Publishing

Amazon