Reviewed by Becca

 

TITLE: Lance & Mateo Breakable bundle: Breakable Faith & Renewed Faith

SERIES: Vale Valley seasons 1 & 2

AUTHOR: Michael Mandrake

PUBLISHER: Triad Literary

LENGTH: 288 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2019

BLURB:

An Omega with a checkered past seeks his forever in a virgin pastor… 

Mateo relocated to Vale Valley to start anew and find his fated mate. Although he didn’t think he’d be linked with a preacher from Holy Father, that doesn’t deter Mateo from pursuing him. 

Father Lance has enjoyed the solitude as the magical towns only minister. Besides the work to bring people closer to God is fulfilling for him and he doesn’t feel a need for much else. 

Now, a tragic event has brought them together, but jealousy and fear could tear them apart. Will the promise of a commitment and children bind them once and for all? 

Warning: Stories have triggering events such as on page violence and death. It is set in an omegaverse with a guarantee of male pregnancy. It includes both stories, Breakable Faith and Renewed Faith along with the story, Breakable in Bora Bora from the Vale Valley charity anthology.

OVERALL REVIEW:

Overall, it’s a good bundle. A set of stories of hope, determination and love. There are some harrowing moments but it’s the faith and hope in each other and their beliefs that get them through. 

OVERALL RATING: 

BUY LINK: 

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TITLE: Breakable Faith

SERIES: Vale Valley #8

AUTHOR: Michael Mandrake

PUBLISHER: Triad Literary

LENGTH: 148 pages

RELEASE DATE: December 15, 2018

BLURB:

One night equals a test of faith for Father Lance…

Trouble always finds Mateo and he’s succumbed to it several times with or without help. However, after running with the wrong kinds of people, he’s decided to turn a new leaf. His attention to detail lands him a job as a tattoo artist, making people’s dreams come true through body art. With this steady gig and his grandmother’s support, Mateo is convinced he can live mostly anxiety free.

Father Lance has always suppressed his needs to care for others. The older alpha is Vale’s most handsome and available bachelor, but Lance has no interest in hooking up. Instead, he puts all his energies into his church. Although loneliness is a constant partner, Lance refuses to let it stand in the way of his goal.

One wintry night, Lance spots a man in need of assistance and immediately calls for help. Despite Lance’s instincts crying out to the victim, he ignores those desires.

As he’s being rushed to the emergency room, Mateo feels his destined mate near. Once he recovers, he’s determined to find his forever partner to build the relationship that will stabilize the young omega’s life.

Warning: On page violence and a near death experience. 

Breakable Faith is the eighth book in a multi-author series about Vale Valley, a small town open to everyone in need of love and a home. Each installment can be read as a standalone

This story features a tattooed omega that has the hots for the priest. Naughtiness and general unholy thoughts are the running themes in this book. Be prepared to clutch your rosary and have a fan nearby.

REVIEW:

Possible triggers: attempted murder on several occasions

I liked this story but sometimes it seemed a bit forced? I don’t know if that’s the right word. It’s like the interactions didn’t flow for me. And yes, I know they weren’t exactly supposed to seeing as it’s a priest. Ugh. I wish I could explain better. It was still a pretty good story though. Mateo cracks me up. He is such a pistol and don’t back down for anything.

Mateo didn’t grow up in the best of circumstances. Being in a gang in New York, he was tired of all the wrong they did and wanted out. But a threat to his family had him terrified. Once you’re in, you don’t leave. So they had to move to get away. But the leader, Yello, found them and almost killed Mateo. But Father Lance found him and got him help in time. And also found his fated mate in Mateo. But the church is his life and he can’t do it. But Mateo knows his fated mate is near and when he finds out it’s Lance, he doesn’t back down. He goes full throttle to get to Lance to see they are meant to be. And he’s not giving up. Eventually, Lance agrees but they have to go slow because of the church. But slow is the last thing on Mateo’s mind. Lance accepts the punishment from the church of having sex before they’re married, but when Yello keeps popping up to kill them, they may not get their fairy tale. Because Yello never intends to stop.

I’ve always heard that once you’re in a gang it’s stay in or die trying to leave. I hate that it’s like that. People should be allowed to make decisions on whether to move on to better lives. And even if some manage to get out, they have to fear for a bit on their lives or their families. It’s sad. 

For Mateo to have to run to start over, it was a shame. But at least in Vale, he had a place where he had a good job and friends. And he was holding out hope for his fated. Until Yello messed everything up. It was a blessing and a curse. A curse because he almost died. But a blessing because he met his fated one. He was out of it so he doesn’t remember much but he knows it was his mate. And when he meets Lance, it takes all he can not to climb him like a tree. The funny part is he’s not backing down with Lance. Lance tries so hard to stay in the priest mode, but he’s no match for the Wiles of Mateo lol. And I love it! So funny.

A good start to these two. And a bonus little story for their honeymoon at the end.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

amazon

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TITLE: Renewed Faith

SERIES: Vale Valley Season 2 #10

AUTHOR: Michael Mandrake

PUBLISHER: Triad Literary

LENGTH: 123 pages

RELEASE DATE: February 10, 2019

BLURB:

While Mateo quarrels with his inner demons, Lance’s feelings are conflicted. 

Mateo’s has found his fated mate. To make their family complete, he wants a baby. Despite the bliss, bad memories have come back to haunt him. These horrid reminders could hamper their attempt at creating a new life. 

Although Father Lance remains loyal to the church, protecting his partner reigns above all. Due to Mateo’s emotional breakdown, he’s forced to take a leave of absence. This sudden change from the priesthood to alpha father has weighed heavily on Lance’s mind, making him wonder if he should continue his role at Holy Father. 

Will Mateo overcome these nightmares and be able to have their child? Can Lance find the zeal he once had to continue his life’s work? 

Together, they must search for the answers to restore their faith in their commitment and each other. 

Renewed Faith is book 10 in the second season of the multi-author series about Vale Valley, a small town open to everyone in need of love and a home. It is the continuation of Mateo and Lance’s book, Breakable Faith. 

This story is an omegaverse with the possibility of male pregnancy. Hot sex, romance, knotting, are included along with sweetness. Might need your rosary and holy water for this one! 

Warning: Scenes detailing violent attack and potential rape.

REVIEW:

Read the possible warnings in the blurb. Nightmares that are bad and some rough situations. 

This was one full of hot sex, snarky comments, and pissy alpha coming into his own and an Omega that’s about to rip people’s heads off lol. 

Mateo had finally gotten his wish. He’s married to his fated and they are now trying to adjust to life at home after their honeymoon. The priest apartment is a little small but so far it’s working. Things seem to be ok until both Lance and Mateo are having severe nightmares. Ones that end in their deaths and possible harm to their children. Going to the Dr. they confirm Mateo is indeed pregnant, and they need him to relax. But with Yello hanging over their heads, it’s hard to. And to make matters worse, Lance is getting farther away from the church, which Mateo doesn’t want and Lance is getting too alpha-y. Wanting Mateo not to go back to work at all. So yeah, it’s an adjustment. And it’s getting harder the farther along Mateo gets. The new fill in Father is being a dick it seems, Lance is all growly, and the nightmares are getting worse. They are just wondering if the dreams are going to become a reality. 

I remember being pregnant and if I had had dreams like Mateo, I think I would have lost my mind. It’s not wonder he acted the way he did. It’s bad enough when it’s just you or even you and your spouse, but when kids get involved, it’s something totally different. I remember feeling like Mateo too. Everyone gets on your nerves, yet you want to be pampered lol. And someone hurry up and get the kids out. It’s too much. 

But what had me tickled was Lance. He went from being a virgin alpha to daddy in the span of less than a year and he’s in alpha overdrive. He’s emotions are everywhere and everything is up in the air and it’s all nuts. But bless him, he’s trying so hard. Much more than I’ve seen a lot of parents. He’s doing all he can for Mateo and it’s just so sweet.

This was a good little bundle. I enjoyed it. I enjoy getting to know the Vale Valley crew. It’s been a blast.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

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