Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
Series: The Sentinels #0.5
Published by Zebra
Published on: October 28, 2014
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 109
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
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New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Ivy quenches your thirst for illicit desire with this seductive tale of the Sentinels—outcast humans with the ability to tread the line between life and death—and pleasure and pain…
Ph.D student Angela Locke has a crush on her sexy professor, Dr. Nikolo Bartrev. When she learns he’s actually a Sentinel with extraordinary powers, she joins forces with him to catch a psychopath. But soon, their hottest pursuit is of each other...
When I requested this book from Net Galley, I had no idea that it was the second book in a series. Imagine my surprise, when I realized I had already read the first book, and this was one I had wanted to read all along. The other surprise for me, was that it was pretty much a novella, rather then novel length. Even so, the length worked pretty well for this story, but really could have been a bit longer.
Angela is a teacher at a local small college, and weeks away from getting her PhD in molecular biology. She’s pretty much a science geek, who doesn’t get out much, and spends her off time doing experiments. Six weeks prior to the beginning of this, a new professor had come to the college, and she has since fallen head over heels for him. He sees her daily, but never asks her out. Niko isn’t really a professor, and has reason to watch Angela. He is a Sentinel, and works for Valhalla, the place where most supernaturals in the area live. In this world, the supernatural world is known about, and pretty much feared by humans. A very homicidal supernatural has escaped Valhalla, and they think she will be seeking out Angela for help.
Since this was a short read, I really don’t want to tell more of the story. I will say that I really liked Angela as a character, and Niko was definitely a plus in this story. Dangerous, gorgeous men, pretty much always are!
I liked the premise, the characters, and the limited amount of action that takes place in this story. There were some scary moments, and some sensual ones as well. Of course it could have been a longer story, and I am sure I would have enjoyed it much more. I think I would have liked hearing more about Valhalla, or even a glimpse of the main characters from the previous book, Born in Blood, would have been welcome. All that being said, the next book in this series, Blood Assassin, will be released in January, so hopefully all of that will be taken care of in that installment.
If you are an Alexandra Ivy fan, or just like a good paranormal romance, I recommend this novella, and series. It definitely was a quick, easy read, and I did enjoy it.
FYI-It says 109 pages but actually ends at 88% in, so it is shorter then 109 pages. It was also previously part of an anthology named Predator.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
Oh that would probably drive me crazy! Considering how much you enjoyed this, I’d probably be asking for more as well.
Thanks for sharing, Lorna!
Joy (Joyousreads) recently posted…Photo Vomit [#11]: A Well-Worn Book
I just wish it had been a bit longer with more characters, and more action I guess 🙂
Alexandra Ivy is an author that has been on my radar for a while now. I need to get something from here. I keep hearing great things.
I agree that 100 pages is a novella and not a novel. Glad you enjoyed it anyway.
Melanie Simmons recently posted…Archangel’s Shadows Audiobook by Nalini Singh (Review)
It was pretty good 🙂 Thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Release Day Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
Novellas can be so hit or miss because of the length and amount of information they either do or don’t have. It sounds like overall though that this was a pretty solid one.
Great review!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
I did enjoy it 🙂 Thanks!
I’m glad it was a pleasant surprise, Lorna. But I’m sad you weren’t totally satisfied with the story. Novellas are hard – if I’m going to read one, I want to be fully satisfied at the end. But you did enjoy the story, so… Nice review!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…**Teaser Tuesday ~ #42**
Thanks, I think it would have been better with more going on 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Release Day Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
I have actually never tried anything by her
blodeuedd recently posted…The Silver Bough – Lisa Tuttle
This was only the second thing I have read by her 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Release Day Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
so this novella is a prequel but would you recommend me to read book 1 first or start with this ( if i manage to get it of course) i have book 1 in my pile waiting patiently^^ but now even if i planned to read it soon i could postpone it a luittle until i read this novella if you think it’s better
miki recently posted…Pyros ( Darkworld Origins 1) by T. G. Ayer
Oh I would read the book first for sure. So much more background that you don’t get in the novella 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Release Day Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
thank you a lot!
miki recently posted…Pyros ( Darkworld Origins 1) by T. G. Ayer
Lol I’m glad I’m not the only one who forgets about series and stumbles back to them! That’s a sign that 1- you read A LOT and 2- you really like the concept for the series, huh? I’m not familiar with this one, but it sounds with checking out for sure! Novellas can be frustrating, but I’m glad this one was satisfying!
Berls recently posted…Top Off Tuesday | Riding Home
Oops see your reply below-I messed up! What I get for watching tv while I answer these! Sorry
Yes, to both of those lol-too many books! It was a pretty good read 🙂
Too funny that you didn’t realize it was book two, and that you had read book one till after you got it. This sounds good. Novellas are tricky and it sounds like you got all the elements but more would have been nice.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
My brain is not good at remembering things like that anymore 🙂 It was a pretty good read, just needed more!
Aww prob why I have such a hard time picking up novellas, because they end too soon for me and leave me frustrated heh
I hear you! The best novellas are the ones that are for a beloved series that you will read anything about no matter how short 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
I love her books. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of her books though, I’m so far behind in my reading.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Update on Lucky
oh gosh me too, I will never be caught up on all the books I want to read!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy
What a lucky request! Novellas are hard – I’m usually wanting more at the end too!
Nicole recently posted…October Wrap-Up & Best of the Bunch
Yeah, some novellas aren’t worth the read, but I have been really lucky lately with them 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Out of Control by Alexandra Ivy