Craved by an Alpha by Felicity Heaton
Series: Eternal Mates #5
Published by Indie
Published on: January 27, 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 163
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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Having turned his back on his snow leopard pride, Cavanaugh has been counting the days until he’s free of a role he never wanted—one that separated him from his fated female and stands between him and the future he craves with her.
Just days from the night he will finally be free to be with the low-ranking beauty who stole his heart, she walks back into his life and threatens to destroy everything he’s worked towards in the five long years they’ve been apart.
Eloise has traveled across continents searching for the male who was once her best friend and so much more to her, but was now her pride’s true alpha. Desperate to fulfill a promise to her kin to save them from the tyrant he left in charge, she convinces Cavanaugh to return to his pride, but as they journey to Bhutan, doubts bloom and old feelings resurface, tearing her between duty and her deepest desires and impossible dreams.
Will Eloise be able to resist the burning need that Cavanaugh reignites in her and remember her place in the pride? And can Cavanaugh find a way to save his kin and claim the future he craves with the woman he loves?
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After chain reading the last two ETERNAL MATES installments one thing has become evident, Felicity Heaton’s big cat shifters are misogynistic jerks! Well, generally speaking anyway, but as in every society there are those that defy tradition, and although Cavanaugh doesn’t outright spit in his prides’ face, he does utilize the rules to his advantage which was even better because H-E-L-L-O! Smart AND dreamy! I briefly met this kissable snow leopard in HUNTED BY A JAGUAR, and his similarities to Kyter (that novel’s hero) paired with his mysterious back story were more than enough to make me say yes to book 5.
This was the first novella in this series, so I was a little hesitant for the simple reason that shorts rarely succeed in completely fulfilling my Paranormal Romance appetite. Those doubts proved to be unwarranted because CRAVED BY AN ALPHA had all of the ingredients of the previous EM titles, minus the lengthy couple’s dance which the author managed to establish in a single chapter thanks to the characters’ past. So yeah, the excess fat was trimmed in all of the right places, and the outcome was a quick paced tale of love, cat fights, and cave sex.
Cavanaugh was pretty secretive about his background in book 4, but I just knew that it involved a girl, so when Eloise showed up at Underworld, I wasn’t the least bit taken aback. His reasons for jumping ship were sweet, however as with most rash decisions, consequences were unavoidable, and unfortunately his lady friend suffered the brunt of them. It was mildly annoying that they didn’t own up to their feelings from day one; on the other hand five years is a long time to spend building something up in your head, so the conflict between them wasn’t far-fetched.
Eloise won’t be winning any awards as my favourite EM heroine because she came off as rather beaten, although again, that was understandable in her case considering everything she’s been through. It’s tough to break free from extended oppression, and there was still a high degree of courage, and self-sacrifice to her given how she’s been globetrotting for two years on threadbare resources in the hopes of saving her pride while also condemning herself to a loveless life. Still, Cavanaugh was compelling enough for the both of them as was the humping.
CRAVED BY AN ALPHA was like catnip for readers!
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, I read in one day. I agree with pretty much every point that you’ve made here. My review has yet to be written, but I will do it very soon.
Melanie recently posted…Review: Three the Hard Way by Sydney Croft
Normally novellas are SO not my thing, but this story was just right. I just started book 6 yesterday.
Ooooh, a novella? That sounds like something I’d totally feel like reading at any point because it’s always less of a commitment of my time! Do you think I could read this one without having read the previous books?
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson!!
This one can definitely be read as a stand-alone, and the shorter length is perfect if you’re looking to get a feel for Heaton’s writing. It comes out tomorrow BTW. 😀
Oooh, must go check it out for my Kindle then! Thanks Carmel!
Pili recently posted…Mark This Book Monday: Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson!!
One day I might get to this one! I have the first on in this series..so many books so little time!! 🙁 Great review! 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Book Review: Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
Isn’t that EVERY blogger’s go-to excuse? Hehe! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Ha ha, yes it is and it’s a good excuse. 🙂
Yet another great addition to this series, one I really need to pick up and try. One day I will try it!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Rebound by Noelle August
Books 5-6 are novellas, so if you want to cheat and dive-in mid-series you can if the shorter length is more manageable.
Okay, I need this series immediately. I haven’t read anything but outstanding reviews for it, and I need to meet these sexy cat shifters!!! I need more cat shifters in my life:) I love wolves and all, but changing things up a bit is always a good thing. *wanders off to buy ALL THE BOOKS on Amazon*
The first installment is still on sale for $0.99, so that should get you started for cheap. The author has told me that she has a werewolf spin-off series in the works, but for now I’m happy with her cats.
I loved this novella! The cat shifters are misogynistic jerks, but I love how they defied tradition and utilize the rules to their advantage. This was a great read. Can’t wait for the next book! Great Review! ^_^
Angela recently posted…Review: The Beast In Him (Pride #2) by Shelly Laurenston
I wouldn’t survive a minute in this universe unless I had a man like Cavanaugh willing to stand-up for true love! Io is a lucky girl.
Yay for more feline shifters that bring out the purrr! I so glad you enjoyed this novella Carmel. I tend to avoid them for the same reason you mentioned – so I’m excited this story was fleshed out and a perfect choice for a fast read without sacrificing the EM world. I can’t wait to dig into my copy!! 🙂
Kim { Book Swoon } recently posted…Young Adult Book Review: The Conspiracy Of Us by Maggie Hall
I think it helped that the installment number didn’t have a .5 tacked on to it. At least that way you know that it’s a complete story even though it’s shorter in length.
Hm… A novella with misogynistic jerks cat-shifters… I think this proves how messed up I am because it sounds *very* appealing, lol 😀 Great review, Carmel, Thank you for sharing!
Ramona recently posted…Zen Monday: I Write, Therefore…
Hahaha! You said it. I didn’t know about the misogynistic jerks going in, but it all worked out in the end.
Smart and dreamy sounds right up my alley
I believe those qualities are up everyone’s alley. 😀
I really, really need to start this series, Carmel. I really enjoy Felicity Heaton, and I just got my hands on the first book so now I have no excuse – apart from, you know, work and all that real life stuff that keeps interrupting my reading time 🙂
Great review.
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Flirting with Disaster – Victoria Dahl
Buying the first book is step 1, so I have faith in you that you’ll get there eventually. You should plan for a sick day soon. Just saying!
LOL Carmel! I actually just landed a long-term substitute teaching position, so I won’t be planning any sick days for quite a while, and I’ll be even more busy than usual 😀
Lexxie recently posted…Review: Flirting with Disaster – Victoria Dahl
That’s probably a good call. Shouldn’t push your luck when things are going your way. Congrats!!
Oh look another series I haven’t found the time to start yet.. Eventually I will and it’s nice to see that it’ll be worth the read
Kristina D recently posted…Book Review ~ Dark Frost
That seems to be today’s go-to comment. I completely sympathize; all of us bloggers are in the same boat!
Fictional, Felicity Heaton misogynistic jerk? No problem! IRL misogynistic jerk? Go AWAY! LOL Plus, the fictional guys usually learn something when it is their book. 🙂 I haven’t read this series so I need to devour them (heh) all. Perhaps on audio? Hm…
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Of Fire and Ash by Amber Argyle
Agreed! I can mentally punch the fictional variety in the face, but in real life… not so much. #1 strongly discourages me from starting fights that he might have to finish. Haha!
Wow that is some shirtless cover
blodeuedd recently posted…The Tears of the Rose – Jeffe Kennedy
It leaves little to the imagination, that’s for sure!
why must you review such tantalizing books and make my TBR list even longer??
Sarah recently posted…Book Junkie Adventures #1 | Manga, Maroon 5 & More!
Because that’s my #1 goal in life! *evil cackle*
Ehh, sorry, I am not even remotely interested by a book with a naked male torso on the cover, but glad you liked it!
Rachel recently posted…Review: Howl’s Moving Castle – Diana Wynne Jones
I understand. These types of reads aren’t for everyone. They suit me just fine though. 🙂
I really need to start this series, I have the first one on my Kindle. I am not even sure if I knew this was about shifters!
Lorna recently posted…Early Review: Craved by an Alpha by Felicity Heaton
The first book was about elves, then she switched to demons… she’s been on cat shifters for 2 going on 3 books now, but next it’s dragons!
It looks like I have another series to try. I enjoy the stories where the writer creates a seeming doomed romance and then gives a satisfying HEA.
Sophia Rose recently posted…To Be or Not To Be…Read January TBR Pile Vote
Heaton’s found a model that works for her, and sticks with it, but she still throws in the odd curve ball to keep readers on their toes.
It’s great that you had once again a wonderful time with this sotry. I confess that I’m starting to be curious by the author and I see a lot of great reviews everywhere. great review!
I already have 2 more reviews for this series in the pipeline. You’ll give in eventually. 🙂
This sounds so good, and since a short read maybe I can make it my second read for the year. I know it’s #5, but would this be a good introduction to her world? Or could jumping in spoiled the experience?
Thanks Carmel.
Lupdilup recently posted…Best Audiobooks of 2014 Blog Hop/Giveaway
No, this can definitely be read as a stand-alone, and seeing how you’re not a big reader, the shorter length would probably be perfect for you. DO IT!
I really wish I didn’t have the PNR slump. I so want to read this series and enjoy it.
I loved how you said that this book is catnip for readers. 🙂
BookaholicCat recently posted…Non-Review: Burned by Karen Marie Moning
Haha! Leave it to the ‘cat person’ to comment on the last line of my review. That one was just for you, Marcela!
Okay, I NEED to read this series! I promise I’ll read them sometime soon 🙂 Great review.
I’ll hold you to that!
You know, sometimes novellas can be better. No song and dance, just action! I really want to try this series.
Jennifer Bielman recently posted…Guest Post: How I Handle (or Don’t Handle) Reviewer Criticism by Joanna Wiebe, Author of The Wicked Awakening of Anne Merchant (Blog Tour & Giveaway)
I agree! Who needs deets, and background info? Gimme sex & action!
“So yeah, the excess fat was trimmed in all of the right places, and the outcome was a quick paced tale of love, cat fights, and cave sex.” <– Best line!! Although, there were a few others in the running. I'm so happy that Craved by an Alpha was so satisfying despite its length, Carmel. It makes me a little sad *frowny face* that Eloise is as strong a heroine as Heaton's other EM heroines, but if you say it works, then I believe you. 🙂 I can't wait to get to this one. I'm about to commence on an EM marathon!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Blog Tour Review & Giveaway ~ Acting Brave ~ Helena Newbury
I expect your comments to tapper off to a trickle while you’re busy inhaling the first five books. If I see you lurking instead of reading, I’ll call you out! Thanks for the line love, I was pretty found of that one myself too. Hehe!
Totally enjoyed this one. but then, Felicity have not disappointed me yet. She’s pretty consistent!
angela carr recently posted…ARC Review: Bringing Home the Bad Boy by Jessica Lemmon
This is true, and why we keep coming back for more!
Another fantastic review Carmel. You have me curious about Eloise’s background… I will have to get onto this series myself, I think!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Naomi recently posted…Review ~ Impulse by Vanessa Garden
I appreciate that, Naomi. I hope you LOVE Felicity Heaton’s shifters!