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Law of the Lycans #4
Bonded
Reno's a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to. Bonded precedes The Mating.
452 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2012
About the author
Nicky Charles
21 books2,878 followersNicky Charles is an independent writer/publisher who became an author quite by accident. She always saw herself as a ‘reader not a writer’ and can thank—or blame, depending on the day—her friend/editor and fellow author, Jan Gordon, for the career she now finds herself immersed in. The tale goes something like this:
In January of 2009, Nicky penned a fanfiction for an old TV series, “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”, and soon became ‘hooked’ on story telling. She joined a fan-based group for the show and through there met Jan Gordon. It was an idle comment made by Jan during a review of Black Silk (Jan’s newly published book) that inspired Nicky to write her first original story. Over the course of the next two months, she hastily scribbled down a suspense driven romance entitled Forever In Time and presented it to the world in August of 2009. Soon after, she wrote The Mating, a paranormal romance and followed it up with The Keeping and The Finding. The three stories formed a loose paranormal trilogy called The Law of the Lycans. Nicky continues to expand the Lycan series and has a long list of possible plots waiting in the wings.
Nicky works full-time and writes in her off-hours, few though they may be! In the next few years she hopes to retire from her day job and concentrate more of her energy on her new passion of writing.
When she writes, Nicky sees the story unfolding in her head like a movie and tries to include enough detail so that readers can ‘see’ the story just as she does. The sights, sounds, smells and sensations of a scene are almost as important to her as the actual plot.
Creating main characters that are ‘real’ is also something she strives for. Nicky tries to make each character different, to give them an interesting back story, to make their actions and feelings logical and to hopefully make the reader actually care what happens to the people in the story.
Nicky lives in Canada and tries to stick to Canadian spelling and punctuation in her work, in support of her country. She is an avid supporter of animal shelters, nature conservancy, food banks and a variety of other charities. Currently she has two ‘inside’ cats and one official ‘outside’ cat though a number of strays seem to take up residence in her garden each year.
When not writing, Nicky enjoys reading – though she often bemoans that she seldom has time for it any more. Her favourite authors are Elizabeth Peters, S.C. Stephen and Cherise Sinclair. She also enjoys spending time out in nature, gardening, taking day trips and eating dark chocolate.
In January of 2009, Nicky penned a fanfiction for an old TV series, “Scarecrow and Mrs. King”, and soon became ‘hooked’ on story telling. She joined a fan-based group for the show and through there met Jan Gordon. It was an idle comment made by Jan during a review of Black Silk (Jan’s newly published book) that inspired Nicky to write her first original story. Over the course of the next two months, she hastily scribbled down a suspense driven romance entitled Forever In Time and presented it to the world in August of 2009. Soon after, she wrote The Mating, a paranormal romance and followed it up with The Keeping and The Finding. The three stories formed a loose paranormal trilogy called The Law of the Lycans. Nicky continues to expand the Lycan series and has a long list of possible plots waiting in the wings.
Nicky works full-time and writes in her off-hours, few though they may be! In the next few years she hopes to retire from her day job and concentrate more of her energy on her new passion of writing.
When she writes, Nicky sees the story unfolding in her head like a movie and tries to include enough detail so that readers can ‘see’ the story just as she does. The sights, sounds, smells and sensations of a scene are almost as important to her as the actual plot.
Creating main characters that are ‘real’ is also something she strives for. Nicky tries to make each character different, to give them an interesting back story, to make their actions and feelings logical and to hopefully make the reader actually care what happens to the people in the story.
Nicky lives in Canada and tries to stick to Canadian spelling and punctuation in her work, in support of her country. She is an avid supporter of animal shelters, nature conservancy, food banks and a variety of other charities. Currently she has two ‘inside’ cats and one official ‘outside’ cat though a number of strays seem to take up residence in her garden each year.
When not writing, Nicky enjoys reading – though she often bemoans that she seldom has time for it any more. Her favourite authors are Elizabeth Peters, S.C. Stephen and Cherise Sinclair. She also enjoys spending time out in nature, gardening, taking day trips and eating dark chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 754 reviews
February 18, 2013
★★★★★
I originally read this a year ago but now that Nicky has released the next installment I wanted to brush up on what happened in this one as Betrayed: Days of the Rogue follows on directly after this.
I loved it just as much as I did the first time around! As soon as I started reading it the details started flooding back but I still wanted to go ahead and read the whole book again despite knowing what was going to happen.
I still can't believe that Nicky writes these books and doesn't charge for them... all she asks is that you make a donation to an animal shelter or local food bank. So why don't you pop on over to Smashwords and get the whole series!
February 2012
I picked up #1,2 & 3 last year from Smashwords as I thought they looked interesting, but I never seemed to get around to reading them. For some reason I always kept pushing them back....boy do I regret that now!
This was written after the first 3 and I picked this up early this year and as it was marked as 0.5 I obviously started with it first. Many readers remarked that it seemed to be drawn out and kept covering the same information, but not having read any of this series I found that really useful and it worked well for me. Maybe if I had read it last then I would have thought the same but as a first book it works!
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this and found it hard to put down. The first night I started reading it was just after I had finished another book and wasn't quite ready to go to bed. So I thought I would read the first couple of chapters and then go off to catch my beauty sleep. Well that plan backfired and the next morning I ended up getting out of bed as a hag rather than Sleeping Beauty! I just couldn't put it down and finally forced myself to go to bed at 3am and ended up with less than 3 hours sleep before the alarm clock went off :(
If you like PNR then check out this author on Smashwords....This was well worth the time and it (as well as the other 3) is still free!
I originally read this a year ago but now that Nicky has released the next installment I wanted to brush up on what happened in this one as Betrayed: Days of the Rogue follows on directly after this.
I loved it just as much as I did the first time around! As soon as I started reading it the details started flooding back but I still wanted to go ahead and read the whole book again despite knowing what was going to happen.
I still can't believe that Nicky writes these books and doesn't charge for them... all she asks is that you make a donation to an animal shelter or local food bank. So why don't you pop on over to Smashwords and get the whole series!
February 2012
I picked up #1,2 & 3 last year from Smashwords as I thought they looked interesting, but I never seemed to get around to reading them. For some reason I always kept pushing them back....boy do I regret that now!
This was written after the first 3 and I picked this up early this year and as it was marked as 0.5 I obviously started with it first. Many readers remarked that it seemed to be drawn out and kept covering the same information, but not having read any of this series I found that really useful and it worked well for me. Maybe if I had read it last then I would have thought the same but as a first book it works!
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this and found it hard to put down. The first night I started reading it was just after I had finished another book and wasn't quite ready to go to bed. So I thought I would read the first couple of chapters and then go off to catch my beauty sleep. Well that plan backfired and the next morning I ended up getting out of bed as a hag rather than Sleeping Beauty! I just couldn't put it down and finally forced myself to go to bed at 3am and ended up with less than 3 hours sleep before the alarm clock went off :(
If you like PNR then check out this author on Smashwords....This was well worth the time and it (as well as the other 3) is still free!
April 7, 2013
I really had a difficult time deciding on the rating for this book. I enjoyed the plot, however, I found myself skimming hundreds of pages. The inner turmoil between the two main characters quickly becomes redundant as does the political discussions separating the two were factions. I understand that background information is needed, but sometimes it distracted from the story. Also, by page 600, I wanted to slap both of the main characters, shake them, and yell, "Get over yourselves already!" Also, maybe because I found myself skimming tens of pages at a time, I didn't read what happened to a major little bump in Brandi's life. In any case, I liked the main plot, but the subplots really need some trimming. I'm not sure I will read the next book or not.
February 14, 2012
Yet again another great book by Nicky Charles.
Thrust into a self defense demo, Brandi gets blood bonded to Reno an Enforcer by accident. Never telling him, because she doesn't want to trap him they spend years coming together for various reasons related to work tring to stop the "purists" through the "lycan Link", similar to the FBI.
Brandi goes back to her birth pack on a short vacation to find it corrupt with purists who expected her & she calls Reno for help.
This book was always moving. It was a great addition and was a prequel to the other books in this series, so If you read this one first, it may be better, but not necessary.
This story also opens up for the next edition maybe being Damians story who is one of the 3 brothers (half brothers (Kane, Ryne & Damian).
My only complaint was the recaps every 3 chapters in the beginning half that reminded me over and over what I just read. These may be great for someone who reads slow, but I read it in 2 days, so they seemed to be in the way. I just skimmed those parts.
Thrust into a self defense demo, Brandi gets blood bonded to Reno an Enforcer by accident. Never telling him, because she doesn't want to trap him they spend years coming together for various reasons related to work tring to stop the "purists" through the "lycan Link", similar to the FBI.
Brandi goes back to her birth pack on a short vacation to find it corrupt with purists who expected her & she calls Reno for help.
This book was always moving. It was a great addition and was a prequel to the other books in this series, so If you read this one first, it may be better, but not necessary.
This story also opens up for the next edition maybe being Damians story who is one of the 3 brothers (half brothers (Kane, Ryne & Damian).
My only complaint was the recaps every 3 chapters in the beginning half that reminded me over and over what I just read. These may be great for someone who reads slow, but I read it in 2 days, so they seemed to be in the way. I just skimmed those parts.
July 2, 2012
Bonded is the fourth book in Nicky Charles’ Laws of the Lycans series, but takes place before the events in The Mating (the first book in the series). I’ve enjoyed this series quite a bit, and I thought Bonded was an enjoyable book, overall; however, I thought a few of the devices used by the author stalled the story unnecessarily, and made Bonded my least favorite in the series thus far.
This novel is a paranormal romance focusing on werewolves/lycans, and is set in roughly the current time and place. Lycans secretly live alongside humans in today’s world, often in pocket communities. One of the positive point about the novel is the expansion of the world, and further building of lycan culture that it provided. Bonded helped explain and establish some of the lycan values, laws, traditions, and politics that are hinted at in the other books in the series. This expansion of the world was (with the exception of one or two classic information dumps that most PN authors seem to find hard to resist), well integrated into the plot.
The main characters, Brandi and Reno are employed in what is essentially the lycan version of law enforcement, in departments that traditionally do not get along. Reno is the equivalent of a special task force officer who constantly displeases the public, while Brandi is one of the top Damage Control (think P.R.) officers. On one of their first meetings, Brandi accidentally forms a one-sided mating bond with Reno, but is reluctant to tell him about it. She keeps the knowledge to herself, despite the difficulties it causes her.
There were several components that I thought were well done—the character’s had well established personalities and motivations in line with their personal histories, the world building was good, and the overall plotline was interesting and played out fully to its conclusion—but there were two significant problems that caused considerable annoyance.
1. Now, in general, I don’t mind if an author begins a book with a few chapters establishing events that will be crucial to the conflict, or character development— I find this preferable to excessive flashbacks or dry explanations of the past during current action within the novel. Unfortunately, this device was overused in Bonded. The first five chapters (63 pages) take place right about the time female lead, Brandi, is graduating from college. I thought this segment was well written. Much was accomplished as far as character development goes, and the initial meeting, attraction, and conflict between the male and female leads occurred.
Unfortunately, Chapter 6 continues the blast from the past, opening with, four months later…, Chapter 7 opens with, one month later…, and Chapter 9 marks the final jump, opening with, two and a half years later…
We’re talking 98 pages of time jump, after time jump, after time jump. One is perfectly acceptable. Two might be justified. Three is just plain tiresome. And the two year gap seemed entirely unnecessary. I think the novel would have been stronger if the author had used the trial scene to launch the forward movement of the romantic plotline.
2. Paranormal romance tends to have two plotlines: the overall plotline, and the romance plotline. Both need to be functional and well-developed, but the romance plotline is more important. In Bonded, the overall plotline is better written than the romance plotline. Reno’s character is very likable, his internal conflict is reasonable, and his actions are believable. But Brandi is another story. She falls just short of truly likable.
Brandi is a strong, independent female in her professional life. In her personal life, however, she came off as immature and wishy-washy. This is mostly because of the length of time she keeps the partial mating a secret from Reno. She actually never tells him—he finds out on his own at the end of the novel—even though it affects his life almost as much as it affects hers. The prolonged selfishness, and cowardice of this act affects the likability of the character. Why not allow her to fess up and face the music about half way through the book? This would have reflected the personal growth Brandi seems to experience, as well as developing relationship between the characters.
Even setting aside the secret keeping, the long, drawn out indecisiveness both characters display in regards to their emerging relationship is outright annoying. It goes on a little bit too long, and the same internal scenario plays out a little bit too often in both Reno and Brandi. Several times, one or both characters appear to decide to toss caution to the wind and finally admit and act on their feelings, but the breakthrough miraculously disappears for no apparent reason when they interact, giving way to more ‘woe to me, I shall suffer in silence, this is my unhappy lot’ internal drama. The inconsistency could have been cleaned up in editing with a few words added into the thought processes of the characters to reflect the sudden changes. This is not uncommon in a romantic plotline, but it is only successful if the author is able to pinpoint that pulsing moment where it becomes too much.
Overall, I thought the book was fairly well crafted, despite its flaws. The world building and the character development, particularly in the male lead, were good. THe overall plotline was good, and there was excellent balance between time focused on the romatic plotline, and time foused on the overall plotline. It is primarily the slightly off the mark progression of the romantic plotline that really keeps Bonded from being a 4 star book.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Happy writing and reading until next time!
~Amy
This review is part of my Book Reviews for Writers column for The Geek Girl Project.
http://www.thegeekgirlproject.com/201...
This novel is a paranormal romance focusing on werewolves/lycans, and is set in roughly the current time and place. Lycans secretly live alongside humans in today’s world, often in pocket communities. One of the positive point about the novel is the expansion of the world, and further building of lycan culture that it provided. Bonded helped explain and establish some of the lycan values, laws, traditions, and politics that are hinted at in the other books in the series. This expansion of the world was (with the exception of one or two classic information dumps that most PN authors seem to find hard to resist), well integrated into the plot.
The main characters, Brandi and Reno are employed in what is essentially the lycan version of law enforcement, in departments that traditionally do not get along. Reno is the equivalent of a special task force officer who constantly displeases the public, while Brandi is one of the top Damage Control (think P.R.) officers. On one of their first meetings, Brandi accidentally forms a one-sided mating bond with Reno, but is reluctant to tell him about it. She keeps the knowledge to herself, despite the difficulties it causes her.
There were several components that I thought were well done—the character’s had well established personalities and motivations in line with their personal histories, the world building was good, and the overall plotline was interesting and played out fully to its conclusion—but there were two significant problems that caused considerable annoyance.
1. Now, in general, I don’t mind if an author begins a book with a few chapters establishing events that will be crucial to the conflict, or character development— I find this preferable to excessive flashbacks or dry explanations of the past during current action within the novel. Unfortunately, this device was overused in Bonded. The first five chapters (63 pages) take place right about the time female lead, Brandi, is graduating from college. I thought this segment was well written. Much was accomplished as far as character development goes, and the initial meeting, attraction, and conflict between the male and female leads occurred.
Unfortunately, Chapter 6 continues the blast from the past, opening with, four months later…, Chapter 7 opens with, one month later…, and Chapter 9 marks the final jump, opening with, two and a half years later…
We’re talking 98 pages of time jump, after time jump, after time jump. One is perfectly acceptable. Two might be justified. Three is just plain tiresome. And the two year gap seemed entirely unnecessary. I think the novel would have been stronger if the author had used the trial scene to launch the forward movement of the romantic plotline.
2. Paranormal romance tends to have two plotlines: the overall plotline, and the romance plotline. Both need to be functional and well-developed, but the romance plotline is more important. In Bonded, the overall plotline is better written than the romance plotline. Reno’s character is very likable, his internal conflict is reasonable, and his actions are believable. But Brandi is another story. She falls just short of truly likable.
Brandi is a strong, independent female in her professional life. In her personal life, however, she came off as immature and wishy-washy. This is mostly because of the length of time she keeps the partial mating a secret from Reno. She actually never tells him—he finds out on his own at the end of the novel—even though it affects his life almost as much as it affects hers. The prolonged selfishness, and cowardice of this act affects the likability of the character. Why not allow her to fess up and face the music about half way through the book? This would have reflected the personal growth Brandi seems to experience, as well as developing relationship between the characters.
Even setting aside the secret keeping, the long, drawn out indecisiveness both characters display in regards to their emerging relationship is outright annoying. It goes on a little bit too long, and the same internal scenario plays out a little bit too often in both Reno and Brandi. Several times, one or both characters appear to decide to toss caution to the wind and finally admit and act on their feelings, but the breakthrough miraculously disappears for no apparent reason when they interact, giving way to more ‘woe to me, I shall suffer in silence, this is my unhappy lot’ internal drama. The inconsistency could have been cleaned up in editing with a few words added into the thought processes of the characters to reflect the sudden changes. This is not uncommon in a romantic plotline, but it is only successful if the author is able to pinpoint that pulsing moment where it becomes too much.
Overall, I thought the book was fairly well crafted, despite its flaws. The world building and the character development, particularly in the male lead, were good. THe overall plotline was good, and there was excellent balance between time focused on the romatic plotline, and time foused on the overall plotline. It is primarily the slightly off the mark progression of the romantic plotline that really keeps Bonded from being a 4 star book.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Happy writing and reading until next time!
~Amy
This review is part of my Book Reviews for Writers column for The Geek Girl Project.
http://www.thegeekgirlproject.com/201...
June 12, 2012
I got this book for free on iBooks, and with all the great reviews, I figured I would give it a try. I did like it and read all of it in about two days (and I'm a college student in final exams currently), but I did have some problems with the novel. First off, I feel as though the author could have edited out about half of this story and it would have been the same, if not better. There was a TON of unnecessary information and I found myself skipping over the majority of it. Do we really need to read 10 pages of Reno tracking his enemy? No. Half the time, I was yelling, "Just get on with it already!" On another note, the relationship between Brandi and Reno is realistic in my point of view. I thought that they two year jump was a little unnecessary however. I liked that the two had a history with one another and that they both respected one another, even if they didn't always show it. Overall, it was a good read, just not fantastic, but I can't really complain since it was free (as is the rest of the series). And it does make me want to read the next book in the series!
January 14, 2013
There were some definite positives and some definite negatives, imho.
Negatives:
- There were some pretty detailed sex scenes that I thought were a bit overboard (I'm not a prude, but the book didn't need it).
- There was a bit of repetitiveness where entire paragraphs would be reiterated, sometimes only a few pages later.
Positives:
- It had a great background and history that was written quite well and held my interest throughout the whole book.
- The characters have flaws that are believable.
- The characters are well rounded, you know about some history, some current, future plans or hopes, etc. The descriptions of their appearances, thoughts, etc. are all well done.
- There was suspenseful areas where I found myself having to cover up half the page so I didn't read ahead and reveal something important (love it).
- I love that this isn't a typical 'romance' where the characters meet and a week later fall in love (like another set of characters in the book).
- The ending was shocking (epilogue).
Overall it was a great read.
Negatives:
- There were some pretty detailed sex scenes that I thought were a bit overboard (I'm not a prude, but the book didn't need it).
- There was a bit of repetitiveness where entire paragraphs would be reiterated, sometimes only a few pages later.
Positives:
- It had a great background and history that was written quite well and held my interest throughout the whole book.
- The characters have flaws that are believable.
- The characters are well rounded, you know about some history, some current, future plans or hopes, etc. The descriptions of their appearances, thoughts, etc. are all well done.
- There was suspenseful areas where I found myself having to cover up half the page so I didn't read ahead and reveal something important (love it).
- I love that this isn't a typical 'romance' where the characters meet and a week later fall in love (like another set of characters in the book).
- The ending was shocking (epilogue).
Overall it was a great read.
August 25, 2016
I am a huge fan of the Lycan Law series and I love how Nicky Charles writes. However, Bonded to me felt as if it dragged on and on never getting to the point. Although, I enjoyed reading it, I would have to skip a couple of paragraphs just to get pasted the characters “thinking” I was utterly frustrated that it took all the way until the end of the book for Reno and Brandi to express their feelings toward each other. I felt it was very repetitive in the way author explained over and over again the description of a rogue. The story line was fantastic in you finally get the sense of the Lycan Law and what it stands for. Especially the description of the purists and what their position is in the story. I twist at the end with Al Zimmerman had me speechless, I would never had thought that ending but at the same time it was obvious. That’s what I love about Nicky Charles writing, it’s right in front of you but you’ll never know until it’s discovered in the story. There’s only one word I can say about Reno Smith, YUM! He’s the bad boy, rogue who’s always trying to tame his wolf and prove to everyone that he’s just a regular wolf as they are, but at the same time trying to find his place in the world. What a great character Reno is, I fell in love with him from the very start.
The story begins with Brandi in her last year at the academy studying to become a DC (Disaster Control Officer) or “Professional Liar” as others like to say when she meets Reno. Reno a professor in the same academy needs a student to help him demonstrate the self defense class in session. When Tami, Brandi’s best friend tells Reno Brandi will volunteer, he never expected to get such a reaction from his wolf for one particular girl. Especially, a DC officer. Finally out of the academy and accepted as a DC office, Brandi begins her training and later starts taking missions in which she continues to run into Reno Smith. Being an Enforcer, Reno expected to see Brandi in a couple of mission, but not on everyone. These missions that Reno and Brandi continue to see each other in are missions to stop the Purists. Purists are a group of Wolves who believe that no pack should have half breed wolves in it. Half breed wolves are the son or daughter of a wolf mother and a human father or vice-versa. Years after being a DC officer and continually seeing Reno in her mission, Brandi decides it’s time to move on to a career in a less stressful environment and so she stops running into Reno on missions. In between the transfers she decides that she will take a little vacation and return to her home pack to say hello and catch up with the other wolves. While there she’s suspicious of the way they are treating her and of the new pack leader Victor. What she doesn’t believe is what her new pack has been doing while she was gone! Suspense, lies, betrayal and doubt. Lots and lots of doubt.
In conclusion I would like to add that I could have gone without all the self loathing and self doubt of each character and in the end the story is great. I was finally able to learn the true meaning behind the Lycan Law and was able to understand it a little better. I would still recommend this book highly, like I said, I love Nicky Charles smooth writing and if you love paranormal adult romance books, then you should definitely check this one out!!
The story begins with Brandi in her last year at the academy studying to become a DC (Disaster Control Officer) or “Professional Liar” as others like to say when she meets Reno. Reno a professor in the same academy needs a student to help him demonstrate the self defense class in session. When Tami, Brandi’s best friend tells Reno Brandi will volunteer, he never expected to get such a reaction from his wolf for one particular girl. Especially, a DC officer. Finally out of the academy and accepted as a DC office, Brandi begins her training and later starts taking missions in which she continues to run into Reno Smith. Being an Enforcer, Reno expected to see Brandi in a couple of mission, but not on everyone. These missions that Reno and Brandi continue to see each other in are missions to stop the Purists. Purists are a group of Wolves who believe that no pack should have half breed wolves in it. Half breed wolves are the son or daughter of a wolf mother and a human father or vice-versa. Years after being a DC officer and continually seeing Reno in her mission, Brandi decides it’s time to move on to a career in a less stressful environment and so she stops running into Reno on missions. In between the transfers she decides that she will take a little vacation and return to her home pack to say hello and catch up with the other wolves. While there she’s suspicious of the way they are treating her and of the new pack leader Victor. What she doesn’t believe is what her new pack has been doing while she was gone! Suspense, lies, betrayal and doubt. Lots and lots of doubt.
In conclusion I would like to add that I could have gone without all the self loathing and self doubt of each character and in the end the story is great. I was finally able to learn the true meaning behind the Lycan Law and was able to understand it a little better. I would still recommend this book highly, like I said, I love Nicky Charles smooth writing and if you love paranormal adult romance books, then you should definitely check this one out!!
January 9, 2012
I probably would have given this book a 3.5 if that were a choice. The author gives all of her books as free downloads and asks if you like the book to please consider donating to your local animal shelter. I love that :). Part of me really liked this book. It took a while for me to get into the story. The beginning had a lot of background/history, which was fine and necessary, but I am not sure if I like the way it was presented. That being said, once the main story arc really took off, it was a great read. I will read more of her books. As a side note, this book is in English, but does not use American spelling. I did not find it distracting, but thought it worth mentioning.
November 4, 2012
Law of the Lycan’s Series Review
By Nicky Charles
The Mating: Published: Feb 23, 2010. Pages 216
Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn.
The Keeping: Published July 1 2010, Pages: 1048
Ryne Taylor was a sexy bad-ass Alpha set on establishing a new pack. Melody Greene was a journalism student researching his work as a photographer or so she said. But could Mel really be trusted or had she stumbled upon his secret? And if she knew, could Ryne save himself and the pack he d left behind without enacting a deadly ancient law known as The Keeping?
The Finding: Published: Feb 11 2011 Pages: 442
She discovered a dark secret, witnessed a murder and fled into the night fearing for her life. Three years later, Cassie is still hiding from her past, haunted by a dream lover and fighting to control a terrifying beast that seems to grow stronger each day. When Bryan, pack Beta, appears to claim her, Cassie is forced to face the truth of her existence.
Bonded: Published Jan 7 2012 Pages: 479
Reno’s a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to.
Review:
Let me say that I have a lot of respect for this author. I find it difficult to put forth such effort on a project for just the pure enjoyment of it, and no profit! The markets of today, authors see very little of they have worked so hard for, Nicky bucks the system and publishes only where her novels can be free. She asks only for reviews and encouraged donations to your local shelter. A truly awesome gesture. I, myself have had difficulty purchasing books or audio books to read because of today’s economy and Nicky is a God sent author in this respect. Thank you Nicky Charles for your awesome gesture and kindness to your fans.
The series is awesome, movie time awesome. I know I am hooked when I can visualize the story unfolding in my head like watching a movie. Nicky brings this to me. Each one of the books quickly became a “Made for the Oracle” movie as I read on. Today’s paranormal world is saturated by were’s & vamps. I it’s difficult for authors to come up with a unique perspective. Nicky does this, she delves into pack mentality with ease, dipping us into a more realistic world. Her wolves don’t sparkle when out in the sun, but they sparkle and stand out anywhere they go for their truly unique natures and personalities.
A portion of the “Lycan Law” is included in every book, so we get a peak of everything their culture is made of. I must admit to being a little turned off by females being “possessions” for the Alpha to do with as he pleased. But if you have ever read or watched a documentary on wolves, this seems to be the case. Also in ancient times, when these laws would’ve been written, this would’ve been very accurate. Elise, the character this affected handled it better than I would have, and in the end it turned out very well.
Ryne…gotta love the bad boy! I love the fact that he falls for someone who will be a loving pain in side, just like he is. I know and trust Mel to deliver whatever Ryne throws at her, right back at him. She is a strong willed female and my hero. How do you stand up to an alpha who’s as cunning and handsome as Ryne? Mel finds a way. Ryne and Mel also show what happens when the modern day woman meets tradition. Mel is half wolf, but she doesn’t know it. She grows up in modern America with modern day society rules. Ryne might be a modern guy but the Lycan in him holds true to tradition, which has an explosive passionate result.
Bryan and Cassie a true case of puppy love. It ended the story for the characters that began it, but opened the door to other characters allowing the Lycan universe I’ve grown to love to continue. Bryan proves his worth as a Beta and patient teacher, capturing Cassie’s heart. It was sweet to explore first love and left me feeling young again. Cassie is a true blue princess, growing up sheltered in the world. She escapes the reins that held her in only to place others on herself. Bryan draws her out of her self-protective shell allowing her to explore the wild nature that is part of her.
The prequel to theses wonderful stories opened up so many opportunities to continue these awesome tales. I have to find out what happens to Damien and how Reno & Brandi get along after they FINALLY unite. How will Damien find himself after the tragic event in his life? How was he able to gain control of himself, long enough to work with Kane & Ryne? This prequel has left me craving more stories from the Law of the Lycan series. I have many more questions that I hope Nicky will answer with her next release.
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are published by the publishers via Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph... http://theoraclereviews.com/
The Oracle Reviews purchases some titles, while others are provided via Netgalley, or the authors themselves. All opinions and reviews are our own.These titles were downloaded free from Feedbooks.
By Nicky Charles
The Mating: Published: Feb 23, 2010. Pages 216
Elise had no idea when she came home that day that she'd end up mated to a complete stranger. A new Alpha and the need for an alliance between packs have made her a pawn.
The Keeping: Published July 1 2010, Pages: 1048
Ryne Taylor was a sexy bad-ass Alpha set on establishing a new pack. Melody Greene was a journalism student researching his work as a photographer or so she said. But could Mel really be trusted or had she stumbled upon his secret? And if she knew, could Ryne save himself and the pack he d left behind without enacting a deadly ancient law known as The Keeping?
The Finding: Published: Feb 11 2011 Pages: 442
She discovered a dark secret, witnessed a murder and fled into the night fearing for her life. Three years later, Cassie is still hiding from her past, haunted by a dream lover and fighting to control a terrifying beast that seems to grow stronger each day. When Bryan, pack Beta, appears to claim her, Cassie is forced to face the truth of her existence.
Bonded: Published Jan 7 2012 Pages: 479
Reno’s a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to.
Review:
Let me say that I have a lot of respect for this author. I find it difficult to put forth such effort on a project for just the pure enjoyment of it, and no profit! The markets of today, authors see very little of they have worked so hard for, Nicky bucks the system and publishes only where her novels can be free. She asks only for reviews and encouraged donations to your local shelter. A truly awesome gesture. I, myself have had difficulty purchasing books or audio books to read because of today’s economy and Nicky is a God sent author in this respect. Thank you Nicky Charles for your awesome gesture and kindness to your fans.
The series is awesome, movie time awesome. I know I am hooked when I can visualize the story unfolding in my head like watching a movie. Nicky brings this to me. Each one of the books quickly became a “Made for the Oracle” movie as I read on. Today’s paranormal world is saturated by were’s & vamps. I it’s difficult for authors to come up with a unique perspective. Nicky does this, she delves into pack mentality with ease, dipping us into a more realistic world. Her wolves don’t sparkle when out in the sun, but they sparkle and stand out anywhere they go for their truly unique natures and personalities.
A portion of the “Lycan Law” is included in every book, so we get a peak of everything their culture is made of. I must admit to being a little turned off by females being “possessions” for the Alpha to do with as he pleased. But if you have ever read or watched a documentary on wolves, this seems to be the case. Also in ancient times, when these laws would’ve been written, this would’ve been very accurate. Elise, the character this affected handled it better than I would have, and in the end it turned out very well.
Ryne…gotta love the bad boy! I love the fact that he falls for someone who will be a loving pain in side, just like he is. I know and trust Mel to deliver whatever Ryne throws at her, right back at him. She is a strong willed female and my hero. How do you stand up to an alpha who’s as cunning and handsome as Ryne? Mel finds a way. Ryne and Mel also show what happens when the modern day woman meets tradition. Mel is half wolf, but she doesn’t know it. She grows up in modern America with modern day society rules. Ryne might be a modern guy but the Lycan in him holds true to tradition, which has an explosive passionate result.
Bryan and Cassie a true case of puppy love. It ended the story for the characters that began it, but opened the door to other characters allowing the Lycan universe I’ve grown to love to continue. Bryan proves his worth as a Beta and patient teacher, capturing Cassie’s heart. It was sweet to explore first love and left me feeling young again. Cassie is a true blue princess, growing up sheltered in the world. She escapes the reins that held her in only to place others on herself. Bryan draws her out of her self-protective shell allowing her to explore the wild nature that is part of her.
The prequel to theses wonderful stories opened up so many opportunities to continue these awesome tales. I have to find out what happens to Damien and how Reno & Brandi get along after they FINALLY unite. How will Damien find himself after the tragic event in his life? How was he able to gain control of himself, long enough to work with Kane & Ryne? This prequel has left me craving more stories from the Law of the Lycan series. I have many more questions that I hope Nicky will answer with her next release.
The Oracle (Maria Mercedes)
All synopsis are published by the publishers via Amazon, Goodreads or Barnes & Noble.
The Oracle Reviews: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph... http://theoraclereviews.com/
The Oracle Reviews purchases some titles, while others are provided via Netgalley, or the authors themselves. All opinions and reviews are our own.These titles were downloaded free from Feedbooks.
April 7, 2013
This first of a series was released a tad later than the traditional origin story but here, Brandi Johansson's role is not so much wide eyed student as it is woman in lust as she provides a gateway into the inner workings of this world and how certain pieces fit together. After lusting for Lycan Link Instructor on loan Reno Smith from the moment she sees him on the Academy campus, Brandi assists him in a demonstration. Said demonstration awakens both of their wolves to the possibilities of life together. Years go by and they are both out in the working world - but Brandi and Reno don't seem to be able to make it work between them. One of their major bones of contention seems to be the outlook they have on each others' job.
While on vacation Brandi runs into a work related situation that she can't get out of without help - right away Reno flexes his Alpha male muscles to assist however he can. Later as the enemy deepens their plot for Lycan domination - more chilling information is revealed, and closer to the bone for the star couple. I particularly liked this part of the book, there was more intrigue, suspense and action - definite payoff from the set-up early in the book. Quite a bit of ground was covered in this multi-layered pre-origin story that seemed to go a bit too slowly for my taste in certain pieces.
Both leads were interesting and personable throughout the book and the secondary characters gave it a bit of flavor but most disappeared so quickly it seemed a waste to establish a relationship or give them names. The tension filled suspense thread was well written teasing out information as needed but in a way to make the most of the review. Overall I thought the book was interesting though not compelling. Though I did have mixed feelings about this outing it was mostly about the pacing as the other aspects were positive for me and the second book is waiting for me to start.
While on vacation Brandi runs into a work related situation that she can't get out of without help - right away Reno flexes his Alpha male muscles to assist however he can. Later as the enemy deepens their plot for Lycan domination - more chilling information is revealed, and closer to the bone for the star couple. I particularly liked this part of the book, there was more intrigue, suspense and action - definite payoff from the set-up early in the book. Quite a bit of ground was covered in this multi-layered pre-origin story that seemed to go a bit too slowly for my taste in certain pieces.
Both leads were interesting and personable throughout the book and the secondary characters gave it a bit of flavor but most disappeared so quickly it seemed a waste to establish a relationship or give them names. The tension filled suspense thread was well written teasing out information as needed but in a way to make the most of the review. Overall I thought the book was interesting though not compelling. Though I did have mixed feelings about this outing it was mostly about the pacing as the other aspects were positive for me and the second book is waiting for me to start.
June 20, 2013
Brandi finds herself attracted to an instructor at her were school but the attraction turns out to be more than that. Jobs and more will not allow them to leave each other alone. When they are thrown together the sparks fly. Add in a little mystery and some deception to get a story that is more than just a romance.
Now this story is advertised as the prequel to The Mating. It is, but it is not all about the characters that you meet in The Mating. You basically get a little of Kane and his brother. That's all. So don't expect to read details about the younger years of those men or anyone else. You just get a little bit of that. That being said, it is still a very good story and can be read before or after The Mating. It will not affect anything you read for either one.
The characters in this book were very unique though I wanted to slap the two main characters. I mean come on. Forget what you think you are or what you think the other person is thinking. Talk to each other. Then again, if they communicated we wouldn't have such a good book. Still, drove me crazy.
There are some hot scenes and a little language, but overall it was clean. It focused more on the mental and emotional side of the relationship and the mystery surrounding Purists than it did with intimate scenes. They were there but were solely to add to the plot. I don't like sex scenes just to have the physical interactions. It has to bring value to the story.
This is a paranormal story about werewolves. It's not a love triangle. It's not someone fighting their genetic makeup. This is about people coming to grips with their own lives, their own feelings, and learning to love others.
I enjoyed this story. It was different than The Mating, but in a good way. Don't go into it thinking it is the same, and you'll find that you'll want more.
Note: I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectation from anyone else for a positive review.
Now this story is advertised as the prequel to The Mating. It is, but it is not all about the characters that you meet in The Mating. You basically get a little of Kane and his brother. That's all. So don't expect to read details about the younger years of those men or anyone else. You just get a little bit of that. That being said, it is still a very good story and can be read before or after The Mating. It will not affect anything you read for either one.
The characters in this book were very unique though I wanted to slap the two main characters. I mean come on. Forget what you think you are or what you think the other person is thinking. Talk to each other. Then again, if they communicated we wouldn't have such a good book. Still, drove me crazy.
There are some hot scenes and a little language, but overall it was clean. It focused more on the mental and emotional side of the relationship and the mystery surrounding Purists than it did with intimate scenes. They were there but were solely to add to the plot. I don't like sex scenes just to have the physical interactions. It has to bring value to the story.
This is a paranormal story about werewolves. It's not a love triangle. It's not someone fighting their genetic makeup. This is about people coming to grips with their own lives, their own feelings, and learning to love others.
I enjoyed this story. It was different than The Mating, but in a good way. Don't go into it thinking it is the same, and you'll find that you'll want more.
Note: I purchased this book with my own funds with no expectation from anyone else for a positive review.
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 30, 2013DNF
I tried really hard with this one. It gets such great reviews I thought it was me, and perhaps it is... But I can't help but wonder what the reviews would look like if the book wasn't free...just sayin...
Long story short, this story just trudged along and had a lot of elements/moments/scenes/whatever that just felt unnecessary to me. This was my second try with this author- I gave my first try 1 star- so I think
I'll avoid her stuff in the future.
I think it's so awesome that she publishes for free and I see that so many people love this series, which is great; alas, me and this series just were not meant to be.
I tried really hard with this one. It gets such great reviews I thought it was me, and perhaps it is... But I can't help but wonder what the reviews would look like if the book wasn't free...just sayin...
Long story short, this story just trudged along and had a lot of elements/moments/scenes/whatever that just felt unnecessary to me. This was my second try with this author- I gave my first try 1 star- so I think
I'll avoid her stuff in the future.
I think it's so awesome that she publishes for free and I see that so many people love this series, which is great; alas, me and this series just were not meant to be.
January 22, 2012
I liked it, only because I enjoy the way the author writes. But really the novel could have been 100 - 200 pages, it was dragged out. I really hate how it happen over 3 years or so, really could have been a year, would have been more believable. Also this author tends to have too many characters and links this book to the other three, could just be left well enough alone.
June 6, 2013
This book, in my opinion, was just as great as the other Law of the Lycans series. Many people have said in their reviews that the book is repetitive, that paragraphs were repeated only pages apart. This is true to a point, the paragraphs were repeated but told in the point of view of a different character. So they were not just repetitive paragraphs they held different meanings based on the characters experience.
The story is one of love, romance and relationships. Trust, anger, longing, belonging, hurt, lust, betrayal, entrapment, fear of rejection.... these are all feelings the characters experience throughout the book, feelings that everyone can relate to and understand. The characters and story are written in a way where, as the reader, you can understand their feelings and decisions they make. There is some adult content but it fit in the story. I would not suggest this book to a school age child, but I did not find it obscene or offensive in any manner. I find some things on TV geared toward children more offensive.
Nicky Charles is a great writer. Her imagination and creativity are amazing. I was skeptical of this series when I first found them as "free" on Barnes and Noble.... I mean really how good are most free books? All I can say is the first book caught me by surprise, the writing quality and story line were superb.... left me looking for the next book in the series. That book made me look for the third, the third for the fourth. Normally series books such as these, will get tired after a while with a story line that goes stale. Not the Law of the Lycans..... Every one of the books will take you on a different journey with different people. Yes, characters from one book will reappear in a different book, but their roles are different. In one book they may be the main character and the next you are just crossing paths with them, or they just play a lesser roll than they did before.
As I was reading this the first time, I was fearful of coming to the end, as the next book was in the works but had no release date yet and I was craving more of the story. Now that "Betrayal" is out I reread "Bonded" and found it just as good the second time through as I did the first. Now I am off to start reading "Betrayal"!
One last thought.... I find it commendable of an author, with the talent that Ms. Charles has, not to charge for her work (other than on Amazon, and only because of their policies and to stop piracy of her work) and her only request of the audience/customer is a donation to a Humane Society or animal rescue type organization. Her talent as a writer could earn her a small fortune but she does not write for money, just pure enjoyment.
The story is one of love, romance and relationships. Trust, anger, longing, belonging, hurt, lust, betrayal, entrapment, fear of rejection.... these are all feelings the characters experience throughout the book, feelings that everyone can relate to and understand. The characters and story are written in a way where, as the reader, you can understand their feelings and decisions they make. There is some adult content but it fit in the story. I would not suggest this book to a school age child, but I did not find it obscene or offensive in any manner. I find some things on TV geared toward children more offensive.
Nicky Charles is a great writer. Her imagination and creativity are amazing. I was skeptical of this series when I first found them as "free" on Barnes and Noble.... I mean really how good are most free books? All I can say is the first book caught me by surprise, the writing quality and story line were superb.... left me looking for the next book in the series. That book made me look for the third, the third for the fourth. Normally series books such as these, will get tired after a while with a story line that goes stale. Not the Law of the Lycans..... Every one of the books will take you on a different journey with different people. Yes, characters from one book will reappear in a different book, but their roles are different. In one book they may be the main character and the next you are just crossing paths with them, or they just play a lesser roll than they did before.
As I was reading this the first time, I was fearful of coming to the end, as the next book was in the works but had no release date yet and I was craving more of the story. Now that "Betrayal" is out I reread "Bonded" and found it just as good the second time through as I did the first. Now I am off to start reading "Betrayal"!
One last thought.... I find it commendable of an author, with the talent that Ms. Charles has, not to charge for her work (other than on Amazon, and only because of their policies and to stop piracy of her work) and her only request of the audience/customer is a donation to a Humane Society or animal rescue type organization. Her talent as a writer could earn her a small fortune but she does not write for money, just pure enjoyment.
November 13, 2017
It was really hard trying to figure out what order to read the books in this series. I have read the first 4 out of order with this being the last one I read, but it still has not lessened my enjoyment of the story. I just convinced myself this was the way and they are just giving me background they didn't have time for before, yeah I am good at self delusion, it's why I read in the first place. This was maybe a little longer than I thought it had to be, it made things a little boring at times. But the overall feel was one that kept me interested and wanting to hear more from the characters.
Brandi is in her last year at the Academy and has a crush on the legendary Reno Smith,an operative for Lycan Link, and she gets a chance to meet him in person. Reno is teaching a class on self-defense in human form at the Academy as part of his duties and when his assistant fails to show up Brandi gets her chance to impress him. This encounter starts a on-off relationship that is bizarre in how it progresses.
While that is going on the Purists are pushing their agenda and causing a lot of harm across the country. Reno and his enforcers are in the middle and being targeted for their efforts to rid the shifter community of these bigots. The purists are going to cause trouble for everyone but especially for those not having the pure heritage they claim is important.
The story is two pronged here focusing on Reno and Brandi as well as the Purist movement. You also get introduced to characters that you are going to see in later books like Kane, Ryne and Damien who play key parts in other areas. This story has complications, devotion, loyalty, love, betrayal, and a cornucopia of emotions both good and bad. I cried for them and cheered and yelled at their stupidity. I loved it in other words, give me something that reaches into the mind and makes it a part of your reality and that is heaven for me. Definitely recommend!
Brandi is in her last year at the Academy and has a crush on the legendary Reno Smith,an operative for Lycan Link, and she gets a chance to meet him in person. Reno is teaching a class on self-defense in human form at the Academy as part of his duties and when his assistant fails to show up Brandi gets her chance to impress him. This encounter starts a on-off relationship that is bizarre in how it progresses.
While that is going on the Purists are pushing their agenda and causing a lot of harm across the country. Reno and his enforcers are in the middle and being targeted for their efforts to rid the shifter community of these bigots. The purists are going to cause trouble for everyone but especially for those not having the pure heritage they claim is important.
The story is two pronged here focusing on Reno and Brandi as well as the Purist movement. You also get introduced to characters that you are going to see in later books like Kane, Ryne and Damien who play key parts in other areas. This story has complications, devotion, loyalty, love, betrayal, and a cornucopia of emotions both good and bad. I cried for them and cheered and yelled at their stupidity. I loved it in other words, give me something that reaches into the mind and makes it a part of your reality and that is heaven for me. Definitely recommend!
January 8, 2012
Bonded by Nicky Charles
Prequel to the Law of the Lycons
Nicky Charles Law of the Lycon series are excellent books. Bonded is the newest book but it's the prequel to The Mating, The Finding, & The Keeping. At the end of The Keeping we hear a little bit about a werewolf named Damien and in Bonded we hear more of his story. If you have not read the other books I think you could read Bonded first.
In Bonded we meet Reno Smith. He is an Enforcer with Lycon Links but is doing mandatory teaching at the Academy, required every 4 years. He always believes he could go rogue so he stays out of relationships and the Enforcers are his pack, his family. A trio called the Black Devils, all black wolves, gains his attention. Kane, his half-brother Ryne and Damien. Reno eventually brings Damien into the Enforcers, the best place for those who have no family or pack to go back to.
Brandi Johansson is a student at the Academy. She wants to get into Disaster Control by using her imagination in helping Lycons. She noticed Reno Smith right away and her friend Tabitha sets it up for Brandi to help him in his class for teaching fighting moves. Something happens during that time and it seems to pull them together, yet they always part fighting.
The villains in the book are the Purists. They are making slaves out of the halves. They want to go back to the old rules where Lycons could not marry humans. The Enforcers jobs are to get the halves and their families out of those packs. Brandi's new job as a DC is to clean up after the Enforcers. Twisting the stories so that the humans believe people have just moved and such. Another great addition to this series!
**Language and sexual situations.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Prequel to the Law of the Lycons
Nicky Charles Law of the Lycon series are excellent books. Bonded is the newest book but it's the prequel to The Mating, The Finding, & The Keeping. At the end of The Keeping we hear a little bit about a werewolf named Damien and in Bonded we hear more of his story. If you have not read the other books I think you could read Bonded first.
In Bonded we meet Reno Smith. He is an Enforcer with Lycon Links but is doing mandatory teaching at the Academy, required every 4 years. He always believes he could go rogue so he stays out of relationships and the Enforcers are his pack, his family. A trio called the Black Devils, all black wolves, gains his attention. Kane, his half-brother Ryne and Damien. Reno eventually brings Damien into the Enforcers, the best place for those who have no family or pack to go back to.
Brandi Johansson is a student at the Academy. She wants to get into Disaster Control by using her imagination in helping Lycons. She noticed Reno Smith right away and her friend Tabitha sets it up for Brandi to help him in his class for teaching fighting moves. Something happens during that time and it seems to pull them together, yet they always part fighting.
The villains in the book are the Purists. They are making slaves out of the halves. They want to go back to the old rules where Lycons could not marry humans. The Enforcers jobs are to get the halves and their families out of those packs. Brandi's new job as a DC is to clean up after the Enforcers. Twisting the stories so that the humans believe people have just moved and such. Another great addition to this series!
**Language and sexual situations.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
June 4, 2013
*****Might give away a few details in the story********It was a good story over all. It's has adult sexual content so I would recommended it for adults only. I liked all of the characters and the story was entertaining in the type of jobs and lives they (being Lycans) led. The only things that I could say that I didn't really care for was how the author would recap a lot and some parts felt like they repeated themselves. The main characters sometimes acted like pre-teens (when they are in their early 30's) because they were both just too afraid of their emotions and were sure the other couldn't possible feel the same way, they were so focused on rejection from the other one so much to the point where they let it control most of their actions between each other. It seemed like a never ending battle between the two on top of them maintaining their jobs. Also the thing I enjoyed most was the type of work they were both involved in and how they dedicated themselves to doing what they believed in, to make life in the packs good for everyone (so no one was a cast out or discriminate on). Over all I would say I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading the next one. Also this was a free book on amazon for kindle. :-)
February 12, 2012
As always Nicky Charles delivers an exciting tale of erotic romance between shape-shifters. I love the characters and the factors regarding the characters background and the hierarchy of werewolves packs. This information adds so much to this book and the other books by Ms. Charles.
The characters Brandi, Reno, Damien, Klaus were truly characters readers can love as family members. Their constant love for each other and the community reinforces that as a people we need to get over the racial nonsense and pettiness of small-minded, mean-spirited individuals and do what is right and will help our society exceed and bring about lasting joy and peace.
I loved the manner in which Reno, Damien were loyal to each other regardless of what others thought or said. Their friendship allowed growth and willingness to learned from one another. The kinship of the half and the werewolves as pack members illustrates that real love is an unbreakable bond that grows in spite of the weeds of discontent that try so hard to choke it to death. Terrific work!!
Thanks Ms. Charles for an enjoyable and meaningful read. I look forward to your next book.
The characters Brandi, Reno, Damien, Klaus were truly characters readers can love as family members. Their constant love for each other and the community reinforces that as a people we need to get over the racial nonsense and pettiness of small-minded, mean-spirited individuals and do what is right and will help our society exceed and bring about lasting joy and peace.
I loved the manner in which Reno, Damien were loyal to each other regardless of what others thought or said. Their friendship allowed growth and willingness to learned from one another. The kinship of the half and the werewolves as pack members illustrates that real love is an unbreakable bond that grows in spite of the weeds of discontent that try so hard to choke it to death. Terrific work!!
Thanks Ms. Charles for an enjoyable and meaningful read. I look forward to your next book.
January 31, 2012
In Bonded, we meet Reno Smith, an Enforcer for the Lycan Link, doing a teaching stint at the Academy. Brandi Johnasson has a secret crush on Reno Smith. Her roommate Tabitha pushes Brandi into Reno's self-defense class where she accidently becomes partially blood bonded with Reno. Flashfoward several years, Brandi works as Damage Control Officer or DC for short. Reno is working hard to catch Purist for Lycan Link and crosses paths with Brandi. Brandi is tired of fighting with the blood bond but does any way to keep Reno from finding out. At a farewell party for Brandi, Reno apologizes for his previous behavior towards Brandi which stuns Brandi into silence. She is still attracted to Reno and wonders if he is attracted to her. Lycan Link has been receives threatening letters from the Purists and also discovers they have a leak as well. Brandi goes home for a surprise visit and learns something shocking. What did Brandi learn? Who is the leak? These questions and more are answered in the Bonded.
January 22, 2012
I have loved this series from the first book I read. This is the forth book in the series. The others are The Finding, The Mating & The Keeping.(not listed in reading order ) Each has been well written, drawing you into the Lycan world. As a plus all these stories are free eBook downloads. Nicky encourages you to make a donation to your local animal shelter if you like the books, this is a wonderful idea. It would also be great if after you read the book you leave a review at the site you downloaded it from. This helps the author. I personally will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
Reno’s a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to.
Bonded precedes The Mating in the Law of the Lycans timeline
Reno’s a tough Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself drawn to Brandi but duty rules his life. Brandi, just on the edge of starting her career as a Disaster Control officer, falls for Reno at first sight, but are they really meant to be? Is it love or lust and does it really even matter? Enforcers and DCs don't get along...unless fate forces them to.
Bonded precedes The Mating in the Law of the Lycans timeline
June 20, 2012
Bonded precedes The Mating in the Law of the Lycans timeline. You could read this before The Mating if you wanted to without any problems but then I would follow the course of Book #1 The Mating, Book #2 The Keeping, & Book #3 The Finding.
Reno’s an Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself thrown into a strange mishap with Brandi. Reno really likes Brandi but can not get a grip on his feelings for her. His job comes first. Brandi is just graduating & embarking on a new career as a Disaster Control officer, she has had a crush on Reno even before their first encounter in the self defense class. She falls for Reno at first sight.Enforcers and DCs don't mix, how will this work?
An accidental one sided blood bond, 2 Rouge Enforcers, mistreated 1/2 breeds, & a traitor. This story has action, drama, sex, romance.
We also get introduced to Damien & see a bit of his life & what happens to tame his wild wolf.
Great book. I loved the other 3 in the series as well. Looking forward to the next one.
Reno’s an Enforcer for Lycan Link who finds himself thrown into a strange mishap with Brandi. Reno really likes Brandi but can not get a grip on his feelings for her. His job comes first. Brandi is just graduating & embarking on a new career as a Disaster Control officer, she has had a crush on Reno even before their first encounter in the self defense class. She falls for Reno at first sight.Enforcers and DCs don't mix, how will this work?
An accidental one sided blood bond, 2 Rouge Enforcers, mistreated 1/2 breeds, & a traitor. This story has action, drama, sex, romance.
We also get introduced to Damien & see a bit of his life & what happens to tame his wild wolf.
Great book. I loved the other 3 in the series as well. Looking forward to the next one.
June 4, 2014
Thanks to Laurie (Bitten by Romance), I have read the "Law of the Lycans" and also would highly recommend this very skilled author to everyone who is interested in Sci-Fi/Paranormal/Fiction adult books. I have no idea who Ms Charles is. But I am a big and sincere admirer of both her as a person, who happens to write very well written, interesting, full length books, and for her making the books available free for a donation to your local charities. In my case $35.00 of needed food to help families through our NC Food Bank group in Burlington, NC.
So, bottom line, Ms Nicky Charles writes/stories that are as interesting and entertaining as any of my other very favorite authors; I now have her in my own small group of very-Fav authors of whom I will buy & read every book they write. That list is now Diana Gabaldon, Kisten Ashley, Nalini Singh, G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston, C. L. Wilson, Marta Acosta, Nicky Charles, and Deborah Harkness.
So, bottom line, Ms Nicky Charles writes/stories that are as interesting and entertaining as any of my other very favorite authors; I now have her in my own small group of very-Fav authors of whom I will buy & read every book they write. That list is now Diana Gabaldon, Kisten Ashley, Nalini Singh, G.A. Aiken/Shelly Laurenston, C. L. Wilson, Marta Acosta, Nicky Charles, and Deborah Harkness.
March 30, 2013
Okay, let me start by saying this book, in fact the whole series, was free. The author only asks that the reader consider making a donation to their local animal shelter or food bank, which is pretty awesome when you think about it. Now for the book, I had a little trouble with this one. I love werewolf books, and I enjoyed another book in this series a great deal. That being said, I was frustrated by this one. It had all the elements of a great story, strong characters, conflicts, a dastardly but unknown villain...but it just seemed too drawn out for me. It's just my personal preferences, but I like a bit more action to be going on and a bit less time speculating on past incidents and future possibilities. Overall, it was pretty good, but not my favourite. I will however be reading the rest of the series. I think there's great potential here.
March 26, 2013
I read Mating, and have backtracked to reading BONDED.
This sets up Ms. Charles world, although I didn't miss this beggining when I read #2.
I enjoyed this one very much. Reno is what an Alpha wolf should be...even his clueless moments!
Brandi is submissive...and sometimes I wanted her to just TELL HIM ALREADY, lol.
But getting THERE is half the fun. And it was fun watching the way these two come together.
There are some tearful scenes here as well. Those scenes set up for book 2.5.
I'm very impressed with this author, she doesn't charge, or only .99 for her books. She could be getting lots more. They really are that good.
This sets up Ms. Charles world, although I didn't miss this beggining when I read #2.
I enjoyed this one very much. Reno is what an Alpha wolf should be...even his clueless moments!
Brandi is submissive...and sometimes I wanted her to just TELL HIM ALREADY, lol.
But getting THERE is half the fun. And it was fun watching the way these two come together.
There are some tearful scenes here as well. Those scenes set up for book 2.5.
I'm very impressed with this author, she doesn't charge, or only .99 for her books. She could be getting lots more. They really are that good.
January 16, 2012
3.5 stars....This is a prequel book to the Law of the Lycan Series (FYI-LOVED) and bonus-They are all FREE. If you like werewolf stories with hot alpha males, then this series is for you. This particular book for me was entertaining, however not so much as the previous ones I have read. This story is about Reno, a potential rogue and enforcer for Lycans, and his battle fighting his own destiny. The other lead character Brandi, is a fiesty, self sufficient were who finds herself an accidental mate and in some unexpected trouble. Very suspenseful and gives lots of backstory. Good Read!
August 6, 2012
I can't believe this was a free ebook (I got it from Smashwords )
I'm big fan of shifter and werewolf books and it was one of the best ones I've ever read.
I loved the world building , it happens before the first book in the series but was written last. The characters were great , there was a mystery and suspense . The romance part was great , I really loved how it developed .
my only problem was that it was too detailed .
I can't wait to start the next one!
I'm big fan of shifter and werewolf books and it was one of the best ones I've ever read.
I loved the world building , it happens before the first book in the series but was written last. The characters were great , there was a mystery and suspense . The romance part was great , I really loved how it developed .
my only problem was that it was too detailed .
I can't wait to start the next one!
September 23, 2014
This is by far my favorite series when it comes to Paranormal Romance. I was so glad to have found the prequel.You see 3 years ago I found these books while browsing from B&N site, The Mating, The Keeping and The Finding. Started reading them and BAM!!!! I'm hooked...
They're very interesting, I love paranormal stuff with a hint of romance and this is the perfect example of it. I can't put it down, I just want to keep going, it's really fun to read.
If you're like me who loves this kind of stuff, then this will not disappoint.
They're very interesting, I love paranormal stuff with a hint of romance and this is the perfect example of it. I can't put it down, I just want to keep going, it's really fun to read.
If you're like me who loves this kind of stuff, then this will not disappoint.
September 12, 2016
Love this series.
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when I found out that there were more books in this series than the three I read last year. I dove into this one and literally could not put it down. I neglected everything else that needed to be done yesterday and stayed up entirely too late to finish this. Not only do I get my paranormal fix but the suspense! The twists and turns and they omg I have to know what happens!! These books will grab hold of you and won't let go.
I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was when I found out that there were more books in this series than the three I read last year. I dove into this one and literally could not put it down. I neglected everything else that needed to be done yesterday and stayed up entirely too late to finish this. Not only do I get my paranormal fix but the suspense! The twists and turns and they omg I have to know what happens!! These books will grab hold of you and won't let go.
May 18, 2016
I read all of the books in this series several years ago when they first came out. I decided to reread them starting with the prequel because for some reason I barely remembered reading it and didn't remember reading Betrayed at all. I love Nicky Charles' writing. To me it's classic paranormal writing. It reminds me of the Twilight series but for adults. I agree with any of the four and five star reviews.
October 22, 2013
Nicky Charles, you are a genius with Lycans. I absolutely could not put the books down. I had to know what happened to the characters. I had to keep going. She has a way with words and she makes you instantly connect with the characters and you're immediately intrigued with their fates. I really loved Reno and Brandi, but the only frustrating thing for me in all of this series, is the miscommunication of feelings every single time. Otherwise, I can't complain. I adore these books.
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