"Redeeming Rue" [Ashland Pride Series, Book 4] by R. E. Butler
What was I thinking? : I am a fan of Ms. Butler. Even though this was the first novel, I've read from this series, I've read previous novels of hers and liked them enough to want to read something else of hers. When I saw and read this novels description on Amazon.com back before it was going to be available I was highly excited about it and put it on my Amazon.com Wish List. After getting gift cards for Christmas it was one of the novels I was really interested in reading about...
Author's Book Description : As an albino black panther banished by her people, Veruka Jennings knows if her clan discovers she had a child, it would mean death for them both. Labeled an abomination and forbidden from having cubs, she’s spent the better part of her life as an outcast, believing she is worthless because of the color of her fur. After secretly overhearing traveling clan members discuss a bonding ceremony in Indiana, she decides to spy on the proceedings for one last look at the people who treated her like trash.
When James and John Fallon investigate a shadowy figure in the woods during a bonding ceremony, they do not expect to find the woman they are meant to share. But instead of enjoying their mating, they are embroiled in a clan war as they fight to protect Veruka and her son, who have come to mean everything to them. If they can protect her, will they be able to keep her? Or will Rue believe she’s not worthy of their love and disappear from their lives forever?
Warning: This book contains one spunky heroine who will do anything to keep her son safe, two males who aren’t about to let the slippery female get away, and a ticked off clan of panthers who want bloody revenge for their broken laws. Expect plenty of growls and snarled curses, love bites, ceremonial mating, and scorching m/f/m loving that only happens when two mountain lions finally find the woman of their dreams. Contains m/f/m interaction.
My Book Review : 1.5 out of 5 stars, a woman who has been banished from her clan and on the run for over seventeen years finally becomes rescued by two men claiming to be her mates but will she allow their help?
This novel wasn't like anything I expected, and sad to say not in the good way. Maybe my hopes were too high for this novel but I found that it didn't hold my attention at all after the 43% mark where Rue started acting like an idiot. I mean I know and understand her concerns about her son's safety but to just take off after everything supposedly got fix really made me want to stop reading this novel. Especially since James and John (Rue's mates) weren't winning me over that well either as "hero type" characters.
The only two redeeming things I found about this novel was one Domino (Dom--Rue's son) himself because I liked him and his growing relationship with Henry (John's son). The second redeeming thing I found was how the setup of John & James' pride ran and how much the guys (all of them) yearned for families of their own. Those parts were all very sweet and made me force myself into see how this novel would end.
Nevertheless, I ONLY recommend this novel to those who are already fans of Ms. Butler's Ashland Pride Series.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Smashwords (e-Book) : Seducing Samantha (Book 1) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Loving Lachlyn (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : Loving Lachlyn (Book 2) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Marking Melody (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : Marking Melody (Book 3) | Smashwords (e-Book) : Redeeming Rue (Book 4) | Kobo (e-Book) : Redeeming Rue (Book 4)
My Previous Review(s) for this Author : Every Night Forever | A Bead of Blood | A Twitch of Tail | The Gigolo’s Bride | A Promise on White Wings | The Alpha’s Heart
My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013 | The Books I'm Thankful For (so far) in 2013 | Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2014
Author's Novel Extras : Cover Reveal & Pre-Order: Ashland Pride 4!! | Are you Ready for the Ashland Pride? Countdown to Release Day & KU/KOLL News | Available Now: Redeeming Rue (Ashland Pride Four)! | Wilde Creek 3, Ashland Pride 4, and Best Seller Lists!!
Author's Series Extras : The Ashland Pride Series - Overview
Book Teaser(s) :
Henry shoved John’s hands away and grabbed Dom’s tail.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by R. E., then please check out her website.
“Shift, damn it, shift!”
“Henry,” John said, but then Rue gasped and everyone froze as Dom’s whole body twitched. Dom’s body shuddered and his chest heaved as he breathed deeply. His eyes blinked open, the blue color dull at first but then turning the same brilliant green as Rue’s as his bones cracked with the force of his shift.
James grabbed Rue as her legs went out and pulled her tightly against him. Henry continued to cheer Dom on through his shift as the whole pride watched in surprise as Dom’s body shifted from nearly dead panther to very wounded human.
Dom rolled to his back with a loud groan. His skin was streaked with blood, the wounds healing but still deep. Sarah, Don, and Ethan rushed forward and began to talk to Dom hurriedly, asking him questions and checking him over.
John looked at James who stared at Henry. James met John’s eyes and said, “What the hell just happened?”
John shook his head. “I haven’t the foggiest.”
Henry let out a soft sob and buried his head against John’s chest. “He’s my brother. I couldn’t let him die.”
Rue began to cry, pushing away from James and leaning over Dom. She tipped his chin until she was looking into his eyes and said, “I thought you were dead. I thought I had lost everything.”
Dom wheezed and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. “Cat saved me.”
“Cat? What cat?” Rue asked.
Dom squeezed his eyes shut as a shudder wracked his body and said with a scratchy voice, “Feels like family.”
His eyes rolled back in his head, and Ethan pushed Rue back gently, smacking Dom on the cheeks to rouse him. “Don’t pass out on us again, kiddo. You need to shift and let your cat heal you.”
Henry let go of John and pushed forward to Dom’s side, grabbing his hand lightly. “Shift. I’m not going anywhere brother.” ~ within Chapter 11