Being immortal doesn’t mean you can’t die. It just means you’re damn hard to kill.When Alexei Medvedev joined the Forgotten Brotherhood—paranormals hired to assassinate other paranormals—he knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk. But his next target is one of Death’s own Reapers gone rogue. For the first time since he started this gig, “damn hard to kill” feels more like “damn near impossible.”Tracking … impossible.”
Tracking Cassie Dobbs brings him to a remote bar in small-town Alaska, where this hot-as-hell Reaper is casually serving drinks, as if she doesn’t have a bounty on her head from Death himself. Alexei is dangerously intrigued. Everyone in the Brotherhood knows the first rule: don’t fall for your target.
But Alexei soon has bigger problems to face than an unexpected attraction. They only send assassins after those who deserve to die…or so he’s been made to believe. Now that he’s met Cassie, though, he’s not so sure.
What if everything he’s been told is a lie, and the person he’s been sent to kill is the only one who knows the truth?
Each book in the Fury Unleashed series is STANDALONE:
* Fury Unleashed
* Arctic Bite
more
Alexei Medvedev was a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, an assassin who took out other paranormals. His name and his deeds struck fear in others. He was massive and obviously intimidating, but who knew this male would end up being a gentle giant? At least he was when it came to Cassie. However, despite his immediate attraction to her, he had a job to do – someone wanted her dead and he needed to figure out if he’d be doing the killing.
One of the first things I fell in love with, aside from Alexei’s incredibly palpable awesomeness, was the fact that he didn’t jump before thinking. Yes, there was a contract out for Cassie, however, he did his own investigating. And what started out as determination to do his job and do it well, quickly turned into his determination to protect Cassie at all costs. His devotion to her (and hers to him) made my heart melt and caused me to swoon over this couple from the very start.
There is something so poetic with the way that N.J. Walters writes. The magic she creates with her characters resonates with me in ways I never expect. After meeting Maccus and Morrigan, and falling so in love with their story, I knew I had to gobble up everything this author releases. Alexei and Cassie were everything I could ask for and I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with them too!
What a fun ride! Arctic Bite is the second in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters which is proving to be one not to miss. Just loved these two characters together. We have a polar bear shifter and, yes, Alexei Medvedev is super tall in real life, a bit growly and a hired assassin! Of course, he receives a contract to kill our spitfire heroine, Cassie, who’s not exactly a normal human either, having been a reaper who takes souls to the afterlife…although retired from this. Their connection is electric as the two of them must figure out why someone wants her dead.
And the plot twist at the end…no spoilers here but it was *amazing* with the big reveal…loved this book. Masterfully written with beautiful characterizations.
This is a standalone; no need to read the previous. The cover is gorgeous. This book is an adventure to read.
Received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, what is your favourite type of shifter, and what breed of bear is it? For me, it’s Polar Bears, and Alexei was perfect, and different. He thought he was less because he was different, but in the end, that is what made all the more special. Cassandra thought she was doomed, because of what she was, and what she’d done, run from her responsibilities. She couldn’t be more wrong, but it takes a lot of heartbreak to get to that realization.
What isn’t in doubt, the attraction and the steaminess between these two. Age, reasons, meaning, and time, all cease to exist when these two are together. Their bond is deep, their love is great, their moments are all special. I felt all their pain, all their joy, all their doubt and worries. I felt with them, and for them, and I loved every second of it!
Loved it! Will be reading the rest of the series!!!
Cassie quit her job as a Reaper. Unfortunately that is not allowed. Now she is hiding away in Alaska hoping that she can avoid be “ended” by whoever Death sends her way.
Our heroine just wants to live and maybe start to enjoy these new sensations she’s experiencing.
Alexei is from the Forgotten Brotherhood, an organization of assassins who deal with supernaturals. Each of the Forgotten ones are special in different ways, and don’t fit in to any other group because of their abilities. Our hero always does his homework before agreeing to kill a target. He never kills innocents.
This is a spicy paranormal romance in a very interesting “author’s world”. The characters have unusual abilities and need all of them to survive what’s about to happen. I haven’t read the first book in this series but I will definitely be going to buy it now.
I loved it.
When it seems like everyone and everything is against you, who can you trust? For Alexei, the Brotherhood is all. Rescued at a young age from being shunned due to his differences, he only believes what can be proved. And finding out that his next mark is an ex-reaper, wanted by Death herself makes for an interesting assignment, But is she really guilty of what she is accused of? Is Cassie the one who knows what really is going on? Will they survive the attempts against their lives?
Arctic Bite is book 2 in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters. Cassie Dobbs walked away from her job as reaper, something that is never done. She fled her family and moved as far away as possible to a little remote town in Alaska. The fewer the people, the lesser the chance her reaper family will ever need to come and reap souls. She’s also managed to suppress her reaperness and to anyone non-human, she should appear human and not other. Positive her time in Alaska is coming to an end and she needs to move on, a bear shifter strolls into her bar.
Alexei Medvedev is a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood. His abilities make him hard to kill but easy to take down others. When he’s offered a contract to take out Cassie Dobbs and locates her in Alaska, Alexei is sure there’s been a mistake. Cassie is a human as those who live and work around her, or so he thinks. As they get closer to one another, he realizes Cassie is no mere mortal and someone powerful is out to get her.
So, I though Fury Unleashed, book 1 in the series, was spectacular but Arctic Bite just moved the series up a few notches. The author did a wonderful job creating Alexei and Cassie, bringing them together, and tying books 1 and 2 together. Arctic Bite is an amazing paranormal novel. The author provided a story with more twists, turns, and events the reader won’t see coming to keep someone complete engaged, which I was. I can’t believe I waited so long to read this book. I enjoyed the path Alexei and Cassie had to travel in order to get to their ultimate destinations.
The author crafted a unique world and a story that was intriguing, and full of mystery, suspense, action, and wonderful characters. I was easily drawn into the book and found myself immersed. I look forward to the next book. While each book is listed as a stand alone, they all do tie together and I highly recommend you read them in order.
Arctic Bite by N.J. Walters is book two in her Forgotten Brotherhood series. Though part of a series, it reads as a standalone.
Paranormal assassin, Alexei Medvedev, has been contracted to kill bartender, Cassandra Dobbs. Alexei’s organization, the Forgotten Brotherhood, exists to eliminate paranormal beings who have gone rogue. What has Cassandra done to warrant the contract taken out on her life?
Arctic Bite is the second book in this series, but the first I’ve read. I found it to be a great read. There is intriguing world building and the scenery is used to its advantage. The characters are vibrant with complete backstories. I like both the male and female leads. The plot is engaging. I truly enjoyed this novel. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to all readers of sci-fi/fantasy romance.
My thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
3.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I loved getting a deeper look into the world of the Forgotten Brotherhood. I loved the first book and while this one wasn’t nearly as good for me, I still enjoyed it very much.
The author has a very inviting writing style. Her writing really pulls you in and holds your attention. I thought that the pacing was a little hurried overall. I know that this is a fast-paced story but things sometimes felt too abrupt. I really enjoyed the plot twists that the author dished out in this book though I felt like things weren’t happening in the story at times.
I really liked both Cassandra and Alexei. I liked the mystery of both of their pasts and how everything was revealed. They had some nice backstories. I felt that Alexei and Cassandra were both very relatable and likable characters. I really loved seeing Maccus from the first book of the series.
I loved everything about the romance except for the instalove. They had great chemistry with each other and the author wrote their connection very well.
Overall, this was a great addition to the Forgotten Brotherhood series. This is an interesting world and I love how each book gets a little bit deeper. This book had wonderful characters and surprising plot twists. If you enjoy fast-paced paranormal romance then you’ll love this series.
I’m hooked!
Like I normally seem to do I dropped into this series a touch late. It is okay though as this was a standalone. It does however interconnect with characters from the previous book – it is also only the 2nd in the series.
Where to start?
The world-building I believe would be a good place.
This was an enticing mix of lore and myth and a touch of magic
There was a bit of shifter magic, some vampy visitors, some deities and a visit from a possible omniscient presence of powerful but unknown origin (so not giving this away)
I possibly quite literally wanted a bit more of this side of the story but alas I will have to temper my greed for now
This story spotlighted our two main characters but it also gave us small tastes of some of the ‘other kind’ that were creeping in the shadows as well as a bit of the running backstory of which there were a couple of different story lines.
I definitely will be adding this series to my must-read list. It was fun and engaging with a bit of suspense and a whole lot of heat.
Alexei is investigating the culpability of a contract.
He may be an assassin for hire but as a Forgotten he doesn’t kill the innocent.
Make no mistake he is a monster but he also knows that there are worse monsters out there than him. Better to give your darkness a direction.
As soon as he scents his target everything gets flipped upside down.
But he knows enough not to get personal with his kills.
Or maybe not?
Something is different with her.
Is she hiding her darkness?
Is this a trick?
Cassie was a refreshing mix of vibes from the bad-arse heroine to the sweet as pie girl next door – both worked well for her character.
Just wait till her secrets are spilled – Her skeletons are plenty – Some even she wasn’t aware of.
Alexei- what a snuggle bear – He has secrets too and a back story that leaked a few tears from me.
As for our couple –
insta-lust followed by a solid build to their relationship. Again, I have to say I do wish I had more time with this couple.
I was a bit surprised to hear the truth behind the contract and even more shocked at the turn of events.
I’m hoping as this series continues we will get some of the mysteries left unsolved … well solved.
Until then?
Watch your back
ARCTIC BITE by N.J. Walters is book Two in the Forgotten Brotherhood Series. This is the story of Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Dobbs and Alexei Medvedev. I have read the previous book which added to my enjoyment of this one, but I do feel you can make it a standalone book. Alexei wasn’t except when he was growing up so he moved forward somewhere else. Alexei is a polar bear shifter with some other traits. This landed him with the Forgotten Brotherhood where they are paranormal for hired assassins who take out other paranormal people. Paranormal are hard to kill so it isn’t easy work. Alexei doesn’t take a job unless he investigates the person to make sure they are deserving of the death sentence. So when Cassandra Dobbs name come up who is a reaper he of course went looking for her. Cassandra is a ex-reaper who has had that title forever but now she is trying to retire and hide out in Alaska. Alexei find his target working behind the bar at The Pit. But the more he learns about her the more he knows something isn’t right with this assignment. Loved reading their story and of course this author’s writing!
O wow I think this second book in this series even tops the first with its absolutely gorgeous cover art and such a well crafted story too. So what do you get if you pair a Polar Bear Shifter who has more than a little something extra with a sassy ex Reaper ? A serious amount of chemistry and a fabulous, well paced story with a surprising twist is my answer ! Yes this book took this series in a whole new direction but there’s still more than a slight nod to the story arc from the first book. If like me you enjoy paranormal romance then this author should certainly go on your must read list and I can only say I’m very excited to find out what she has planned for the next book.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Arctic Bite
Forgotten Brotherhood Series #2
N. J. Walters
https://www.facebook.com/N.J.WaltersAuthor/
Release date 05/18/2020
Publisher Entangled
Blurb :
Being immortal doesn’t mean you can’t die. It just means you’re damn hard to kill.
When Alexei Medvedev joined the Forgotten Brotherhood—paranormals hired to assassinate other paranormals—he knew it wouldn’t be a cake walk. But his next target is one of Death’s own Reapers gone rogue. For the first time since he started this gig, “damn hard to kill” feels more like “damn near impossible.”
Tracking Cassie Dobbs brings him to a remote bar in small-town Alaska, where this hot-as-hell Reaper is casually serving drinks, as if she doesn’t have a bounty on her head from Death himself. Alexei is dangerously intrigued. Everyone in the Brotherhood knows the first rule: don’t fall for your target.
But Alexei soon has bigger problems to face than an unexpected attraction. They only send assassins after those who deserve to die…or so he’s been made to believe. Now that he’s met Cassie, though, he’s not so sure.
What if everything he’s been told is a lie, and the person he’s been sent to kill is the only one who knows the truth?
My review :
Will her true nature be the end or the beginning of their blossoming relationship…
The first thing to say is I was hooked from the very first page, while I like paranormal romance, I read them from time to time. And this one caught me unaware, I needed to know what will come after each turn of page.
I missed the first book but it is no problem as this one is truly a standalone.
Alexei is not the usual shifter, he is much more than a changeling and it is why he was shunned by his kin and found his right place among the Forgotten Brotherhood group.
He is honorable and follows the rules, never would he accept a contract if he does not feel it is right. Why his investigation brings him in this deserted place.
And his target is nothing he expected and everything he never knew he needed.
Cassandra can’t stand her line of job any more, enough is enough, why she terminated her contract but no one revoke a job with Death himself. And now she has this stranger looming in her bar. While she should run, she is drawn to him. And with shadows lurking closer, whom to trust.
Yet their attraction is one only the fates mates encounter, from the first glance they were stuck with no way of going backward.
It was in some way fun to watch them trying to figure out who the other was and at the same time hiding their true nature, afraid to scare the other.
Alexei since his change has never known compassion, gentleness and empathy. And Cassandra is everything above and more. Together they figure out who they are and what they want even if it will be short lived as no one escapes Death.
This is a fast paced tale as everything moved in the span of time of a few days, theirs is an instant mating kind of love, without even knowing the other, they were destined to be together.
I enjoyed there is no big fight against their calling, but that it was not also smooth. They accept their attraction but need to believe in one another and trust is not something offered blindly.
5 stars for a very entertaining and page-turning read making me revisit the many paranormal beings under a very unusual light.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/618675898721585/?d=n
Alexi is a bear shifter, with a little something extra. He’s been around for a long time, so nothing really surprises him anymore. But the bartender serving him drinks is, she’s his target, but he’s not sure why. And Alexi hates mysteries, so he’s going to watch and wait a little while, hoping he’ll get some answers soon.
Cassie is a grim reaper, taking souls to the afterlife. But no longer, she’s had enough, but she knows her family will come for her, It’s only a matter of time. Hiding in a bar in the middle of nowhere, Cassie serves drinks and listens to the patrons woes. She likes it here, she looks after the town, she worries about them all.
Both the main characters are interested in one another, but neither can really act upon it, what if they give in an give away what they really are!
But Cassie is being hunted and when they eventually find her, what will happen? And how will Alexi respond?
I’m liking this series more and more. This is the second book of the series.
The brotherhood is a misfit band of immortals who take contracts out to kill or capture other immortals.
Each with their own story to tell. Maccus being the oldest and strongest (his story was Fury Unleashed) Asher and Maccus formed the brotherhood. Recruiting others to join them.
Really well written, fight scenes come alive on the page.
Although it’s a stand alone, I found it easier to read in order, it flows a little better, and there are a few things from the previous book in this one.
The characters were great, a bear/vampire hybrid. And the grim reaper, (oh and there is more than one, which is a new one on me.)
Alexi longing to belong somewhere, both shifters and vampires shun him, he’d love a family and a mate.
I loved Cassie, a reaper from the beginning of time, no emotions, seeing everything but not getting involved. Loved her take on life, her passion for chocolate and pizza, and her caring nature for those around her.
I loved the growing attraction between them, they know they can’t be together, so they are going to make the most of their time together.
We also have the dilemma of Cassie being hunted. Why? She maybe a rogue reaper, but there isn’t much that can kill her.
To find out why your going to need to read the story.
Oh and a few surprises to keep you on your toes.
I highly recommend this book.
The cover of this book is what drew my attention but the great story kept me reading.
Alexei Medvedev is a hybrid and a assassin for the Forgotten Brotherhood. Cassie Donna is the target for a hit. Instead of killing her he protects her.
This was a great paranormal romance full of action and just different enough to hold your interest until the surprising ending.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
**I received a copy of Arctic Bite from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary review. My opinions are honest and not solicited in any way.**
Arctic Bite by N. J. Walters is the second book in her Forgotten Brotherhood and while I loved Maccus and Morrigan in the first book Cassie and Alexei grew on me as I got further in the book. It’s a solid 4 stars and I can’t wait for the next book. The plot twist at the final chapters was amazing and I sure didn’t see that coming at all.
Alexei Medvedev is researching his next contract who happens to be the bartender in a Nome, AK pub. What he learns about watching Cassie Dobbs is that she cares and watched over her patrons so he’s confused as why she needs to die. He’s a polar bear-vampire hybrid and he hasn’t figure out what Cassie is other than she smells like flowers (A Reaper). When they break up a fight she invites him upstairs to stay the night. They are soon on the run from vampires who want to collect the bounty on her head.
Cassie Dobbs walked away from her job and wants to just experience life. She didn’t expect to have a bounty on her head or to meet Alexei who tells her there’s a bounty on her head. When one of her own Reapers wants to collect the bounty its Alexei who’ll hear the siren call of her scythe. When you add in their escape to Russia (his home is a cave) plus there’s the big reveal at the end and you have a kick ass heroine.
This is a great read! Cassie is an ex reaper that is bar tending in Alaska where she is hiding from her family after she has left the family business of reaping souls. Alexie is a bear/vamp assassin of supernatural creatures. He has a contract on her but something doesn’t feel right about it and he finds himself attracted to her. The storyline is really good kept me reading until I finished it and now to wait for the next book in this series. The attraction between them both was very well done and made me smile reading their story.
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2020/11/06/review-arctic-bite-by-n-j-walters/
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Paranormal Romance, Assassins: I wasn’t a fan of the first book: bad characters, messy plot and pretty boring action scenes. This second book of the Forgotten Brotherhood is a leap up in at least one of those aspects: the main couple. Even though better characters is a great improvement to enjoy the story, this one is still lacking some spark. We are presented with powerful supernatural creatures whose job is being the baddest assassins recorded and yet it lacks trepdiation and sense of danger. It lacks adventure. It lacks worldbuilding. The author has put together an interesting world, but she rarely uses it. Romance is great, but if I’m looking for something like this I would check Contemporary Romance, instead of Paranormal.
zZz: That is the biggest issue I have with this book. It has good settings and characters, but ultimately is mighty boring. We have an ancient reaper and a badass vampire/shifter. We have a bunch of supernatural creatures hunting them. So… how come there is almost zero action scenes in this book? There is a moment when that aspect gets a bit absurd, when the villains just pop-up in the living room (in an orderly manner) of Alexei to say their piece; but no fight takes place.
Better than the first one, but not good enough to keep me engaged. The third is the charm?
‘Arctic Bite’ is the second title in the ‘Forgotten Brotherhood’ series, and to say that it’s intense is an understatement. And that cover just screams power, fury, and yeah, sexy. This is the second story in this series I’ve read and it’s a paradox in so many ways. What these men knew is turning out to be far, far different than expected… even after a long life, it seems there are still surprises awaiting Alexei. Cassie is certainly not what Alexei expected when he tracked this reaper to a small town – and he certainly didn’t expect the sparks between them.
Cassie is so very different than a reaper who should be put down for good. She has reasons and secrets of her own. The spark, the strong attraction between Alexei and Cassis is very real, but why she’s been targeted isn’t clear to either and the surprises just keep rolling on. Alexei needs to figure out what is truth and what has been a lie for a long time. One thing he does know, his feelings for Cassie are not lies and he needs answers before someone else comes for her or them both.
I’m enjoying this world as a little bit is revealed with each story. I love a puzzle, and ‘Arctic Bite’ is certainly that in many ways. The writing is smooth and believable (for the genre), the characters are fierce and intense one moment and gentle, caring with each other the next. There is definitely sizzling steam with this couple. Alexei needs answers, and he may not like what those answers eventually turn out to be. I’m already waiting for the next title to release and would definitely recommend this story or the series for any Paranormal Romance reader.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Book 2 in Forgotten Brotherhood, Artic Bite is a fabulous, engrossing story. I was quickly captured and taken on a journey with the dynamic character and well written story. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up it is well worth the read.