The Montagues and Capulets have nothing on the Canis and Banes wolf packs. The two have been feuding for ages. The brutal murder of the Banes’ alpha only added fuel to the fire. And now there’s only one way to bring peace—the current alphas of each pack, Marrok and Tala, need a mating of convenience.
Tala has her doubts. A thousand of them.
Never mind that Marrok drives her body to levels of … body to levels of desire her vibrator has trouble keeping up with. If she can’t get her inner wolf—or her people—on board, forget peace, because she’ll lose the tenuous control she has over the Canis pack. Her new mate is just so damn alpha. He’d better learn to play nice or Tala will have to show him who’s boss.
But Marrok has plans of his own, and nothing and no one, not even Tala herself, can resist an alpha…
This novella was previously self published as The Worse for Were but has undergone a complete re-edit. Scenes were added, things were changed, but the kissing still remains!
Each book in the Brimstone, Inc. series is STANDALONE:
* The Demigod Complex
* Shift Out of Luck
more
Shift Out of Luck is an exciting and exhilarating journey of finding love admist immense chaos and deceit. Nothing is easy when life seems stacked against you at every turn. The best you can hope for is an occasional moment of peace and clarity. This story will guide you through such a time with two characters who are desperately doing what they think is best for their people. Above all, they want to give, but at the same time they need to realize that they need to take into themselves what they need to build their strength and resolve to help those around them.
Marrok acknowledges the harsh past of this clan, and he longs to bring them a better future filled with hope and possibilities. There is only one sure way to secure a future of peace for his people, and to do that he must put his own feelings aside. Tala longs for a better way to steer her people into the future. Their way of dealing with circumstances is no longer working which now requires her to make sacrifices in order to improve things. She must put her heart aside and walk a path she never imagined. When a highly improbable business deal brings Marrok and Tala together, they get much more then they ever bargained for. As tensions rise, Tala must decide what she will risk in order to force the hand of Fate. Can Tala make this deal solve the issues for her people, or will she lose what she never knew she needed to a stubborn determination that only serves to limit life’s generous gifts?
I had no idea of what to expect from Marrok and Tala, and what I found left me in awe. They are two people who unconditionally love their people, and a as a result find themsevles in an impossible situation. Their need to make the future better propel them into something neither is prepared for in any. They stumble and pick themselves back up each time, but each time things shift between them. Watching these two try to figure out what is growing between then left me giggling at times and annoyed at others. It is surprising what they couldn’t see that was right in front of them, but honestly the both had many things to overcome along the way. Their journey is one of growth, learning, and above all an unwavering strength. What a fabulous story!!
Abigail Owens has once again proved just how incredible this new series is with this fantastic book! Her first book hooked me in no time, and this one made me see her exquisite creativity and left me in awe wanting so much more. I enjoyed this story more then I can express, and I honestly can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Owens is a fabulous author, and I am addicted to her heart and marvelous talent!
Less and less do I read paranormal it has to be different but this one caught my eye. Know all about those feuds which this is one. So there is that arranged marriage ugh. Tala and Marrok each have their own agenda with this fun to follow. The chemistry is there but so are egos. It was a challenge alright but fun to see where they end up and do the packs agree.
This is book 2 in the Brimstone series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading book 1 before this one as they go hand in hand. In this one we get the full story of Tala and Marrok, who we saw mate in book 1. Tala and Marrok have mated in order to end the feud between their packs. In the hopes of ending the bloodshed, they are attempting to work together on a new future. But members of both packs have their doubts and grudges against each other. Not to mention that Tala’s wolf is having issues with her new mate. Can they both overcome the obstacles in order to find not only happiness but peace?
I really liked this one. It’s a novella, so the story happens at a fast pace. I wish it had been longer because there are portions of the story that I felt could have had more depth. However, I still really liked it. Tala is this strong and steady woman who is just trying to do what is best for her people, even when it may fight against what they think is best. Marrok is an overprotective, alpha male who is also trying to do what is best. Their chemistry together is explosive, but they both definitely have issues they have to work out. But once they do? Perfect couple! And I think I need to know more about her sister!!
I never specifically look for paranormal reads and yet every time I pick one up, I wonder why I do not read more of them. I enjoyed reading Shift Out of Luck by Abigail Owen. It was an enemies to lovers story with two wolf shifter alphas trying to protect and unite their packs. Both doing their duty with an arranged marriage but found so much more in their mating.
I loved Marrok. He was strong, protective and possessive. He would do anything for his mate. Tala on the other hand was annoyed with how much she wanted Marrok but could not deny how much they connected. Their chemistry was undeniable and intense. Could they find a way to lead together and still be the alphas they are? This was a quick, sexy and steamy read with a bit of intrigue.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading.
Shift Out of Luck by Abigail is book Two in the Owen is Brimstone Inc. Series. This is the story of Tala Canis and Marrok Banes. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Tala and Marrok are from different Wolf Packs who are feuding packs who are the Alpha of their pack. Tala and Marrok setting into a marriage of convenience to try to end the feud that has been going on forever. But both have strong personalities that clash at first but they start to more than attitude toward one another which leads to love. Enjoyed this quick shifter read.
Oh my wow, throwing all the 5 stars at this one! Blew all my expectations away and I absolutely devoured every single word. I’m so happy that I discovered Abigail Owen from Entangled last year. I’ve been obsessed with every book I’ve read by her. And Shift Out of Luck just might be my top favorite of hers.
Where do I even begin with my review? Having two alpha shifters mated to hopefully bring peace between their packs. It’s quite the feat and that’s not even covering the surface of TWO ALPHA mentalities trying to work as one. That’s tough with two very dominating personalities. We got a glimpse of these two in The Demigod Complex and that just added a whole lot of intrigue to their story, so I was beyond ready to read Marrok and Tala’s story.
There’s quite a bit working against these two as they try to get rid of the divide between their packs. Soooo many simply aren’t OK with their union and trying to working against them. Mainly trying to bring Tala down, but my goodness, she is an alpha that can absolutely hold her own. She has earned the role time and time again. I hated that she was constantly challenged, but she showed everyone just how much of a bada** she is!
Marrok surprised me the most because I expected him to be more overbearing and unwilling to treat Tala as an equal. There were definitely times where he had to fight that urge to not constantly put himself ahead of her. But he was more than willing to work to gain her trust, completely, And I really loved that about him. Plus, simply a smirk from him will absolutely do it for me 😉
These two are an explosive match together and I hope we continue to see more of them in this series!
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Abigail Owen
A marriage of convenience designed to bring two packs together. But can an old dog be taught new tricks? Tala is an alpha in her own right as is Marrok they are going to have to work together to make this peace and their mating work. I LOVED Tala. She is a kick butt and take names kinda gal. This is an incredibly sweet tale and though it is part of a series it can be read standalone.
Marrok and Tala are in a tricky spot. The need to bring both of their wolf packs together after years of fighting is an uphill battle. Pack members trying to undermine their authority and internal fighting between the two are making everyday difficult.
I liked reading about the dynamic between Marrok and Tala. They are both alpha by nature where one was given based on bloodline the other had to fight to earn that right. Watching these two try and figure everything out was both wonderful and hard to watch.
The other part that I really liked was Tala trying to figure out what was wrong with her wolf. With everything going on, having her wolf act the way it does is not only off putting but hard to understand. Once it’s reveled, you can understand why.
**I received a copy of Shift Out of Luck from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and hones review. My opinions noted below are mine and not solicited in any way.**
Shift Out of Luck by Abigail Owen is the second book in her Brimstone Inc series. I didn’t read the first book and was able to read as a stand alone without problems. I love the authors two Dragon series a lot and while I also love wolf pack romance I kept thinking one of the Dragons was going to show up in the story but it was a bit short and I wanted much more of Tala and Marrok love story.
Tala Canis is the Alpha female of her wolf pack who hopes that the marriage of Banes/Canis packs will lead to a stronger pack and that they can get along without killing each other. Sounds easy right ? If you remember Romeo and Juliet wasn’t a walk in the park so think two very STRONG Alphas add in a challenge with one of the elders of Tala’s pack and you have a pretty good story. Now she needs to convince her wolf that Marrok is her mate and not enemy.
Marrok Banes agreed to using a matchmaker to find his mate and of course his wolf thinks it’s a wonderful idea because Tala is beautiful and a strong Alpha all rolled into one. But can they get along and figure out how to lead together and become a strong wolf pack. Convincing the elders of both packs might take a lot of patience and time and he knows that he’ll stand by Tala through everything including not interfering when a challenge is issued. He’ll find that alone is very, very hard but he knows that Tala needs him to do this so they can become true mates.
Stronger together
A mating of convenience that sparks a flame this author encouraged and developed between the characters. I love the personalities of the Marrok and Tala. They are so loyal, honorable and duty bound, it is absolutely fantastic that they were able to find their HEA in the midst of stabilizing their packs. The author really took my breath away as these two journeyed towards their happiness, I really hope that the author continues to bring us such amazing short stories. Although, no matter what she brings us next, I will be adding it to my library.
Another short, fun ride from Mrs. Owen. If you haven’t read the Demigod Complex, you totally should because it’s an awesome little romp too, but not necessary to enjoy this book. The wedding between these two that’s referenced in this book takes place in that one, but you get the gist without it.
Tala and Marrock are the quintessential alpha werewolves in a very Romeo and Juliet setting (feuding wolf clans) that choose to marry in an attempt to end a feud and strengthen their packs. They go through a number of expected and somewhat unexpected hurdles in their path to peace AND love. Don’t worry; there’s a happy ending waiting for you.
If you like bite sized reads with romance, action, paranormal furry times, steamy rooms, and a lesson in give and take, this is a book you shouldn’t pass up!
Shift Out of Luck is the second story in the Brimstone, Inc. series with characters and plot that pack a definite punch. I love when novellas (or shorter stories) deliver what feels like the full story for that couple, and Marrok’s and Tala’s fiery romance certainly did that… and more. We got a quick look at this couple in Castor’s and Lyleia’s story, The Demigod Complex. (and they will return the favor with an appearance here) In fact, I went back and purchased that first story before continuing with this one – and the extra effort was well worth the time because both stories, read in order have given me a better feel for this world.
Both are Alphas of their feuding packs. One established and secure in his position, the other newer to the role of Alpha, struggling a bit with her pack but nonetheless powerful in her own right. To bring the feud to an end, a marriage of convenience seems the only solution for Marrok and Tala. Only time will tell, and perhaps a prophecy comes true as time moves on… or an enemy makes a far different outcome to the situation. They came together to end a feud, to bring peace to their packs – they didn’t expect the fiery connection between them or the power they both have when used together as one voice. Neither expected to find that elusive fated mate in an arranged marriage – fate might have been there all along.
I love a kick-butt and take names heroine. Tala is definitely that. Oh, she might be on the journey to finding her own strengths, her own place in this new situation but she will not back down, will not sit idly by when danger approaches. Marrok might think he has the upper hand – he would be very, very wrong.
I also love a hero who knows when to take a step back from being the one in charge. Marrok becomes that as he sees Tala’s strengths and begins to care for her on a personal not pack level. Individually they are both strong and stubborn – together they are a powerhouse couple and watching that union become so much more than a marriage of (in)convenience was pure delight.
You’ll find laughter, annoyance, sizzling hot chemistry and a couple to really root for as they work for their happy ending in Shift Out of Luck. And, even in the paranormal world, working on a relationship is a huge part of its success. Tala and Marrok will work to make their love last and it will be the best decision of their lives. I had a blast and would definitely recommend this story and the series.
*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.*
Not having read the prior book in this series (and not even really realizing there was one until afterwards), I did feel a little bit at the first that I was being thrust into the middle of a story already in progress. But after the first few pages, the tale of this volume took over and was front and center.
Of course, the book does begin just as Marrok and Tala are to be wed in an arranged marriage, so it really does just dump you in the deep end of things, as it were. But as we watch them start to navigate the new territory of their personal relationship, as well as their joint role as alphas of a newly combined pack, we really get a feel for these individuals, as well as for them as a couple.
Marrok is completely smitten with Tala from the beginning, as his wolf. And he is totally committed to this union, so even though it is one of convenience, he is ready and willing to give it his all.
Tala, on the other hand, is more reserved and a bit more reluctant. She’s all in favor of joining the packs and trying to make a go of their new life together, but she’s not willing to hope that she might have found a true partnership with Marrok. Especially when he seems to undermine her at every turn after they first get together. Not to mention the fact that her wolf basically tries to shred him whenever she gets the chance.
Turns out though, that what Tala considers is Marrok intentionally trying to erode her power in the clans, is really just him being a clueless male. He thinks they are on the same page more often than is truly the case, and he doesn’t realize the optics of him automatically assuming authority even when they are in agreement.
It takes some serious butt-kicking by Tala to make him understand the he needs to support his new wife and co-leader, without stifling or overshadowing her. Luckily for Marrok, most of that butt-kicking comes to others who oppose them, rather than to him directly. While there is some serious doubt at times if these two are going to be able to make a go of all of this, not to mention is Tala is going to keep her position (let alone her life!), it is always apparent that these two truly have the best interests of each other and their packs in mind.
Luckily, they stick it out, and are able to communicate well enough, to see things improve all the way around, and put themselves well on the way to a happily-ever-after. Which is good news for them, because in the meantime – in addition to the great sex they’ve been enjoying – they have managed to fall in love with one another!
I should have known this book would be a good read, since the author is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. Enough so that I am now wanting to go back and read the first volume in the series, not to mention any future ones. Definitely a story that I recommend for a fairly lighthearted paranormal romance with just enough drama and intrigue to keep things interesting.
Nothing like a plethora of werewolf pheromones flying about to really get you in the mood.
When it came to this book, I actually took a big risk by breaking my cardinal rule. I read it immediately after reading the first book in this series, which I absolutely adored. Normally when this happens, I try to read another book in between to try and tame my expectations. But with this many pheromones in the air, I simply couldn’t wait, and instead chose to dive right in. I’m happy to say that I loved this book just as mush as the first one! The plots of the two novels merge together and occur simultaneously, so I’d definitely recommend reading book 1 first. That way, you not only have a better understanding of what’s going on, but you have an even deeper connection to the characters.
All you know I’m a huge fan when it comes to an alpha leading man. Throw in an alpha werewolf, and oh nellie am I on board! After all, there tends to be a lot more licking involved. But throw an alpha female werewolf into the mix?! Good God in Heaven someone crack open a window from all the heat we’ve got going on around here.
On the one hand, you’ve got two alphas in the bedroom, or in some instances on a cave floor, and how could you not be intrigued by this? We’re all used to the male alpha being the dominating force in the bedroom, and Marrok can definitely rise to the call of duty. However, sometimes Tala takes the reigns to be on top and tie him up for a change. Love it!
On the other hand though, we see how combining 2 packs under 2 alphas can create a whole new set of challenges. Who is the ultimate decision maker? Can they both compromise in order to find a way to lead together, even if it means giving away a bit of their alpha-ness? When factions are created within the pack, and Tala’s leadership is threatened, they’ll have to find a way to make it work together.
This novel is a great read, and explores the facets of leadership conflicting with stereotypical gender norms. Intense and sexy moments make it a hard one to put down.
Tala and Marrok are both alphas of their packs. Packs that have been locked in a feud that would probably put the Hatfields and McCoys to shame! Mating each other could fix things, if Tala and Marrok can share power and successfully merge their clans…something not everyone is on board with.
Tala was fascinating. On one hand, she’s cool, calm, and collected, yet she’s got a streak of passion that comes out when least expected! And boy, when she’s riled…better watch out!
I loved Marrok. He was the perfect balance to Tala’s temperament. He’s just as alpha and protective as Tala is, but he’s way more laid back and kept a sense of humor to roll with matters when they go wonky.
The romance was sometimes more push then pull, especially on Tala’s part, but I enjoyed the chase! Their chemistry sizzled and showed the obvious connection between them. However, I will admit, even I missed the obvious hiccup between those two!
I love this series! There’s humor, paranormal elements, a squinch of mythology, strong characters and of course, romance! I am thrilled there’s another book in this series before I have to struggle with withdrawals!