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Project Rebellion #1
Perfect Mate
Monsters do exist... and they’re the good guys.
Lillian Rosewood leads an ordinary, boring life working as the manager of a psychiatric hospital. The highlights of her day, other than her skinny hot chocolate, are the hunky guards who work in the secure section. Until a late-night emergency is wheeled in.
Captain Jack Harper is insane, drop-dead gorgeous... and just had his abdomen shredded. Despite the fact they're not an emergency room, Lillian can't turn him away and risk a death on her hands. Unable to get the handsome soldier out of her mind, Lillian sneaks into the restricted area to check on him. What she finds is beyond belief. Somehow Jack has managed to heal himself from a near-fatal wound in mere hours.
When one of the doctors, Walker, attempts to rape her, things go from bad to worse. In the blink of an eye, Jack is loose and Walker is dead... and Lillian must accept a truth about her rescuer that will change her world forever. What if the patients aren't insane? What if their stories of secret government experiments and monsters are true?
Lillian Rosewood leads an ordinary, boring life working as the manager of a psychiatric hospital. The highlights of her day, other than her skinny hot chocolate, are the hunky guards who work in the secure section. Until a late-night emergency is wheeled in.
Captain Jack Harper is insane, drop-dead gorgeous... and just had his abdomen shredded. Despite the fact they're not an emergency room, Lillian can't turn him away and risk a death on her hands. Unable to get the handsome soldier out of her mind, Lillian sneaks into the restricted area to check on him. What she finds is beyond belief. Somehow Jack has managed to heal himself from a near-fatal wound in mere hours.
When one of the doctors, Walker, attempts to rape her, things go from bad to worse. In the blink of an eye, Jack is loose and Walker is dead... and Lillian must accept a truth about her rescuer that will change her world forever. What if the patients aren't insane? What if their stories of secret government experiments and monsters are true?
220 pages, ebook
First published August 21, 2012
About the author
Mina Carter
251 books2,310 followersMina Carter is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of romance in many genres. She lives in the UK with her husband, daughter, a puppy who pays no attention to her whatsoever, and a bossy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
November 14, 2021
Not really feeling this one, Carter😭
Carter writes some pretty catchy alien romances, and since this Dane loves herself some werewolves I thought this was a solid choice, right?
Wrong...😞
The blurb sounds amazing- “Injured werewolf created by the military finds his mate before he is doomed to be terminated?”
Pretty badass right? Then add vampires AND zombies to the mix and I should have been dancing in pure joy, right?
Wrong...
What Carter is amazing at is always pumping her books with action. This was no exception. What completely bummed me out was her characters.
They felt flat and immature. I got ZERO alpha vibes. Zero! It was so sad, really. To me it seemed like there were no chemistry between Jack & Lillian, and one thing I really don’t like, is when there is added extra POV’s into the stories. It’s a personal preference, I know. But anymore than 2 POV, and i am struggling to like it. EXCEPT books like Sarah J Mass or Brandon Sanderson. Then give me all the characters!
We not only got Jack & Lillian’s POV, but also Jacks second in command, Darce, AND a female vampire named Antonia.
I was just not into it.
Read:05/02/2019
Genre/Sub-genres: Romance/Paranormal/Military/Shifters/vampires
1st rating: 2 stars
Cover: 2 stars
Will I recommend: Beware of the insta love and the flat characters, but action wise it kicked ass! 💪
Carter writes some pretty catchy alien romances, and since this Dane loves herself some werewolves I thought this was a solid choice, right?
Wrong...😞
The blurb sounds amazing- “Injured werewolf created by the military finds his mate before he is doomed to be terminated?”
Pretty badass right? Then add vampires AND zombies to the mix and I should have been dancing in pure joy, right?
Wrong...
What Carter is amazing at is always pumping her books with action. This was no exception. What completely bummed me out was her characters.
They felt flat and immature. I got ZERO alpha vibes. Zero! It was so sad, really. To me it seemed like there were no chemistry between Jack & Lillian, and one thing I really don’t like, is when there is added extra POV’s into the stories. It’s a personal preference, I know. But anymore than 2 POV, and i am struggling to like it. EXCEPT books like Sarah J Mass or Brandon Sanderson. Then give me all the characters!
We not only got Jack & Lillian’s POV, but also Jacks second in command, Darce, AND a female vampire named Antonia.
I was just not into it.
Read:05/02/2019
Genre/Sub-genres: Romance/Paranormal/Military/Shifters/vampires
1st rating: 2 stars
Cover: 2 stars
Will I recommend: Beware of the insta love and the flat characters, but action wise it kicked ass! 💪
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November 26, 2023
RATING: 3 stars to Perfect Mate ★ ★ ★
December 31, 2012
Good and entertaining, but it could have been freaking awesome.
I'm actually a bit disappointed because there was so much potential here. Dark and scary and kicking assery awesome. Unfortunately, it falls into some well-trodden tropes that a 'mean' editor or beta reader should have red-lined. I mean really, evil secret government military experiments?
This is a romance. Terrific, but for all that is holy! stop with the repetitive, 'oh, he's hawt', 'oh, he's so sexy, what a fine ass', 'wow, what an ass'. I got it the first time, now would your TSTL ass of a heroine just STFU and go kill some zombies?
The heroine. Yeah, the more I read of her, the less I liked her. She just does some really, stupid things including a really TSTL moment when she goes off to 'check' a hallway WHILE THEY ARE FIGHTING ZOMBIES and doesn't tell the hero. Guess what she finds in the hallway? Apparently, she's never watched a horror movie in her life, either.
Oh, and let us not forget the 'sniff, sniff, you're my wolf-mate' trope. Can someone please, pretty please, put this trope out to pasture and shoot it? With a nuke? I get the idea of destined mates, one person in all the world is romantic, but the sniff test is lame. And it's lazy writing. And it totally disempowers the heroine. Mating for life is awesomely romantic but sniff, sniff we are going to bone for all eternity and you have no say whatsoever because it's destiny, pisses me off!!!!!
Stepping away from my rant box now. ;)
What saves this story (other than a terrifically dark universe) from being the flag bearer for trope nation is getting to know some the sequel bait and getting to know the world-building through their eyes.
Would I rec it? Yes, especially if you like the darker, creepy universe aspect, but be ready for mega tropes out of trope nation to rear their ugly, little, well-trodden heads in the worst moments.
I'm actually a bit disappointed because there was so much potential here. Dark and scary and kicking assery awesome. Unfortunately, it falls into some well-trodden tropes that a 'mean' editor or beta reader should have red-lined. I mean really, evil secret government military experiments?
This is a romance. Terrific, but for all that is holy! stop with the repetitive, 'oh, he's hawt', 'oh, he's so sexy, what a fine ass', 'wow, what an ass'. I got it the first time, now would your TSTL ass of a heroine just STFU and go kill some zombies?
The heroine. Yeah, the more I read of her, the less I liked her. She just does some really, stupid things including a really TSTL moment when she goes off to 'check' a hallway WHILE THEY ARE FIGHTING ZOMBIES and doesn't tell the hero. Guess what she finds in the hallway? Apparently, she's never watched a horror movie in her life, either.
Oh, and let us not forget the 'sniff, sniff, you're my wolf-mate' trope. Can someone please, pretty please, put this trope out to pasture and shoot it? With a nuke? I get the idea of destined mates, one person in all the world is romantic, but the sniff test is lame. And it's lazy writing. And it totally disempowers the heroine. Mating for life is awesomely romantic but sniff, sniff we are going to bone for all eternity and you have no say whatsoever because it's destiny, pisses me off!!!!!
Stepping away from my rant box now. ;)
What saves this story (other than a terrifically dark universe) from being the flag bearer for trope nation is getting to know some the sequel bait and getting to know the world-building through their eyes.
Would I rec it? Yes, especially if you like the darker, creepy universe aspect, but be ready for mega tropes out of trope nation to rear their ugly, little, well-trodden heads in the worst moments.
March 8, 2015
This book is a very interesting turn on the myths we think we know. Mix genetic altering with Werewolves, Vampires and Zombies. Throw in some romance and the evil government, bang you have an intriguing new series!
Smutty fans of Mina Carter may be a touch disappointed, there isn't a lot of smexy steam here. This is more geared towards the Urban Fantasy crowd. Loads of story, building characters and fleshing out a fairly detailed plot. I enjoyed all the intrigue and suspense.
Never fear, there is at least one hawt bedroom scene, but it is more than 75% through the book. So, if you are looking for one of her bedroom reads, this isn't going to work for you! The smexy time is great and plenty detailed, it just isn't the whole point of the book.
This is a mixed narrative, mainly between four characters, giving very different points of view. Most of the time we have Lily and Jack, the leads in this book. They have a great dynamic and I love seeing that sweet Lily has a real backbone! The rest of the time we have Darce and Antonia giving their thoughts. Antonia is a great character and you really see more of what is happening in the facility through her eyes.
I have to say in the book, the ladies owned it! They were seriously kickbutt! I love Lily's sassy snarky comments. Antonia isn't as fun but she makes up for it in attitude! The are a serious handful for their men!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Beresford, who is always a delight. I love her energy throughout the read. She infuses the words with emotion and adds depth to the story. I enjoyed her tone on the men's voices, appreciating that she doesn't take it too far. I hope she stays with the series.
I am beyond thrilled to see this author stepping into audio!! I can not wait for all her books to be released!! I will have some seriously happy ears.
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. I listen at double speed, all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
Smutty fans of Mina Carter may be a touch disappointed, there isn't a lot of smexy steam here. This is more geared towards the Urban Fantasy crowd. Loads of story, building characters and fleshing out a fairly detailed plot. I enjoyed all the intrigue and suspense.
Never fear, there is at least one hawt bedroom scene, but it is more than 75% through the book. So, if you are looking for one of her bedroom reads, this isn't going to work for you! The smexy time is great and plenty detailed, it just isn't the whole point of the book.
This is a mixed narrative, mainly between four characters, giving very different points of view. Most of the time we have Lily and Jack, the leads in this book. They have a great dynamic and I love seeing that sweet Lily has a real backbone! The rest of the time we have Darce and Antonia giving their thoughts. Antonia is a great character and you really see more of what is happening in the facility through her eyes.
I have to say in the book, the ladies owned it! They were seriously kickbutt! I love Lily's sassy snarky comments. Antonia isn't as fun but she makes up for it in attitude! The are a serious handful for their men!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emily Beresford, who is always a delight. I love her energy throughout the read. She infuses the words with emotion and adds depth to the story. I enjoyed her tone on the men's voices, appreciating that she doesn't take it too far. I hope she stays with the series.
I am beyond thrilled to see this author stepping into audio!! I can not wait for all her books to be released!! I will have some seriously happy ears.
*** If you found this review at all helpful, please take a moment to let me know. I love reading and sharing my opinions with other readers. I listen at double speed, all my impressions of the narration are from that setting. Thanks for taking the time to read my review! You can see more audiobook reviews on my blog www.eargasmsaudiobookreviews.com ***
September 12, 2016
A book that includes zombies, lycans and vampires all together. Military experiments not ethical that went wrong. Lots of action, violence, dark scenes. The scene where soldiers are transformed into zombies made my stomach ache.
And the most interesting fact about this book is that although it is so dark and violent, it is actually a paranormal romance.
And the most interesting fact about this book is that although it is so dark and violent, it is actually a paranormal romance.
September 30, 2014
This had so much potential yet SO many issues that I just couldn't finish it. DNF
October 27, 2015
BASICS
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: 3 stars
Review
The first few chapters were really intriguing and you get to see some romance between H/h. Now, I'm a big action fan but this story had, for me, a bit too much of it. Because of all that action going on, the romance part suffered and we got to see only one sex scene and that is all we got, apart from their first kiss (that happens in the first few chapters). I liked the many POVs, that was interesting. Also, great secondary characters.
For someone, who really likes action in their romance stories, this is a perfect read. :)
Safety-gang:
Love triangle?
Cheating?
HEA?
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe, but not for now.
Rating: 3 stars
Review
The first few chapters were really intriguing and you get to see some romance between H/h. Now, I'm a big action fan but this story had, for me, a bit too much of it. Because of all that action going on, the romance part suffered and we got to see only one sex scene and that is all we got, apart from their first kiss (that happens in the first few chapters). I liked the many POVs, that was interesting. Also, great secondary characters.
For someone, who really likes action in their romance stories, this is a perfect read. :)
Safety-gang:
Want to read
July 12, 2019🎁 FREE on iBooks today (7/12/2019)! 🎁
September 28, 2013
There are two stories in this really, really short read. I say short because I think each "story line" should have had its own, but the author put them together because neither story was long enough for the publisher, in my opinion.
The main story line? Pretty much cookie cutter style with the male and female coming together, falling in instant love, etc..... Vanilla sex scenes were okay.
The second story line should have been the main one, for me. Still have the cookie cutter style with the male and female attraction, but at least the female lead is a strong woman!
While this is fiction and almost anything can go, it does have to have some "real" components to believe in and this one just did not have that. Even tho I liked the secondary story, I will not be reading anything from this author anytime soon.
The main story line? Pretty much cookie cutter style with the male and female coming together, falling in instant love, etc..... Vanilla sex scenes were okay.
The second story line should have been the main one, for me. Still have the cookie cutter style with the male and female attraction, but at least the female lead is a strong woman!
While this is fiction and almost anything can go, it does have to have some "real" components to believe in and this one just did not have that. Even tho I liked the secondary story, I will not be reading anything from this author anytime soon.
December 28, 2014
Lycanthropes, Vampires, and Zombies. Oh My!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book as I’ve never read anything written by Mina Carter (“Carter”). After reading “Perfect Mate,” and thoroughly enjoying it, I can tell you that she’s got a new fan.
Unlike the familiar themes associated with paranormal novels, Carter pulls in paranormal elements (lycans, vampires, and zombies), creating something a little off the beaten path. In doing so, she successfully keeps the reader engaged and intrigued by the story.
A secret group of scientists deep within the government have been conducting insidious experiments on military soldiers and on other unwilling participants who have been misled about the “project”. The “project” consists of injecting test subjects with one of three strains of virus turning them into lycan, vampire, or zombie. Once turned, more experiments are conducted, all the while making sure the test subjects never leave the premises - ever. The only way out is with a bullet to the back of the head.
After a year of acting and displaying in accordance with what the project scientists expect of them as lycans, Captain Jack Harper and his platoon, executing their plan of escape, are now battling their way out of the facilities. In the midst of their fight to leave, Jack grabs Dr. Lillian Rosewood, whom Jacks claims as his mate.
What I really like about this novel is the way Carter utilizes the other men in the platoon, not centralizing only on Jack and Lillian. This also includes Antonio, whom I find to be a very intriguing and complex individual. She was once a soldier but is now a vampire. Her directive is to find and destroy the lycans using soldiers and zombies (I know. Sounds odd). There’s more to Antonio than meets the eye. All of this is what make the story even more enjoyable.
Why 4 stars, not 5? Others may disagree after reading this book, but I felt there was a little lull in the buildup of the battle between the lycans, vampires and zombies. Also, the one factor I find very irritating that I find in a majority of books, this one included, is the declaration of love between the hero and heroine in a matter of hours. In less than 36 hours of meeting, Jack and Lillian profess their love for one another. I understand these stories are works of fiction. However, this quick declaration of love taints my enjoyment of the story. I’ve got nothing against the protagonists saying “I love you,” but let’s at least make it seem more realistic.
Otherwise, this is a novel that should be read by all paranormal lovers. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book as I’ve never read anything written by Mina Carter (“Carter”). After reading “Perfect Mate,” and thoroughly enjoying it, I can tell you that she’s got a new fan.
Unlike the familiar themes associated with paranormal novels, Carter pulls in paranormal elements (lycans, vampires, and zombies), creating something a little off the beaten path. In doing so, she successfully keeps the reader engaged and intrigued by the story.
A secret group of scientists deep within the government have been conducting insidious experiments on military soldiers and on other unwilling participants who have been misled about the “project”. The “project” consists of injecting test subjects with one of three strains of virus turning them into lycan, vampire, or zombie. Once turned, more experiments are conducted, all the while making sure the test subjects never leave the premises - ever. The only way out is with a bullet to the back of the head.
After a year of acting and displaying in accordance with what the project scientists expect of them as lycans, Captain Jack Harper and his platoon, executing their plan of escape, are now battling their way out of the facilities. In the midst of their fight to leave, Jack grabs Dr. Lillian Rosewood, whom Jacks claims as his mate.
What I really like about this novel is the way Carter utilizes the other men in the platoon, not centralizing only on Jack and Lillian. This also includes Antonio, whom I find to be a very intriguing and complex individual. She was once a soldier but is now a vampire. Her directive is to find and destroy the lycans using soldiers and zombies (I know. Sounds odd). There’s more to Antonio than meets the eye. All of this is what make the story even more enjoyable.
Why 4 stars, not 5? Others may disagree after reading this book, but I felt there was a little lull in the buildup of the battle between the lycans, vampires and zombies. Also, the one factor I find very irritating that I find in a majority of books, this one included, is the declaration of love between the hero and heroine in a matter of hours. In less than 36 hours of meeting, Jack and Lillian profess their love for one another. I understand these stories are works of fiction. However, this quick declaration of love taints my enjoyment of the story. I’ve got nothing against the protagonists saying “I love you,” but let’s at least make it seem more realistic.
Otherwise, this is a novel that should be read by all paranormal lovers. I look forward to the next book in the series.
October 26, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: August 21, 2012
Publisher: Samhain
Imprint: N/a
Author’s Website: http://mina-carter.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Project Mates Series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Favorite Tropes: Fated To Be Mated
Pet Peeves: Sexual Assault, Too Much Setup for the Next Book
I’ve never before read anything by Mina Carter, but I can easily say that if this book was any indication, I will definitely be reading more in the future.
I admit, this was completely a case buying the book for the cover, and I can definitely say, the content lived up to that delicious eye candy. This was my first Mina Carter title, and I assure you, it won’t be my last. I’m dying to see where the story goes, and I’m very upset that I have to wait to get my hands on the sequel, Blood Mate (since, well, it’s not actually been written yet).
Recommended for fans of secret military operations, fated mates, and new twists on old paranormal ideas.
4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: August 21, 2012
Publisher: Samhain
Imprint: N/a
Author’s Website: http://mina-carter.com
My Source for This Book: Amazon
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Project Mates Series
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Warm
Favorite Tropes: Fated To Be Mated
Pet Peeves: Sexual Assault, Too Much Setup for the Next Book
I’ve never before read anything by Mina Carter, but I can easily say that if this book was any indication, I will definitely be reading more in the future.
I admit, this was completely a case buying the book for the cover, and I can definitely say, the content lived up to that delicious eye candy. This was my first Mina Carter title, and I assure you, it won’t be my last. I’m dying to see where the story goes, and I’m very upset that I have to wait to get my hands on the sequel, Blood Mate (since, well, it’s not actually been written yet).
Recommended for fans of secret military operations, fated mates, and new twists on old paranormal ideas.
4.5/5 Stars
November 14, 2012
When a wounded soldier arrives needing emergency care at Lillian Rosewoods psychiatric hospital, she tries to defer it to a hospital but gets thwarted instead trying to assist with the patient. After being shut out, her curiosity to see if the man survived ends up with being attacked by a doctor and finding out that the injured man is quite different from anyone she has ever met.
Captain Jack Harper enlisted, but he didn't realize he would be one of many who would be experimented on and kept subdued when the experiments went awry. As part were he knows the second his scent catches Lillian that he has met his mate. Only wanting to claim her, he has to put it aside in order to get the other like him out safe and begin a new future without getting killed by the government that created them.
Wicked ride, loved Jack. Lillian after a few mind boggling moments accepts Jack for what he is, she surprises him continually with her resourcefulness in times of chaos. If your a movie buff there are a ton of references that had me cracking up, great read.
Captain Jack Harper enlisted, but he didn't realize he would be one of many who would be experimented on and kept subdued when the experiments went awry. As part were he knows the second his scent catches Lillian that he has met his mate. Only wanting to claim her, he has to put it aside in order to get the other like him out safe and begin a new future without getting killed by the government that created them.
Wicked ride, loved Jack. Lillian after a few mind boggling moments accepts Jack for what he is, she surprises him continually with her resourcefulness in times of chaos. If your a movie buff there are a ton of references that had me cracking up, great read.
August 19, 2013
For parts of this book I felt there was a little much going on and felt like I was outside of my comfort zone as far as my usual books went but then as I got more into it and stopped trying to make everything fit into a neat little package I found I quite liked a few of the characters.
The story line was maybe a little thin in places and the ending was annoying as hell but I still found myself jumping on amazon to see when the next one would be out.
For a short read the book held my attention and sucked me in for a bit and left me wondering what the government really is up to so I will definitely be looking at the next book to see how poor Darce makes out with his blood. And hopefully to get some sort of closure on some of the threads that were left flapping in the wind at the end of this one.
The story line was maybe a little thin in places and the ending was annoying as hell but I still found myself jumping on amazon to see when the next one would be out.
For a short read the book held my attention and sucked me in for a bit and left me wondering what the government really is up to so I will definitely be looking at the next book to see how poor Darce makes out with his blood. And hopefully to get some sort of closure on some of the threads that were left flapping in the wind at the end of this one.
Shelved as 'd-n-f'
September 18, 2020As soon as the author snags you into the story, she cuts scene to set something else up with no context or connective tissue to make the reader care about it. 3 times in a row. I'm done now.
December 29, 2012
Shifters, Vamps and Zombies *shudders* and action, lots of it.
Lillian is working at a psychiatric hospital, where the military has taken possession of a wing for their more unstable cases.
Now a trauma victim is wheeled in, blood all over the place, but the military won´t let her take a look or help. When she sneeks in to help anyway, she encounters Jack, and now he´s healed.
As he is there to rescue his fellow soldiers, the government has rallied a troop to take them all out.
Fast paced, alpha males and it ended in a way that makes me want the next book, asap *grabby hands*
(No cliffie for the H/h, but for a secondary couple. )
Lillian is working at a psychiatric hospital, where the military has taken possession of a wing for their more unstable cases.
Now a trauma victim is wheeled in, blood all over the place, but the military won´t let her take a look or help. When she sneeks in to help anyway, she encounters Jack, and now he´s healed.
As he is there to rescue his fellow soldiers, the government has rallied a troop to take them all out.
Fast paced, alpha males and it ended in a way that makes me want the next book, asap *grabby hands*
(No cliffie for the H/h, but for a secondary couple. )
January 7, 2020
Ends at 96%
Science was patchy. Not much info.or.background or details as to why or.who.was in charge. All the Insta love interests. Lots of gore and violence. Terribly mushy and lacking common sense in parts.
Science was patchy. Not much info.or.background or details as to why or.who.was in charge. All the Insta love interests. Lots of gore and violence. Terribly mushy and lacking common sense in parts.
March 14, 2013
1/5; 1 star; DNF
Maybe I didn't give this enough of a chance but the main female character annoyed me right off the bat. Nothing pulled me in to the story so I let it go.
Maybe I didn't give this enough of a chance but the main female character annoyed me right off the bat. Nothing pulled me in to the story so I let it go.
December 24, 2015
~3.5 stars~
This was a creative paranormal/cyborg read. I think it has a lot of.potential as an overall series. Paranormal beings galore. I'm likely to check out the next book in this series.
This was a creative paranormal/cyborg read. I think it has a lot of.potential as an overall series. Paranormal beings galore. I'm likely to check out the next book in this series.
March 10, 2020
Trigger warning -- This series has either attempted or aftermath of sexual assault as a plot point in pretty much every book.
Interesting version of the mad scientist/perfect soldier trope.
Interesting version of the mad scientist/perfect soldier trope.
September 17, 2020
In a dystopian twist on vampires, werewolves, and zombies, they are all created by mad-scientists and military officers in a secret military base. Soldiers volunteering as subjects for improved medical treatment are betrayed, altered, and mistreated.
In spite of the insta-love/fated mates connection between Jack and Lillian, their relationship develops along believable if time-truncated lines.
Well written, fast paced, and with a nice collection of secondary characters, the story can get a bit gruesome in places.
*I've shelved this as dark for the nature of the world, not the hero's treatment of the heroine.
In spite of the insta-love/fated mates connection between Jack and Lillian, their relationship develops along believable if time-truncated lines.
Well written, fast paced, and with a nice collection of secondary characters, the story can get a bit gruesome in places.
*I've shelved this as dark for the nature of the world, not the hero's treatment of the heroine.
October 5, 2012
Ok, starting off…Prior to starting this, I didn’t know it was book one of a new series. All I knew was that it had paranormal elements, the hero sounded hot and there would be an instant connection between Lillian and Jack.
This book starts off great. You are immediately dropped into the action with Jack being brought into the hospital…and there’s an instant attraction for Lillian to Jack. But after getting Lillian & Jack’s POVs, you get another person’s POV…Toni. Initially, I didn’t like this. I realize that this book is setting up a world, a series and the next book; but it was a little much in the first few chapters.
I’m not complaining though, because eventually, you get Darce’s POV too. I actually came to enjoy Toni and Darce’s POVs but…every time the stories switched, I was disappointed to be leaving the current story. Honestly, I felt like a disservice was done to both storylines because they were both good and they were competing with each other in this book. Jack & Lillian didn’t get enough book time to satisfy me and the same goes for Toni & Darce.
Darce has a warped sense of humor...which I loved! He was a great character to read. I’m really looking forward to his book.
I loved the relationship between Lilly and Jack. He was so worried that she would be scared of or repulsed by his wolf, but she loved him for who he was, not what he was. I hope that in future books we get more from them.
This is definitely a series I’ll continue with.
Merged review:
Ok, starting off…Prior to starting this, I didn’t know it was book one of a new series. All I knew was that it had paranormal elements, the hero sounded hot and there would be an instant connection between Lillian and Jack.
This book starts off great. You are immediately dropped into the action with Jack being brought into the hospital…and there’s an instant attraction for Lillian to Jack. But after getting Lillian & Jack’s POVs, you get another person’s POV…Toni. Initially, I didn’t like this. I realize that this book is setting up a world, a series and the next book; but it was a little much in the first few chapters.
I’m not complaining though, because eventually, you get Darce’s POV too. I actually came to enjoy Toni and Darce’s POVs but…every time the stories switched, I was disappointed to be leaving the current story. Honestly, I felt like a disservice was done to both storylines because they were both good and they were competing with each other in this book. Jack & Lillian didn’t get enough book time to satisfy me and the same goes for Toni & Darce.
Darce has a warped sense of humor...which I loved! He was a great character to read. I’m really looking forward to his book.
I loved the relationship between Lilly and Jack. He was so worried that she would be scared of or repulsed by his wolf, but she loved him for who he was, not what he was. I hope that in future books we get more from them.
This is definitely a series I’ll continue with.
This book starts off great. You are immediately dropped into the action with Jack being brought into the hospital…and there’s an instant attraction for Lillian to Jack. But after getting Lillian & Jack’s POVs, you get another person’s POV…Toni. Initially, I didn’t like this. I realize that this book is setting up a world, a series and the next book; but it was a little much in the first few chapters.
I’m not complaining though, because eventually, you get Darce’s POV too. I actually came to enjoy Toni and Darce’s POVs but…every time the stories switched, I was disappointed to be leaving the current story. Honestly, I felt like a disservice was done to both storylines because they were both good and they were competing with each other in this book. Jack & Lillian didn’t get enough book time to satisfy me and the same goes for Toni & Darce.
Darce has a warped sense of humor...which I loved! He was a great character to read. I’m really looking forward to his book.
I loved the relationship between Lilly and Jack. He was so worried that she would be scared of or repulsed by his wolf, but she loved him for who he was, not what he was. I hope that in future books we get more from them.
This is definitely a series I’ll continue with.
Merged review:
Ok, starting off…Prior to starting this, I didn’t know it was book one of a new series. All I knew was that it had paranormal elements, the hero sounded hot and there would be an instant connection between Lillian and Jack.
This book starts off great. You are immediately dropped into the action with Jack being brought into the hospital…and there’s an instant attraction for Lillian to Jack. But after getting Lillian & Jack’s POVs, you get another person’s POV…Toni. Initially, I didn’t like this. I realize that this book is setting up a world, a series and the next book; but it was a little much in the first few chapters.
I’m not complaining though, because eventually, you get Darce’s POV too. I actually came to enjoy Toni and Darce’s POVs but…every time the stories switched, I was disappointed to be leaving the current story. Honestly, I felt like a disservice was done to both storylines because they were both good and they were competing with each other in this book. Jack & Lillian didn’t get enough book time to satisfy me and the same goes for Toni & Darce.
Darce has a warped sense of humor...which I loved! He was a great character to read. I’m really looking forward to his book.
I loved the relationship between Lilly and Jack. He was so worried that she would be scared of or repulsed by his wolf, but she loved him for who he was, not what he was. I hope that in future books we get more from them.
This is definitely a series I’ll continue with.
October 6, 2012
2.5 stars
The plot to this story sounded great, the reviews are pretty good and I didn't check out the reviews like I should have, because even with those two things combined this book had serious flaws. Now mind you, I did finish this book and in the end it was worth it and I may even read the next one to see if the author has learned from her mistakes. I actually blame the beta readers for not bringing these things to the authors attention.
------------------------------->SPOILERISH ------------------------------------------>
We have a Psychiatric hospital being 'invaded' by soldiers with a horribly maimed man. Now not knowing at the time that this man really wasn't a man the hospital manager (our heroine) lets herself be rode roughshod over and lets them bring the wounded man in instead of making them bring him to a real hospital or even calling an ambulance for him. Now he is bloody with his guts hanging out, but she immediately starts thinking about how handsome he is. She does this again later on in the book too. Really?
The other army employees being injected with something that can stop the lycan, vampire, zombie virus but kills them? Uhm..did I miss something? How can the operations stay operating if all the people injected ultimately die?
When we first meet Antonia, she is being given a dose of meds and at the end of this she is being paged to Operations. When we next see her she is on/in bed in her room. A very bad continuity issue. And not the only one, just the one I made note of. Really?
If Lillian is the manager of the hospital that her grandfather owns -how could she apparently not know that there are wings being used for nefarious purposes on one hand, and then on the other hand know enough about the hospital so that she knew there was secret passages?
I needed some back-story on the main characters that I never got in this book. Where was this all taking place? Will the next book explain all this?
Okay enough with what was wrong, now what was right. The story itself has been told before by Lora Leigh. Government experiments on soldiers/civilians, become other and find their one true mate. Ms Cart does well with making it just a little different though. The characters have been fleshed out but not enough in my opinion.
While I can understand the confusion of some of the other reviews with the abrupt ending, I can only say that this was a clever thing to do and will keep those who really liked the book anxious to read more. I found it fairly good place to stop.
When you got by the mistakes the story was intense and fairly bloody and exciting. The romance, what there was was at a fairly good heat level. The bleakness that Jack had was normal and not overdone.
The decision Jack has to make for Lillian near the end of the books perfectly works with the dream sequence at the beginning of the first chapter. Good use of foreshadowing there.
This was NOT a horrible novel, it just needs some better management. I will be reading the next one, especially if it's going to be Darcy and Antonia.
The plot to this story sounded great, the reviews are pretty good and I didn't check out the reviews like I should have, because even with those two things combined this book had serious flaws. Now mind you, I did finish this book and in the end it was worth it and I may even read the next one to see if the author has learned from her mistakes. I actually blame the beta readers for not bringing these things to the authors attention.
------------------------------->SPOILERISH ------------------------------------------>
We have a Psychiatric hospital being 'invaded' by soldiers with a horribly maimed man. Now not knowing at the time that this man really wasn't a man the hospital manager (our heroine) lets herself be rode roughshod over and lets them bring the wounded man in instead of making them bring him to a real hospital or even calling an ambulance for him. Now he is bloody with his guts hanging out, but she immediately starts thinking about how handsome he is. She does this again later on in the book too. Really?
The other army employees being injected with something that can stop the lycan, vampire, zombie virus but kills them? Uhm..did I miss something? How can the operations stay operating if all the people injected ultimately die?
When we first meet Antonia, she is being given a dose of meds and at the end of this she is being paged to Operations. When we next see her she is on/in bed in her room. A very bad continuity issue. And not the only one, just the one I made note of. Really?
If Lillian is the manager of the hospital that her grandfather owns -how could she apparently not know that there are wings being used for nefarious purposes on one hand, and then on the other hand know enough about the hospital so that she knew there was secret passages?
I needed some back-story on the main characters that I never got in this book. Where was this all taking place? Will the next book explain all this?
Okay enough with what was wrong, now what was right. The story itself has been told before by Lora Leigh. Government experiments on soldiers/civilians, become other and find their one true mate. Ms Cart does well with making it just a little different though. The characters have been fleshed out but not enough in my opinion.
While I can understand the confusion of some of the other reviews with the abrupt ending, I can only say that this was a clever thing to do and will keep those who really liked the book anxious to read more. I found it fairly good place to stop.
When you got by the mistakes the story was intense and fairly bloody and exciting. The romance, what there was was at a fairly good heat level. The bleakness that Jack had was normal and not overdone.
The decision Jack has to make for Lillian near the end of the books perfectly works with the dream sequence at the beginning of the first chapter. Good use of foreshadowing there.
This was NOT a horrible novel, it just needs some better management. I will be reading the next one, especially if it's going to be Darcy and Antonia.
September 26, 2018
This is very urban fantasy. The government is playing with viruses that have the ability to turn people into lycans, vampires or zombies and have turned quite a few of them involuntarily, including Captain Jake Harper and his team. The only control the government has over the lycans is silver nitrate and a private wing in the local asylum that makes a good holding area. But when the inmates capture the asylum and team up with the owner’s granddaughter, Lilly Rosewood, it looks like the lycans can actually escape their government captors. It helps that Jake and Lilly have a connection - he knows she’s his mate and she’s on a learning curve about the lycans, but she adapts well, knowing she’s safe no matter how dangerous Jake might seem.
This was a really riveting story. For me it was the urban fantasy part of it...the atmosphere created, the sort of gruesome, gloomy setting and the sort of doomsday, apocalyptic feel of the story. I thought this story really demonstrated what this author is capable of - really good world building. Now...fair warning because this is not light and fluffy. At. All. In fact, this walks the line of horror fairly well. There are some pretty gruesome moments. And I could not put this story down. That being said, I kind of feel that the intensity of this story was lost because of the sort of typical romancisms...like the “OMG, he’s so hawt!” thoughts from the heroine and some of the humor that was used to lighten things up. It tended to pull me out of the world that was sucking me in. Also, and this was just a nitpick from my overly analytical mind, but when we’re dealing with blood borne viruses that create monsters, I kind of feel like the heroine and hero should have been just a bit more concerned about having unprotected sex (or even kissing for that matter). I mean, the author sort of established that the virus could only be passed through biting or scratching, but blood seemed to be a means of passing it as well, which means any bodily fluid should be suspect, especially semen. My mind couldn’t let that one go. Of course in the end, the point was moot anyway. But yeah...this was a pretty great story and I wish all of this author’s work was at this caliber.
This was a really riveting story. For me it was the urban fantasy part of it...the atmosphere created, the sort of gruesome, gloomy setting and the sort of doomsday, apocalyptic feel of the story. I thought this story really demonstrated what this author is capable of - really good world building. Now...fair warning because this is not light and fluffy. At. All. In fact, this walks the line of horror fairly well. There are some pretty gruesome moments. And I could not put this story down. That being said, I kind of feel that the intensity of this story was lost because of the sort of typical romancisms...like the “OMG, he’s so hawt!” thoughts from the heroine and some of the humor that was used to lighten things up. It tended to pull me out of the world that was sucking me in. Also, and this was just a nitpick from my overly analytical mind, but when we’re dealing with blood borne viruses that create monsters, I kind of feel like the heroine and hero should have been just a bit more concerned about having unprotected sex (or even kissing for that matter). I mean, the author sort of established that the virus could only be passed through biting or scratching, but blood seemed to be a means of passing it as well, which means any bodily fluid should be suspect, especially semen. My mind couldn’t let that one go. Of course in the end, the point was moot anyway. But yeah...this was a pretty great story and I wish all of this author’s work was at this caliber.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2021
Perfect Mate is unlike anything I've read before. I've never come across this story mixture of military, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and loads of action. It's tough to rate because on one hand, I admired the originality, was sucked into the story, and loved the romance story. On the other hand, being thrown into the non-stop action right from the start feels a bit like I walked into the middle of a series and not so much the beginning of one. In fact, the whole book takes place in one night -- a nearly non-stop battle sequence.
The story taking place in this book is a battle for survival in a rebellion against 'The Project' a government backed, covert military operation that created viruses for lycanthropy, vampirism, and reanimation and has been subjecting its members to these viruses -- essentially killing them and changing them into creatures left to struggle against humanity and base beast instincts.
The creative and inventive perspective of a scientifically created virus being used by the military to create the monsters we see in movies was a lot of fun. Although the story is less character driven and more action-packed, I did like the characters in this story. The romance in this book is so sweet, I only wish we got more of it! I think I would have liked to see this be a series surrounding the main pack and characters we saw in this book or follow Lillian and Jack all the way through, so that their stories had a more of a chance to expand.
The story taking place in this book is a battle for survival in a rebellion against 'The Project' a government backed, covert military operation that created viruses for lycanthropy, vampirism, and reanimation and has been subjecting its members to these viruses -- essentially killing them and changing them into creatures left to struggle against humanity and base beast instincts.
The creative and inventive perspective of a scientifically created virus being used by the military to create the monsters we see in movies was a lot of fun. Although the story is less character driven and more action-packed, I did like the characters in this story. The romance in this book is so sweet, I only wish we got more of it! I think I would have liked to see this be a series surrounding the main pack and characters we saw in this book or follow Lillian and Jack all the way through, so that their stories had a more of a chance to expand.
October 19, 2014
Really interesting...unlike traditional paranormal books, here the werewolves, vampires and zombies are created by an evil government agency known only as the Project. Regular soldiers are taken against their will and infected with experimental viruses. The transformation is gruesome and permanent. The werewolves now also have the ability to turn or infect others by biting or scratching.
Lillian is a psychiatric hospital manager and she meets Jack when they bring him in to treat his injuries. There is an insta-lust mate love thing that happens immediately and it's pretty hot.
In a parallel story, we get to know Antonia the Blood or vampire. She's sent to hunt down the escaped pack...and runs into a hot werewolf of her own. I'm hoping this will be the next book.
Lillian is a psychiatric hospital manager and she meets Jack when they bring him in to treat his injuries. There is an insta-lust mate love thing that happens immediately and it's pretty hot.
In a parallel story, we get to know Antonia the Blood or vampire. She's sent to hunt down the escaped pack...and runs into a hot werewolf of her own. I'm hoping this will be the next book.
September 15, 2012
I figured it would be something similar to Lora Leigh's series however it was original and nothing like it which is what gave me the incentive to move it from one star to two. However, that being said it moved far too quickly. It honestly moved so quickly that I made zero connection with the characters. Most of it left me confused or just detached, I did NOT finish the book. It is an extremely short read but I could not find any urge to read anything more of these characters. I loved the cover it was phenomenal and the idea was great. I liked that it was NOT a rip off of lora Leigh's series. However, i just didn't like it.
September 2, 2012
Zombies. Never thought I'd willingly read a book with them in it. Not usually my thing. However, I. Loved. This. Book! This is my first from this author, and it won't be the last. The plot was pretty non stop and the writing was great! I really liked the new take she took on the werewolf/vampire and ZOMBIES! theme. Hello! it was great. I kinda wish there had been more sexin in it though.... And there better be a second because I will be very sad if there's not! Ms. Carter has a new fan in this girl *points to self* :)
January 20, 2016
This book is somewhat generic, with the usual "identify soul mate by smell" thing going on. What made it interesting was that the werewolves were escaped lab rats, which is one of my favourite tropes. The heroine had only a few TSTL moments, which was gratifying.
The thing that annoyed me: uh, the immediate hatred between the Bloods and the Lycans. That just made no sense to me whatsoever. They can fight their natures, they can even hide their emotions and whatever from the horrible humans, but they can't get over some completely arbitrary baseless hatred? Ugh.
The thing that annoyed me: uh, the immediate hatred between the Bloods and the Lycans. That just made no sense to me whatsoever. They can fight their natures, they can even hide their emotions and whatever from the horrible humans, but they can't get over some completely arbitrary baseless hatred? Ugh.
December 17, 2012
Hmmm. Typical "me genetically enhanced warrior oppressed solder werewolf" you "hot strangely knowledgable nurse human" story.
What concerns me at first was that I thought I had read it before, until I realized that the plot of Primal Law is very similar. So, if you like that book, you will like this one.
What concerns me at first was that I thought I had read it before, until I realized that the plot of Primal Law is very similar. So, if you like that book, you will like this one.
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