I am feeling a hook hangover coming on after this one! Oh my goodness I could feel my heart and emotions pounding along with the characters! Thea and Conall are breathtaking!

The heat, the desire, the enemies, the alpha presence. War of Hearts had it all and I LOVED it!


*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to review!*

S. Young is a pen name for Samantha Young and War of Hearts is the first book that I have read under this pen name. The storytelling is incredible, the characters likeable, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

This was a great paranormal romance. I liked the storyline with a woman more powerful than the male. And, I'm always in favor of a fated relationship. Lots of action in this one too.

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Although I liked the story, I feel like a lot was left unsaid after I finished it. Things weren't too tightly wrapped and I felt a bit left out when I finsihed reading it.

War of Hearts is the first paranormal book by Samantha Young, writing as S. Young. I like Samantha's writing and I have liked it since she released her first book years ago, On Dublin Street. But to be quite honestly, I feel like this paranormal could have used a bit more research. Not on paranormal facts, because those wer adequate, but on other paranormal books, I guess?! Bottom line is that I feel like this book wanted to be something and it didn't quite reach it.

The characters were likable, some more than others and I don't buy the main characters attaraction and chemistry. I didn't feel it and neither their connection. And because of that I didn't connct with them.

But maybe what I really hoped was different is the fact the heroine had to literally change who she was to live and in order to do that she had to change to something ther hero was. I don't usually say things like this, but the alpha male in this book was a BIG male chauvinist and I realized that specially at the very end, after all the changes. And it annoyed me.

It was a good read and it engaged me enough, but I feel like it could have been better. I figured what what the heroine was very early on and there weren't many surprises for me there. I wanted more enagaging characters.

A good read, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Conall is the alpha werewolf and chief of a pack in Scotland, his family and his pack are his priorities and it's killing him having to watch his sister waste away from a disease with no known cure. When he's approached by a businessman who offering him a cure in exchange for Conall tracking down a murderer and bringing them to justice he jumps at the chance to save Callie's life.

Thea has always known she is different she just doesn't know why, despite being born to human parents she is faster and stronger than any human should be and her healing abilities are exceptional even compared to supernaturals. After her parents died she was taken in by a family friend but once he discovered her powers she spent years locked up and suffering through experiment after experiment. Escaping cost her everything and she's been on the run ever since trying to stay one step ahead of her enemies. Now Conall is on her trail and he always finds his target, he thinks he's hunting a murderer but Thea knows capture will lead to a lifetime of pain and suffering and she will do anything to escape that fate.

I love Samantha Young's contemporary romances but paranormal is where my heart lies so when I found out she was writing her first adult PNR story I knew I had to read it. War of Hearts was a brilliant slow build romance between two characters who both have everything to lose. They're both great characters and although I was a bit irritated by how easily Conall let himself be duped in the beginning I could understand his desperation to believe anything if it meant saving his sister. Thea has suffered so much but in spite of that she has a kind of charming innocence about her and she believes the best in the people she meets. She could so easily use her abilities to get whatever she wants but she prefers to work hard and make her own way in life, something that Conall quickly comes to respect too. I thought these two made a really well matched pair and I enjoyed watching them finally start to realise how deeply their feelings ran for each other.

The story is full of action as the chase takes them all across Europe as Thea tries to keep out of Conall's reach. Then when someone else starts targeting the pair they realise that they're going to have to work together if they both want to survive. Samantha Young has created an interesting world and while this story works perfectly as a stand alone I'm really excited that she plans to write more stories set in this universe. Kiss of Vengeance is definitely at the top of my wish list for when it publishes next year!

This is my first paranormal book that I have read from S. Young and I am so happy to have been given the opportunity to read it.

Truth Conquers.

I love the motto of the pack. Thea Quinn is unknown species and is on trying to hide. Under false information Connall MacLennan is recruited to find Thea.

I loved their spark from the beginning. I loved the strength of Thea. She was kick ass from the beginning. I love this story.

"A wolf is only as strong as his heart, and my heart belongs completely you you. So who really has the power here?"

All the elements of the story I like quite a lot from what Thea is and her history as well I liked the pack and elements of the heirarchy of the pack. The martyr type decisions I could have done without but otherwise I adored this book. I can't wait for more from this series and this author.

Holy…WOW. I am HOOKED. Line and sinker on all of the words. On this amazing world. On what I’m desperately now hoping will be a series. Because this book seriously blew me away.
I’m a HUGE PNR fan, and so it goes without saying I’m also ridiculously picky when it comes to the genre. But considering how much I adore Samantha Young’s contemporaries, I knew without even reading the blurb to this book that I had to have it. And when I finally read the blurb? I was frothing at the mouth to get my hands on it.
If there’s one thing that is especially hard for PNR books to do, is the world building. All too often I’ll read a PNR story that ends up being a data dump of epic proportions or there’s just not enough world building to truly grasp or understand. This was none of those things. This felt like a movie reel unraveling behind my eyes as I was turning the pages. A magic, fantastical world that I couldn’t get enough of.
Thea Quinn is on the run but she’s no weakling. As a matter of fact, she’s frightfully strong. But the most frightening thing is she has no idea what she is or where her strength comes from. She’s been on the run for years from something that threatens everything for her.
Conall MacLennan, is the Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan, and one of the most fearsome and strong werewolves there is. When a man comes to him and offers him a deal to save his terminally ill sister in exchange for him hunting down a dangerous fugitive, it doesn’t take him long to make up his mind. Being one of the best trackers, it doesn’t take him long to track down Thea. Unfortunately it also doesn’t take him long to figure out that neither Thea or everything else surrounding their situation is what it seems.
The story was an action packed page turner. There’s nothing I love more than a strong heroine, and boy did Thea check that box for me. The woman is fierce. At times, her power overshadows even that of Conall. But what I loved the most is that it never diminished Conall’s intensity. If anything, watching the way he handles it just added to his appeal.
The romance is a slow burn, and while it’s a little tamer that what I’m used to from this author, it was no less satisfying. I loved these two together, but I especially loved the unraveling of their unique world and learning more about many of the mysterious secondary characters. There’s enough of a hook at the end to make me think that there will be more to come in this world and I can’t wait! If you’re looking for an addicting and unique PNR, look no further. This will check all of your boxes!

A well-written and unique story with lots going on. Good solid characters and dialogue move the story along quite well.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a decent magical, paranormal romance. I enjoyed Thea's spunk and golden heart. Despite surviving the horrors she experienced at the hands of her guardian she continued to thrive and help others when needed. Collan was the perfect mate for her. She drew from his strength and protection. I did feel this was a bit lengthy and moments were a bit slow but overall good book.

Author Samantha Young delivered a Paranormal Romance that was captivating and consuming.

I loved the excitement this book gave me as I read on finding out if Thea would be found by Conall.

The love, the hate, the mystery of being able to save lives as well as staying alive made this book jump off the pages.

Absolutely amazing! A fantastically built world, badass heroine, fast paced story, and great plot! Highly Recommend!

I like when a book surprises me but I love when it makes me fall head over heels in love and completely immerse myself in the story. War of Hearts did both for me. It is an amazing paranormal romance with action, suspense, romance and unique characters you can’t help but root for.

I loved Conall, he was a genuinely good guy. He was loyal, honorable and fierce when those he cared about were threatened. His deal with Ashforth seemed simple enough, track down a murderer, bring her back and in exchange, his sister’s fatal disease would be cured.

Between Thea’s snarky façade and Conall’s secret romantic side, I was glued to the pages and eating up their rocky romance from start to finish.

I loved this read, one of the best of 2019 for me. I am definitely ready for book two and I’m dying to know more about the remaining Seven, King Fionn, and if Catha will make an appearance again!

Would I recommend? If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, I highly recommend checking this one out. I loved it and got Immortals After Dark vibes from it.

A very interesting premise and fully fleshed our characters. Plus a steamy clash between the two main characters! I love gruff heroes and the women who crack open their shells.

I haven't read this kind of books since Edward and Jack were in full force. Its nor really something that attracts me, but this author is one of my favorites and now.... now, I really hope she starts writing fast so I can read what happens next in this world. Lovely story, strong characters, and addictive. I have read every book Samantha Young has written and I will continue to do so, whatever the genre. Definitively a 5 star read!

This book I would describe as a contemporary paranormal novel. Does that make sense? I mean, it all sounds very plausible. I believe your story, Samantha Young. Maybe I have an overly active imagination but this...it could be.

So we have werewolves, vampires, fairies and humans. The tale is old as the time of power and morality. The choices we make. Our hero is an alpha wolf who is recruited to hunt down our heroine. She is something powerful that can heal the hero's sister. Through the chase around Europe, we lean that the hero is not the only one who has an interest in heroine.

This has very enemies to lover thing going on. I like the world-building. It is very believable and interesting, Premise is at the same time familiar and new, Writing is excellent. Our lead couple is everything I look for in PNR book. I would like that this becomes a series.

The only thing I disliked is that at certain points I stopped reading and needed time to get back to it. So as I am late to read this and write my review for this book I don't know is that the reason or just ...life. The anticipation of learning about what really happened...who really are our lead protagonists...and the banter, the great and amazing banter between them...when that stopped I was feeling a certain way.

I would recommend this book!!!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Conall is the alpha of the oldest and strongest werewolf pack in Scotland. He's just about to agree to an arranged marriage with the daughter of the alpha of the biggest pack in North America, securing an alliance between them, when he receives an offer he can't refuse. Conall's sister is sick, and there's a cure that could save her. The only problem is that the "cure" is the blood of a particular woman whose supernatural talents just might exceed his own. Conall's an expert tracker, so he agrees to hunt her down to save his sister's life. But when he finds Thea, he gets a lot more than he bargained for...not an enemy, someone who is not at all the villain he thought he was after, and who starts to look a lot more like an ally and a friend the more time he spends with her. But if he falls for Thea, what happens to the deal to save his sister? What happens to his arranged marriage? What happens to his pack? Will he risk it all to save the woman who might be his mate?

Ok, let me just start by saying that I didn't realize this was a fantasy book when I started reading it. I saw the author (Samantha Young is a favorite!) and the romantic-looking cover, and I jumped right in. When I realized there were supernatural elements including werewolves and vampires and covens (oh my!), I inwardly rolled my eyes and almost put it down. Because Twilight and True Blood and <authors I won't mention here> (spoiler) and oh-so-many other different ways it has been done, so why bother? What an IDIOT I almost was. Thank goodness I kept reading! Samantha Young wrote one of my favorite romance series ever set in Scotland, and this one ranks right up there...yes, even though it's about a werewolf who falls in love with a <supe of unknown origin> (spoiler). I know, it SOUNDS lame. It SOUNDS ridiculous. But it was so much fun!

Conall is surly and sexy and powerful, and Thea is scarred by so many things in her life but MORE than a match for him. Their enemies-to-lovers transition totally worked, and even though I knew it was coming, it was just as delicious as I wanted it to be. Their relationship is antagonistic and teasing and playful and HOT.

I know, I know...I'm even giggling at myself as I write this, because I KNOW it's a ridiculous premise that's been done before but I don't care because it was a super fun read and I loved it!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Social Butterfly PR for this swoony and surprising ARC in exchange for my honest review.**

It’s been a while since I’ve read a paranormal book, and man did I miss it. S. Young made me realize exactly how much I’ve missed the world of the supernatural. This was such an amazing book! Wow, I can’t wait for more. Please, Ms. Young let there be more and more and more!

There’s not much I can say about this story, without giving things away, and to really enjoy this book it’s best you go into it without any spoilers. All you need to know is that it’s brilliant. Suspenseful, exciting, mysterious, romantic, sexy, funny, and hot hot hot! Conall is the hottest wolf boy I’ve had the pleasure of meeting for sometime now. He stood for his people, and ruled over them and lived life with truth and respect and honor. I just wanted to roll over and submit to him in hopes that he would nuzzle against me and let me pet him.

Thea…. she is a bad ass!!! Bad ass!! I loved her so hard! She had such strength and determination, and God, such a pure heart. When I grow up, I want to be just like her… and I want my very own wolf boy too, hopefully one just like Conall. They were so so effing perfecting for each other.

Read this book! Do not pass go… just stop, drop, and read. Can’t wait to see if we get more from this phenomenal world and these amazing characters. Now… where did I leave my wolfie?

WAR OF HEARTS is the first instalment in S. Young’s contemporary, adult, TRUE IMMORTALITY paranormal romance series focusing on thirty year old, Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan Conall MacLennan, and twenty-five year old, Thea Quinn.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Conall and Thea) WAR OF HEARTS follows the building relationship between thirty year old, Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan Conall MacLennan, and twenty-five year old, Thea Quinn. Conall Maclennan has been tasked with bringing in a killer; a young woman of unknown supernatural origin but a woman who has been identified as the killer in a series of deaths across Europe. Unbeknownst to Conall, Thea has been targeted by someone from her past, someone who is desperate to bring Thea under his control. What ensues is the continental journey of Thea and Conall; the building relationship between Thea and Conall; and the potential fall-out as Thea finds herself facing her own mortality.

Thea Quinn lost her parents at an early age and therefore has no idea as to her natural heritage. Raised by an abusive and sadistic man, Thea’s escape from imprisonment meant our heroine must remain under the radar without relationships or friends. Conall MacLennan is about to discover that the woman he has been contracted to bring under control is his fated mate. Unaware of the truth, Conall must come to terms with the possibility that his mate is a killer, and unable to control.

The relationship between Conall and Thea is one of immediate attraction but begins acrimoniously as Conall finds himself battling between head and heart as it pertains to the job at hand. Thea is not what she appears to be, and when the truth is revealed, Conall must protect the woman with whom he will fall in love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters many of whom are members of Conall’s Pack. We are introduced to Conall’s sister Callie and her soon to be husband James; hunters Grace and Angus MacLennan vampire Vik; North American Alpha Peter Canid, and his children Richard and Sienna; Jasper Ashforth, and his son devon.

WAR OF HEARTS is a story of family, responsibility, power and control. The premise is fast paced, engaging and entertaining; the character are energetic and dynamic; the romance seductive and captivating. WAR OF HEARTS is an exciting, imaginative and inventive tale of fated mates and happily ever after.



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Thea isn't human but she doesn't know what she is. She's strong, fast, can take a bullet without hardly flinching and has been on the run for a long time since she escaped the man who experimented and tortured her but is still searching for her and wants to get her back.

Conall is hired to find Thea and he is led to believe she's a cold hearted killer. But he wants to save his sister's life and the guy that hired him says that Thea is the key to the cure.

Conall is an alpha werewolf and he has a crazy good tracking ability once he gets someone's scent. So he's able to find Thea quite fast and that's when the fun begins because Thea has a few incredible abilities of her own. Once Thea realizes that she can't get away from Conall because of his tracking ability, she stays with him and even helps him a few times so he starts to believe that what he's been told about her is not the truth. Little by little the truth comes out and it's horrible. The guy who hired Conall to find Thea is a horrible person who tortured her and she's going to do whatever she has to in order not to be his prisoner again and she can only hope that Conall will come to believe her and not hand her over to him.

At first all he wants to do is get her to the guy who hired him and get the cure for his sister but things change pretty fast and all his well thought out plans go out the window. There's more than one guy interested in Thea though and when they start to face danger everywhere they turn, Connal knows that someone is telling the bad guys where they're at and where to find them since they can't seem to escape them for long. There are so many twists and turns in this story it was hard to know who to trust or believe but the truth of what Thea is comes out eventually and all the lies that have followed her also get set straight. I was completely invested in this story, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what else would happen or what new element would be introduced into the story.

Seeing Connal and Thea get closer, find the truth and realize they can trust each other was great along with the mystery surrounding what she is and why her supposed adopted father wanted her back in his care. There were little clues as to what she was and I've read enough paranormal romance books to have an idea what she was and I was right but it was fun to watch it unfold. I loved that Conall was Scottish and has a sexy Scottish accent and used words like, "Lass" all the time. Be still my heart but I do love a Scottish accent, even if I'm just reading it.

This was such a fun book. There was enough mystery, adventure, romance and twists to make this a very engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Absolutely fantastic. It's been a while since I have read a really good PNR. Thea has had such a hard life and has so many well earned trust issues. Conall has a lot riding on finding Thea and bringing her to Scotland. Such a great story with many twists and a marvelous HEA!. I hope S. Young makes this a series with some of the great side characters.