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!!

“If Shakespeare had solved the Montague and Capulet feud by uniting the two families through a marriage of convenience, would it have looked like this?

A intense paranormal marriage of convenience between two alphas in order to bring together their feuding packs. This was a fun sequel novella to The Demigod Complex in the Brimstone INC series!

We are first introduced to Marrok & Tala in the first book as we learn about their marriage and see one side of what happened at the wedding. The Demigod Complex left me wanting to know more about this couple and Owen did not disappoint.

” Always present the image you want to be known by.”

In true enemies to lovers nature, this story had all the banter and sass that I crave! The politics that play into the packs and that power struggle that Marrok & Tala face within their packs and between each other added so much to the sexual tension and plot.

I absolutely adored Tala as a character not only is she a female alpha, but she is so fierce and kickass! She knows how to stand her own and the scenes of her fighting were hot! Marrok was such an adorable male character that you just want to squeeze in a big hug. Of course he makes some mistakes and handles some situations like a typical alpha male. He definitely pulled out that redemption card, he worked on it and tried so hard to fix everything and fight for Tala.

” The strong, independent, fierce woman who hid beneath a facade of icy control and couture clothing had won him, heart and soul.”

Although this story was super short and had me wanted more from this couple and see more of their relationship. I think Owen was able to tell a great story and wrap it up nicely! There were a few times that I felt were repetitive. It was like the scenes were copied and pasted and a few words altered. Overall it had good pacing for such a short novella and gave me the paranormal steamy smush I needed! If I could be in any thruple it would be with Marrok & Tala, they are both adorable and sexy alphas! If you love paranormal stories with steamy moments, politics, witty banter and a fantastic enemies to lovers read, this book is for you!

3.5 stars

This was a quick fun read. I'm really digging the Brimstone Inc. series so far! I loved the dynamic between the shifters human forms and their inner animal. It was pretty neat how there was kind of a separation of the two and it got really interesting when the wolf personas were clashing with the human personalities.

It was fun to see how this political alliance evolved into a romantic one, and the many hurdles Tala and Marrok had to overcome in that journey. I can't wait to see what Brimstone Inc. gets us into next!

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.

Happy reading!

This was a short, smutty, paranormal read that was entertaining, had some action, and (always good right now) was an awesome distraction.

I read book#1 but you could probably dive right in here. This is more of a novella that fills in the gaps following the arranged mating between two alphas. It was supposed to bring peace between the two packs but it has done anything but. Tala and Marrock are pretty determined to see this through, and it's not exactly a horrible idea since they clearly have attraction on their side. It's where trust is involved that there is a bit of a disconnect.

There is a bit of a coup underway that both Tala and Marrock are trying to stop, while at the same time trying to get their wolves to fall in line with their humans. I enjoyed both characters, more so by the end, but it was fun to watch them learn more about one another here.

Ok disclaimer here. I had no idea that Shift Out Of Luck was the second in a series OR that it was a novella. I like to always start with the first book in a series, so I was miffed when I began the book and realized I was missing a little bit of the story- or actually, maybe the world building I was confused about since the relationship started on page one here. That being said, I would love to go back now and read the first story so fill in the blanks about whatever Brimstone is and I for sure want to read more since this was fun and really easy read to spend a hour or so on. I usually do not read novellas but this had cute character development and a fast paced plot so I don't feel like I was missing anything- that being sad, I would totally read this if it were a full length novel I liked the characters so much.

This was very much a werewolf romance story which I am always a sucker for- through in the mate bond and I am a goner. The story was dual narrated (the only way a romance should be in my totally biased opinion) by the two main characters/love interests. Marrok was born to be the alpha of his pack, groomed from birth to take his place- but he is not your normal alpha. Instead he is understanding and adaptable, caring about all of his pack, approachable- and can cook. I loved him from the start and rooted for him to get his happily ever after. Tala was more prickly and hard for me to figure out at first. I loved that the author took a different approach with a female alpha and we saw her struggle first hand to fight for her pack when every thing was against her. She could never look weak and I felt for her once I understood the issue.

Overall I found this to be sweet, steamy and fast, something I got lost in this afternoon for some quick escapism. I recommend this for anyone who enjoys paranormal romances, werewolf love stories and great character building.

This is the second book in a series and I hadn't read the first one but still thoroughly enjoyed this one. It is a different take on shifter romance with two alpha leaders from opposing warring packs having an arranged marriage to help bring peace  . . . . but will this be a match made in heaven or a reason for even more war?

This is an intriguing paranormal romance with many different elements coming in to play. How can two alphas agree to marry for the sake of their packs when they've never met before? Can they actually become true mates? Tala is a strong alpha in her own right, how will she respond to someone else trying to tell her what to do without discussing options? How will her pack respond to the new alliance? So many questions and you'll just have to read it for yourself to discover the answers! I found this a fascinating read, with plenty of surprises, and such a feisty female lead! I highly recommend this quick read to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances with plenty of action and suspense as well as steamy scenes. I'm looking forward tor reading more in this series in future! I didn't feel I'd missed out on lots by not having read the first book before this but confess that I've now been and bought myself a copy of it as I enjoyed this one so much.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

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.

Is this the second book in this series? Yes. But I feel as tough it could be read as a standalone. So don't let that stop you from picking this up. Especially if you like PNR's with a lot of action in a short period of time.

Marrok and Tala are both alphas of their packs. Yes, it's "odd" to have a female as the alpha, but trust me, she's badass and totally deserves it. In an attempt to bring their packs closer together, Marrok and Tala mated, more out of necessity than love. But that doesn't mean there isn't "something" there between the two.

But that also doesn't mean that there will be obstacles in their way....

While trying to convince the packs that their union is pure and blessed by the Gods, Tala's wolf seems to be struggling with something of its own. Having to put her personal issues on the back burner, she focuses solely on the immediate task at hand, all while continuously fighting her own pack for approval.

The chemistry between Marrok and Tala is smokin hot, but the sincere and genuine lust/love Marrok has for Tala is beautiful. Buckle up and enjoy this short but sweet ride.

This book started out on fire 🔥 It picks up shortly after Marrok and Tala's wedding and proceeds to explain how they're integrating their feuding packs and dealing with them both being Alpha. They're dealing with it in smokin' hot ways.

They can't seem to get along in front of their packs though, so they take off to Tala's cabin in the mountains to get to know each other better and work through their differences. Which turns out pretty well until Tala gets a call saying she has been challenged for her Alpha position and she must go fight. Marrok can't go because he is too protective of his mate. Watching her drive away was the hardest thing he's ever done. Will his mate be alive the next time he sees her? Or will he be facing a new Alpha?

Shift Out of Luck is a seriously sexy, wholly engaging read. There is no sophomore slump in the Brimstone Inc. series; Tala and Marrok’s story was impossible for me to put down.

The Canis and Banes shifter packs have been locked in a violent feud for ages. Alphas Tala and Marrok are determined to find a way to bring peace, so they agree to a mating of convenience. Only there is nothing convenient about the fire that burns between them. Tala and Marrok are hot as hell together and suit each other perfectly. It’s clear to see that they’re made for each other, but it’s not easy when two alphas mate. Their mating didn’t wipe out the animosity between their packs and Tala in particular is being hit by the blowback from her pack. Issues of dominance, equality, and power make things hard for Tala and Marrok and I liked that they had to really work for their happily ever after. Marrok in particular has something to learn about stepping back when all he wants to do is protect his mate. His mistakes don’t come from a place of sexism, which I appreciated, but nevertheless I could understand why Tala was so frustrated.

Tala and Marrok have a sizzling chemistry that makes Shift Out of Luck seriously addictive. Author Abigail Owen makes it so easy to root for Tala and Marrok as they work toward their happily ever after. There is no false drama in this book, which I really appreciated, only logical obstacles that are anything but easy to overcome. Tala and Marrok’s sense of duty, honor, and loyalty combined with their fierceness and caring made them fantastic protagonists. And when you add that in to an engrossing, sexy love story…well, it’s easy to see why I adored this book. I cannot wait to see what comes next in the Brimstone Inc. series!

Love the world building in this series. Of course, I love the wolfies too. Great to see how these two strong alphas were going to make it work with their two packs. A few suggestive tidbits dropped as to what may come next in the series. Looking forward to reading more about all these paranormals.

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!

I really enjoyed this novella. Owen has given us two very complex Alphas and it's perfect. Two who want to be in charge makes for all kinds of great tension. Marrok and Tala are so complex and definitely aren't just what each other and their packs see. Most alphas wouldn't care about others but these two really care for their packs and each other even though their tough as nails and will kill if necessary to save others.

Tala is every woman who's had to face the challenges of sex discrimination. She's had to fight harder to lead her shifters but she's also got to deal with the subtle, unintended dismissive behavior of her mate.

Marrok and Tala's marriage was meant only to seal their alliance but in all the best ways it turns into one of true affection and eventually abiding love.

A quick read this book still has all the suspense and story/character development of a much longer book packed into it. A fun read for sure.

After The Demigod Complex, I was very happy to see a second book in the Brimstone Inc. Series. Dahlia keeps 'm coming :-) Hopefully she will get her own book in the series.
But in this book we read about Tala and Marrok (yep, the ones who where in the alpha wolf shifter mating in The Demigod Complex) and the reason of their mating. And the reasons why it is a very tricky situation. Both Tala and Marrok are alphas of their pack. And therefore, they have a very explosive relationship. Add the inner wolfs to the mix and Tala and Marrok have a very hard time to reconcile their differences. Although... in the bedroom there is a different kind of explosive.
But after the mating Tala's inner wolf doesn't want anything to do with Marrok. And her pack is getting antsy. How can Marrok and Tala overcome their issues and lead both packs as a team? Find out for yourself if they need Dahlia's help and why. Dahlia, thank you very much ;-)
Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

SHIFT OUT OF LUCK is an update of Abigail Owen's Worse for Were (originally published in 2016), and what I loved about the older version still rings true in the new with a bit of added depth. In the author's own words - "Scenes were added, things were changed, but the kissing still remains!" It has the same amazing vibe that won my admiration for this remarkable writer, with characters that come to life in a read that will hold you captivated. If you didn't read Worse for Were, or even if you did, you need to get your hands on SHIFT OUT OF LUCK.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=70451

A big thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, but reads great as a stand alone. Really enjoyed this book. Fun strong characters. Marrock and Tala are both alphas. Trying to merge two packs, can't ever be easy. Good readable recommend to people who enjoy paranormal romance. 4 stars

Two Alphas, an arranged marriage and two enemy packs.
This was a quick read, and while I enjoyed it, much of the time I was confused.

The fight to combine packs and learn to navigate workijg as equals Alphas was well done.

The were characters that were slipped in without explanation that threw me off.
But overall the relationship between Tala and Marrock was captivating.

Fun!

An entertaining and sweet story with a dash of intrigue and action.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This was a good little romp of a book. I enjoyed it a more than the first one, for sure. Could have done with a bit more development though. Overall, it was a nice read!