I think I just found a new author to love! Arctic Bite is so yummy and sexy! I want more right this minute. This is me doing a pretty poor job at practicing patience. (Bouncing leg, tapping foot, and feverishly looking for something else written by N. J. Walters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Very easy to read, breathless rhythm and good characters.
Steamy hot scenes, it's hard to write something like this without creating mushy or fake scenes.
So, praise to the author! Good job!

Hot DAMN! Yup this is a great sexy read, totally into every page and then some. Loved their mix and how well this blended. I enjoyed how the chemistry grew and the surrounding story.

OK, now I want my own polar bear shifter. I really like Alexi. Sexy, strong, capable. I love when an emotionally and relationship isolating man falls and falls hard for a girl. Cassie is the perfect girl to fall for. She's, for very different reasons also been separate from most people and beings. We know Alexi is an outcast and that story unfolds slowly enough to keep the reader hanging (in a totally good way).

There are so many layers, twists and turns to this story and all of them kept my turning pages. So many of the situations and characters avoid cliches by being just a bit, or a lot, different than every other paranormal story.

I am fairly new to Walters but this in a great intro and I look forward to more! As the blurb indicated this book is easily read as a stand alone.

‘Arctic Bite’ is the second title in the ‘Forgotten Brotherhood’ series, and to say that it’s intense is an understatement. And that cover just screams power, fury, and yeah, sexy. This is the second story in this series I’ve read and it’s a paradox in so many ways. What these men knew is turning out to be far, far different than expected… even after a long life, it seems there are still surprises awaiting Alexei. Cassie is certainly not what Alexei expected when he tracked this reaper to a small town – and he certainly didn’t expect the sparks between them.

Cassie is so very different than a reaper who should be put down for good. She has reasons and secrets of her own. The spark, the strong attraction between Alexei and Cassis is very real, but why she’s been targeted isn’t clear to either and the surprises just keep rolling on. Alexei needs to figure out what is truth and what has been a lie for a long time. One thing he does know, his feelings for Cassie are not lies and he needs answers before someone else comes for her or them both.

I’m enjoying this world as a little bit is revealed with each story. I love a puzzle, and ‘Arctic Bite’ is certainly that in many ways. The writing is smooth and believable (for the genre), the characters are fierce and intense one moment and gentle, caring with each other the next. There is definitely sizzling steam with this couple. Alexei needs answers, and he may not like what those answers eventually turn out to be. I’m already waiting for the next title to release and would definitely recommend this story or the series for any Paranormal Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This book sucked me from the first page. It was exciting and a lot going on! Alexei is sexy and focused on his task. Before he assassinates another supernatural, he observes them to make sure it is the right thing to do. I loved how strong Cassandra was! She didn't take crap from no one! There are a lot of twitsts in this book that are a surprise. The ending has too much stuff going on and it feels like it was all crammed in before the end. Overall, a great read!

=

3.5/5 Stars

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.

I loved getting a deeper look into the world of the Forgotten Brotherhood. I loved the first book and while this one wasn't nearly as good for me, I still enjoyed it very much.

The author has a very inviting writing style. Her writing really pulls you in and holds your attention. I thought that the pacing was a little hurried overall. I know that this is a fast-paced story but things sometimes felt too abrupt. I really enjoyed the plot twists that the author dished out in this book though I felt like things weren't happening in the story at times.

I really liked both Cassandra and Alexei. I liked the mystery of both of their pasts and how everything was revealed. They had some nice backstories. I felt that Alexei and Cassandra were both very relatable and likable characters. I really loved seeing Maccus from the first book of the series.

I loved everything about the romance except for the instalove. They had great chemistry with each other and the author wrote their connection very well.

Overall, this was a great addition to the Forgotten Brotherhood series. This is an interesting world and I love how each book gets a little bit deeper. This book had wonderful characters and surprising plot twists. If you enjoy fast-paced paranormal romance then you'll love this series.

Book 2 in Forgotten Brotherhood, Artic Bite is a fabulous, engrossing story. I was quickly captured and taken on a journey with the dynamic character and well written story. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up it is well worth the read.

First thing that attracted me to this book was the cover, I've got to be honest. It's beautiful! This author was new to me, but between the cover and the blurb, I couldn't resist. Arctic Bite by N.J. Walters was a fun read with great chemistry, and a few twists thrown in.

Alexei is a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, and he's been hired to hunt down and kill Cassie. Cassie is a reaper that has been reaping since the beginning of time, and she decides she no longer wants to reap souls. Problem is no reaper has ever successfully walked away. They have great chemistry throughout and I loved all of the reveals throughout the book. They both have great backstories and a lot of issues from their past to work through.

Although it's the second book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series, it can be read as a standalone. I didn't read book one, Fury Unleashed, first and now I just have to go back and read it after being introduced to the hero Maccus! I'd also love to see Death get his own book at some point, fingers crossed! Overall, it was a great read!

3.5 stars — This book was definitely entertaining, but it was missing just…something to make it a true hit for me. I’m still having problems concentrating, so maybe I *gasp* need to take a break from reading. *sigh*

Honestly? I actually really loved Alexei. I don’t know if he’ll be many people’s favourites, but he was this beautiful sensitive soul dealing with some HUGE internal struggles, and he just melted my heart. I loved how humbled he was by Cassie’s attention, how he would blush over his feelings. I ached for what he went through in his past, and how everyone had basically betrayed him. He was just completely NOT what I was expecting from this book, and for me that was a huge PLUS. He alone is why I will be rounding up. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he wasn’t perfect. And sometimes he felt a bit too good to be true…but in general it was all love. I especially loved how he loved being playful because of his bear side…that was adorable as fuck.

Cassie was pretty easy to like in general, though because she was holding on to so many secrets about who she was, it was a bit harder to connect with her. I thought her whole story was seriously fascinating, though I think I would have preferred to know some things earlier on, and leave just the big reveal towards the end. I still don’t think I fully understand what she was feeling that made her quit and run…because she spends so much time talking about how reapers don’t have feelings, I wanted a bit more…depth about what drove her to the edge. I get the sickle story…that was…just sad. I wish I knew more about that, but I wonder if that’ll become clear in future books.

As for the two of them together? I enjoyed their banter and their genuine caring for one another…but their feelings felt a wee bit fast for me. I will accept that if there’s some supernatural reason, but it was mostly just good ole instalove. There were a LOT more steamy scenes than I was expecting. Which was okay, but I wasn’t super invested in them…I was missing some spark there I think.

The world seems intriguing. I will admit that it doesn’t feel super standalone, because I know I missed a lot of hints and things for the overarching plot from the first book, and I know some of the answers I want will come in later books. And unfortunately I’m not sure it grabbed me enough to keep me reading more books. But if I was invested in the series, I would appreciate all those little subtleties that tie together, if that makes sense.

All in all it wasn’t the miracle non-contemp I was looking for to pull me out of the slump, but it was fun and different.

This was a fantastic book and even though there is a series this is a standalone. However, is does reference the world and characters from the previous book which, I have not read.

The world building is very good and I enjoyed the mixture of lore, mythology and magic.
This book has many of my favorites like shifters, vampires and other magical powerful beings of unknown origins. This part to me was very interesting because I love mythology and lore. I could have used more backstory or details about origins but that's just because I love to know all.

So with that said I will be checking out the series hoping to get my fill of details. This book has fun characters and good suspense. Overall the plot and story flow really well.

I am not generally a fan of insta-luv so a little slower burn would have been better and more believable but I still like Cassie and Alexei as characters.

This does end on a cliffhanger so do be aware. this doesn't bother me in a series because I do expect a continuation of the story-line but for those that don't like that be forewarned.

Overall I recommend this book and checking out the series.

I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for an honest review.
#ArcticBite
#NetGalley

I'm hooked!
Like I normally seem to do I dropped into this series a touch late. It is okay though as this was a standalone. It does however interconnect with characters from the previous book - it is also only the 2nd in the series.

Where to start?
The world-building I believe would be a good place.
This was an enticing mix of lore and myth and a touch of magic
There was a bit of shifter magic, some vampy visitors, some deities and a visit from a possible omniscient presence of powerful but unknown origin (so not giving this away)
I possibly quite literally wanted a bit more of this side of the story but alas I will have to temper my greed for now

This story spotlighted our two main characters but it also gave us small tastes of some of the 'other kind' that were creeping in the shadows as well as a bit of the running backstory of which there were a couple of different story lines.
I definitely will be adding this series to my must-read list. It was fun and engaging with a bit of suspense and a whole lot of heat.

Alexei is investigating the culpability of a contract.
He may be an assassin for hire but as a Forgotten he doesn't kill the innocent.
Make no mistake he is a monster but he also knows that there are worse monsters out there than him. Better to give your darkness a direction.
As soon as he scents his target everything gets flipped upside down.
But he knows enough not to get personal with his kills.
Or maybe not?
Something is different with her.
Is she hiding her darkness?
Is this a trick?

Cassie was a refreshing mix of vibes from the bad-arse heroine to the sweet as pie girl next door - both worked well for her character.
Just wait till her secrets are spilled - Her skeletons are plenty - Some even she wasn't aware of.
Alexei- what a snuggle bear - He has secrets too and a back story that leaked a few tears from me.

As for our couple -
insta-lust followed by a solid build to their relationship. Again, I have to say I do wish I had more time with this couple.

I was a bit surprised to hear the truth behind the contract and even more shocked at the turn of events.
I'm hoping as this series continues we will get some of the mysteries left unsolved ... well solved.
Until then?
Watch your back

A paranormal assassin walks into a bar and ... you guessed it runs smack dab into death; sort of. Artic Bite is a classic opposites-attract romance and there's lots of attraction. The latter held much promise from page one as the chemistry between Alexei and Cassandra practically sizzled on the page, but unlike some fast fiction this connection has time to seep and come to a slow boil that nicely builds the anticipation.
N. J. Walters crafts a compelling backstory that unfolds naturally all the while continuing to build multilayered characters that were easy to root for. This being a romance novel with the noted chemistry there is a lot of sexy times. A lot. This is a bonus, but if you've been reading and review romance for years it can get a bit repetitive (but no one's complaining - well as long as the rest of the story is strong, which Artic Bite has). Nonetheless, the dual povs seem a bit tired and do not play out as well in the third act. The third act is where the big reveal happens and alas it is not as strong as the rest of the story as is the pillow talk. Where Artic Bite shines is in the Alexei narrative. His internal conflict was compelling and multi-faceted, much like his character's abilities. The Reaper element was interesting, but again the third act reveal felt a tad canned. Still this series has excellent bones that should be on everyone's wishlist. 3.5/5

I hadn’t read the first book in this series but didn’t feel like I’d missed anything to detract from my enjoyment of this story. It is an action packed paranormal adventure and romance featuring a wide array of different species.

Alexi Medvedev is a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood and he’s been hired to find and kill Cassie Dobbs. Alexi never agrees to carry out an assassination until he has confirmed that the paranormal deserves to die so always checks the target out first. This time, however, his attraction to the intended target – and hers to him – makes this for a dilemma filled story! With others out to get her, him wanting to protector and both of them having secrets regarding their own nature, this is a very different romance.

The story has great characters, plenty of surprises, danger, threats, powerful beings and, of course, a very hot and steamy romance. Alexi is such a fierce and protective lead, his back story is very moving, too. As for Cassie, well she’s on the run but just why and from whom you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out!

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

Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 05/20/20

Cassie had decided to take time off from her job – possibly permanently. The problem is, she’s a reaper and what she’s done has never been done before. In taking a sabbatical, she’s also put a target on her back. You don’t just get to stop being a reaper and a precedent must be set. If all reapers were to abandon their positions, imagine the chaos if no one was there to lead the souls to where they are meant to be. Now she’s got one the most elite assassins standing right in front of her, but rather than avoid him, she’s drawn to him. Like a magnet. He says he will protect her with his life, but can she trust him? Despite all odds, she feels like she can. And that attraction … it’s only getting stronger. There are things Alexei hasn’t told her about himself and likewise for Cassie. There’s even a little bomb of information Cassie doesn’t even know about herself. But the connection that they have is beyond her comprehension. She knows she loves him, but admitting that out loud is a vulnerability she isn’t willing to expose just yet. Even so, she risks it all and places her trust completely in him. She’s either going to survive or die trying. Either way, she’s done with reaping. And if she ends up getting reaped herself, then she’ll go out on her own terms and make sure she indulges in a bit of Alexei first. Who is she kidding? She’ll indulge in as much as she can get until her fate is determined. With more assassins breathing down her neck and fellow reapers hot on her trail, it looks like time is rapidly running out on her tiny vacation from … well, life as she knows it. Or knew it as the case may be.

Alexei senses something off about his new target. As a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, they are trained to investigate their marks before accepting any contract. For one, he isn’t immediately able to identify her supernatural species. Odd given his abilities as a polar bear shifter and vampire. But he also can’t get to the source of who took out the contract or why they want her dead. Every instinct he has tells him to protect her and so he does. At least until he determines if the contract should be carried out. But it isn’t long before Alexei realizes there is something bigger at play here and reaches out to his leader, Maccus, for help. With information seemingly impossible to dig up and Death now involved in this mess, Alexei goes completely on the defense in protecting Cassie – until he discovers she may be more dangerous than he is – something he’s seldom admitted, let alone come across. But still, he’s got her back and that is something neither of them has had before. With so many secrets between them and each only giving information in small increments at a time, neither is entirely sure who the other is. All they know is the raging desire between them that doesn’t seem to be diminishing one bit – the knowledge that they love one another despite the reluctance to vocalize the truth their hearts already know – and that fact that Alexei knows he’s in the presence of his mate. One of the foremost rules within the Brotherhood is to not get involved with the target. Alexei may have sealed his own fate in doing so, but deserting your mate once found isn’t exactly an option. It’s a long shot with so much working against them, but with a bit of luck, these two may have stumbled into a most unexpected place, but also exactly where they were meant to be. Who knows what level of potential they could achieve and even exceed if working as a team?!?!?!

And it just gets better. I can only imagine what Ms. Walters has planned within this series. I can’t say that any of my questions were answered from the first book to the next, but that the web of deception runs deep. Do we have any idea who is behind it? Absolutely not! But given that insightful little epilogue at the end of FURY UNLEASHED (book 1), I am left to assume it is Lucifer. I did know going in that each book is plugged as being able to be read as a stand-alone and I wasn’t sure I was in love with that idea given how hard I crushed on Maccus in the initial book. Now that I have read this second book in series, I agree with that description. However, I was not nearly satisfied with the small number of interactions with Maccus and Morrigan. Yes! They are both back but in limited quantity. My heart gave a little jump for joy as soon as Maccus was mentioned. And I am sure my face had a shit-eating grin when both Maccus and Morrigan were brought into a scene. For that, I was grateful. I just wanted more. If I have a complaint it would be their lack of presence. But I understand it. So definitely not a deal-breaker. And can we discuss that cover, please? Now, I did like the first cover a bit better. It is what truly drew me to the series after all. However, this cover is everything. It one hundred percent captures the essence that is Alexei. It’s magnificent. I adore covers that actually have to do with the book they are associated with and this one couldn’t be any better. And the best scene? Be still my heart. That had to be the almost volatile revelation of love between Alexei and Cassie. She doesn’t like to be told what she can and can’t do and Alexei is in a state of disbelief that she could love anything as monstrous as he is despite his fierce love for her. For the two of them and the characters we understand them to be, it couldn’t have been written any better. It was absolutely perfect for them.

I did find it a bit odd that Alexei didn’t have a ton of knowledge about himself on the vampire side. I get that he is a loner in what amounts to a forced exile, but given his hundreds of years of existence, you’d think he’d have been able to garner a bit more information for himself. Also given Maccus’s association with Asher in the previous book, he maybe could have reached out and obtained some knowledge that way. I will say that this book and the first book are identical in the following sense: brooding male loner, nonpareil in the sense that there is no other like him (hence the Brotherhood), falls for target, she is strong and capable and has a secret regarding her heritage, their joining in passion and love triggers an event or decision that makes them more than they initially were, stronger together. If you strip both books down to the bare bones you have the exact same story. That said, each book remains completely unique and an entertaining escape all on its own. Please do not take my words as a deterrent for reading. I just noticed a strong parallel connecting these books. But they are a part of the same series, so I suppose it isn’t shocking. And despite the identical basic idea, I remained engrossed as I allowed Ms. Walters to take me on yet another thrilling ride of crazy, mystery, action, hot af passion, and paranormal awesomeness. When you think about it, that’s actually quite an accomplishment; to work from the same groundwork and create a story that rejects deja vu yet embraces individuality. The action wasn’t quite as off the hook as the previous book, but there was still plenty of it within this fast-paced, electrifying read. I am now two books in with this fabulous series and haven’t regretted a second. I am sure the books are building toward a huge conspiracy of some sort and it will be up to Maccus and the rest of the Brotherhood to end it. How many books it will take to get there, I couldn’t tell you. What I can say is that I look forward to meeting more of this elite group of paranormal assassins and the fierce women who capture their hearts. And I wouldn’t even be a little mad if I were to encounter any of these remarkable characters again as the series progresses. I’ll be snatching the next book up just as soon as I can do so.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/Entangled in exchange for an honest review.

Arctic Bite is the second book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series.

What a great story, I have never read about reaper and I am so glad I took the chance. I just couldn't stop reading, so no sleep for me. I was satisfied with the romance and action-adventure storytelling. Which was very interesting and unique. If you are looking for very entertaining and page-turning read, this is the next book to read.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC.

This is the second book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series.

Alexei is an immortal and is sent to find Cassie who is his next target. He's an assassin for the Forgotten Brotherhood who is sent to kill immortals and he's only sent after those who deserve to die, or at least that's what he used to believe before meeting Cassie.

Cassie is in a bar as the bartender, hiding from her past when Alexei walks in and she realizes she's in trouble in more ways than one. Cassie is an ex reaper and her family didn't like the fact that she had left.

The contract out on her life wasn't exactly what it looked like since she couldn't be killed by normal ways. It was just a way for her family to find her and bring her back. But Alexei stops a vampire from trying to hurt her and let's her know that she's safe with him.

Alexei and Cassie are so good together and when they finally give into their feelings, it was so hot! Alexei might be a hired assassin but he's got a softer side with Cassie and I loved how much he cared for her. She's a kick ass heroine in her own right and even she didn't realize how tough she was at first which I loved.

But she's on the run from her family, who will stop at nothing to bring her back. While he goes on the run with her to keep her safe, a few twists are thrown in their way. But he's been keeping a secret from her and it scares him when it comes out. So much so that he was prepared to leave her so she would be safe from him. It was a great secret, a great twist and a great story.

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

ARCTIC BITE by N.J. Walters is the second book in the Forgotten Brotherhood Series. Cassandra 'Cassie' Dobbs, a reaper who is on the lamb exploring humanity and living life to the fullest and Alexei Medvedev, a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, an assassin who has been sent to kill her.
While the action and general premise of Arctic Bite are fun, the characters are undercut by unnecessarily cheesy lines that read like they would be more at home in a Batman comic and by paranormal additions that seem to supplement more thoughtful plot development.

Another steamy paranormal romance from N.J Walters that has a great silent and strong type character that you cannot help but fall in love with!

This book had me at polar bear shifter and run away reaper. After reading Fury Unleashed by N.J Walters I was so excited to get the chance to read this book and I was not disappointed. Learning more about the Forgotten Brotherhood and getting a greater look into this paranormal world Walters is creating, this book did not fall prey to second book syndrome. Although these are marketed as standalone books, I would recommend reading them in order for a better understanding of the background. 

I have to admit, Alexei really won me over in this story! He is everything I love in a male character, he is broody, an assassin and ultimately protective and adorable. Given his background and the story about how he came about joining up with the Forgotten Brotherhood made me love him even more. Then you have Cassie, who is one kickass chick ! I enjoyed learning about her past and her being a reaper. I feel like that is one paranormal creature we do not get much of in books and it was intriguing. The small twists we got with her character were entertaining as well. Their interactions together were also well done. How gentle he was with her and their concern of hurting each other was perfect! I enjoyed the chemistry they had and the quippy banter moments. I do have to admit I thought it was a little insta-lovey and did not enjoy that. I felt like this could have been fleshed out a little more to be a hate to love or a little more lusty. That was what put me off and why it did not get the whole 5 stars. 

One of my favorite things in this book, besides Alexei, was the setting. Cassie had run away to Alaska, like what a better place for a polar bear shifter! I enjoyed the descriptions of Alexei's home and was intrigued by the vibe and feel Walters was conveying. 

Overall  I think Walters knocked it out of the park for me with this one. Although I enjoyed the first book in this series, this one really did it for me. I absolutely loved the characters, how they interacted and their chemistry! I think the choice of paranormal creature pairings was something so unique and the incorporation of reapers and death was something I have never read before! I loved how although this can be read as a standalone, Walters didn't slack on continuing to grow the world and the overall arching plot line! I did find it insta-lovey, but ultimately found the relationship to be one of my favorites that I have read in awhile. I flew through this book, needing more and on the edge of my seat at parts. The twists at the end were great and I can't wait to see where this series goes!

Certain events have a way of telling you fate is a fickle thing. Cassandra is a former reaper, but reaping souls is not a job you can leave without consequences. She made a decision that will set things in motion and has no idea the trickle-down effect it will cause.

Putting a contract on someone is dangerous, but it gets even more severe when you hire a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood to carry it out. Alexei Medvedev receives Cassandra’s contract, and does his due diligence; he investigates her because he learned a long time ago, not all beings are meant to be put down. In his investigation, he makes a decision that will change everything and turns everything he thought he knew upside down. Can Alexei save Cassandra from the unknown party who put a hit on her, or will he be another pawn in the game?

This one brought out the emotions, and it tugs the heart, all while making you smile and laugh. You’re introduced to Alexei in the first book of the series, but to get his backstory was heartwrenching. I absolutely adore Alexei, and Cassandra was a firecracker! She faced her own revelations, and it was interesting to watch the consequences and the plot twist play out. This is a fantastic series, and I need more!