Wow - this book was unexpected and completely different from book 1 in this series. The author wasn't kidding about each of these being able to be read as standalone. While the framework is there, this story had a different feel.

We join another member of the Forgotten, Alexei, who is a bear-pire, and has an amazingly snarky and adorable inner voice. He has been given an assignment, and he has spent months trying to track the target down to make sure she deserves to be killed. Cassie seems like your average bartender, until you get to know her. Turns out, she's a reaper who is on the run from her "family." Obviously, sparks fly between these two, leading to many sizzling times.

All that aside, this was an adorable and surprising tale of two misfits and outcasts finding their way. Sure, there's a lot of insanely huge paranormal baggage with both of them, but it's still a cute romance. I especially liked the surprising twists and reveals. Cassie definitely delivered as the heroine.

This is book 2 in the Forgotten Brotherhood series but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. In this one we get the story of Alexei Medvedev and Cassie Dobbs. Alexei is a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, the assassin's who are hired to kill other paranormals. They are only supposed to send a contract to them for those who deserve to die. When a contract comes in for Cassie, he does what they always do and goes to research and confirm that the target is legit. And when he tracks her to a remote bar in Alaska, he is intrigued. Cassie is a reaper, but she has left her job in order to actually live her life and try to be more than what she truly is. She is hiding out in Alaska in the hopes of being left alone, even knowing that it truly won't happen. She doesn't expect to have an assassin sent after her though. Now she has to figure out what is truly going on and hopefully survive at the same time.

I absolutely loved this one! Alexei had me hooked right from the start and then you throw Cassie in there and I couldn't put it down. Everything about this one was great. Alexei is this strong man who went through something that no one should have to go through, and it was made even worse by the ones who should have loved him. Cassie is this woman who wants to be more than what she has been allowed to be, but in doing so she knows that she will probably be killed. All for wanting to be more than she truly is. There is secrets and action that just suck you in. And then you get the twist that I NEVER saw coming but absolutely loved!! Another great installment and I definitely can't wait to read more in this series just going by the first 2 books!

ARCTIC BITE by N.J. Walters is book Two in the Forgotten Brotherhood Series. This is the story of Cassandra 'Cassie' Dobbs and Alexei Medvedev. I have read the previous book which added to my enjoyment of this one, but I do feel you can make it a standalone book. Alexei wasn't except when he was growing up so he moved forward somewhere else. Alexei is a polar bear shifter with some other traits. This landed him with the Forgotten Brotherhood where they are paranormal for hired assassins who take out other paranormal people. Paranormal are hard to kill so it isn't easy work. Alexei doesn't take a job unless he investigates the person to make sure they are deserving of the death sentence. So when Cassandra Dobbs name come up who is a reaper he of course went looking for her. Cassandra is a ex-reaper who has had that title forever but now she is trying to retire and hide out in Alaska. Alexei find his target working behind the bar at The Pit. But the more he learns about her the more he knows something isn't right with this assignment. Loved reading their story and of course this author's writing!

WOW! Loved this story! It grabbed me from the start and I couldn't put it down. It's a romance that they weren't expecting with surprises and twists. It's what you love to read in a paranormal book and then some. He's the big bad alpha bear, with extra, but he's a softy in some way. She's trying to start over and then he appears and so does others. I love the other characters that show up and can't wait to read more in this series, if they're like this books they'll be must reads also!

A great read! Once again Ms. Walters does not disappoint, lol. This is Cassandra and Alexei's story. Alexei is part of the Forgotten Brotherhood and has taken interest in a contract involving, Cassandra. Once he meets her, he knows that the hit put out on her is wrong. Filled with action, surprises, and hot lovemaking makes for an awesome read. Truly enjoyed it and I know have to read the first book in this series, too! 4 BEAR LOVING VAMP HYBRID REAPER STARS🌟🌟🌟🌟

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****

O wow I think this second book in this series even tops the first with its absolutely gorgeous cover art and such a well crafted story too. So what do you get if you pair a Polar Bear Shifter who has more than a little something extra with a sassy ex Reaper ? A serious amount of chemistry and a fabulous, well paced story with a surprising twist is my answer ! Yes this book took this series in a whole new direction but there’s still more than a slight nod to the story arc from the first book. If like me you enjoy paranormal romance then this author should certainly go on your must read list and I can only say I’m very excited to find out what she has planned for the next book.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

After reading the first book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series ‘Fury Unleashed’ I knew this was a book I also wanted to read. Although this is book two of the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. And don’t you just love that cover?

In ‘Arctic Bite’ we meet Alexei and Cassie. Alexei is part of the Forgotten Brotherhood, a group of paranormals hired to assassinate other paranormals. On his recent case he has to find and kill Cassie. But from the moment Alexei sees Cassie, he knows he isn’t going to kill her. There is something about her that makes him love her right from the start. But Cassie isn’t a regular woman. She has secrets of her own, and although they both feel an instant attraction maybe they aren’t meant to be more than strangers.

‘Arctic Bite’ was definitely a book I enjoyed. Although I rarely read fantasy/ paranormal books, this one was really fun. I loved the paranormal aspects just as much as in the first book. The setting of this book is unlike any other book I read. And I loved the world, and the different creatures. It sure is fun to learn about this world.

The romance between Alexei and Cassie was really fun to read. Their chemistry is flying of the pages. And although I found the ‘instant’ love a little too much at times, I definitely enjoyed reading about their story. I especially loved how Alexei was this big, tough as nails, badass.. but was really sweet to Cassie right from the start.

Their where also plenty of thrilling moments in this book. Their where definitely less than in the first book, but it still kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.

‘Arctic Bite’ was a very fun read and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you’re looking for a fun, romantic, sexy, paranormal, thrilling read.. than this series is definitely for you.

Alexei always does his own investigating before we signs the contract to kill. Which is how he ends up in the middle of Alaska, sitting in a bar, wondering how a human wounded up on the Forgotten Brotherhood's radar. Between Alexei's bear scenes and his vampire abilities, Cassie's scent comes up human. However, there's no way she'd end up on a hit list if she were. As he continues to track her to see what she is, he soon realizes that there's a lot more to Cassie than meets the eye.

First off, I love that the sifter in this story is not only a polar bear, but a vampire. His hybrid nature really added some extra dimension to his character. They definitely did a good job on the cover because that's pretty much how I pictured him looking. Then you have Cassie's character who I didn't see coming. I honestly don't think I fully read the synopsis to know what Cassie was beforehand. I kind of wish they omitted what she was from the synopsis because it makes for one shocking moment when it's revealed. Trust me, finding out what Cassie is in the book is WAY better than reading it in the blurb.

Both of these characters are strong in their own right. Cassie hides it well behind her small frame and sweet disposition. Alexei's is kind of on full display, but what he hides underneath is a softer sweeter side. It was interesting seeing these two balance each other out. I will say that I wish that there was more romance building for them. They just sort of fell in bed together, and couldn't seem to keep their hands off of each other. Every time I turned around they were ripping each other's clothes off. I just kind of wish for more story building and character building for them. The sex scenes started to overshadow the story line.

Where do I begin? Seriously, Arctic Bite is a perfect example of all things I love about paranormal romance!

1. Fun, engrossing storyline. Who doesn’t love the thought of a group of hot and sexy assassins taking out the baddest of the bad guys in the paranormal realm?
2. Speaking of hot and sexy assassins. Alexei Medvedev ticks off all the boxes. Strong, smart, loyal, and protective all wrapped up in a tall, blond, and handsome package. Count me in!
3. Plus a smart, snarky, strong leading female—Cassie Dobbs—who the hot and sexy assassin can’t help but fall for.
4. And a big hit of romantic suspense as to what will happen when the truth is revealed.
5. All equates to an “unputdownable” 5 star read.

Arctic Bite is a fantastic addition to the Forgotten Brotherhood series, but it truly does standalone! I one-clicked the first book, Fury Unleashed, though, and it’s at the top of my TBR because the series is just that fantastic!

Super-god-like beings doing amazing things; even Lucifer and Death are impressed!
Each book in this series is a standalone with previous characters making cameo appearances. I loved FURY UNLEASHED but this one is even better. ARCTIC BITE grips you from the prologue which will break your heart. Cassandra just can’t do her job anymore. It is crushing her spirit to continue leading the dead to their future. She is a Reaper for Death.
Huge burly Russian Alexei Medvedev is one of the Forgotten Brotherhood, a select group of immortal assassins. What sets them apart is that they investigate every hit they are given and only perform the job if it is a just kill. Alexei is studying Cassie at her bar. As she performs her duties as bartender for her nightly patrons in Nome, Alaska, she is kind, efficient and beautiful. There is an immediate attraction and frustration, why does someone want her dead? On a side note, his backstory will squeeze your heart too.
This is a thoughtful, well-written, steamy, fast-paced, intriguing paranormal story about “god-like” beings doing outrageous things. Along the way you will fall in love with these characters for their “humanness.” The romance between Cassie and Alexei is beautiful although tragic at times and chapter 18 and 19 will bring tears to your eyes. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley and give it way more than 5 stars! LOVE THE COVER…perfect Alexei.

Alexei Medvedev was a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood, an assassin who took out other paranormals. His name and his deeds struck fear in others. He was massive and obviously intimidating, but who knew this male would end up being a gentle giant? At least he was when it came to Cassie. However, despite his immediate attraction to her, he had a job to do - someone wanted her dead and he needed to figure out if he'd be doing the killing.

One of the first things I fell in love with, aside from Alexei's incredibly palpable awesomeness, was the fact that he didn't jump before thinking. Yes, there was a contract out for Cassie, however, he did his own investigating. And what started out as determination to do his job and do it well, quickly turned into his determination to protect Cassie at all costs. His devotion to her (and hers to him) made my heart melt and caused me to swoon over this couple from the very start.

There is something so poetic with the way that N.J. Walters writes. The magic she creates with her characters resonates with me in ways I never expect. After meeting Maccus and Morrigan, and falling so in love with their story, I knew I had to gobble up everything this author releases. Alexei and Cassie were everything I could ask for and I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with them too!

Loved reading the enthralling and spellbinding paranormal romance story. Before Alexei Medvedev, a polar bear hybrid shifter, takes the assignment of Cassie Dobbs, he wants to investigate to determine if she is really someone who should be eliminated. Cassie is a caring person working as a bartender and on the run. Instead of ending Cassie's life, Alexei wants to protect Cassie and find out why someone wants her dead. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, full of action and suspense, and a must read love story.
I reviewed a copy of the story through NetGalley.

What a fun ride! Arctic Bite is the second in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters which is proving to be one not to miss. Just loved these two characters together. We have a polar bear shifter and, yes, Alexei Medvedev is super tall in real life, a bit growly and a hired assassin! Of course, he receives a contract to kill our spitfire heroine, Cassie, who’s not exactly a normal human either, having been a reaper who takes souls to the afterlife...although retired from this. Their connection is electric as the two of them must figure out why someone wants her dead.
And the plot twist at the end...no spoilers here but it was *amazing* with the big reveal...loved this book. Masterfully written with beautiful characterizations.

This is a standalone; no need to read the previous. The cover is as gorgeous. This book is an adventure to read.
Received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Arctic Bite is the second book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters. A paranormal fantasy with action and romance that will keep you second-guessing until the very end. The characters are well-written and develop at a steady pace making it easy to get lost in the story. Walter's writing is outstanding! Arctic Bite is part of the Forgotten Brotherhood series but reads fine as a stand-alone.

Love learning about the Forgotten Brotherhood. Alexei, although ferocious and intimidating, he's a big softie when it comes Cassie. Which I think is very fitting of a bear shifter!

They're definitely a dynamic duo that completely drew me in. All the intrigue when it comes to these two. I loved that Walters slowly dropped little truths of what they are and what they're capable of. I was such in awe of how strong they both were.

Cassie's story arc was a big winner for me and I just couldn't stop reading.

With just a burst of action to get your heart pumping, there's plenty of romance to keep you satisfied. I truly loved Alexei and Cassie, but it felt like not a whole lot was happening with the overall storyline.

Regardless of that, I can't wait to meet the next one from the Forgotten Brotherhood!

A good paranormal romance, engrossing and entertaining, that kept me hooked and made me root for the characters.
It's the second I read in this series that is becoming a favorite.
The world building is interesting, the characters are well thought and there's a great chemistry between the MCs, the plot flows and it never bores.
I recommend it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

N.J. Walters regales readers with another fabulous paranormal romance in this second book of the Forgotten Brotherhood; and while there’s no denying that Artic Bite has a beautiful and enticing cover, the story within is every bit as captivating and engaging. Mystery, intrigue, assassins and off the charts chemistry; Alexei and Cassie will battle this and so much more as they encounter danger and paranormals of all shapes and forms. Many twists and turns took this story in a whole new direction from book one, but the entertainment value was every bit as addictive and will definitely have me coming back for more.

I have fallen in love with this new series of Assassins with a moral compass and hidden hearts of gold!

Alexei is far more comfortable in freezing temperatures as only a polar bear shifter could be. But he has a couple of extra talents after being attacked by a vampire centuries ago. He has essentially been on his own since his family shunned him and his only family now (if you could call a collection of assassins a family) is the Forgotten Brotherhood.

As with his brother assassins Alexei does not take on jobs blindly and there is something off-putting about his latest assignment. Whilst carrying out his own investigation into Cassandra at the local watering hole The Pit he stumbles only a much bigger stumbling block than he imagined!

Cassandra walked away from being a reaper. She just could not do it any more, it sapped her soul century after century. She is enjoying learning to be human and when she runs into Alexei, she realises he may be able to help her "experience" a few more things! Now to navigate the intense passion they feel all while determining who has set up Cassandra to be terminated!

Alexei and Cassie burn hot and bright! There were more than a few WTF moments, interspersed with some really emotional reveals. They both have pasts they want to run or hide from, with varying degrees of success. Hot passion, adventure, dysfunctional families - everything you want in a book!

I wasn't sure about this one in the beginning. It started a little slow, but once it got moving, there was no stopping.

And that ending. WOW! Completely unexpected.

4.5 - "I’m here for you…" Stars!

We return to the Forgotten Brotherhood series with polar bear shifter/vampire Alexei Medvedev’s story. The cover for this book is my favourite of the year so far, and Alexei had my lady parts trembling from the first paragraph.

There was a lot more to him than the drool-worthy outer package…

I enjoyed the first book in this series but for me I found it a little unbalanced between sexy-times and story-line, N. J. nailed it this time, plenty of action and plenty of sex(ual tension) were delivered in a fast paced enjoyable story.

"No one else in the world probably gets me as well as you do…"

I loved Cass, sass, attitude and plenty of mettle, her pairing with Alexei and the revelations about her family in the latter stages of the book gave the author many options for future books.

The more I read from this author, the clearer it becomes that she’s an absolute expert in writing in the PNR genre, luckily she has a large back catalogue so I am not going to run out of reading material any time soon, I am also eager to see where the Forgotten Brotherhood series goes as well.