Intrigue and suspense continues in the supernatural world of Third Shift in Suleikha Snyder’s Pretty Little Lion. This follow up to Big Bad Wolf is just as exciting and thrilling as book 1, and I loved every minute.

Elijah is the lion shifter who is a partner in Third Shift, the supernatural black ops contractor. His mission is to seduce Meghna and get information about her slimy criminal boyfriend. It turns out she is an undercover assassin, and seducing information from villains is her MO. She is every bit as stone cold and efficient as the black ops team members, and holds her own and then some.

Meghna developing feelings and losing her ability to shut off her emotions is a good twist. She’s as emotionally unavailable as any alpha male agent at the beginning of the story, and watching her soften for Elijah is a nice complement to the suspense and excitement of the rest of the book. It helps that their chemistry and steam level is off the charts—this is one hot romance!

I adored the secondary romance with Grace, Finn and Nate, too. This time around we get to see more depth to Finn’s wise-cracking vampire, and it’s great to see how humans Grace and Nate both bring out the best in him, and each other. I love these three together and hope we get to see more of them.

If you have any interest in sexy paranormal romance or urban fantasy, pick up this series. It definitely helps to read this series in order. While the immediate mission is completed here, there are plenty of loose threads waiting to be tied up in the next book. I, for one, can’t wait!

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

Pretty Little Lion is the second in Suleikha Snyder’s Third Shift series. Do not start here. If you haven’t read Big Bad Wolf, that’s the place to start.

Elijah Richter, one of the co-founders of Third Shift, is undercover as security at a party hosted by bad guy of the book, Mirko, with the mission to seduce Mirko’s girlfriend and pump her for information. Mirko’s girlfriend, Meghna Saxon-Saunders, is an agent with her own agenda, and she might honeypot Elijah before he can honeypot her. Meghna and Elijah are apex predators coming together.

Elijah and Meghna aren’t the only romance going on in the book. The throuple of Grace, Finian, and Nate that started in Big Bad Wolf comes together here. Another romance is teased and I’m looking forward to seeing where Snyder takes it in the third book. I have to admit I wanted more time with Grace, Finian, and Nate. If Snyder is taking bonus episode requests, I would read about those three inventorying their pantry (and I’m pretty sure Finian would tease the other two into engaging in pantry sexy times). Yes, I’m positively reviewing a thing that may not have been thought about yet.

One of the hallmarks of a Snyder romance is people building space for themselves to love as they will in a hard world. Elijah is all in on Meghna from their first closet tryst. While Meghna works for a loosely affiliated group, she’s mostly on her own. Elijah already has a community and found family. He wants Meghna in his life, and also for her to become part of his community. Like Big Bad Wolf‘s Joe, Meghna has to decide whether she is stronger and safer with a team or on her own. More fundamentally, will she accept that she deserves Elijah’s love and support? Snyder’s characters aren’t just making the world a better place by loving each other, they are making the world a better place for other people to love and to build communities.

I love this series and hope we see more of anything Suleikha Snyder chooses to write.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the advance reader copy. I reviewed this voluntarily.

Not something I typically read but enjoyed the first in the series and once again, the story and the characters grabbed me from the start. The world-building is incredible and easy to follow, which helped me stay focused on the story vs. trying to remember all the details. The characters are fully developed and have good chemistry. Sometimes the multiple POVs did distract me.

Well here we have an undercover shifter Elijah trying to get close to a powerful drug dealers girlfriend but boy is it about to hit the fan ! Meghna isn't just a vapid albeit gorgeous socialite, no she is an assassin on a mission and as it all gets blown to pieces Elijah has a lot to learn about the woman he cannot get enough of and the real reason behind his mission !
I liked the basic premise and ideas here but if I think about where it starts and where it ends there isn't a huge amount of progression. Yes bad guys die and a few secrets come to light but clearly the author is aiming to stretch out this story with at least another book. Sadly I prefer romantic suspense that doesn't leave me wondering what will happen next so not my perfect read.
The romance to be blunt for this reader just felt like lust and not love. Romance can be hot and heavy, it can also be sweet and emotional but I didn't feel anything between Elijah and Meghna although there are supporting characters who are going through emotional awakenings themselves although at times I felt some of this superfluous to this books plot. I can only think everything is being put in place for the authors endgame. I really wanted to like this more because I applaud the references to the way society as a whole is biased but I just didn't feel connected and involved at times as much as I had hoped.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Heat Factor: Blow job in a closet the first time they meet, but we don’t get a lot of explicit details.
Character Chemistry: Sexual attraction + some ineffable thing that’s breaking down the walls they’ve erected.
Plot: Elijah is trying to get information on an arms dealer, so he honeypots the guy’s girlfriend. Too bad Meghna is also an agent with her own agenda. And then Elijah kills someone he shouldn’t and shit hits the fan.
Overall: I got bored and gave up after reading the first third.

I read the first book in this series—Big Bad Wolf—over the summer, and liked it well enough to try out the sequel. Unfortunately, the problems I had with BBW were exacerbated here, and the sexual tension was way less palpable. I just couldn’t get into it.

The set-up and the worldbuilding are great. We’re in a dystopian version of the present, with fascism on the rise the world over, except there are shifters. Elijah runs a black box company that is, I dunno, fighting fascism? Hard to tell exactly what they do. Anyways, it’s a bunch of ex-military supernatural beings, and they’re trying to get info on an upcoming arms sale. For some reason, they decide that the best way to get close to this arms dealer is through his socialite girlfriend, EVEN THOUGH there’s a vampire on the Third Shift team who ALREADY has a relationship with a vampire in the arms dealer’s inner circle.

Enter Meghna. Meghna is an apsara, which is kind of like a South Asian muse. Her powers were not entirely clear by the time I gave up, but it seems like she has influence powers. Plus she’s trained as an assassin, because the apsara have banded together with other Asian supernatural beings in a secret society to fight for good. Basically, Meghna is a bad-ass who hides in plain sight.

So why am I bored? Well.

Instead of focusing on Meghna’s badassery, we’re talking a lot about how Elijah got through her defenses just by sexing her.
Secondary POV characters. I still don’t care about the adventures of Fin the Pansexual Vampire.
I am sympathetic to the politics of this book, but I really don’t need to hear about the cis-het white male privelege of the co-founder of Third Shift (Elijah’s business partner) multiple times.
Repetition. I think this is what it actually comes down to. It just felt very repetitive, and the actually backstory on Meghna (and I guess Elijah, too, but I was less interested in him) was being doled out too slowly, and there wasn’t enough action to keep the plot moving forward.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

A powerful urban fantasy series that tackles real world issues incredibly well. Full of strong, interesting and diverse characters that will tug on your heart strings.

Megha and Elijah’s story. Struggled a bit with this one. First I’ve read in the series which didn’t help. Also struggled with quick and easy sex. Keep thinking of the ‘cart before the horse’ idea. Might just be my age of 50+, but skimmed after awhile.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Short version:
A multi-genre book that is so good and timely, I'm going to purchase a dead tree version for my carefully cultivated bookshelves.

Long version:
While most shifter books take place in Mayberry with blurry lenses and Snapchat filters, this book takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that is gritty and real as much as it is magical and mythical. It is an overlap of urban fantasy and paranormal romance with threads of suspense that is all built on a foundation of political commentary.

As much as I enjoyed the clever dialogue, the character relationships, and the steamy sex, I also found myself taking a cathartic journey through the emotional devastation that this pandemic has done to me via the metaphor of the leads choosing hope in a time of hopelessness. It's a swift stream that might knock you out of your raft a few times, but the cool, still water at the end is a refreshing splash of optimism. Not bubbly, fake it til you make it optimism, but a realistic reinforcement that we do what we can, when we can, regardless of the amount of time we have left here.

This book is part of a series, but functions as a standalone perfectly fine. That said, it has no tidy ending as the next book has been setup and set in motion. Now, I need to hunt down a "Fuck the patriarchy! Read romance!" tote bag.

I enjoyed Snyder’s first book in this series, BIG BAD WOLF. So I jumped at the chance to read an early copy of PRETTY LITTLE LION. The novel follows vigilante and lion shifter Eljah Richter on his mission to bring down a global terrorist organization. His plans are disrupted by his meeting with Meghna Saxena-Saunders, and the chemistry between the two (and their colliding missions) quickly derail his best-laid plans.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal romance or urban fantasy. The world building is refreshingly realistic, and Snyder doesn’t shy away from portraying some of the grimmer repercussions of the world she’s created. The romance and the conflict between the leads are very believable. I also loved the character of Meghna, who is tough and competent but doesn’t fall into stereotypes. I am excited to see where Snyder takes this series next!

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablance for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I feel very fortunate that I got to read an ARC of Pretty Little Lion, and not just because that meant I wouldn't have to wait until October to dive back into a world I'd fallen hard for in Big Bad Wolf.

As it happens, Pretty Little Lion is everything I'd hoped it would be - but it's also a lot more. It's the book I didn't even know I needed in this unending year of trials, one that deftly delivers so much unflinching truth alongside its romance and suspense. Snyder's world-building and character development remain top-notch here, and she gets extra kudos for the inclusive representation she weaves in seamlessly, as well as for her version of a New York that is fictional, but also pretty damn believable. However, it was the way her cast looked discrimination, racism, and fascism dead in the eye - and kept plowing toward hope and love despite those obstacles - that really took my breath away.

To some, these might sound like dreary and tiresome topics for a romance, but somehow Snyder makes all that honesty work FOR her story, instead of against it. It never felt too political or heavy. To me, the HEAs were all the more uplifting having gone through the figurative trenches to get there.

It's a tour de force. An adroit feat that not every writer could've pulled off, especially in a romance.

While I'm not normally a fan of point-of-view that shifts between more than the two main protagonists, Snyder uses it to great advantage here. It felt like getting several interesting bonus stories for the price of one. Elijah and Meghna had more than enough chemistry to carry the day, but the subplots involving Tavi and Grace/Finn/Nate were really fun to dive into, too.

Suffice it to say, I loved every minute of this book and highly recommend it. And while you're there, take an extra few minutes to read the author's acknowledgments at the end, which frame what we've all been through (together and separately) so beautifully and act as the perfect chaser to a really great story.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed; Great world-building; Happily Ever After; Original; Page-turner; Steamy; Wonderful characters!

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

I have always wanted to read one of Ms. Snyder's books and finally was granted the chance.

This book started off with power and sexiness. The chemistry between the main characters was felt on and off the page. I didn't realize until midway that it was a sequel and will be procuring the first and subsequent books.

There were many other characters that I loved and hope the author tells us their stories soon. It was a one sitting read that kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. Some may find the pace and switches between point of view disheartening but keep reading, it's worth it.

Thank you for fulfilling my wish!

At first I didn't even realize that "Pretty Little Lion" was a sequel, so it can be read very well on its own. I really liked the combination of different mythologies, as well as the characters portrayed. The combination of the two main characters is very well done.
I percieved the abrupt changes of perspective a little difficult, although I found the second illuminated trio, as well as the dubious liaison, interesting.

This book was definitely interesting. Not something i would have normally picked up and not sure i would pick it up having read it. I had no idea it was a sequel while reading. The perspective changes were very quick and unexpected, sometimes poorly expressed as well. This world was really depressing and seems to have no hope even though the main characters are vigilantes. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters and felt like we were told things instead of shown them. The personalities and details about each character weren’t smoothly layered but that said, most of the characters were very well rounded. I still don’t really understand what kind of supernatural Meghna is which is a little frustrating. This plot is very dystopian fantasy with a lot of very specific references to current slang and mindset, that sort of thing so I’m not sure if it will stand up in a few month or years as not-cringe worthy. i do think the premise is very original and compelling because I had never read anything similar.

I really enjoyed Pretty Little Lions! This romantic fantasy was fast paced, action filled and has the perfect amount of chemistry!

I absolutely loved Meghna. She was strong willed and independent. I loved her development throughout the story. I loved the chemistry between Meghna and Elijah. It. Was. Steamy!

Overall, Pretty Little Lions is an action packed, fantasy, steamy romance with some mystery and suspense. I can’t wait to see where the other characters fall in this series.!

Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the gifted copy.

Pretty Little Lion lived up to my expectations completely and fully! I loved getting to know Elijah better, and the story with Meghna was so well done! There is some mythology I found to be very interesting, and of course, the chemistry between the two protagonists was off the charts.

There's a lot of action, mystery and suspense in this story. There's also a lot of hurt - because of The Darkest Day, and also because of how much some people fight just to have the right to live a more or less normal life. The romantic aspects were well done as well, and I swooned more than once - both because of Elijah's actions and because of Meghna's actions.

Everyone knows I love me a strong female protagonist, and Meghna was definitely that. She was used to doing things on her own, without anyone having her back, though, and I loved it when she figured out that she could be even better if she didn't have to look in all directions at once.

Third Shift is an organization I can't wait to read more about, and the different relationships between the characters who work there are all interesting and intriguing in their own right. Snyder's humor shines through as well, and I laughed out loud more than once (in between fanning myself during the hotter scenes).

If there's a book you want for the fall season, make sure this one is on your pre-order list!

Honestly... this was more of a letdown than I want to admit.

Let's start with what I enjoyed. I enjoyed the background throuple - Grace, badass biracial surgeon extraordinaire, Finn - a poly, pan, vampire with an Irish accent - and Nate, an endearing, lawyer with a huge heart. Were these the pain characters/ love interests in this story? Sadly no. But they were my favorites. I wanted more of them - more of their development, more of their interactions, and more of that steamy shower... anyways - I am hoping to see more of them in the future.

I also enjoyed the main MCs - Meghna and Elijah - unfortunately, their storyline felt rushed and chaotic and seemed almost to drag at the end. They had great chemistry and could easily have stolen the show but were dragged down by the heavyhanded secondary (mostly unnecessary) POVs (not my beloved throuples but others) not to mention the overabundance of mini flashbacks and inner dialogue that didn't move the story forward. The twists in this story were a bit predictable and in the end, the world-building (most of which felt like a rehash of book one) ended up making the plot feel clunky and slow.

In the end, I wasn't all that involved and my favorite characters from season one were barely a footnote... will I pick up book three? I mean - probably. But I won't rush out at this moment and stick it on my TBR.

2.5 stars
CW: racism, sexism, violence and bloodshed on the page

Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

If the rules of undercover work are supposed to be simple, why is Lion shifter and Third Shift co-founder Elijah Richter having so much trouble sticking to the list?

Never fall for your mark.
Never let down your guard.
Never give your heart away.

A stunning defeat at the hands of fate, and Meghna Saxena-Saunders, femme fatale, with her eye always on the prize.

‘’But he was still watching her.’’

And that was enough for them to start. Eyes meeting across the room, heat in an all too small hallway closet, unnecessary risks, no hope of pay off, but there was no way to resist their connection.

‘’Focus, Meghna. Observe. Find his weaknesses, not your own.’’

Even though I hadn’t yet read the first book in this series, I was still irrevocably drawn into this story by the beautiful, spellbinding prose. This book was simply a masterclass, pages of it are highlighted whole on my kindle, many a time, I paused reading just to let a particularly good one seep in before moving on.

>She glowed— golden brown skin, golden yellow dress clinging to every curve. It was like watching the sun move across the sky. <

Meghna, is take-charge and brave, with a backstory that will pull tears out of you, I loved being in her pov, she’s so witty, the dry, acerbic type, and so gosh darn endearing?

>Call it a mate bond. Call it fate. Call it seren-fucking-dipity.<

And Elijah thinks the whole entire world of her, she shook something free in him, a hope, a vision of a future and they match so well!

The taking down the big-bad plot was so very thrilling, I very much enjoyed the machinations and blood letting!

All in all a throughly enjoyable, hard to put down read, with everything you’d expect from a Suleika Snyder™️ book. Excited to hold the paperback in my hands!

Thank you so much for the ARC

This was a wild ride! I loved the use of different cultures and the rich backstories of the characters. I have to admit I didn't love all the different POVs but I understand how it sets up future novels.

An excellent 2nd book in this series. This one features one of co-founders (Elijah) as the hero and a very capable super secret society spy heroine (Meghna). I loved watching these two do missions together. So many books let the heroine sit on the sidelines while the hero does all the heavy lifting; not this book and it was wonderful to see. Meghna is the capable and efficient assassin/spy every supernatural hero needs in their life. I really enjoyed the sprinkle of Elijah's family and background throughout the book too. This books does has some smoking hot scenes so be prepared. And maybe not read it at work. Also, I'm so invested in the possible OT3 w/ Grace, Nate, and Finn. And Tavi... I hope to see more from you too.