Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

Abigail Owens knows how to slay me. This quick paranormal romance blew me out of the universe and brought me back again. Shift Out Of Luck, follows two alphas from rival packs that decide to mate together and join the packs in hopes to stop the feud that has been going on longer than they have been alive.

This was such an interesting take on the mated wolves trope. I loved watching Tala and Marrok navigate life with not just one but TWO alpha mentalities and two very distinctly different way of handling situations. I really appreciated seeing Tala and Marrok work through their issues and watching Marrok witness just how much harder Tala has to work in order to keep her alpha position and the respect of her pack, solely because she is a female.

I completely swooned with Marrok as he made a conscious effort to gain not only his mate’s trust but also the trust of her wolf. His unwillingness to let anyone treat her less than and the war he fought within himself to protect her but also let her fight her own battles was chef kisses and I was ready to marry him myself.

There were so many different external conflicts hitting our couple from the very first page, and Owens had no trouble at all getting us sucked in and keeping us invested throughout the fast paced story. Explosive chemistry and swoon worthy moments that made each fight scene that much more satisfying to read! If you are looking for a quick paranormal story to read—this one is your winner!

Loved this book so much!

Clashing wolf packs, attraction to the enemy, two alphas..werewolves, great chemistry and steam. I love werewolves. So much greatness to this book. I read it in one day!

Melt-your-Kindle hot and a great romantic story. Loved this one!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Just loved this book and recommend it to everyone.

I’m sad to say that Shift Out of Luck wasn’t my cup of tea.

I’ll start my review by saying I DNF’d it at around 54%. I wasn’t connecting to any of the characters and felt the way they were acting was a bit over the top, and instead of sympathising with Tala and Marrok I was just annoyed with them. They spent the first half of the book having the same fight over and over again, occasionally they'd have sex, but then would be straight back to the argument. There was a bit of pack politics but again, that seemed to just be the two packs arguing amongst one another and with the other pack.

There wasn’t anything overtly bad about the book from the part I read, I just knew after reading it wasn’t going to be a book that I personally would enjoy, but I know a lot of people who would most likely enjoy it and will be recommending it to them.

This review is not going to be long. I am not a huge fan of a review rehashing the entire plot and spoiling it for everyone.

This is the first book by Abigail Owen that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was an awesome story. I chuckled and cried. I enjoyed how the characters grew and interacted with each other in this book. I will purchase more of her books.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4/5 stars

I really like this paranormal series and this shifter sequel definitely added to the overall enjoyment of the world. Tala and Marrok's story had chemistry and steam from the start since it starts with a mating. I love any forced proximity, marriage or should I say mating of convenience stories. This story felt different than other shifter books since both characters are alphas of their respective packs. Overall, the story flowed really well with bits of action regarding pack unrest and interactions between Tala and Marrok.

*Thank you so much to Entangled publishing and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Shift Out of Luck is the second story in the Brimstone, Inc. series with characters and plot that pack a definite punch. I love when novellas (or shorter stories) deliver what feels like the full story for that couple, and Marrok’s and Tala’s fiery romance certainly did that… and more. We got a quick look at this couple in Castor’s and Lyleia’s story, The Demigod Complex. (and they will return the favor with an appearance here) In fact, I went back and purchased that first story before continuing with this one – and the extra effort was well worth the time because both stories, read in order have given me a better feel for this world.

Both are Alphas of their feuding packs. One established and secure in his position, the other newer to the role of Alpha, struggling a bit with her pack but nonetheless powerful in her own right. To bring the feud to an end, a marriage of convenience seems the only solution for Marrok and Tala. Only time will tell, and perhaps a prophecy comes true as time moves on… or an enemy makes a far different outcome to the situation. They came together to end a feud, to bring peace to their packs – they didn’t expect the fiery connection between them or the power they both have when used together as one voice. Neither expected to find that elusive fated mate in an arranged marriage – fate might have been there all along.

I love a kick-butt and take names heroine. Tala is definitely that. Oh, she might be on the journey to finding her own strengths, her own place in this new situation but she will not back down, will not sit idly by when danger approaches. Marrok might think he has the upper hand – he would be very, very wrong.

I also love a hero who knows when to take a step back from being the one in charge. Marrok becomes that as he sees Tala’s strengths and begins to care for her on a personal not pack level. Individually they are both strong and stubborn – together they are a powerhouse couple and watching that union become so much more than a marriage of (in)convenience was pure delight.

You’ll find laughter, annoyance, sizzling hot chemistry and a couple to really root for as they work for their happy ending in Shift Out of Luck. And, even in the paranormal world, working on a relationship is a huge part of its success. Tala and Marrok will work to make their love last and it will be the best decision of their lives. I had a blast and would definitely recommend this story and the series.

*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.*

A marriage of convenience takes some interesting turns in this enjoyable paranormal wolf shifter romance!

I enjoyed this story of Marrok and Tala finding their way, trying to protect and merge their two packs under difficult circumstances. Two alphas will always clash especially when they are trying to lead so it takes some compromise and understanding to give them the equality they need so that the pack respects them. Of course there are always those who don't like the way things are and want to cause trouble, so Marrok and Tala have to navigate that, as well as their burgeoning feelings for each other. It's a great read with interesting characters and worldbuilding, and a sexy romance between two strong and likable characters. Looking forward to continuing the series!

Review has been at Barnes and Noble, awaiting moderation.

Here's what you need to know about Shift Out of Luck, the second book in Abigail Owen's re-released Brimstone, Inc series:
-Enemies to lovers, new marriage in trouble

-Power struggle between two alphas in an arranged alliance mating
-Novella-length
-High heat


I continue to enjoy these as a fun PNR diversion. I recommend you start with The Demigod Complex for a little bit of context as to the arranged mating in this one.


Content Warnings: violence, child in peril


Suzanne received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for review.

This is the second the book in the Brimstone Inc series. This is a quick steamy read. Talla is a kickass heroine, and a alpha to top it off. Marrock is also a alpha, for how short this was they actually have chemistry. Would highly recommend for anyone that enjoys paranormal romance.

Can't wait to read what Abigail Owen has next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance read, I voluntary read and reviewed all opions are my own.

Fresh off their marriage, Marrok and Tala are trying to figure out how to work as a unit because... they are both alphas... from rival packs. This is your paranormal, modern-day version of Romeo and Juliet. Steamy love scenes between Marrok and Tala are not a problem. They have unbelievable chemistry. The two packs are not getting along, despite uniting the two alphas. Tala feels like she has to continually prove herself. Marrok wants to keep the peace, but in the process, he always seems to undermine Tala. Can the two alphas gel and become one unit?

I enjoyed both alphas very much! Tala was a kickass heroine with some backbone, and Marrok was a gentle giant for an alpha. There was some steaminess to this story, and I was here for it. I thought this was an excellent follow-up. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I can't wait to read what's next from Abigail Owen.

Shift Out of Luck is the second book in Abigail Owen’s Brimstone Inc. and a whole lot of fun, drama and pack politics. Matings of convenience are nothing new within the hierarchy of warring packs, but nothing prepares Tala for the level of attraction Marrok evokes from her traitorous body. There are definitely some moments of angst and heightened emotions, but this only added to my overall enjoyment of this book, with well-developed characters and suitable world building, that kept me intrigued till the end. I’m looking forward to the next in the series too!

Not having read the prior book in this series (and not even really realizing there was one until afterwards), I did feel a little bit at the first that I was being thrust into the middle of a story already in progress. But after the first few pages, the tale of this volume took over and was front and center.

Of course, the book does begin just as Marrok and Tala are to be wed in an arranged marriage, so it really does just dump you in the deep end of things, as it were. But as we watch them start to navigate the new territory of their personal relationship, as well as their joint role as alphas of a newly combined pack, we really get a feel for these individuals, as well as for them as a couple.

Marrok is completely smitten with Tala from the beginning, as his wolf. And he is totally committed to this union, so even though it is one of convenience, he is ready and willing to give it his all.

Tala, on the other hand, is more reserved and a bit more reluctant. She's all in favor of joining the packs and trying to make a go of their new life together, but she's not willing to hope that she might have found a true partnership with Marrok. Especially when he seems to undermine her at every turn after they first get together. Not to mention the fact that her wolf basically tries to shred him whenever she gets the chance.

Turns out though, that what Tala considers is Marrok intentionally trying to erode her power in the clans, is really just him being a clueless male. He thinks they are on the same page more often than is truly the case, and he doesn't realize the optics of him automatically assuming authority even when they are in agreement.

It takes some serious butt-kicking by Tala to make him understand the he needs to support his new wife and co-leader, without stifling or overshadowing her. Luckily for Marrok, most of that butt-kicking comes to others who oppose them, rather than to him directly. While there is some serious doubt at times if these two are going to be able to make a go of all of this, not to mention is Tala is going to keep her position (let alone her life!), it is always apparent that these two truly have the best interests of each other and their packs in mind.

Luckily, they stick it out, and are able to communicate well enough, to see things improve all the way around, and put themselves well on the way to a happily-ever-after. Which is good news for them, because in the meantime - in addition to the great sex they've been enjoying - they have managed to fall in love with one another!

I should have known this book would be a good read, since the author is quickly becoming one of my new favorites. Enough so that I am now wanting to go back and read the first volume in the series, not to mention any future ones. Definitely a story that I recommend for a fairly lighthearted paranormal romance with just enough drama and intrigue to keep things interesting.

Stronger together
A mating of convenience that sparks a flame this author encouraged and developed between the characters. I love the personalities of the Marrok and Tala. They are so loyal, honorable and duty bound, it is absolutely fantastic that they were able to find their HEA in the midst of stabilizing their packs. The author really took my breath away as these two journeyed towards their happiness, I really hope that the author continues to bring us such amazing short stories. Although, no matter what she brings us next, I will be adding it to my library.

This is one hot read. Have two alphas in charge. But who is actually the head alpha? Well these two will have to figure that out. With a lot of banter, sexy time, and two strong leads this is a great read. I really loved the fact that there isn't a lot of outside drama to distract from the main story. The two get along well for being quite strong on their own terms.
Perfect for fans of strong characters who need to work out their aggression in a fun way.

A sexy and quick read full of paranormal werewolf romance that includes two alpha pack leaders, a bitter rivalry, and action packed drama.

Blurb: Marrok and Kala, two alphas who rule their wolf packs, decide to marry to help create peace between their two rival packs. Tala doesn’t trust Marrok and Marrok will stop at nothing to earn her trust. Through uprisings and pack chaos the two learn to lean on one another and become true mates for life.

I love a good paranormal romance and this one was honestly a lot of fun to read. Mattock is passionate and sweet and I enjoyed watching him try to win over Tala. The pack drama added some saltiness to the story and the explosive chemistry between these two was just yum. A very short and delightful read with a fun twist at the end!

Less and less do I read paranormal it has to be different but this one caught my eye. Know all about those feuds which this is one. So there is that arranged marriage ugh. Tala and Marrok each have their own agenda with this fun to follow. The chemistry is there but so are egos. It was a challenge alright but fun to see where they end up and do the packs agree.

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!!