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Lost Shifters #11
Riley's Regret
Hawk shifter Colin has been mentoring Eagle shifter Riley for several months now. Because Eagle shifters are so rare, Riley is constantly in danger of being captured and forced into slavery, so Colin has his hands full with training Riley to be a halfway decent soldier, protecting the younger man from their enemies and trying to fight the growing attraction they have for one another. Then Colin discovers a bigger threat to Riley, more dangerous than all the others. Riley can’t run away from this threat since it comes from within him. Will Colin be able to save Riley from himself, or will the Eagle be lost to his own internal demons?
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2011
10 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Stephani Hecht
248books857followersStephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
[email protected]
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
[email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 12, 2017
Hawk shifter, Colin & eagle shifter, Riley
This is a very emotional story and with a rare subject in the shifters books. Riley is suffering from bipolar disorder and depressive disorder and this makes him doing crazy, inexplicable things all his life.
Unfortunately it took a while for our feline shifters to understand what was wrong with him. Eagle shifters are so rare and the fact that Riley was saved, it has been a blessing. So everyone thought that maybe he is a bit spoiled or just a slut really. There is a scene in the previous book, Shane’s Fury that shows that Riley does not really care if he is publicly humiliated.
Until a hawk shifter, Colin becomes his mentor and he truly starts caring about him and trying to understanding him. Colin will never leave Riley’s side ever again.
It is a short book and maybe it has a few editing mistakes (not that I care about them), but still it is an important book in the series and it is a unique story.
This is a very emotional story and with a rare subject in the shifters books. Riley is suffering from bipolar disorder and depressive disorder and this makes him doing crazy, inexplicable things all his life.
Unfortunately it took a while for our feline shifters to understand what was wrong with him. Eagle shifters are so rare and the fact that Riley was saved, it has been a blessing. So everyone thought that maybe he is a bit spoiled or just a slut really. There is a scene in the previous book, Shane’s Fury that shows that Riley does not really care if he is publicly humiliated.
Until a hawk shifter, Colin becomes his mentor and he truly starts caring about him and trying to understanding him. Colin will never leave Riley’s side ever again.
It is a short book and maybe it has a few editing mistakes (not that I care about them), but still it is an important book in the series and it is a unique story.
April 5, 2015
This book, and whole series really, COULD have been excellent. The bones are there. The characters are likable. The basic shifters coming together idea is good. It's just the execution. The editing is really subpar, with wrong words and misspellings everywhere. And everything just feels so rushed, when it would be so much better if it were all fleshed out.
In this installment, we have eagle shifter Riley, and his mentor Collin. They like each other, but Collin feels too responsible, and he keeps pushing Riley away. Riley has a history of doing crazy things, and we eventually find out he's got some form of bipolar.
All in all, sounds good, but it's just all so rushed! Collin is pushing Riley away, and Riley cuts himself, almost dying, and suddenly Collin is ready to admit how he feels, and doesn't leave Riley's side, and that's it, the end, happy ever after. All in about a day!
In this installment, we have eagle shifter Riley, and his mentor Collin. They like each other, but Collin feels too responsible, and he keeps pushing Riley away. Riley has a history of doing crazy things, and we eventually find out he's got some form of bipolar.
All in all, sounds good, but it's just all so rushed! Collin is pushing Riley away, and Riley cuts himself, almost dying, and suddenly Collin is ready to admit how he feels, and doesn't leave Riley's side, and that's it, the end, happy ever after. All in about a day!
May 30, 2011
This was the most emotional book in the series for me and despite not really warming up to Colin, I enjoyed it. Riley's mental illness was defined and described perfectly in this book - all the highs and lows and confusion that can be attached to the disorder clearly popping off the page. There's no way I couldn't feel Riley's pain, insecurity and sadness, and in the end I'm happy that Colin took the stick out of his butt and realized what a prick he was being towards the eagle shifter. I may not have mushy feelings for the hawk but I think he'll take good care of Riley and they'll be really good for each other.
May 15, 2011
In this novella Stephani delved into the mind of a protagonist with a depressive disorder. He was flawed, vulnerable, unique and absolutely enthralling. As an individual that battles depression, although in another form, myself I found myself empathizing with Riley and rooting for him throughout this story.
Even Colin, the aloof, arrogant Hawk b*stard redeemed himself in this book!
Even Colin, the aloof, arrogant Hawk b*stard redeemed himself in this book!
June 28, 2018
I would not be surprised if people are tired of hearing me say how I fell for a main character right off the bat, but in this case it's so very, very true. (Not that it wasn't true before *grins*) Riley really tugged at my heartstrings when I initially met him, but in the previous installment I got a more in-depth look into one of the last remaining eagle shifters and he sort of broke my heart. I can't imagine how alone I would feel if my shifter species was practically extinct even if I lived with a bunch of other shifters. 'Riley's Regret' is the eleventh book in Stephani Hecht's 'Lost Shifters' series and I haven't gotten bored yet. I do love shifters.
Riley is a bit of an enigma. He's sweet, shy, and vulnerable until all of a sudden he's sarcastic and acting out with bad behavior. Even Riley doesn't know why he behaves that way sometimes, he only knows it's getting worse. Throw in his remorse and shame after the fact with how much he knows he disappoints everyone and Riley's emotions are in a constant state of flux getting closer and closer to a powder keg.
Colin doesn't understand Riley and he certainly can't get him to listen to him. The feelings he's developed for Riley aren't helping the situation and Colin hasn't got a clue what to do anymore. When Riley's actions endanger his life, Colin wakes up to how much he loves Riley and that he'll do anything to protect him.
This was a wonderful addition to the series with an interesting twist I didn't completely see coming. It was so adorable when Colin admitted his true feelings to Riley and I was happy that Riley got the mate he deserved. Looking forward to the next book.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on
Riley is a bit of an enigma. He's sweet, shy, and vulnerable until all of a sudden he's sarcastic and acting out with bad behavior. Even Riley doesn't know why he behaves that way sometimes, he only knows it's getting worse. Throw in his remorse and shame after the fact with how much he knows he disappoints everyone and Riley's emotions are in a constant state of flux getting closer and closer to a powder keg.
Colin doesn't understand Riley and he certainly can't get him to listen to him. The feelings he's developed for Riley aren't helping the situation and Colin hasn't got a clue what to do anymore. When Riley's actions endanger his life, Colin wakes up to how much he loves Riley and that he'll do anything to protect him.
This was a wonderful addition to the series with an interesting twist I didn't completely see coming. It was so adorable when Colin admitted his true feelings to Riley and I was happy that Riley got the mate he deserved. Looking forward to the next book.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on
May 20, 2011
I went into this story with very low expectations as to my enjoyment of it after hearing a bit of what was going to happen in the book. Considering I had been willing to put what happened in the last book behind me, having known beforehand that Riley suffered from bipolar disorder, I really didn’t want to be disappointed. I think the problem with this book was that Riley’s mental disorder wasn't integrated into the story to make his behaviour believable or at the very least consistent. Stuff that was supposed to be a result of the illness was then attributed by Riley himself to immaturity or his wanting to prove something, which wasn’t what I had been led to believe, so it was rather confusing at times. Collin’s snapshot decision to overlook what for him had been the big reason for not getting involved with Riley, was understandable considering the circumstances it happened in, but I wish Collin had done so of his own free will long before that and avoided all the heartbreak.
May 15, 2011
3.5 stars
During the previous book, , Riley's action rubbed me in a wrong way. Stephani Hecht did promise an explanation, that she never did writing sex for sex alone. So I wonder how Riley's story goes ...
I do ADMIRE the IDEA of Riley as a character (it turns out that he has a bipolar disorder and suicidal tendency). That is the reason I give this a rather high star rating. Why? Because I don't find many stories that tackle this issue. Bipolar disorder IS an issue, suicidal tendency AND being a cutter is also an issue. Having character with this disease on his path to find love is something I openly welcome in an M/M romance.
But is it enough to redeem Riley's action in the previous book? Not so much. I think I already build the idea that Riley taunts Colin in a childish way. Thus, making Riley with a disorder and Colin as a pompous ass, seems to be a last-attempt try to make up for what is already been deemed so wrong. I'm not particularly impressed in that.
So please noted that the rating is basically for bringing up the issue of bipolar disorder/suicidal tendency to the surface, and NOT the romance itself.
During the previous book, , Riley's action rubbed me in a wrong way. Stephani Hecht did promise an explanation, that she never did writing sex for sex alone. So I wonder how Riley's story goes ...
I do ADMIRE the IDEA of Riley as a character (it turns out that he has a bipolar disorder and suicidal tendency). That is the reason I give this a rather high star rating. Why? Because I don't find many stories that tackle this issue. Bipolar disorder IS an issue, suicidal tendency AND being a cutter is also an issue. Having character with this disease on his path to find love is something I openly welcome in an M/M romance.
But is it enough to redeem Riley's action in the previous book? Not so much. I think I already build the idea that Riley taunts Colin in a childish way. Thus, making Riley with a disorder and Colin as a pompous ass, seems to be a last-attempt try to make up for what is already been deemed so wrong. I'm not particularly impressed in that.
So please noted that the rating is basically for bringing up the issue of bipolar disorder/suicidal tendency to the surface, and NOT the romance itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2011
Completely fascinating and looking forward to the next.
June 12, 2011
Great story- nice to read about imperfections... hope there's another story for Riley in the future ~ and looking forward to Xavier's story...
September 29, 2011
Cover: I liked this, thought it was well done and the birds are beautiful. Niggle: If this is Riley, isn't he supposed to be blond?
MC's: Riley, an eagle shifter, and Colin, a hawk shifter. POV is alternating third person.
This is number 11 in the Lost Shifter series. I haven't read them all, but have read enough to know what's going on. If you jump in with this one, I think it would be confusing.
Regarding content, it was exactly as expected. Stephani Hecht's shifter books are easy reading, simple, quick and predictable. For me, they're in the "snack food" of books category. In this case, there's the cute, confused and misunderstood little guy and the big galoot who's been too blind to see what's been right in front of him (and who turns into a babbling love-struck fool after he admits his feelings). Everything takes place in a limited period of time and space, and secondary characters make brief appearances. As usual, the story was too short to get very interesting or deep.
It was a good effort at tackling serious subjects: But I'm not sure how true to life the depiction was.
The sex scene appears near the end of the story and is simple and straightforward. It's quite short, so there isn't time to get too wound up over it.
This book and others like it do meet the need for a quick and easy read. I always know what I'm getting and I'm not disappointed in that regard.
The biggest problem I had with this (and every other book of Hecht's that I've read) is the copyediting. There are comma issues ("a very, big spider"; "airheaded, tart"), missing words ("let the kid out his sight"); awkward word choices and construction ("locking me into a basement"... "While it may not look like all that much on the outside, it surely didn’t warrant the look of horror Riley shot it to be."... "While Noah, Ranger and the rest to their friends, may suspect that"... "I’m not for sure."
I do wish Miss Hecht or extasy books would just have a decent copyeditor look over the file before it's published!
Technical difficulty: My pdf file of the book is missing chapter numbers and the first letter of the first word of each chapter.
MC's: Riley, an eagle shifter, and Colin, a hawk shifter. POV is alternating third person.
This is number 11 in the Lost Shifter series. I haven't read them all, but have read enough to know what's going on. If you jump in with this one, I think it would be confusing.
Regarding content, it was exactly as expected. Stephani Hecht's shifter books are easy reading, simple, quick and predictable. For me, they're in the "snack food" of books category. In this case, there's the cute, confused and misunderstood little guy and the big galoot who's been too blind to see what's been right in front of him (and who turns into a babbling love-struck fool after he admits his feelings). Everything takes place in a limited period of time and space, and secondary characters make brief appearances. As usual, the story was too short to get very interesting or deep.
It was a good effort at tackling serious subjects: But I'm not sure how true to life the depiction was.
The sex scene appears near the end of the story and is simple and straightforward. It's quite short, so there isn't time to get too wound up over it.
This book and others like it do meet the need for a quick and easy read. I always know what I'm getting and I'm not disappointed in that regard.
The biggest problem I had with this (and every other book of Hecht's that I've read) is the copyediting. There are comma issues ("a very, big spider"; "airheaded, tart"), missing words ("let the kid out his sight"); awkward word choices and construction ("locking me into a basement"... "While it may not look like all that much on the outside, it surely didn’t warrant the look of horror Riley shot it to be."... "While Noah, Ranger and the rest to their friends, may suspect that"... "I’m not for sure."
I do wish Miss Hecht or extasy books would just have a decent copyeditor look over the file before it's published!
Technical difficulty: My pdf file of the book is missing chapter numbers and the first letter of the first word of each chapter.
July 1, 2011
This is a story I both liked and didn't like. Hence the 3 stars.
Contains some spoilers
I liked Riley and found him an interestingly flawed character. Which was refreshing considering he's a shifter so the last thing I'd expect was for him to have the bipolar disorder.
That said, I felt the story was too short to properly convey his problems and his struggle with the disease. Also, once we found out what was wrong with him we suddenly skipped 3 months ahead and were told he's better now. Honestly I would have liked to have seen more of how he got better. The good days and the bad days. Plus, some more info on the doctor who helped him would have been welcome. Where he came from and why/how he knows what he knows. Also, are all eagle shifters prone to mental illness or just some of them?
All in all, while Riley being ill did explain some of his behavior at the end of the day I'm left with even more questions. I can only hope we'll get more answers in further books. Maybe when/if his twin gets his story.
Moving on to Colin. I'm not sure I like him much. He seems a bit arrogant and the way he went from keeping Riley at a distance to "i love you baby" felt a bit rushed to me. Also, the fact that he totally missed the way some of the hawks treated Riley left me thinking less of him. After all he's the second in command of the hawks, he should know what's going on.
So, all in all while I enjoyed parts of the story, I didn't like it quite as much as other stories in the series.
Nevertheless I'll be (im)patiently waiting for the next Lost Shifters book.
Contains some spoilers
I liked Riley and found him an interestingly flawed character. Which was refreshing considering he's a shifter so the last thing I'd expect was for him to have the bipolar disorder.
That said, I felt the story was too short to properly convey his problems and his struggle with the disease. Also, once we found out what was wrong with him we suddenly skipped 3 months ahead and were told he's better now. Honestly I would have liked to have seen more of how he got better. The good days and the bad days. Plus, some more info on the doctor who helped him would have been welcome. Where he came from and why/how he knows what he knows. Also, are all eagle shifters prone to mental illness or just some of them?
All in all, while Riley being ill did explain some of his behavior at the end of the day I'm left with even more questions. I can only hope we'll get more answers in further books. Maybe when/if his twin gets his story.
Moving on to Colin. I'm not sure I like him much. He seems a bit arrogant and the way he went from keeping Riley at a distance to "i love you baby" felt a bit rushed to me. Also, the fact that he totally missed the way some of the hawks treated Riley left me thinking less of him. After all he's the second in command of the hawks, he should know what's going on.
So, all in all while I enjoyed parts of the story, I didn't like it quite as much as other stories in the series.
Nevertheless I'll be (im)patiently waiting for the next Lost Shifters book.
April 16, 2012
Not quite 4 stars.
This book did have the potential to be another 3 star book, but it did touch on some topics that were a lot deeper than I expected.
Riley is a very rare Eagle shifter that was rescued from slavery with his friends Noah (one of Mitchell's lost brothers and former street hustler and Seth's mate), Trevor (a coalition soldier, Panther shifter, and Shane's mate), and Ranger (the rogue Wolf that took this motley "pack" in). Being a rare Eagle shifter means Riley has a price on him that makes him worth millions on the slave market. In order to protect him, Riley does not get to leave the compound much, and is assigned a guardian, Colin - a Hawk shifter and Daniel's brother and second-in-command.
Yes - this book once again hit the same formula of:
1. Shifters like each other but can't give into their feelings
3. Shifter one feels he's not good enough for Shifter 2 because of ABC, while Shifter 2 feels he can't commit to another Shifter because of XYZ
4. Shifters final say Fuck it, and realize they are mates
5. Time Lapse - usually one or two days
This book was heading for the 3 star range for me until about mid-way through when Stephani Hecht decided to deepen the plot with some serious real life topics. After that, I was thoroughly engaged and was fascinated by how things would turn out. I definitely appreciated that it wasn't another lighthearted boy meets boy story.
This book did have the potential to be another 3 star book, but it did touch on some topics that were a lot deeper than I expected.
Riley is a very rare Eagle shifter that was rescued from slavery with his friends Noah (one of Mitchell's lost brothers and former street hustler and Seth's mate), Trevor (a coalition soldier, Panther shifter, and Shane's mate), and Ranger (the rogue Wolf that took this motley "pack" in). Being a rare Eagle shifter means Riley has a price on him that makes him worth millions on the slave market. In order to protect him, Riley does not get to leave the compound much, and is assigned a guardian, Colin - a Hawk shifter and Daniel's brother and second-in-command.
Yes - this book once again hit the same formula of:
1. Shifters like each other but can't give into their feelings
3. Shifter one feels he's not good enough for Shifter 2 because of ABC, while Shifter 2 feels he can't commit to another Shifter because of XYZ
4. Shifters final say Fuck it, and realize they are mates
5. Time Lapse - usually one or two days
This book was heading for the 3 star range for me until about mid-way through when Stephani Hecht decided to deepen the plot with some serious real life topics. After that, I was thoroughly engaged and was fascinated by how things would turn out. I definitely appreciated that it wasn't another lighthearted boy meets boy story.
August 20, 2011
Riley's life is rough. Since his little escapade with the twins he's being picked on by some of the hawks, Colin is meaner than ever and he's practically a captive because he would be so valuable to the slavers. He tries escaping and you know something happened to him before that his friends helped him through but you don't know much. After another run in with nasty hawks, you find out the truth about Riley. He's a cutter. He uses it to escape the pain and goes a bit too far. Luckily when Colin goes to get him, he finds him in the nick of time and saves him and finally realizes he loves him. He overhears the friends talking about what has been happening with Riley, both currently and before, and they finally tell him about Riley. It seems Riley is a bi-polar cutter which is odd because traditionally shifters don't suffer mental illness, except for eagles. They get him some help but it's a bit nasty at times. My heart broke a little for Riley and I may have sniffled. I thought Stephani did a good job of bringing up some issues that aren't touched on much in romance (m/m or any other version). I was also glad Riley's friends stood up for him when no one else would. I really enjoyed this one.
July 14, 2013
2.5 Stars
This one was meh. Riley is an eagle-shifter; Colin is a hawk-shifter and Riley's mentor. Riley is attracted to Colin but he has decidedly rejected all of Riley's advances. Riley has acted out and made mistakes; as a result, his reputation has suffered. He is trying his best to assimilate into the feline coalition, specifically the hawks' cast but he's found himself in a world of hurt. He's having trouble battling his own demons plus he suffers daily at the mistreatment doled out by some of the hawks. Overwhelmed, Riley turns first to Colin for help. When none is forthcoming, Riley turns to his own "fix," which almost costs him his life. While I liked and felt for Riley, Colin's stoic nature was a turn-off. He royally f*cked up where Riley was concerned. But he then unilaterally decides that he won't deny his feelings for Riley anymore and things should be peachy from that point on. Riley is expected to simply accept this ... and he does. Ugh. Whatever.
Bottom-line: not one of my faves in this series; although, the teaser at the end about Riley's twin was tantalizing.
This one was meh. Riley is an eagle-shifter; Colin is a hawk-shifter and Riley's mentor. Riley is attracted to Colin but he has decidedly rejected all of Riley's advances. Riley has acted out and made mistakes; as a result, his reputation has suffered. He is trying his best to assimilate into the feline coalition, specifically the hawks' cast but he's found himself in a world of hurt. He's having trouble battling his own demons plus he suffers daily at the mistreatment doled out by some of the hawks. Overwhelmed, Riley turns first to Colin for help. When none is forthcoming, Riley turns to his own "fix," which almost costs him his life. While I liked and felt for Riley, Colin's stoic nature was a turn-off. He royally f*cked up where Riley was concerned. But he then unilaterally decides that he won't deny his feelings for Riley anymore and things should be peachy from that point on. Riley is expected to simply accept this ... and he does. Ugh. Whatever.
Bottom-line: not one of my faves in this series; although, the teaser at the end about Riley's twin was tantalizing.
April 29, 2018
It was very nice to see more of Riley. He's a very likable character. Also, it was good to see Colin wasn't as big of an ass as he first seemed.
This book really surprised me and I like it very much. Especially knowing there was more to Riley than what we saw in the previous book.
Of course, the ending was very very very bad. I hate clif hangers!!!
This book really surprised me and I like it very much. Especially knowing there was more to Riley than what we saw in the previous book.
Of course, the ending was very very very bad. I hate clif hangers!!!
August 25, 2011
It rare to find authors that delve into mental health conditions, and even more rare to find those who do it with warmth or understanding. Ms Hecht did it with both, as well as compassion and for that, the message she sent was heard: "No one should suffer in silence!".
July 9, 2011
Wow. That was a major 180 degree turn in Colin's behavior and I still think he is a dick. This was not one of my favorite Lost Shifter books.
May 15, 2011
really good story ! I really want to read the 12th one now !!
May 16, 2011
The story was boring and the plot to childish. Oh poor, poor Riley having hard time, poor baby -___-...
April 13, 2021
This review is for all of the Lost Shifters, Wayne County Wolves, and Assassin's Loyalty books since they are all interconnected and I read them back-to-back pretty much nonstop over a 10 day period. If I have anything to say about a particular book I'll add it under this bulk review. First, I'd like to mention these are more like novellas than books but they have the same underlying theme and pretty much continue where the last left off but with a different couple.
Everything starts out with the Lost Shifters. To summarize there was a war between the feline shifters and the raven shifters. 20 years or so before the first book there was an all out slaughter in which hundreds of feline homes were attacked and burned down all of the occupants believed to be killed. Turns out that the babies and toddlers that were assumed lost were not. They were hidden within the human foster care system for the most part. I won't say how because that'd be a big spoiler. In addition to foster care some kids were sold into slavery and that's where the whole assassin thing comes in. A couple of the main characters marry into the wolf pack so that's where those books come in as well.
Pros: Since the books are so short there are no long drawn out boring details or general angst. There's usually only one sex scene although it's normally long as hell. Which makes the fact some people shelved these as erotica confusing. I liked the world building and even though there were times I think a little more info might have been nice it never detracted from the story or left me confused. Most of the relationships were a sort of love at first sight thing. Or maybe lust or obsession? Despite this the shifters all seem adamant that's not a thing that happens. There wasn't one character I didn't like. My favorite character was Shane and he must have been the author's as well since he got a few extra books and a side series Shane's Chronicles. There's no big end battle or anything but the last book Baily's 9th Life does pretty much tie things up nicely. I think if I'd been reading the series when they were released I'd be a bit miffed because that book didn't come out until a few years later if you weren't reading the assassins books. Also, these books all have some really funny moments and/or dialog.
Cons: The last several books didn't appear to have been edited at all. If if wasn't for the fact that I was so invested in the overall story arc I would have quit reading them. Things like sent instead of scent and too instead of to they instead of them and random wrong words completely. There were also a couple of times that things were said/thought almost verbatim in different parts of a book as if the author forgot she'd already put that info in there already. At the start of the series, they state that all feline shifters are bisexual but at some point the author must have forgotten that detail because suddenly there are gay shifters and homophobia and all this hate. Which brings me to my next con, the themes of the different books started to repeat. Suddenly all these shifters had been thrown out of their previous pack or coalition or human home for being gay. And throughout this huge series of books there was only one straight couple. Like not even a straight friend or whatever. Even the females were all lesbians. It was just kinda unrealistic especially with the whole gay hate thing going on. Usually there's at least a few couples or friends or something on the periphery in gay romances especially in a world this huge. Which brings me to my final con, I had a hard time remembering who was who and what there story was after awhile especially if they weren't mentioned much in previous books. I wish there had been some sort of glossary to review.
Despite the cons, I would still recommend these books. All-in-all I really enjoyed them and was dreading the end although the editing in the last few books really had me also looking forward to the end if I'm being honest.
Everything starts out with the Lost Shifters. To summarize there was a war between the feline shifters and the raven shifters. 20 years or so before the first book there was an all out slaughter in which hundreds of feline homes were attacked and burned down all of the occupants believed to be killed. Turns out that the babies and toddlers that were assumed lost were not. They were hidden within the human foster care system for the most part. I won't say how because that'd be a big spoiler. In addition to foster care some kids were sold into slavery and that's where the whole assassin thing comes in. A couple of the main characters marry into the wolf pack so that's where those books come in as well.
Pros: Since the books are so short there are no long drawn out boring details or general angst. There's usually only one sex scene although it's normally long as hell. Which makes the fact some people shelved these as erotica confusing. I liked the world building and even though there were times I think a little more info might have been nice it never detracted from the story or left me confused. Most of the relationships were a sort of love at first sight thing. Or maybe lust or obsession? Despite this the shifters all seem adamant that's not a thing that happens. There wasn't one character I didn't like. My favorite character was Shane and he must have been the author's as well since he got a few extra books and a side series Shane's Chronicles. There's no big end battle or anything but the last book Baily's 9th Life does pretty much tie things up nicely. I think if I'd been reading the series when they were released I'd be a bit miffed because that book didn't come out until a few years later if you weren't reading the assassins books. Also, these books all have some really funny moments and/or dialog.
Cons: The last several books didn't appear to have been edited at all. If if wasn't for the fact that I was so invested in the overall story arc I would have quit reading them. Things like sent instead of scent and too instead of to they instead of them and random wrong words completely. There were also a couple of times that things were said/thought almost verbatim in different parts of a book as if the author forgot she'd already put that info in there already. At the start of the series, they state that all feline shifters are bisexual but at some point the author must have forgotten that detail because suddenly there are gay shifters and homophobia and all this hate. Which brings me to my next con, the themes of the different books started to repeat. Suddenly all these shifters had been thrown out of their previous pack or coalition or human home for being gay. And throughout this huge series of books there was only one straight couple. Like not even a straight friend or whatever. Even the females were all lesbians. It was just kinda unrealistic especially with the whole gay hate thing going on. Usually there's at least a few couples or friends or something on the periphery in gay romances especially in a world this huge. Which brings me to my final con, I had a hard time remembering who was who and what there story was after awhile especially if they weren't mentioned much in previous books. I wish there had been some sort of glossary to review.
Despite the cons, I would still recommend these books. All-in-all I really enjoyed them and was dreading the end although the editing in the last few books really had me also looking forward to the end if I'm being honest.
April 16, 2019
Riley's Regret (Lost Shifter Book 11)
This was as great as the first ten and I can't wait to read more of this series and I will be reading it next.....
This was as great as the first ten and I can't wait to read more of this series and I will be reading it next.....
June 4, 2014
2014 Re-read:
Tricky.
I did not hate Colin as much this time around, but he really is not on my favourite list of protagonists.
There were some good aspects to Riley’s mental issues, yet at the same time the resolution simplified things ridiculously. And the way Colin struck me as ludicrously insensitive and dangerous. Especially toward someone with wild mood swings.
So the story ended up being kind of rushed and simplistic. I am not sure why that surprises me, considering that all the books in this series are on the short end of the spectrum.
On the upside it prevented the bad stuff from being dragged out, of course. I’d expected (and worried) it would go on longer.
Still, this could have been hugely better. Maybe I wouldn’t care so much if there hadn’t been moments that touched me. (Nothing in connection with Colin, to be sure.)
2011 Review:
Tricky.
I did not hate Colin as much this time around, but he really is not on my favourite list of protagonists.
There were some good aspects to Riley’s mental issues, yet at the same time the resolution simplified things ridiculously. And the way Colin struck me as ludicrously insensitive and dangerous. Especially toward someone with wild mood swings.
So the story ended up being kind of rushed and simplistic. I am not sure why that surprises me, considering that all the books in this series are on the short end of the spectrum.
On the upside it prevented the bad stuff from being dragged out, of course. I’d expected (and worried) it would go on longer.
Still, this could have been hugely better. Maybe I wouldn’t care so much if there hadn’t been moments that touched me. (Nothing in connection with Colin, to be sure.)
2011 Review:
December 6, 2016
I'm giving this a 4 stars.
The story is about Riley and in the begin we see that he has a major depression going on and it become much worse when Colin, Daniel brother and Riley crush and mentor, said some pretty nasty word to him. However, that all chance when Riley has a near death experience that Colin decided to quit fighting his attraction from Riley and just go for it. Will they find happiness or will the darkness within Riley prevent them from having a loving relationship.
I know that this was suppose to be an emotionally moment for Riley because we get to understand more about his situation and all the suffer he been though but I found this book going to fast. Like Colin just decided it was my bad and chance his way and Riley was okay without Colin suffering a little of what he put Riley though. I get that he chance his way and admit what he did wrong and decided to do right but I still find it way to fast for him to forgive him. Instead of taking the time for it to build up as it go it was to fast pace that make me feel that this book was a waste of time. Don't get me wrong I like Riley he make a really lovable character, which is why I feel that he deserve a much better plot then this. That is my opinion on this book but it was still a good book to read anyway.
The story is about Riley and in the begin we see that he has a major depression going on and it become much worse when Colin, Daniel brother and Riley crush and mentor, said some pretty nasty word to him. However, that all chance when Riley has a near death experience that Colin decided to quit fighting his attraction from Riley and just go for it. Will they find happiness or will the darkness within Riley prevent them from having a loving relationship.
I know that this was suppose to be an emotionally moment for Riley because we get to understand more about his situation and all the suffer he been though but I found this book going to fast. Like Colin just decided it was my bad and chance his way and Riley was okay without Colin suffering a little of what he put Riley though. I get that he chance his way and admit what he did wrong and decided to do right but I still find it way to fast for him to forgive him. Instead of taking the time for it to build up as it go it was to fast pace that make me feel that this book was a waste of time. Don't get me wrong I like Riley he make a really lovable character, which is why I feel that he deserve a much better plot then this. That is my opinion on this book but it was still a good book to read anyway.
September 6, 2015
2.5 stars
In all honesty I won’t be able to give this one a high rating. Yes, I did enjoy the book and have the series as a whole but not for being a fabulously writing story. The writing in this book was ok but not anything special. I enjoyed the author making an attempt to write a character that has a mental issue and still give him love and support in the story line. The characters were shallow and I really didn’t get much of a feel for Colin and though a bit better not really even one for Riley either. Still if you want a short relaxing read with a guaranteed HEA then this is a good book.
In all honesty I won’t be able to give this one a high rating. Yes, I did enjoy the book and have the series as a whole but not for being a fabulously writing story. The writing in this book was ok but not anything special. I enjoyed the author making an attempt to write a character that has a mental issue and still give him love and support in the story line. The characters were shallow and I really didn’t get much of a feel for Colin and though a bit better not really even one for Riley either. Still if you want a short relaxing read with a guaranteed HEA then this is a good book.
June 11, 2011
I wasn't sure how this one was going to be, after all you read about them in the other book, not that it's a bad thing if it is done right, but once I started reading this I just kept going. I can't say this is one of my Fave books, but it is a good one to read. It can even help people understand what it's like for people who have the same problem as Riley, even if they don't know they have it.
As for the end of the book, let me just say I hate and like cliffhangers... hate because you have to wait and wonder, and like because you know there is more to come. :)
As for the end of the book, let me just say I hate and like cliffhangers... hate because you have to wait and wonder, and like because you know there is more to come. :)
May 4, 2015
Stephani Hecht is a terrible writer. I don't feel like pulling any punches here, because to do otherwise would be a disservice to my fellow readers. These books are awful, but have their own compelling pull. I wanted to carry on to see what happened next, even though the writing was making me insane, the characters were all the same, and the sex was becoming incredibly redundant. It wasn't until I got to the third book based on Shane (seriously, again?), that I finally hit a wall and couldn't read any more. It was (sorta) fun while it lasted.
November 30, 2011
I definitely liked this book the most so far. I liked Riley and his troubled self and also that this time there were no outside enemies or the like. But I wished we would have seen his time when he was under treatment. This was not right in my eyes that the author just skipped a few months. Also I wished this time it would have also been the smaller guy that topped the bigger one since based on the sex scene both Riley and Colin would have been in for that.
September 17, 2011
Book 10 done a lot of bad publicity for new 11 book of Lost Shifters series even in my own eyes so I can't says I love that book because I did not. Main couple was not interesting any way. But I if I got to book 10 and need to go on to book 12 I had to go true 11. I gave 3 stars for fun time reading it.
April 23, 2017
Boook 11 of the lost shifters.
Riley's story is quite dark; covering bullying towards someone who is already quite vulnerable, self harm and mental illness. I felt it was well handled - I like Riley as a character and really felt for him as the story went on.
I'd recommend reading this, just be aware of what it covers.
Riley's story is quite dark; covering bullying towards someone who is already quite vulnerable, self harm and mental illness. I felt it was well handled - I like Riley as a character and really felt for him as the story went on.
I'd recommend reading this, just be aware of what it covers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
[ETA 07/21/23] This has always been a comfort read for me, but I find, again my tastes have shifted.
I want more in-depth character development.
Riley the Eagle Shifter feels restricted and trapped in the new life he's been given. It'll take the strength of friendship and the acknowledgement of a certain Hawk shifter to pull through.
I want more in-depth character development.
Riley the Eagle Shifter feels restricted and trapped in the new life he's been given. It'll take the strength of friendship and the acknowledgement of a certain Hawk shifter to pull through.
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