Queen J and I both obsess over Laurann Dohner’s New Species Series. All of these books feed into my need for possessive, alpha males and the concept of mates or soulmates. A one sentence summary of the series:
Government experiments with DNA splicing leads to ultimate alpha male.
Every story in this series contains a bit of suspense with a lot of romance. The books are a bit like potato chips for me…I can never have just one!
Fury (Book #1)– Fury & Ellie – This first book introduces us to the New Species world. Ellie is working at a pharmaceutical company when she discovers the illegal experiments going on. This is where she first meets Fury, who is known as a number until the New Species are released after Ellie obtains evidence. Their romance is rocky initially, as Fury is focused on revenge. Throughout some ups and downs, Ellie and Fury unite to become the first mixed-species couple.
Slade (Book #2) – Slade & Trisha – Slade and Trisha have to deal with anti-New Species protestors and a kidnapping to reach their happy ending…with only a small surprise at the end.
Valiant (Book #3) – Valiant & Tammy – Our first introduction to New Species living at the Reservation, their secluded home for those with extra animal-like traits. Valiant is one of my favorites – he’s a perfect mix of alpha and vulnerability.
He couldn’t wait to return home to marry her and remove her underwear. Not in that order though.
Justice (Book #4) – Justice & Jessie – Justice is the self-appointed leader of the New Species and Jessie is the mouthy female member of the task force. Justice has to choose between his duty and his desires…
Brawn (Book #5) – Brawn & Becca – Drawn together after being kidnapped and locked in a cage, Brawn and Becca have to learn to rely on the other to survive.
Wrath (Book #6) – Wrath & Lauren – So Wrath is maybe the greatest gift I’ve received from this series. He is wonderfully protective, and vulnerable, and works through his fears to reach his happily ever after with Lauren. Lauren was strong and empathetic, a great combination for a Heroine.
He inhaled, puffed up his chest and a stubborn streak shone in his stare. “I will learn to be the best mate.”
Tiger (Book #7) – Tiger & Zandy – Not my favorite. Tiger seems fickle in his decisions, and the anti-New Species hate that Zandy must deal with feels over the top evil.
Obsidian (Book #8) – Obsidian & Allie – A different introduction between the Hero and Heroine; Obsidian is in a coma when Allie meets him, as she is a doctor hired by New Species. Their story is a whirlwind, as Allie does everything in her power to save Obsidian’s life…and this is before he even wakes up!
Shadow (Book #9) – Shadow & Beauty – Our first human-less couple, both Shadow and Beauty are New Species. The two help each other work through their painful pasts to reach the ending of their dreams.
Moon (Book #10) – Moon & Joyce – The story line is slightly different here, as Moon and Joyce first met when New Species were originally discovered and released. Now Moon has been drugged and remains feral, with tiny moments of lucidity. Flashbacks of their past intersperses frequently, making it harder to separate past and present. Will Joyce be able to save Moon?
True (Book #11) – True & Jeanie – Another favorite of mine. Jeanie worked at the facility where True was held, collecting evidence she was told was needed. She makes a major sacrifice to save True’s life, but it is not until some time later that they meet again. Once True releases the extent of her sacrifice, he will do everything he can to keep her safe.
Jeanie chuckled. “What a pair. You think I’m heaven and I think you’re a god.”
Darkness (Book #12) – Darkness & Kat – Darkness’s past makes it hard for him to trust, yet he is drawn to the beautiful Kat. Kat is an underc0ver FBI agent, who works against her orders to instead aid Darkness and New Species. Full of suspense!
Smiley (Book #13) – Smiley & Vanni – Smiley and Vanni meet when they are both drugged in a bar. After recovery, Vanni is on the run and Smiley does all he can to protect her.
Numbers (Book #14) – 140 (Mourn) & Dana; 927 (Hero) & Candi – two stories for the price of one! Mourn is grieving for his mate when he meets Dana, a widow. A classic friends to lovers story, with a New Species twist. Hero and Candi were cellmates from childhood, until Hero believes Candi betrayed him, when she is then sent away to be wrongfully institutionalized. Can Hero and Candi work through their pasts to find their future?
Best Friends (Book #15) – Another two stories in one! After an attack on the diner she waitresses at, Melinda and Snow are thrown together. Her fellow waitress Mary, has a phobia of animals but somehow gets stuck in Lash’s home on the Reservation. Can she confront her fears?