Monday, February 23, 2015

Review: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Title: Fair Game
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Book Three in the Alpha & Omega Series
Published By: Ace (March 6, 2012)
Source: Purchased
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars


Book Description:
Patricia Briggs, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, "New York Times" bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey...

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles.

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...
 











I know I have said this before but it bares repeating because it is just so true, I read this series because of Anna and Charles. Their relationship is just one I am so drawn to. I love how they fix each other, better each other and they do it in the simplest ways. 

Even though they both are protective of each other they aren't all alpha butt head about it. Instead it's in a very loving and respectful way. Endearing. Loving.

And because I read this series strictly for these two, and okay, for the amazing writing that Briggs is so known for, I admit, I was a little sad to see Anna and Charles on the rocks a bit. I didn’t want anything to hurt their relationship, after all, they have both come so far. I didn’t want it to be a one step forward two steps back kind of thing. I guess more than anything, when it came to their relationship, I didn't want drama. 

Thankfully I knew I could trust Briggs to somehow make them stronger, even during their struggles and once again, she didn't let me down.

She did make them stronger. It was nice to see big strong Charles be the one with fears and doubts this time and Anna to be the one that took control. The one to help him instead of him always needing to help her. No, that isn't quite right either, they always help each other, but this time, it was Anna that was tough when someone needed to be when it came to their relationship and their personal lives. 

I love that with each new book, Anna grows stronger and more confident in being an Omega and in being and finding who it means to be Anna. To be herself. 

Charles doesn't make her who she is, he makes her stronger, more confident. More the person she was always meant to be and that is what makes this series so amazing. Yes is has witches and vamps and fae and weres but more than that, it has a really strong sense of family. Of relationships and love, and that is why more than anything else, I love it so much.

All the mystery, action and adventure is just an added bonus. I did love though, that all of that, was amped up in this third installment as well. There was more danger, more darkness and evil. It made for quite the page turner and one I couldn't get enough of.

I also loved some of the new characters that were introduced, Isaac was a great addition to the series and one that I hope we will see more of and considering the ending of this, I hope we get to see a certain fae more as well. I couldn't help but feel for him in the end and with the justice that he brought about those that deserved it.


I look forward to the next adventure.




43 comments:

  1. I love how soft their love is. It's not all about submitting and dominance. It's different from any other love I have seen in a book. I need to get back on this series.

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    1. Yes! I think you nailed it with that description Jennifer! That is exactly why I love this series so much. :D

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  2. With both you and Kim's reviews really praising this series, I'm thinking I need to get to this asap. It stresses me out when couples in books are on the rocks, but I love that Anna grows throughout. Can't wait to meet these characters and the author's writing.
    Lovely review, Ali!

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    1. It isn't bad at all in this, not what I thought it would end up being. I think you would really like this series Nick. :)

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  3. "I guess more than anything, when it came to their relationship, I didn't want drama.

    ME EITHER ALI! But that's what I love so much about this series - they're a pair through and through. They might have missteps along the way, but I never fear for their relationship as I do with some other romances. They're solid even in their worst moments:) Can't wait for your thoughts on Dead Heat!

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    1. Yes! That is definitely one thing that is so nice about them. They have their ups and downs but they have them together, always!

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  4. This is the second review for this series that I've read today...both so positive. I really need to check it out...sounds like the romance aspect is perfect!

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  5. Anna & Charles' relationship totally makes this series worthwhile! Ooh, and Briggs' werewolves too. They are such a breath of fresh air to the Urban Fantasy genre. Dead Heat is only a week away. SQUEE!!

    Carmel @ Rabid Reads

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    1. I know, she really knows how to write them doesn't she?

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  6. This does look like an intriguing book series. I know there are a TON of werewolf and vampire paranormal books out there, but I love revisiting those worlds through different authors. I will have to try this series out!

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    1. This is a great series to try and pretty mild compared to some of the others out there. ;)

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  7. I know that feeling! When you ship a couple SO BLOODY HARD that you just don't want them to fall out or to have a drama over something that could have been prevented. It hurts you too, doesn't it?! I'm glad to see that either way, it was resolved splendidly, and that the two characters got to even develop because of it. I can't wait to marathon this series!

    Faye at The Social Potato

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    1. I am so glad you are going to marathon read this! I think it just might be the best way to do it. :)

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  8. Amazing review. I totally agree with you. Alpha & Omega series isn't good because of the angst filled story-line (like so many others), it's good because of Charles and Anna's relationship. I don't know if I've every read one like there's before and I love it. I actually planned on re-reading this book this week. :)
    Kristin @ Book Sniffers Anonymous

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    1. Yay! I am so glad you are a fan of this series as well! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!! :)

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  9. That's another thing I love about her series & couples. Their bonds are strong but they're not impervious to trials like normal human couples. Makes them realistic and relatable

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    1. You know, that is very true and I didn't think about it in terms of that but you are absolutely right Braine!

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  10. I am so excited to start this series. I keep reading rave reviews for it, but I must finish Kate Daniels first. So glad to see you reading from your TBR!

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    1. Thanks Heidi! I'm excited for you to start it too and see how much you like it. :)

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  11. I plan to start the Mercy Thompson series soon ... maybe next month. I don't need to read this one first, right?

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    1. Nope not at all, in fact I would at least start Mercy first since it references her a few times in this.

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  12. Great review, happy to see that you're still enjoying this series. I hate when authors test my favourite couples and add in loads of drama, I get nervous that they're going to ruin it.

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    1. I really do too, thankfully that didn't happen with this.

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    1. Yay! Glad you are reading and loving this too!

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  14. I love this couple too even the subtle ways they understand each other:) Fantastic review Ali

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  15. I feel like I'm missing the boat on this one. Truth be told, I bought the first 5 books to the Mercy Thompson series, but only managed to read the first one. I just couldn't get into it. Sigh.

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    1. If I remember right I didn't like them until later either, but I might be thinking of a different series. Usually with UFs it takes me at least until book two or three before I can really decide if I like them or not.

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  16. Yay! I'm so loving this series and I had a great time with all the books so I'm glad to see it's the same for you. I can't wait for a new one.

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    1. I am so glad too and I couldn't agree more! I need more Anna and Charles. :)

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  17. it sound interesting, happy to see you enjoyed :D

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  18. So glad you're still enjoying them :) I need to finish up Mercy and Adam and then finish up these. I've gotten behind. *hangs head*

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    1. Don't feel bad, I need to finish up Mercy, I am wayyyyy behind on it. :(

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  19. I've heard so many wonderful things about Anna and Charles - I need o get to know this couple. I'm so glad everything worked out in the story, and that it gave you all those feels. Do you think I would enjoy this series more than say Mercy Thompson with this sweet romance?
    Wonderful review, Ali! :)

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    1. This definitely has more romance I think, or at least a sweeter one than the Mercy series does.

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  20. I've said this many times, and I know that at least on one occasion it's been to you, but I LOVE seeing why other readers love the same books that I do, especially when our reasons are COMPLETELY different, LOL. I love this series too, but I love it for Bran and Asil. Anna and Charles are actually the most difficult part for me b/c their relationship is so legitimately awkward . . . it hurts! Briggs is great at accurately portraying relationships, so I'm hopeful that the new one will finally have them reaching a place that's more comfortable, but regardless, I love it, and I'll keep reading it ;)

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    1. Bran and Asil are pretty fabulous! I wish they would be in them more though, although we did get a nice dose of both in this one. :)

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  21. I totally agree, I read these books for Anna and Charles. I read this awhile ago, and honestly I remember a bit about the FBI investigation and the fae, but what really sticks out in my memory is the moments in their relationship and how they worked together. Great review! :-)

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  22. One of these days I am going to read the first one of these-which I already bought. Glad you enjoyed it so much!

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    1. Oh you really should, I think you would really like it!

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