What do you think?
Rate this book
Fangs & Felons #2
Weaker Than Instinct
Having a partner is bad news. I’ve been doing everything I can to go it alone. But this time I’ve pushed my unit too far.
I’m being punished. Not quite a fate worse than death, but almost as bad.
I’ve been tasked with a mission at the SICB Academy to help train wannabe agents while working undercover to figure out why recruits have been going missing.
I’m not looking to inspire. How can I when I’ve become a lone wolf?
But that doesn’t stop the Powers that Be from demanding I work with a rookie.
Just two months out from graduating, and my new partner is apparently a hot-shot agent in training.
Amber-eyed, bold, and with a scent that calls to me, Jett Shaw is a panther who is close to getting under my skin. We’ve no choice but to work together and have each other’s six, but how can I trust anyone when I can’t trust myself?
With a new threat appearing and Shaw being in the line of fire, I have to change tack. If not, taking down the shadow agency that refuses to stay buried may become my last mission for the SICB. And not just mine; the whole unit could go down with me.
Weaker Than Instinct is the second book in a gay urban fantasy romance series. Between the pages you’ll find high-octane action, snarky vampires and shifters, and scorching-hot scenes to make you swoon.
I’m being punished. Not quite a fate worse than death, but almost as bad.
I’ve been tasked with a mission at the SICB Academy to help train wannabe agents while working undercover to figure out why recruits have been going missing.
I’m not looking to inspire. How can I when I’ve become a lone wolf?
But that doesn’t stop the Powers that Be from demanding I work with a rookie.
Just two months out from graduating, and my new partner is apparently a hot-shot agent in training.
Amber-eyed, bold, and with a scent that calls to me, Jett Shaw is a panther who is close to getting under my skin. We’ve no choice but to work together and have each other’s six, but how can I trust anyone when I can’t trust myself?
With a new threat appearing and Shaw being in the line of fire, I have to change tack. If not, taking down the shadow agency that refuses to stay buried may become my last mission for the SICB. And not just mine; the whole unit could go down with me.
Weaker Than Instinct is the second book in a gay urban fantasy romance series. Between the pages you’ll find high-octane action, snarky vampires and shifters, and scorching-hot scenes to make you swoon.
ebook
Published June 15, 2023
About the author
Becca Seymour
33 books553 followersBecca Seymour is the #1 gay romance best seller of the True-Blue series. Known for "steamy and endearing" and "emotionally profound love stories" (InD'tale Magazine) her books have been nominated for multiple RONE Awards.
Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca's life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, sheep, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
TRUE-BLUE
Let Me Show You (Carter & Tanner)
It's Not You (Davis & Scott)
Becoming Us (Davis & Scott)
Thinking It Over (Jasper & Austin)
Always For You (Ted & Jason)
It's Not You (Lawrence & Billy)
Our First And Last (Ian & Frankie)
Next For Us (Carter & Tanner)
OUTBACK BOYS
Wobble (Perma-free)
Stumble (Mark & Trey)
Bounce (Riley & Aiden)
ZONE DEFENSE
No Take Backs
No More Secrets
No Wrong Moves
FAST BREAK
Rules, Schmules!
Facts, Smacts!
Regular, Smegular!
FANGS & FELONS
Thicker Than Water
Weaker Than Instinct
STAND-ALONES
Realigned (perma-free)
Amalgamated
Not Used To Cute
High Alert
Under the Blazing Stars
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Becca lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, Becca's life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, sheep, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
TRUE-BLUE
Let Me Show You (Carter & Tanner)
It's Not You (Davis & Scott)
Becoming Us (Davis & Scott)
Thinking It Over (Jasper & Austin)
Always For You (Ted & Jason)
It's Not You (Lawrence & Billy)
Our First And Last (Ian & Frankie)
Next For Us (Carter & Tanner)
OUTBACK BOYS
Wobble (Perma-free)
Stumble (Mark & Trey)
Bounce (Riley & Aiden)
ZONE DEFENSE
No Take Backs
No More Secrets
No Wrong Moves
FAST BREAK
Rules, Schmules!
Facts, Smacts!
Regular, Smegular!
FANGS & FELONS
Thicker Than Water
Weaker Than Instinct
STAND-ALONES
Realigned (perma-free)
Amalgamated
Not Used To Cute
High Alert
Under the Blazing Stars
REVIEWS:
"WOW! Simply, Wow! A funny, steamy and endearing story that should be put into your family of books. Something that you can read over and over again when you need a pick me up." The Book Fairy Reviews
"An intense connection that smolders" - JayReads
"This book was a slow burn and I loved it." - Steamy Book Momma
"Characters to pull for, a romance to give you feels, and enough steam to keep you turning pages..." - Romantic Reads and Such
"Emotionally profound love story with many laugh aloud moments." - InD'tale Magazine
"Becca had me cracking up laughing and smiling ear to ear." - HeidiLynns BookReviews
Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 18, 2023
Book safety, tropes and tags down below.
"If he knew the effect he had on me-how everything else all but disappeared when he had me in his sights-how would he react?"
Dude, I love when a book has believable chemistry and sexual tension. That's the good stuff. Jett Shaw and Vaughn Michaels definitely had an instant connection, but it didn't feel like instalove. Sometimes you just meet someone you click with, and that was definitely the deal with these boys. Michaels was a little gun-shy maybe, but not because of a fear of love or connection, but a fear of losing someone else after losing his previous work partner in the SICB. This is detailed at the end of book 1, but you could read this as a standalone without any problems. There's a couple recurring characters, but nothing crazy where you'll feel like you've missed half the plot.
"To protect and serve was like a distant memory. Instead, seek and destroy all the f*cked-up criminals in our world had become my new mantra." I think it's safe to say that Michaels had lost his way for a while there, lol.
I enjoyed the mystery/suspense part in this book a lot, and just the whole general premise of this one hits so many good tropes. An experienced agent is sent to the training academy in order to solve a case where cadets are going missing after dropping out of the program. He's paired up with the top cadet in the entire academy, Jett Shaw, in order to find out what's happening.
"'Kent has your academy pass and has sorted your paperwork. On paper, you're there for a month-long sabbatical as part of the academy's teaching and training program.' No.' I gasped, legit struggling for breath at the horror of it all." Honestly, this interactions had me giggling more than strictly necessary.
Shaw isn't arrogant, but he definitely has that swagger that just draws people in. He's a little cocky, sure, but for good reason and not obnoxiously so. His interactions with Agent Michaels were awesome. He looks stoic on the outside when meeting the older agent, but on the inside he's fangirling, lol. I loved it. These guys just seemed to have fun together, and that's one of my favorite things to read. Where the connection and friendship feels natural. Oh, and the spice in this was definitely a step up from book 1. Thank you, Becca!
"'Take a seat.' Relieved he directed me to sit, I went gladly, preferring the safety of a table separating us rather than standing and not knowing what to do with my hands." Same Shaw, same. I'm glad badass shifter law enforcement-trainees don't know what to do with their hands in formal situations either, lol.
This book contains a (to me) often dreaded trope: the fake relationship. BUT, fear not! This is the kind of fake relationship I can get behind. There was no character pretending like there was nothing more going on, or dragged out pining that only gets resolved in the last 3% of the book, etc. They both acknowledged that there was more going on (atleast to themselves), and the fakeness was for the sake of their mission/op.
There's one thing I felt was missing here that we got loads of in the previous book, and that was interactions between characters while one or both of them were in their shifter form (wolf and panther for Michaels and Shaw respectively). I honestly forgot I was reading a shifter book at times, which I'm a teensy bit sad about. Cuddles or caretaking of the other MC while shifted is one of my favorite things about shifter books, so I wish there was just more. Overall though, I highly enjoyed this. The suspense, action and relationship was on point.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
"If he knew the effect he had on me-how everything else all but disappeared when he had me in his sights-how would he react?"
Dude, I love when a book has believable chemistry and sexual tension. That's the good stuff. Jett Shaw and Vaughn Michaels definitely had an instant connection, but it didn't feel like instalove. Sometimes you just meet someone you click with, and that was definitely the deal with these boys. Michaels was a little gun-shy maybe, but not because of a fear of love or connection, but a fear of losing someone else after losing his previous work partner in the SICB. This is detailed at the end of book 1, but you could read this as a standalone without any problems. There's a couple recurring characters, but nothing crazy where you'll feel like you've missed half the plot.
"To protect and serve was like a distant memory. Instead, seek and destroy all the f*cked-up criminals in our world had become my new mantra." I think it's safe to say that Michaels had lost his way for a while there, lol.
I enjoyed the mystery/suspense part in this book a lot, and just the whole general premise of this one hits so many good tropes. An experienced agent is sent to the training academy in order to solve a case where cadets are going missing after dropping out of the program. He's paired up with the top cadet in the entire academy, Jett Shaw, in order to find out what's happening.
"'Kent has your academy pass and has sorted your paperwork. On paper, you're there for a month-long sabbatical as part of the academy's teaching and training program.' No.' I gasped, legit struggling for breath at the horror of it all." Honestly, this interactions had me giggling more than strictly necessary.
Shaw isn't arrogant, but he definitely has that swagger that just draws people in. He's a little cocky, sure, but for good reason and not obnoxiously so. His interactions with Agent Michaels were awesome. He looks stoic on the outside when meeting the older agent, but on the inside he's fangirling, lol. I loved it. These guys just seemed to have fun together, and that's one of my favorite things to read. Where the connection and friendship feels natural. Oh, and the spice in this was definitely a step up from book 1. Thank you, Becca!
"'Take a seat.' Relieved he directed me to sit, I went gladly, preferring the safety of a table separating us rather than standing and not knowing what to do with my hands." Same Shaw, same. I'm glad badass shifter law enforcement-trainees don't know what to do with their hands in formal situations either, lol.
This book contains a (to me) often dreaded trope: the fake relationship. BUT, fear not! This is the kind of fake relationship I can get behind. There was no character pretending like there was nothing more going on, or dragged out pining that only gets resolved in the last 3% of the book, etc. They both acknowledged that there was more going on (atleast to themselves), and the fakeness was for the sake of their mission/op.
There's one thing I felt was missing here that we got loads of in the previous book, and that was interactions between characters while one or both of them were in their shifter form (wolf and panther for Michaels and Shaw respectively). I honestly forgot I was reading a shifter book at times, which I'm a teensy bit sad about. Cuddles or caretaking of the other MC while shifted is one of my favorite things about shifter books, so I wish there was just more. Overall though, I highly enjoyed this. The suspense, action and relationship was on point.
Book safety
TW/CW
Tropes & tags
June 8, 2023
Michaels’ and Shaw’s story was a blast, action-packed like book 1, but maybe because I felt like I had a better handle on the world thanks to the first book, I settled right in fast. Sometimes I wanted to hit Michaels up the side of the head, lol, but I liked both him and Shaw a lot. The intensity of the case and need to work together made their quickly growing feelings feel plausible to me.
I liked the everyday details like the training exercises mixed in with the case to solve. I felt like we got a good resolution here even if there’s some bigger questions for future books in the series. I always enjoy watching the team work together and look forward to more of them getting their HEAs. (I think my first vote is for Smythe, then Lucas.)
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
I liked the everyday details like the training exercises mixed in with the case to solve. I felt like we got a good resolution here even if there’s some bigger questions for future books in the series. I always enjoy watching the team work together and look forward to more of them getting their HEAs. (I think my first vote is for Smythe, then Lucas.)
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
June 17, 2023
4,5 stars for a great, action-packed read.
This is the first book in this series I read, so it can be read as a standalone without issues .
Michaels and Shaw are great together ... at least most of the time.
There is one instance where I am not really happy with Michaels ... but they can't be all perfect.
The storyline was interesting, and I am curious about what happens next .
I am quite open about who the next book should be about, as I enjoyed all the characters from the team, but maybe Lucas would be a good choice 😉
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next book ... and now I have to go back to reading the first one on thus series
This is the first book in this series I read, so it can be read as a standalone without issues .
Michaels and Shaw are great together ... at least most of the time.
There is one instance where I am not really happy with Michaels ... but they can't be all perfect.
The storyline was interesting, and I am curious about what happens next .
I am quite open about who the next book should be about, as I enjoyed all the characters from the team, but maybe Lucas would be a good choice 😉
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next book ... and now I have to go back to reading the first one on thus series
February 7, 2024
Contains: action filled, mystery, detective, pnr/shifter, special academy, special op.
Standalone. As mentioned in the blurb, this book can be read as standalone. I did so, and it didn't detract from my reading pleasure, nor was I lost in the story. The only point it made was that I loved it so much, I absolutely must read the first one now.
Immerse yourself in this mystery-filled book. From the very first chapters, you'll be immersed in an intrigue that'll make you tremble with anticipation. I couldn't put the book down, it was so intoxicating. I absolutely wanted to know who the accomplice or accomplices involved in this plot were.
What more can I say. The author's writing is magnificent. She has the talent to extend her enigma throughout the book without giving us too many details, but surprisingly without losing our attention. The characters keep us captive throughout. A young man determined to do whatever it takes to succeed, and look forward to his future goals. An another character who needs help to overcome a difficult moment. A team that needs him and a mystery that may put things back into perspective...
If, like me, you're a fan of action, special forces and pnr. You'll absolutely love this book. Please grab it and enjoy.
Standalone. As mentioned in the blurb, this book can be read as standalone. I did so, and it didn't detract from my reading pleasure, nor was I lost in the story. The only point it made was that I loved it so much, I absolutely must read the first one now.
Immerse yourself in this mystery-filled book. From the very first chapters, you'll be immersed in an intrigue that'll make you tremble with anticipation. I couldn't put the book down, it was so intoxicating. I absolutely wanted to know who the accomplice or accomplices involved in this plot were.
What more can I say. The author's writing is magnificent. She has the talent to extend her enigma throughout the book without giving us too many details, but surprisingly without losing our attention. The characters keep us captive throughout. A young man determined to do whatever it takes to succeed, and look forward to his future goals. An another character who needs help to overcome a difficult moment. A team that needs him and a mystery that may put things back into perspective...
If, like me, you're a fan of action, special forces and pnr. You'll absolutely love this book. Please grab it and enjoy.
September 5, 2023
3.5
First off I’m just gonna celebrate a book with diversity! Yay for a world that includes us. That alone gets an extra star from me.
This story was a semi continuance from the previous book. This is a stand-alone, but if you are looking for the romance this one is lacking. The over all plot that brings everyone together that they were fighting against in the last book, takes front and center here. Which there is nothing wrong with that, it’s just not how I like my books to be. I wish we got more from this couple. This could have made for a great hurt/comfort book with a the added bonus of the suspense. They are shifters, but we got none of the things we love about shifting. I honestly didn’t think they were gonna get a true HEA. That seemed to be added at the end of the story. The lacking as it was declaration of love didn’t come until the final pages.
Which is sad because I really wanted more from this book. It has great potential. The smexy was lacking all shifter smexy. I do hope a few other characters get stories but I hope they are better than this.
First off I’m just gonna celebrate a book with diversity! Yay for a world that includes us. That alone gets an extra star from me.
This story was a semi continuance from the previous book. This is a stand-alone, but if you are looking for the romance this one is lacking. The over all plot that brings everyone together that they were fighting against in the last book, takes front and center here. Which there is nothing wrong with that, it’s just not how I like my books to be. I wish we got more from this couple. This could have made for a great hurt/comfort book with a the added bonus of the suspense. They are shifters, but we got none of the things we love about shifting. I honestly didn’t think they were gonna get a true HEA. That seemed to be added at the end of the story. The lacking as it was declaration of love didn’t come until the final pages.
Which is sad because I really wanted more from this book. It has great potential. The smexy was lacking all shifter smexy. I do hope a few other characters get stories but I hope they are better than this.
June 17, 2023
Fantastic Fangs and Felons
I decided to read this book because it said it could be read independently and I totally understood everything but now I’m desperate to read the first volume of this series just because I enjoyed this one so much. I read a lot of books and it takes a lot to stand out in my mind but I’m pretty sure this will be one of those books and I will also be looking out for more of Becca Seymour’s writing.
Michael and Shaw make a terrific couple and their romance counterbalances a cleverly crafted adventure/mystery story which can be a hard thing to do with stories in this genre. They can often end up feeling too heavy or unrelenting or as if comic bits have been stuffed into the story only to lighten it up. Ms. Seymour also takes the story through a nice variety of places and situations and has a whole host of villains for our hero and heroines to investigate. I especially appreciate how she resists the temptation to telegraph who the baddies are and kept me guessing and involved right up until the end.
I decided to read this book because it said it could be read independently and I totally understood everything but now I’m desperate to read the first volume of this series just because I enjoyed this one so much. I read a lot of books and it takes a lot to stand out in my mind but I’m pretty sure this will be one of those books and I will also be looking out for more of Becca Seymour’s writing.
Michael and Shaw make a terrific couple and their romance counterbalances a cleverly crafted adventure/mystery story which can be a hard thing to do with stories in this genre. They can often end up feeling too heavy or unrelenting or as if comic bits have been stuffed into the story only to lighten it up. Ms. Seymour also takes the story through a nice variety of places and situations and has a whole host of villains for our hero and heroines to investigate. I especially appreciate how she resists the temptation to telegraph who the baddies are and kept me guessing and involved right up until the end.
June 16, 2023
Weaker Than Instinct is an amazing addition to the Fangs & Felons series and I absolutely loved it. I have been waiting for another book in this series as the first one was very good but this one is even better. This beautifully written story is intense, full of interesting twists, lots of action, an intriguing romance and the characters are wonderful. I love Michaels and Shaw together as they have a strong connection and smoking hot chemistry. They work so well together and with the help of their team they are determined to solve the mystery surrounding the academy. There is a lot going on and even though they trust each other Michaels has to learn to step back and allow Shaw to do what he has been trained for. The ending is perfect, I love the secondary characters and I hope there will be more books in this exciting series.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
April 23, 2023
I picked up the paperback of this wonderful yet to be released book at the GLO Sydney signing 15/04/2023 and I’m so glad that I did!
There’s been a fair bit of time between this book and the first in this urban fantasy series and it was definitely worth the wait.
Vaughn Michaels is grieving the loss of his work partner and, well, he’s not at his best and is making poor decisions. This leads to him coming into contact with Jet Shaw at the SCIB Academy and so begins an undercover mission that gets very intense. As does the chemistry between them which leads to some heated moments that ends with a well deserved HEA.
There’s plenty of action in this fast paced complex storyline and two very likeable main characters and an great cast of secondary characters to keep things interesting. I was fully engaged in this very enjoyable book from start to finish and I cannot wait to see which character gets their story told next - personally I’ve got my fingers crossed for Smythe!
I would recommend reading the previous book in the series prior to this one.
There’s been a fair bit of time between this book and the first in this urban fantasy series and it was definitely worth the wait.
Vaughn Michaels is grieving the loss of his work partner and, well, he’s not at his best and is making poor decisions. This leads to him coming into contact with Jet Shaw at the SCIB Academy and so begins an undercover mission that gets very intense. As does the chemistry between them which leads to some heated moments that ends with a well deserved HEA.
There’s plenty of action in this fast paced complex storyline and two very likeable main characters and an great cast of secondary characters to keep things interesting. I was fully engaged in this very enjoyable book from start to finish and I cannot wait to see which character gets their story told next - personally I’ve got my fingers crossed for Smythe!
I would recommend reading the previous book in the series prior to this one.
June 8, 2023
Since Vaughn Michaels lost his partner on the job for the SICB, he's been a lone wolf. After getting hurt and not waiting for back up, he's sent to the academy undercover. He meets Jett Shaw, a star trainee who he needs to work with and the two can't resist the desire. This was such a good book! Danger and intrigue mixed with passion and sexy times combined with a humorous team that ribs each other. It's a gripping story that has all the right stuff to keep you reading and fascinated with the "Secret Agent Man" and his trainee. When it ended, I could have reread it all over for the thrill. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
June 4, 2023
Gravity
Yay!!! I’ve been waiting for more in this fantastic world and it’s here and so freaking delicious. Michaels and Shaw (I can’t think of them by their first names) have that yummy push-and-pull, that I-want-to-be-around-him-all-the-time-but-should-stay-away tension that I find irresistible.
“He was the best but most dangerous distraction.” Gah, I love them and found them intensely distracting as I didn’t do anything else but devour this book. We got hang out with the team again; made a new friend, and I will fight anyone who says he doesn’t need his own book; dove into another challenging mystery, and fell head over paws in love. What more do you need, except more of this amazing world and people.
Yay!!! I’ve been waiting for more in this fantastic world and it’s here and so freaking delicious. Michaels and Shaw (I can’t think of them by their first names) have that yummy push-and-pull, that I-want-to-be-around-him-all-the-time-but-should-stay-away tension that I find irresistible.
“He was the best but most dangerous distraction.” Gah, I love them and found them intensely distracting as I didn’t do anything else but devour this book. We got hang out with the team again; made a new friend, and I will fight anyone who says he doesn’t need his own book; dove into another challenging mystery, and fell head over paws in love. What more do you need, except more of this amazing world and people.
June 24, 2023
Entirely unsurprised that I loved this book as much as I did. Shaw was wonderful. Seriously, everything about him was great. It was nice to get to know Michaels more as he was definitely a sort-of background character in the first book (or I was so taken with Callen and Thatch that I didn't pay attention, you decide). I'm hopeful that we get Smythe's story next. I'm super loving the whole gang and would happily read *many* more books about them.
June 17, 2023
This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone but it is better having read the first book due to references made to past events. Vaughn Michaels has been spiraling out of control since his human partner at the SICB was killed by a rouge agent. After not waiting for back up again, he is assigned to undercover at the academy after several students and an instructor have gone missing. He is partnered with the top student at the school, Jett Shaw. They are instantly attracted to each other but are unsure of who else to trust. There is plenty of sexual tension in this book, action, and traitors around every corner. I enjoyed how Vaughn came to realize what his team means to him and how he learns to be a better team player and how he opens up to Jett. I like how Jett is confident without being too arrogant. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series.
June 17, 2023
Weaker Than Instinct is the second in the Fangs & Felons series. This follows Thicker than Water, you don’t have to read that first but all the characters are back and badder than before. The world building is set up in that one. But this does read fantastic as a standalone. Michaels is a trainwreck waiting to happen when he is sent in for some undercover work. Jett is the best of the best and is tasked with being Michaels partner. This story was a seriously addicting read, it hooked me from the beginning. A fantastic mystery with a baddie I didn’t see coming. Action packed with the perfect amount of steam and sarcastic, snarky characters! Well written with pacing that kept me flipping the pages. I didn’t want it to end.
June 18, 2023
He does not want a partner as he is a lone wolf but he has just been ordered to help train a rookie. Recruits are disappearing and he needs to find out why. He will need to work with them but it is not going to be easy at all. What is going to happen? Can they work together? Will they get closer than he expects? See just how it will all go
June 10, 2023
First of all, I loved the action and pace of this story. It keeps me enthralled the entire journey.
Michael's is poorly coping from the events of the previous installment, which leads him to take a breather and help out at the academy. He meets Shaw there. The chemistry is palpable from the getgo, even though they need to work through their pasts to be able to give this a real chance.
I made the mistake of not having read Thicker Than Water recently, so I had to go back and read that first to really get an understanding of this world. So highly suggest reading this series in order, or you will be as confused as I was.
Michael's is poorly coping from the events of the previous installment, which leads him to take a breather and help out at the academy. He meets Shaw there. The chemistry is palpable from the getgo, even though they need to work through their pasts to be able to give this a real chance.
I made the mistake of not having read Thicker Than Water recently, so I had to go back and read that first to really get an understanding of this world. So highly suggest reading this series in order, or you will be as confused as I was.
June 10, 2023
Ok I love the title, even if I didn’t fully get it until the climax of the book. These characters are something else. I love the entire unit and hope to see more stories involving these high clearance high secret good guys. Michaels never allowed himself to grieve the death of his partner in book one and has become a wild card, going rogue and on his own one time too many. He has an inner battle to face and Jett helps him face it along with his old friends and colleagues. This story is really good! I can’t discuss it too much because I would give away spoilers but it is certainly worth a read. Make sure you check out Thicker Than Water first.
February 18, 2024
So, this book seems to have been a while in coming - it's the second in the Fangs and Felons series and the first was out a couple or so years ago. Weaker Than Instinct can work as a standalone, but you definitely get the best reader experience if it's read in order.
In this instalment, set shortly after the events of book one, Michaels (wolf shifter in the Supernatural Investigation and Crime Bureau) is still reeling from losing his partner on the job. His behaviour sees him sent to a placement training academy recruits as a ‘time out’ for reflection and an opportunity to learn something himself. It's here that Michaels finds himself not only embroiled in another mystery, but in very great danger of falling for his new partner: star rookie and panther shifter, Shaw.
Shaw and Michaels’ chemistry is brilliant. I love how much they need each other, how trust must overcome fear in order for them to enter their fledgling relationship on equal footing and how open they are with each other. I also loved the page time with the SICB team, too - there's a real found family vibe there.
I don't know if the author is intending on writing more in this series, but I'd absolutely love Lucas and Smythe to get HEAs of their own… I'm keeping my fingers crossed! In the meantime, it's 4.5* rounded up from me for Weaker Than Instinct.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
In this instalment, set shortly after the events of book one, Michaels (wolf shifter in the Supernatural Investigation and Crime Bureau) is still reeling from losing his partner on the job. His behaviour sees him sent to a placement training academy recruits as a ‘time out’ for reflection and an opportunity to learn something himself. It's here that Michaels finds himself not only embroiled in another mystery, but in very great danger of falling for his new partner: star rookie and panther shifter, Shaw.
Shaw and Michaels’ chemistry is brilliant. I love how much they need each other, how trust must overcome fear in order for them to enter their fledgling relationship on equal footing and how open they are with each other. I also loved the page time with the SICB team, too - there's a real found family vibe there.
I don't know if the author is intending on writing more in this series, but I'd absolutely love Lucas and Smythe to get HEAs of their own… I'm keeping my fingers crossed! In the meantime, it's 4.5* rounded up from me for Weaker Than Instinct.
An ARC was provided by GRR. This is my honest review.
March 1, 2024
A great book to read with dramas and action included with romance entwined.
A great start or not so great when Vaughn Michaels is injured on a mission knowing his leader wouldn’t be happy. Michaels was a lone 🐺 shifter he’d heal, and start his new job at the academy.
There Vaughan meets Jett Shaw a young 🐾 panther cadet and they partner up to solve the missing disappearances.
The story is mixed up with a mystery and dangers which Shaw maybe putting himself in. The characters make a great team together and they can sense each other being close with 🔥chemistries off the charts.
Playing the sleuthing game to find the baddies hopefully no ones injured.
This was told in dual povs in chapters section’s in Ist person for the story, much like the first book.
I loved the ending of this for a HEA. This can be read as a standalone.
A great start or not so great when Vaughn Michaels is injured on a mission knowing his leader wouldn’t be happy. Michaels was a lone 🐺 shifter he’d heal, and start his new job at the academy.
There Vaughan meets Jett Shaw a young 🐾 panther cadet and they partner up to solve the missing disappearances.
The story is mixed up with a mystery and dangers which Shaw maybe putting himself in. The characters make a great team together and they can sense each other being close with 🔥chemistries off the charts.
Playing the sleuthing game to find the baddies hopefully no ones injured.
This was told in dual povs in chapters section’s in Ist person for the story, much like the first book.
I loved the ending of this for a HEA. This can be read as a standalone.
February 25, 2024
I jumped right into this book after finishing the first book in this series, and I'm so glad I did so. All of the characters were still fresh in my mind, and having all of the side characters still being a prominent part of this story as well is something I really enjoyed.
Michaels has been struggling ever since he lost his partner, after getting himself injured, again, Lucas sends him to the Academy to get himself in order, along with investigating the disappearances of some agents. There Michaels meets Shaw, a man he was not prepared for, at all.
Shaw is a promising candidate at the Academy, which is why Thatch asked him to help with the investigation, which Shaw was happy to help with. He wasn't expecting to get paired with a surly wolf, nor was he expecting to have feelings for the man.
I thought this story was excellent!! The action scenes are amazing! I think they are one of my favorite parts because they are described with so much detail! I also absolutely adore the characters bickering with each other, all of these characters have formed a family with each other. They have each other's backs, even when Michaels keeps trying to sabotage himself.
This book is a bit angstier than the first one, Michaels and Shaw had a lot to work through and overcome before they let themselves get involved with each other. Definitely more of a slow-burn feel. I thought that the case these characters were investigating was really intriguing and unique, I loved finding out new information right alongside the characters!
The 'unicorn coding' is a very unique concept, one that I'm very curious about! Especially cause we didn't get to find out who sent it to Smythe in this book, but hopefully that'll be answered in the next one! One thing that I adore the most about this series is the bond these characters have with each other, and how they can form just as strong as ones with different people.
One thing I personally found a bit odd is how Michaels never discussed losing his partner with Shaw, I don't think it was ever discussed which is a bit odd all things considered. That's just something that I had noticed, it doesn't take away from the story though.
While they technically solved a part of the case they were working on, we did not get all the answers to the questions that arose in the story, so that means this book ends on more of a cliffhanger than what the first one did. I'm so excited for the next book in this series, and I cannot wait to see what we'll learn next!!
Michaels has been struggling ever since he lost his partner, after getting himself injured, again, Lucas sends him to the Academy to get himself in order, along with investigating the disappearances of some agents. There Michaels meets Shaw, a man he was not prepared for, at all.
Shaw is a promising candidate at the Academy, which is why Thatch asked him to help with the investigation, which Shaw was happy to help with. He wasn't expecting to get paired with a surly wolf, nor was he expecting to have feelings for the man.
I thought this story was excellent!! The action scenes are amazing! I think they are one of my favorite parts because they are described with so much detail! I also absolutely adore the characters bickering with each other, all of these characters have formed a family with each other. They have each other's backs, even when Michaels keeps trying to sabotage himself.
This book is a bit angstier than the first one, Michaels and Shaw had a lot to work through and overcome before they let themselves get involved with each other. Definitely more of a slow-burn feel. I thought that the case these characters were investigating was really intriguing and unique, I loved finding out new information right alongside the characters!
The 'unicorn coding' is a very unique concept, one that I'm very curious about! Especially cause we didn't get to find out who sent it to Smythe in this book, but hopefully that'll be answered in the next one! One thing that I adore the most about this series is the bond these characters have with each other, and how they can form just as strong as ones with different people.
One thing I personally found a bit odd is how Michaels never discussed losing his partner with Shaw, I don't think it was ever discussed which is a bit odd all things considered. That's just something that I had noticed, it doesn't take away from the story though.
While they technically solved a part of the case they were working on, we did not get all the answers to the questions that arose in the story, so that means this book ends on more of a cliffhanger than what the first one did. I'm so excited for the next book in this series, and I cannot wait to see what we'll learn next!!
June 20, 2023
I loved the first book in this series, and have been hanging out for this one, which didn’t disappoint! I loved Shaw and Michaels, and their relationship against a backdrop of wonderful worldbuilding and edge of seat suspense/mystery. There needs to be more supernatural suspense set down under.
I liked the differences between the two MCs. Michaels is older, and not doing well after the death of his work partner, and Shaw is still at the academy, and has skill and great instincts but lacks the experience. I love how the fake boyfriend trope is used, and the chemistry between them that sparks the first time they meet.
I love that this world has a mix of humans and supernaturals, and the different ways they fit into society with supernaturals struggling to pay healthcare as they government doesn’t cover them like humans because they generally heal faster. This causes very real problems when something else hits like a virus. I liked the way this fit into the plot, and how medical research turned into something much darker.
The action scenes are tense and exciting. I liked that nothing is without consequences, and that people do die and/or are injured. The way the title works into the story is clever.
I love how the team work together and are very capable in their roles. Their friendships feel more like family, with the way they tease each other. Callen is still my favourite, and I loved catching up with him and Thatch. I’m intrigued by Smythe and I want his book, and Lucas’s too. I’m very happy that the author is planning to continue the series.
I liked the differences between the two MCs. Michaels is older, and not doing well after the death of his work partner, and Shaw is still at the academy, and has skill and great instincts but lacks the experience. I love how the fake boyfriend trope is used, and the chemistry between them that sparks the first time they meet.
I love that this world has a mix of humans and supernaturals, and the different ways they fit into society with supernaturals struggling to pay healthcare as they government doesn’t cover them like humans because they generally heal faster. This causes very real problems when something else hits like a virus. I liked the way this fit into the plot, and how medical research turned into something much darker.
The action scenes are tense and exciting. I liked that nothing is without consequences, and that people do die and/or are injured. The way the title works into the story is clever.
I love how the team work together and are very capable in their roles. Their friendships feel more like family, with the way they tease each other. Callen is still my favourite, and I loved catching up with him and Thatch. I’m intrigued by Smythe and I want his book, and Lucas’s too. I’m very happy that the author is planning to continue the series.
June 20, 2023
4 stars for the great suspense writing.
Vaughn Marshall and Jett Shaw don't see each other coming. In fact, Marsh does his best to act out, to be the rogue in order to protect himself from the agony of losing anyone else that he cares about. Jett is a recruit at the academy where Marsh is sent to investigate an alarming trend that suggests a nefarious shadow organization is once again in business. When Jett breaks through what Marsh thought were the impenetrable barriers around his heart, he's not prepared for how his actions have repercussions he'd never truly considered before, and how they will affect the man he's irrevocably drawn to. As they train to work together, Marsh remembers what is it to be part of a team and realizes that he needs to trust Jett not only to have his back but also to be able to take care of himself. The romance is much less skillfully handled than the suspense, and even at the end, when we know they'll remain together, their story feels fragmented, bisected by the mystery and eventual overthrow of the bad guy organization. Even the minor cliffhanger, which will no doubt be a major issue in the next installment, doesn't distract me from the feeling that I didn't get enough of the romance.
Vaughn Marshall and Jett Shaw don't see each other coming. In fact, Marsh does his best to act out, to be the rogue in order to protect himself from the agony of losing anyone else that he cares about. Jett is a recruit at the academy where Marsh is sent to investigate an alarming trend that suggests a nefarious shadow organization is once again in business. When Jett breaks through what Marsh thought were the impenetrable barriers around his heart, he's not prepared for how his actions have repercussions he'd never truly considered before, and how they will affect the man he's irrevocably drawn to. As they train to work together, Marsh remembers what is it to be part of a team and realizes that he needs to trust Jett not only to have his back but also to be able to take care of himself. The romance is much less skillfully handled than the suspense, and even at the end, when we know they'll remain together, their story feels fragmented, bisected by the mystery and eventual overthrow of the bad guy organization. Even the minor cliffhanger, which will no doubt be a major issue in the next installment, doesn't distract me from the feeling that I didn't get enough of the romance.
June 15, 2023
This was a lot of fun to read! Michaels is still grieving over the loss of his last partner. It's a little spoilery of the first book and I do recommend reading Thicker Than Water first just to have a bit of background on this team. You could skip it if you really wanted, but there are some nuances that I think are caught if you know what happened before. Since Michaels is a bit rouge to start off, he's sent to investigate something fishy that's going down at the academy. The biggest difference between the first and second books is that we get dual POV here where before it was all from one person's view. Shaw is the top cadet who's set to graduate soon and gets involved in the investigation.
There's lots of secret missions and action and longing glances. While these guys have chemistry, it's a pretty slow burn and overall a lower heat with just a couple of steamy scenes. I think the characters are really well done and I love all the members. Most things are wrapped up but there's a small little open ended left that teases at what might be up next regarding the overarching plot line. The series as a whole is really well done and I can't wait to see what's next!
There's lots of secret missions and action and longing glances. While these guys have chemistry, it's a pretty slow burn and overall a lower heat with just a couple of steamy scenes. I think the characters are really well done and I love all the members. Most things are wrapped up but there's a small little open ended left that teases at what might be up next regarding the overarching plot line. The series as a whole is really well done and I can't wait to see what's next!
June 20, 2023
4.5 Stars
I loved Thicker Than Water when I read it a couple of years ago, so I was excited for Weaker Than Instict and I wasn't left disappointed.
With plenty of chemistry between Michaels and Shaw, loads of action and intrigue, this was another book I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Michaels and Shaw made a great couple and despite Michaels initially being wary of getting involved, sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and what starts with them pretending to have a relationship to cover up their investigation, well it was never really pretend and once their feelings get involved there is no turning back for either of them. Michaels has issues to deal with stemming from his past case and he is afraid to trust or let anyone in, I liked the way Shaw was able to break down the barriers he'd put up and help him move on.
It was good to catch up with the characters from the first book and I enjoyed the humour in their interactions.
I love the world Becca Seymour created in the Fangs and Felons series and I won't be unhappy if she decides to write more in this series. I also love that it's set in Australia because it's great to have books like this set in my home country.
While this can be read as a standalone, you're missing out on a great read if you don't read book #1 as well.
I loved Thicker Than Water when I read it a couple of years ago, so I was excited for Weaker Than Instict and I wasn't left disappointed.
With plenty of chemistry between Michaels and Shaw, loads of action and intrigue, this was another book I just had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Michaels and Shaw made a great couple and despite Michaels initially being wary of getting involved, sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants and what starts with them pretending to have a relationship to cover up their investigation, well it was never really pretend and once their feelings get involved there is no turning back for either of them. Michaels has issues to deal with stemming from his past case and he is afraid to trust or let anyone in, I liked the way Shaw was able to break down the barriers he'd put up and help him move on.
It was good to catch up with the characters from the first book and I enjoyed the humour in their interactions.
I love the world Becca Seymour created in the Fangs and Felons series and I won't be unhappy if she decides to write more in this series. I also love that it's set in Australia because it's great to have books like this set in my home country.
While this can be read as a standalone, you're missing out on a great read if you don't read book #1 as well.
September 6, 2023
3.75 Stars
This was a very fast-paced and entertaining read. This book very much gave me Quantico vibes that I highly enjoyed. Michaels and Shaw had great chemistry and banter that I really loved to see. I can honestly say that I was interested the whole entire time I was reading this book and had a fun time doing it overall.
I will say that this was lacking in relationship development, although what was there was very sweet. It also just felt like a lot of little details were missing. For example, Michaels and his trauma--it was never really fully talked about in any capacity, and I feel sad about that. The biggest reasons that this book wasn't higher rated was because it lacked some of these developmental things and at times felt a bit rushed or skimmed over.
I had a fun time reading this book, and I really want Smythe's book next! Fingers crossed!
Tropes include:
MM Love Interests
Shifters
Dual POV
Protective MMC
Secret Mission
Fake Boyfriend
Danger/Intrigue
Found Family Vibes
Trainer/Trainee Dynamic
This was a very fast-paced and entertaining read. This book very much gave me Quantico vibes that I highly enjoyed. Michaels and Shaw had great chemistry and banter that I really loved to see. I can honestly say that I was interested the whole entire time I was reading this book and had a fun time doing it overall.
I will say that this was lacking in relationship development, although what was there was very sweet. It also just felt like a lot of little details were missing. For example, Michaels and his trauma--it was never really fully talked about in any capacity, and I feel sad about that. The biggest reasons that this book wasn't higher rated was because it lacked some of these developmental things and at times felt a bit rushed or skimmed over.
I had a fun time reading this book, and I really want Smythe's book next! Fingers crossed!
Tropes include:
MM Love Interests
Shifters
Dual POV
Protective MMC
Secret Mission
Fake Boyfriend
Danger/Intrigue
Found Family Vibes
Trainer/Trainee Dynamic
February 22, 2024
4.25 Stars!
Weaker than Instinct is book 2 in Becca Seymour's Fangs & Felons series, and it should be read in order after Thicker Than Water, book 1 in the series, which I loved and if you're anything like me, I'm sure you'll enjoy as well.
Michaels and Shaw are a great couple and I loved watching them work together and seeing how Shaw managed to go past Michaels's walls both on a professional and personal level. These two had a lot of chemistry, but since it was a bit of a slow burn because of Michaels's reticence at letting someone else in, there's a healthy dose of UST in the book.
I loved seeing the SICB guys working together, and especially enjoyed seeing how well Shaw and Smythe fit into their group.
Overall, a very good addition to the series, with tons of action, a continuing storyline I'm hooked on and can't wait to see how it gets resolved, and an engaging romance. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Weaker than Instinct is book 2 in Becca Seymour's Fangs & Felons series, and it should be read in order after Thicker Than Water, book 1 in the series, which I loved and if you're anything like me, I'm sure you'll enjoy as well.
Michaels and Shaw are a great couple and I loved watching them work together and seeing how Shaw managed to go past Michaels's walls both on a professional and personal level. These two had a lot of chemistry, but since it was a bit of a slow burn because of Michaels's reticence at letting someone else in, there's a healthy dose of UST in the book.
I loved seeing the SICB guys working together, and especially enjoyed seeing how well Shaw and Smythe fit into their group.
Overall, a very good addition to the series, with tons of action, a continuing storyline I'm hooked on and can't wait to see how it gets resolved, and an engaging romance. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 10, 2023
4.5/5 Despite there being a couple of years since book 1, I had no issues jumping back in this secret agency shifter world. Vaughn Michaels is sent in to the academy to investigate missing recruits and instructors. He has instant chemistry with the Jett Shaw, star recruit who's brought into the investigation. Their relationship develops during the investigation facing them to overcome the associated danger and Michael's erratic actions brought on by lingering grief over the death of his partner and close friend. Michaels especially needs to rely on his instincts and open himself up to love and trust again. I'm definitely hoping for more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy.
June 19, 2023
I have always love my books with action and mystery and this series seems to have a lot of these. Thank God! Because sometimes I feel like you just have to get into it, you know?
Michaels and Shaw met in the Academy when Michaels was sent there for (further?) training or just to reflect on himself after he lost his partner. But instead he encountered another mystery and the very attractive Jett Shaw. In order to solve the mystery, these two have no choice but to work together.
Mysteries are fun, coupled with banter, snark and found family, what more can you ask for?
I wasn't able to read the first book but now I will make it my mission to read it, although this second book can totally be read as a standalone.
Congratulations Ms. Becca Seymour on another great story!
Michaels and Shaw met in the Academy when Michaels was sent there for (further?) training or just to reflect on himself after he lost his partner. But instead he encountered another mystery and the very attractive Jett Shaw. In order to solve the mystery, these two have no choice but to work together.
Mysteries are fun, coupled with banter, snark and found family, what more can you ask for?
I wasn't able to read the first book but now I will make it my mission to read it, although this second book can totally be read as a standalone.
Congratulations Ms. Becca Seymour on another great story!
June 20, 2023
Exciting! There is a reason I work alone. I'm detailed as an instructor to train agents for a month, tasked with going under cover to discover why new trainees are disappearing, assigned a hot shot trainee, Jett as a partner. How unbelievably stressful. Jett, makes me aware. Jett, hero worships Vaughn and has a slight crush on him. The assignment gets complicated and requires a lot more than expected from our team. Personal feelings complicate the mission and create new questions. The guys are amazing and I look forward to more stories about them. The writer does an excellent job planting the seeds, fertilizing them and delivering a fruitful crop. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2023
So this is the second book in this series and I read the first one almost two full years ago. I tried just picking this on up and reading but it was too confusing I couldn’t remember all the team members well enough so definitely recommend reading or refreshing your memory with book one first. There is a somewhat overarching story too. You’ll get to see the guys from book one which is great. As far as this story goes it checked a lot of the boxes:
✅Action
✅Mystery
✅Heat
I like a good shifter story and this world has a really cool take on that genre. Looking forward to seeing what will be next-hopefully not so long between books.
✅Action
✅Mystery
✅Heat
I like a good shifter story and this world has a really cool take on that genre. Looking forward to seeing what will be next-hopefully not so long between books.
June 19, 2023
Engaging action packed story-line with great characters. I so enjoyed this story and found the characters well-done and the story very absorbing. The supporting characters are great and many of them have their own story to tell and i am looking forward to more books in the future.
Shaw and Michaels are strong and smart men and i enjoyed their connection.
This is book two of the Fangs & Felons series and can be read as a stand-alone story. I would recommend reading both books because they are really good.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Shaw and Michaels are strong and smart men and i enjoyed their connection.
This is book two of the Fangs & Felons series and can be read as a stand-alone story. I would recommend reading both books because they are really good.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews