Ever since The Fall when a bunch of evil dragon shifters tried to take over and ended up killing and destroying a lot of people and property, the supernatural territories had taken over and human governments weren't really a thing anymore. Humans knew about supernaturals and now the good guys were trying to make things better and make up for the destruction their people had caused and were taking out the dragons that had caused all the problems to begin with. 

Rhys had been asleep for a long time but when he woke, he wanted to get revenge on the witch that had killed his sister. But he comes across Dallas and can't help but feel a connection to her even though she's a witch and he should hate her. The fact that she has a pet baby dragon just intrigues him more. Willow the baby dragon is the cutest thing ever and I absolutely loved how she was a huge part of this story. 

The King asks Dallas to go to different places in the city and see if she can start food gardens with her magic. After the city was practically destroyed he doesn't want there to be a food shortage while he's trying to rebuild the city. The King also sends Rhys to be her bodyguard while she is scouting the different areas. But Rhys is there because he can feel that Catta the witch that killed his sister is near and he wants Dallas's help tracking her down. 

They get a big break when they come across a house that Dallas knows has something awful inside it hidden by witchcraft. She is hoping to rescue the kidnapped people but when she uses too much power to get in the house, Rhys protective instincts kick in when she passes out from exhaustion. I knew that these two would end up together when he went a little crazy seeing her so vulnerable. 

Dallas and Rhys were so sexy together and make such a great couple. She's a witch and he's a dragon shifter which makes for some really fun times together. But Dallas has a huge secret and I didn't know if it was going to blow up in her face once Rhys found out about it. I really loved the ending to this book, it made me smile. I'm loving this series so far so I'll definitely be reading the next book. 

Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own

We are back in New Orleans with our shifter friends as they figure out their new world where nothing is as it was. Not only are they having to rebuild society, but allying themselves with forces they wouldn't have before. I like where this story is going. Again we get some glimpses of our Darkness series friends, but this is showing to be nearly entirely separate. I'm mildly disappointed in that, but still a huge fan of this author and the work she creates.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I will be the first of many I am sure to admit that I am loving this new spin-off series concerning the Ancients by Katie Reus. The second book, Ancient Enemy is even better than the first if that is even possible. I must say that the world building is magnificent giving the true feelings that we are experiencing of a world out of control but with leaders trying to do their part. Sounds like right out of the news, doesn’t it, but so much better with paranormals at the helm. 

The ideas in this story are big but also understated. It is not so much a choice between seeking revenge while holding onto bitterness and forgiveness, then it is choosing to love as the future focus. There is the subtle idea of evil verses good but with a twist to it. Meekness and goodness are looked at critically at as weakness, not the same at all which the villain sees in the end.

As for the main characters, Rhys and Dallas, I had a lot of fun with this one. The characters were great, with bias that they worked through. I loved the chemistry between them. Then there is a real cute little ole dragon baby, which kept this story from becoming too dark. Rhys’ and Dallas’ story is complete with the rebuilding of the world especially New Orleans still an ongoing theme. So there are teasing glimpses of another New Orleans couple, along with a sighting of some previous main Darkness Series characters. 

Can’t help but wonder who will get their story next. One of the dragons of my favorite Reus dragon clan, Donnachaidh from northern Scotland still without a mate, maybe, but also a lion who needs taming and an alpha wolf pining away for another. Which every it is, without a doubt it will be worth reading just like Ancient Enemy.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ancient Enemy is the second book in the paranormal romance spin-off series Ancient Risings by Katie Reus. This series is a spin-off of her Darkness series. You do not need to read the Darkness series to enjoy this book. I have not read it, but I believe several of the characters from the other series make an appearance in this book which would be a treat for fans. 

Ancient Enemy is about Lachlan’s brother (from the first book), Rhys.  Rhys has just awaken from his hibernation.  He is searching for the evil witch that killed his sister.  While searching, he runs into a beautiful and kind witch names Dallas.  Attraction sparks instantly and they must work together to find a killer in New Orleans.  Due to his past, Rhys hates witches.  He doesn’t trust them.  Dallas doesn’t trust people not to hurt her because witches are hated by most other supernaturals.  She is always ready for someone to be mean to her.  I enjoyed this story and I  recommend Katie Reus’s Ancient Enemy to anyone who enjoys a good paranormal romance or dragons; however, I did not enjoy this story as much as the first book in the series.  For me, Rhys gets over his hatred of witches too easily.  While I appreciate a character who is able to understand when he is wrong and change his ways, Rhys did not struggle enough.  I also found the plot a little too predictable.  

Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. Ancient Protector was released on August 25, 2020 by KR Press, LLC. (less)

This book is fast paced and suspenseful. Lots of drama, action and sexy times along the way.Highly recommend.

Katie Reus once again is feeding my current dragon shifter romance obsession, but she just might have me adding witches into the mix. Ancient Enemy is Katie Reus’ follow up to the Ancient Protector in the new Ancients Rising Series. Not only is this one filled with Reus’ wonderful description, character development, suspense, thrilling and captivating action/fight scenes, steamy romance, and humor, it has even more magic and an adorable baby dragon who steals an angry, vengeful, and closed off dragon’s heart. One thing I’ve noticed about Reus’ books is that they can be kind of dark, or deal with intense/dark subject matter. But the author does a great job of authentically writing those scenes yet balancing them with the romance, action, and humorous elements of the story.  In this one, having Willow as Dallas’ pet baby dragon added sweet and lighter moments to the novel, in contrast to the intense, dark, violent, and disturbing content.

Rhys is an ancient dragon shifter who awakes from hibernation still driven to avenge his sister’s murder by a witch practicing dark magic. Following her scent, he finds himself in New Orleans, still being rebuilt by King and his pack with Aurora working at his side. King, Alpha of New Orleans, is working on ways to increase the food sources around the city and seeks out the help of Dallas Kinley, a witch, because of her reputation and success with her farm.  King assigns Rhys as her bodyguard to keep her safe as vampires and humans are being murdered in the city. Willow agrees to help Rhys find the witch and help find missing humans and vampires, hoping to save them. 

Each of the characters and their conflicts are so fluidly developed and explored. Most of all I love Willow the baby dragon. Her relationship with Dallas is lovely. But the dynamic between Willow and Rhys is beautiful and so sweet. Even though she connects with his dragon first, the relationship softens him and brings out his humanity. Dallas’ and Rhys’ relationship progression from enemies to lovers is brilliantly written. The villainess who murdered Rhys’ sister is a witch who does some truly awful things to get what she wants. Rhys understandably hates witches. He cannot understand why he’s so drawn to Dallas—enemy. As Dallas’ bodyguard, Rhys spends a lot of time with Dallas, giving him the chance to see her at her most vulnerable and her most powerful moments. He gets to see her use her magic, thereby discovering what kind of witch and person she is, and this makes it possible for him to trust her. A witch, Dallas is used to being an outcast and treated as something vile and unwanted by shifters, as such she tries to keep to herself.  She is, therefore, surprised by the fairness, kindness, respect, and acceptance with which she is treated by King, Aurora, and other shifters. Rhys’ initial mistrust is more familiar. Even as he protects her and helps her research potential sites and she helps him find his sister’s murderer, she tries to keep him at arm’s length, doubting his every act and word. But as they grow closer, moving from enemies to partners to lovers, she fears the secret she is keeping will make him hate her and think the worst of her after all.

I loved the further development of the relationship between King and Aurora. They have developed a friendship and a great working partnership with Aurora supporting and helping King with his goal of rebuilding New Orleans. The friendship has helped them both. Aurora has come out of her shell and found her place in the city among his pack, and she helps him to relax, have peace of mind, and live a life outside of being the Alpha and all the responsibility it carries by learning to depend on others. Aurora is the woman of his fantasies and he longs for more, but he believes she only wants friendship and will respect that. 

While I’m not sure yet whether I love this one as much as the first one, Ancient enemy is another exciting, entertaining, action-packed, emotional, steamy, and angsty paranormal romance by Reus that was hard to put down. The novel explores issues of self-esteem, tragedy, letting go of anger and prejudice, healing, family, and finding your inner worth and value, recovering from tragedy, and trust. The biggest takeaway is realizing that if you don’t learn how to let go of your anger and hate it can keep you from healing, moving on, and living the full life you were meant to live and being open to receiving acceptance and love for who we are without hiding the parts we think others may fear or not love. I cannot wait for the next book!

I absolutely loved this book. It was a quick and fun read. All the characters were enjoyable and I actually felt the spark between the Dallas and Rhys. The supernatural elements were fun and tropey. The battle scene was well written and didn’t disappoint.

Rhys has been hibernating and dreaming of killing the witch Catta who murdered his sister so that she could become immortal. His aim is to kill her and he feels like when he succeeds it will be the end of his life as well as hers, 

Dallas is a witch and in the supernatural community they have always been treated like pariahs, though it seems that through her famer co op for the supernatural that she is finally being accepted. 

My favourite part of this story and who became the thing I looked forwards to was a pet dragon called Willow. She waters the garden herself because the sprinklers just aren't doing it well enough... sticks her head through the window because she doesn't want to part from Dallas. Willow stole the show!

At times I felt a bit like hold on what happened, that's when I googled and realised this is book two. So now it's time to read book one.

LOVED IT!

Ugh, this author is an auto-read for me. I have read her previous series as well and really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of alpha-shifters with great world-building - READ THESE BOOKS! Katie Reaus is an author who can just suck you in - so be warned that you will BINGE read these books!

Ancient Enemy is the second book in the Ancients Rising series and features Rhys, the younger brother of Lachlan from the first book.  Rhys has been in hibernation for millennia after being driven to the point of insanity by the brutal murder of his baby sister Eilidh at the hands of Catta, an evil witch who was desperate to gain immortality by using black magic powered by dragons blood.  Now he has awoken with the sole purpose of avenging Eilidh’s death by tracking down and destroying Catta no matter the cost to himself.  While hunting in the post apocalyptic setting of New Orleans, as a favour to the Alpha in return for being allowed to stay in his territory,  he reluctantly agrees to help as and when required.  One of his tasks brings him into contact with Dallas Kinsey, a witch who will make him question all his preconceptions and prejudices about witches but can Dallas really be trusted?  After all everyone has secrets and hers just might be the biggest one of all.

I loved this book.  I’m not generally a huge fan of the PNR genre but Katie Reus has a knack of creating characters and their worlds with a style of writing that draws you in and leaves you wanting to know more.  The true star of this book though has to be Willow.  I dare anyone reading this book not to fall in love with her and want their own baby dragon.  The story itself is one of revenge and ultimately redemption as both the hero and heroine carry their own guilt – Rhys over the death of his sister and Dallas with her tainted bloodline.  I can’t wait to see who’s up next to meet their destiny in the Ancients Rising series.

Although part of a series this book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger and comes with a HEA so it can be read as a standalone but I’d recommend reading in order if only to help keep all the other characters straight.

Ancient Enemy by Katie Reus is the second book in the Ancients Rising series. 
It presents the story of Dallas, a witch, and Rhys, a dragon. Rhys is trying to find the witch who killed his sister centuries ago, and Dallas just wants to live a normal life on her farm... 
At first, I was so lost in that story as I haven't read the first book of the series... But it took only a couple of chapters before I could understand what I was reading, which isn't that bad. I loved both Dallas, and Rhys, They were cute, and nice, and lovable. The story was pretty good, and I'm thinking about reading the first book of the series. And I can't wait for the next book. So I guess I really liked it. Yet, I don't feel like it was a 5 stars read. There were a couple of things I didn't really like, but nothing was really bad either.

3.5 stars

Ancient Enemy is book 2 and another enjoyable read in this series. Rhys went into hibernation after the death of his sister at the hands of a witch with only one thing on his mind vengeance. When he wakes the need for vengeance is still really strong and he is pulled to New Orleans where he meets Dallas. Let's just say he is a little disgusted by his attraction because yes you guessed it Dallas is a witch. Overall everything was there for me to love this book, Rhys was sweet, possessive and very protective, Dallas has such a big heart and she longs for family, Willow her pet dragon is adorable and I loved the addition. Now with that said I felt something was missing from the story and I didn't like the fact that Dallas waited the entire book to tell Rhys the truth. I can't wait for book 3 and I really hope this series continues because I'm really looking forward to King's story.

This is my first Katie Reus book and I really enjoyed it even though I would urge any future readers to read the previous book first. There were certain parts where I felt a bit lost because so many new characters were introduced at once and it was lot to take in.

Anyway!

So this is the story of Rhys, a dragon shifter who was awoken after a very long sleep. He wakes up with only one thing on his mind, revenge against the witch who killed his sister. His plan brings him to New Orleans, and there he meets another witch, one who is beautiful, and kind…and hiding a secret that could destroy their newly found relationship…

I’ve not read a paranormal in a while so it took me a while to get used to this but I loved our pair of Rhys, the dragon shifter, and Dallas, the beautiful witch he falls for. There’s a bit early on where he cooks for her and I pretty much swooned. Any hero who cooks is an instant win for me! He was so loving and caring toward her, not to mention very protective, in a very Alpha-growly way.

I felt so sorry for poor Dallas. She was so lovely and her relationship with Willow was adorable but she faces so much prejudice because of who she is. I adored how Rhys slowly made her realise that she was so much more. I wish we’d seen more of her regarding her powers because they were fascinating!

Now, I’m sorry but hands down my favourite thing about this book was not the romance, or the action, or the brilliant characters…but a baby dragon called Willow. I mean, she can’t stand to be away from Dallas, she copies Rhys when they first go flying together, she hides behind her wings when she’s scared or nervous…and she also puts her head through the window to wherever Dallas is sleeping because she can’t bare to be apart from her. How could I not fall in love with all that adorableness??

I’ll definitely be picking up the next book, and also the first one to catch up on what I’ve missed out on!

{Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.}

Katie Reus has done it again. She just draws you in. I love her stories intertwine with so many of the other books and bring back our favorite characters. I do have to say baby Dragon Willow stole the show but Dallas and Rhys were outstanding! Dallas, a witch is brought into New Orleans from her farm by King to help guild and places gardens. Rhys come to New Orleans to seek vengeance from a witch who killed his sister. Along the way he meets and falls deeply for Dallas, but she is holding a secret about the witch he is hunting and its her mom! The learn to trust and believe in each other. Lots of drama, action, and mating manifestations! I love the side dialog with King, which helps lead into the next story. Overall a great book and can't wait for the next. Always a one-click buy for me!

Ancient Enemy by Katie Reus

2nd book in the Ancients Rising series. Better is read in series order but can be read as a stand-alone. Paranormal romantic suspense. 

The world changed when dragons decided to take over the world. After the battles were over, paranormals greatly outnumbered humans and now rule the government and the rebuilding cities. 
Rhys is searching for the witch that killed his sister. His plan is revenge and death even if he doesn’t survive. Dallas left her coven years ago because she didn’t like the lies and dark magic.  They work together to help rebuild New Orleans and track down the missing humans and vampires. 

Fast moving and suspenseful. Great chemistry and sexy interactions. 
Love dragonling Willow. So adorable. 

I appreciated and enjoyed the “play” time they all engaged in. Realizing your troupes need down time just as much as discipline is critical . 

Excerpt:
   “He’d never seen this ridiculously playful side of her before, not fully. And he liked it. Despite the tension that seemed to live in his shoulders, he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face. 
   “Is King turning down a challenge?” Marco, one of his youngest wolves, walked out of the shadows in human form, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was a warrior, not a beta, but he wasn’t challenging King. 
   “I’m pretty sure he did.” Aurora’s grin was infectious. 
   Sighing, King stripped off his jacket and tossed it to Marco. “Let’s do this.” 
   “So what’s the challenge?” Marco asked. 
   “It’s not actually a challenge,” Aurora said as they started across the lawn where various shifters were patrolling or just relaxing. “He’s just going to deflect my lightning bolts with his magic sword to blow off some steam.” 
   Marco let out a low whistle. “Oh, hell yeah. The whole pack will want to watch this. I’m gonna take bets on how many he can hit.” 
   “You gotta do better than that,” Aurora said. “It should be more along the lines of how many he can hit per minute. Otherwise that’s just sad because you know he’s going to hit all of them.”    “I’m right here!” King said, even as he fought another grin. When he was around her, he felt decades younger. He didn’t have the weight of his people, his city, on his shoulders. He was just King.” 
Excerpt from Ancient Enemy by Katie Reus

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.

Rhys thinks he needs a Dallas for revenge. These two have instant, intense chemistry. There’s still much unrest in the city. Rhys and Dallas work together to help King. Lots of action and intrigue. Omg, I want my own Willow!

Rhys is an ancient dragon shifter, recently arisen from a centuries long hibernation following the murder of his sister. Intent on vengeance against the witch who killed his sister, his hunt leads him to New Orleans where he will have to confront everything he thought he knew. He is tasked by King, the Alpha of New Orleans, with protecting the witch who will help develop additional gardens to keep the population fed. His agreement is hesitant but he knows he owes it to King.

Dallas is used to being judged for what she is. Born a witch, she has always kept her distance from others, though she is known for her ability to nurture a garden. She is determined to do as little harm as possible. When King asks for her help in setting up neighborhood gardens throughout New Orleans, she reluctantly leaves her little haven in order to make sure the people around her have what they need.

Dallas and Rhys explore New Orleans, they find themselves also searching for whoever is behind a rash of human and vampire murders. Working together, they each have their own agendas, but the secrets they keep may rip apart the peace they have found working together.

I quickly fell in love with both Rhys and Dallas, and Dallas’s pet dragon, Willow. I loved the addition of Willow, a true dragonling, and the preconceived notions her presence in the story forced the characters to address. Rhys is determined and rigid, but he is also loyal and invested in protecting those around him. Dallas has a kind-heart and would do anything to help her neighbors. The two of them working together was a recipe for success as they would go to all lengths to make things right. 

This came at the perfect time for me. I loved the diversion of PNR and shifters. This story stands alone nicely, though there are returning characters from Ancient Protector. The return to this version of New Orleans is a perfect blend of post-apocalypse, paranormal, and romance. I cannot wait for more from this world, and am most excited to learn more about King, the alpha of New Orleans. 

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ANCIENT ENEMY is one of those books that you think - I'll just read a bit before I go to bed and find yourself finishing the whole book! Rhys and Dallas are such tortured souls who really do belong together.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=71356

A big thank you to NetGalley and KR Press, LLC for the ARC.  I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series. It is the second in a new series, which is an offshoot of her previous series.  I felt it reads well as a stand alone.  I was a bit confused as to why Willow wasn't liked.  She is  a dragon not a shifter so that makes her bad??? I liked Willow.  Enjoyed the growth of Rhys.  Good book.  3.5 stars

This is book 2 in this spinoff series and it even better than the first one! (And I really liked that one). I think the setting of this one was a big reason why I liked it so much, the rebuilding of New Orleans and all the secondary characters we met in the first book made this book one I couldn’t put down. Then add in some huge secrets, evil witches, a sneaky lion, a pet dragon and a sexy dragon shifter...I read it in one sitting.

Rhys is a dragon shifter and he’s on a mission to find the witch that killed his sister to gain immortality. This search leads him to New Orleans. He meets Dallas, a witch that’s helping feed the people of New Orleans as they rebuild with her magic. She agrees to help Rhys find the witch he’s looking for, but they find more than they planned on between the danger than surrounds them and the heat between them.