Fantastic job writing this series. The plot kept me hopping to keep up. Twists and turns all around. I definitely have to have this book on my bookshelf. This writer is fantastic.

Kate Douglas captivated the world of erotic romance with her groundbreaking Wolf Tales series, and she continues to push boundaries in her new Spirit Wild series!



“Douglas introduces her Spirit Wild series with a new generation of sexy Chanku wolves. . . . Supported by a cast from the Wolf Tales books and fresh faces as well, this novel thrives on action and strong sexual encounters.”—RT Book Reviews on Dark Wolf



Stolen from her mother when she was still a tiny cub, the snow leopard Asha has spent her entire life in captivity, being traded from one owner to another through an illegal trafficking ring. But Asha also feels trapped in a much more profound way: as a Chanku with no access to the Tibetan grasses that would allow her to shift, she’s confined to her animal form, yearning for a part of herself she’s forever unable to reach. Until a merciful savior sets her free . . . and Leo Cheval comes into her life.



When word of Asha’s rescue from the animal trafficking ring reaches the Chanku, Leo is sent in to help her recover and bring her into the pack. As a leopard shifter himself, he’s uniquely qualified to connect with her and assess her trauma. What he never anticipated was the overwhelming chemistry their meeting would spark and the deep sensual need she would stir in him.



But even as Leo’s touch guides her body to feelings she never imagined, his deeply ingrained controlling streak threatens to crush the very desire he has awakened. And as their passion grows and a deep bond forms between them, Leo and Asha realize that only by submitting to her can he save them both.

my thoughts
5 stars
love this series , and i'm so glade that she wrote more to go with her other series that i love to read , can't wait to see more of this series , with that said i want to thank Netgalley for letting me read it and review in change for my honest opinion

I really wanted to like this one but I am very, very picky with romance shifter novels as I have read literally hundreds of them. Unfortunately, they are all running together and nothing seems to ever change in their plot lines.
The male lead in this one, Leo (Like really? Leo the Lion is so damn cliche!), is a very typical Alpha type male aka Tool who wants to "protect" and then make all the decisions for her so that she is safe. What a damn close minded Tool!!!! Who wants to be controlled by their man and told to sit still and be quiet? I am sorry but I refuse to be controlled in life, therefore, I can not/will not enjoy this romance trope! Because it is plain disgusting! That and the heroine is so naive and always stays in her leopard form until now. Gag me with that spoon now, please!
Then there is the fact that the series supports Polyamorous relationships. This is like a giant love triangle trope, which I also cannot stand! The constant relationship changes were confusing and tedious at best, which took away from what should have been the main dynamic of the story.
I would not, and do not, recommend this series.

Love the books about the Chanku. It brings hot sex, romance, adventure, etc. This book was partly about Asha who was stolen from her mother at a few months old and couldn't shift. They cannot shift unless they have the correct nutrients. Once she got them and shifted, she new of others that were in the same boat. The book flowed smoothly and you didn't want to put it down. Another Kate Douglas winner

So this is about a species of shifters called the Chanku. It focuses mainly on the aspect of unshifting Chanku (predator type animals) being sold and caged and kept as pets illegally.

Just a warning. There is a fair amount of sex and talk about it.

The main characters are Leo and Asha but there are quite a few characters involved in the storyline. And they have their own little storylines that all interest into the main plot.

I absolutely love paranormal romance books so this was right up my street. It was a decent length book that took a few days to read but I didn't want to put it down at all. It has plenty of action.

I loved being able to see the characters develop. And the storyline of the predecessors... Although I've early missed bits with being new to the author... I will have to rectify this at some point and read the rest of the series :)

Loved this book, I’m so glad we finally were able to get another book in this series and hope we get more in the future, I will say if you’ve read the previous books in this series or in the original series then you know there are a ton of adult scenes in them. I found with this there weren’t the standard like 20 ( exaggerating) but you get my point. I found it a nice change of pace and there were still some sexy scenes to enjoy.

I've grown to love anything written by Kate Douglas. Very few authors can create characters and a world that is fully immersive. That should be enough but then she goes and crafts some of the hottest and erotic scenes you will ever read. I've rated this lower only because sometimes her stories are overwhelming with too many moving parts and this book can be overwhelming at times.

I have read another one of Kate Douglas's series and loved it, so when I saw Dark Captive, I took a chance. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. At the end of the second chapter, I was on Kate's webpage looking for other books in this series.

What I liked is the book revolves around Asha and Leo, but characters from previous books are the supporting cast. It takes a good author to pull off this type of plotting and Kate Douglas does an amazing job.

Asha is a shifter that was born as a snow leopard. She was taken from her mother when she was a tiny cub and traded in an illegal trafficking ring. Once the Chanku Alpha receives word of her existence, Leo is sent to help her shift and assess her trauma. Once Leo meets Asha, their chemistry is off the charts.

While this is part of a large series, it reads well as a stand-alone. Now that I have read this book, I am going back and reading the others in the series!

I receive an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

Usually shifter books are either hit or miss for me; some are great and others fall so short that they're almost laughable. This one was really close to being great, but didn't quite get there.

Caution: this review likely contains some spoilers.

Things I liked: the connection between Asha and Leo. I loved that Leo was battling his own misunderstandings of how things worked when he was asked to work with Asha. I think it made him more aware of his own reactions going into the situation and allowed him to proceed with caution. Asha's story is heartbreaking for anyone; to be stolen from her family at such a young age and then sold to owner after owner all who failed to take care of her beyond the first one. The bedroom scenes were HOT. It was very interesting reading how carefree the shifters were in this part of their life and relationships.

Ironically, that's also part of the book that I didn't like.

During the intimacy scenes between two people the author was spot on in her descriptions, emotions and observations. You felt like you were there with the characters and could see feel how connected they were. However, when it came to more than two people the author seemed to gloss over these situations. Almost like it barely happened even though both Asha and Leo felt incredibly connected to the others that were in the bed at that time.

Along the same lines, there was no discussion of condoms or birth control. Given the openness when it comes to sexuality in the pack, I found myself questioning how reproducing was handled. Were their bodies designed to reproduce with their mate or did they not really care who fathered the child? I think this could have been an opportunity for the author to explain this area using Asha's newness to the tribe as the avenue.

This was the first book I've read in this series and I'm very interested in going back and reading some of the others.

Sexy paranormal with great characters and addicting storyline. Even though this a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Asha was taken as a cub by an illegal trafficking ring unable to shift and alone until she is set free. Leo is sent to help her recover. This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense the chemistry is steamy and the story really draws you in. I was hooked from beginning to end.

Hot , hot and sexy!!!! But with a very well written and interesting storyline and very likable characters.

"Dark Captive" by Kate Douglas (Sprit Wild Book 6)

SYNOPSIS

Stolen from her mother when she was still a tiny cub, the snow leopard Asha has spent her entire life in captivity, being traded from one owner to another through an illegal trafficking ring. But Asha also feels trapped in a much more profound way: as a Chanku with no access to the Tibetan grasses that would allow her to shift, she’s confined to her animal form, yearning for a part of herself she’s forever unable to reach. Until a merciful savior sets her free . . . and Leo Cheval comes into her life.

When word of Asha’s rescue from the animal trafficking ring reaches the Chanku, Leo is sent in to help her recover and bring her into the pack. As a leopard shifter himself, he’s uniquely qualified to connect with her and assess her trauma. What he never anticipated was the overwhelming chemistry their meeting would spark and the deep sensual need she would stir in him.

But even as Leo’s touch guides her body to feelings she never imagined, his deeply ingrained controlling streak threatens to crush the very desire he has awakened. And as their passion grows and a deep bond forms between them, Leo and Asha realize that only by submitting to her can he save them both.

★★★☆☆
Erotica | Fantasy | Paranormal Romance

I think I might have shot myself in the foot by not having read previous books by this author. I was so not prepared by the open sexuality that these characters posed with everyone in their "Pack" - while it is written as a standalone from the series, I think it should be read in order of all the other ones. This is with the assumption that the first book would pose as an "introductory" to the amount of open sexuality or pack relationships. I really enjoyed this book despite being very confused and thrown off about the story. It was a bit rushed, and switched between two sets of couples when I was originally on the understanding that it would only follow the two (Leo and Asha) so that was a bit off putting to be honest. The sex scenes were amazing (oh boy cool me down ice water) but other than jumping right into the relationship it felt a little awkward for me at first - even though I'm quite open to reading either gender coupling (m/m, f/f, mfm, etc) once again, I felt like I should have read the previous books before diving into this one.

CHARACTERS

There was a wide cast of characters, and the story switched point of view so often I was introduced to so many people I had no clue about. I enjoyed everyone, and thought they were well equipped to each of their "mates" even though I could tell the were built emotionally well before this book started. I think I'll need to read the others to get a clearer view. So, Ill talk about the three most important characters (for me personally)
Leo - one of the main male leads, Leo is introduced as a reforming "jerk" who had previously found himself lost emotionally due to the discovery of the relationship with his previous girlfriend being entirely different because of who she really was as a person. I loved that he still had feelings for her, despite their initial break up (i think they broke up) and sought out her advice for what he needed in order to change into a much observant lover, boyfriend (etc) for any future mates. It was a bit rushed, this character development that is - and as they say "Rome wasn't built in a day" but it felt like an automatic switch had been placed for this character. I hope to see him in other books for further development on this "issue" cause I think this hunk is going to be just fine keeping the lady.
Asha - a leading lady, I really enjoyed the beauty of Asha, while there wasn't a lot of connection emotionally to her previous abused state. I enjoyed her confortability with her sexuality. It was interesting to see her grow into her human half, she was endearing in her vulnerabilities and I enjoyed every moment she entered the page.
Rem - another character I know was previously introduced in another book. I actually really, really, really, liked this character. It was interesting to see him develop more closely that the original couple I had thought would be the main stars of the show. Rem and his openness with all genders was very interesting, and I enjoyed his acceptance of flaws and vulnerabilities of most of the characters. It was interesting to see him grow into the acceptance of the pack.

THE STORY

overall I believe this book should be read after all previous titles in the series have been completed - I was a bit confused about a lot of the developments and social structures simply because they weren't addressed as an "so this is why" scenario. I think if I had read the others, I would have a better understanding of what was going on as far as relationship development. Other than that, it was a beautiful short and sweet storyline that I really enjoyed for a quick read!

I just had a very exciting visit with the Chanku! The visit was full of exhilarating suspense, scorching hot passion and sweet romance – a great combination for ever reader.

In Dark Captive, I got to visit and enjoy some wonderful intimate moments with all my favorite Chanku and I also got to meet some new members and enjoy some sexy times with them as well. All the Chanku are strong, charismatic characters that easily draw readers in and they always ensure that readers indulge in some blazing hot passion while they easily connect with their readers and of course invite them to visit that intriguing, thrilling and passionate world. I have to warn you though that there was a few times in this visit that I had a hard time suppressing my tears for our new members situation and I also had to suppress my anger at the bad guys because this story certainly caused both emotions as well as causing desire to blossom so hot that I felt the need to fan myself quite often. The story is fast paced with has excitement and suspense building throughout as Leo introduces Asha to her new world as well rescuing others.

The Chanku world just continues to grow and become more exciting with every installment and Kate Douglas brings every page of it to exciting and vivid like with well written words that make it easy for readers to become caught up in the lives of the fascinating Chanku. In my case, I have to tell you that not only do I love each and every one of the sexy, charismatic characters but I totally enjoy every visit and I was completely enthralled with Dark Captive and I can’t wait for my next visit to the Spirit Wild world.

Dark Captive is a mesmerizingly brilliant masterpiece that will entwine your heart in a fascinating new twist to her spin-off Chanku series. You will find yourself surrounded by the same incredible depth and passion of the Chanku world as it expands to add more deliciously complex twists and turns that are sure to enthrall and entertain even the pickiest of readers. You lose nothing while gaining a deeper and broader sense of how utterly incredible and wonderfully limitless this series truly is.

Asha is a wild snow leopard who has lived her entire life in captivity. She has never known true compassion and love, and she may not if her last owner has any say. Just when the darkness of finality looms over her deprived and wither body, she is pulled back from the brink by a loving soul determined to give her a chance to retake her life and thrive. As she comes back to life, a member of the Chanku is being unknowingly prepared to revive her heart and soul. Leo’s Alpha gently guides him to understand the tension between him and his friends as of late and shows him how he needs to change to better himself and his life. Taking the advice to heart, Leo drives forward and puts his heart through a wondrous change. When he sent to help Asha acclimate to her human side which she has never experienced, he questions if he is worthy of this assignment. The last thing he wants to do is fail someone like Asha. Can Asha prove to Leo that he is the perfect and only person for this job? Will Asha be able to get used to being in her human form, or will she think it is too vulnerable and confusing?

I absolutely loved watching Leo’s and Asha’s transformation take place before my eyes. They are two precious lost souls who find their completion in the other. Once their journey begins it demands all from them in such a short time in order to see if both are worth of the other and the life they have been given. Their deep love and connection is a huge surprise to both of them, but Asha is not one to throw away this wonderful gift. She throws her herself whole-heartedly into figuring out her new life, and she hopes that Leo will stay by her side and help her as she stumbles. Leo found endless joy and happiness in giving up his tightly held control and in its place grew a magnificent love and boundless zest for life as a result.

Kate Douglas has stolen my heart and left my mind completely enthralled with her epic storyline, spectacular characters, and her brilliant imagination. I can never get enough of her extraordinary books, and they always seem to end too quickly for me. There is nothing as decadent as savoring a new story from this spectacular author!

Asha is a snow leopard that was stolen from her mother when she was a cub. She has spent her entire life in captivity and most recently held in a trafficking ring. She is Chanku and have never been allowed to shift until she is rescued by Leo Cheval. Anton sends Leo on this rescue mission in order to help him grow and gain perspective. He never anticipated the chemistry that would ignite between him and Asha. FBI Agent Remington Caruthers will also learn some very enlightening news!

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. Honestly, not what I was expecting. I like shifter romance stories with alpha males that have animalistic characters but this fell quite flat. First of all I feel like a BIG aside should be mentioned: this is a story with Polyamorous relationships, multiple of them. While okay for some, I know this is something that not everybody likes. I also found the multiple relationships very confusing as the characters I thought of as the lead ( Leo and Asha)didn’t actually headline the story because there were so many extras in their relationships . As someone who never read a book in this series I found it a lot to process which is sad because the premise is great. I thought this was only an okay story and would give it 3.5 stars

A big thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. I believe that this is part of a series. It reads well as a stand alone book. This is a heterosexual book, m/m, m/f, f/f, manages and more. This was a surprise to me, I was not expecting it. It may not suit everyone. I liked the characters. It was an interesting plot line, very unique. I found it to be a good read. I rated a 3.5.

Loved the book. Asha is a snow leopard who has been saved in a raid and is close to death due to starvation. Asha is also a Berserker who has never shifted to her human form. Once discovered, a Chanku named Leo is sent to assist in her shifting. The book is a great love story between these two. Also the book shows the sexual interaction by members of the Chankus. The book is s great read and I highly recommend this one.