Thank you for NetGalley and KR press for this earc

I’m sad to say this book wasn’t for me. At all
I was so bored the whole time. I found the finding and killing of the bad guys was something like “oh look bad guys. Kills. Leaves. End of story”. I don’t care how cool your main hang is. What’s the point of having the bad guys if they’re just useless?

Plot was just meh and I would overlook that if the relationship between main two characters wasn’t just off for me?
Even though technically they didn’t sleep with each other until 85% into the book, I felt like that’s ALL they were thinking about. And honestly, it was just annoying. I didn’t feel the emotional connection between them at all.

I found the build up about Juniper’s memories and the “big reveal” fell flat for me. All the “omg. Who stole my memories?” And exactly half a page and killing of her cousin behind the scenes? No, thank you.

Another part of this book I didn’t enjoy was the random chapters about other characters and their relationships. It wasn’t enough for me to care about them and the way they were places in the story only made me feel disconnected from the main relationship even more.

Ancient Retribution has a strong heroine and a likable hero. The side characters were wonderful and sparked great interests in their possible stories in their own book or in another tale. I also liked that former characters returned in this story. The plot had some great moments and the over all conflict was solved but if still felt somewhat incomplete. I also felt the heroine was not completely tru to her character in the epilogue endings, and it seems one she mated she lost some of her edge and issues she had just completely disappeared.

Juniper and Zephyr are both dragons with a long and lonely past. Loyal, brave and formidable warriors, they have seen their share of war and violence respectively. Neither wants a mate but fate has other plans for them. Zephyr soon realises that there is no point in resisting what is meant to be but Juniper will not let him in. He is willing to be whatever she needs him to be and so she allows herself to enjoy what he can provide her with without getting too attached. Zephyr is determined to get under her skin and he proves he is worthy of her when he helps her and her band of misfits to end a human trafficking coven of supernaturals. But now her lost past has returned and it is more sinister than either of them dreamed.

This was a fantastic addition to this series. I was at first worried how they’d work in even more characters and drama in to the city we’ve all grown to love but this was done quite well. I really enjoyed getting to see more of Zephyr and Juniper was a fantastic kick ass female lead!

For lovers of the series, it’s a must read! If you haven’t started it yet….go to the beginning and work your way here.

This was a complimentary advanced reader copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Give me all the dragons! I love this series so much. Each book, each couple makes me love it even more. Juniper is a strong and amazing female lead. And Zephyr is the perfect match for her. Together they make magic. The other characters in this series feel like old friends when they enter a scene. I just love how they all stay relevant to each story in some way or another. Katie Reus has struck gold with this series, like so many of her others. I remain a huge fan.

Readers are going to fall in love with Zephyr! Jupiter is a fierce female lead and you will admire her and all she overcomes. I really enjoyed seeing two dragon shifters as the main couple. It made things interesting, and hilarious at times. The chemistry is scorching and will have you fanning yourself. There were also some interesting developments with other characters fans have been waiting to hear more of. I had to read it in one sitting. This is one of my must read authors and she didn't disappoint. Loved it!

As we have been reading this series we have always had Zephyr in the storyline one of the dragon shifters in Kings NOLA clan now we get his story. He never wanted to find his HEA but when fate places him working with a dragon shifter raised by wolves after being abandoned he knows she is the one for him. The only problem is that Juniper isn't sure if she wants a mate She is one take charge woman the definite leader of her team and now she isn't sure if she wants to add a dragon shifter to that team but Zephyr isn't taking no for an answer he is going to be beside his mate whether she wants it or not.

Once again we are taken on a wonderful adventure where we meet a mix of supernatural creatures as they fight to keep humans safe As usual Katie weaves a wonderful tale that totally draws you in and keeps you engaged until you turn the last page

Juniper and her little found-family of shifters are part of a Black Ops agency that has been policing Supernaturals for decades. Since the Fall their lives have just got way busier! Now on a mission with King's territory in NOLA they have to add in a new team member - Zephyr.

Zephyr had no intention on finding his forever but Fate stepped in and plonked Juniper in his path. She may be down for a quick, one-off encounter but he's determined that they are forever. Can his cunning plan to quietly and determinedly dismantle her walls work? All whilst tracking down a scummy trafficker?

Juniper is refreshingly take-charge. Her group, and Zephyr, fall in line with her orders - she is most definitely boss lady. There is no misogyny with her team and Zephyr just wants her safe and with him - he doesn't care what kind of trouble his bada&& mate gets into. He just wants to be beside her.

Juniper's childhood abandonment and subsequent adoption have obviously made her the dragon she is. She just wants to know where all these "extra" powers that she has come from. Zephyr's long imprisonment in another dimension has caused a rift with his family. They all still love each other but his brothers moved on and grew up without him and he feels superfluous to requirements.

I am a sucker for found families and this doesn't disappoint. I love that this crazy little apocalyptic world is expanding! Roll on book 6!

Five books in, and I’m still loving this series. Dragon shifters, Juniper and Zephyr, are front and centre, in and amongst all the action with the vampires, shifters, witches and demons. This time they’re fighting evil to protect humans from being used and taken advantage of (in the worst of ways). They need to find the ring leader, as well as the portals that are being used to transport the humans to Hell. Juniper, an abandoned dragon shifter baby brought up by wolves, gets more than she bargained for when a whole host of dragon shifters infiltrate her life. Can she trust them? Zephyr is learning that Juniper likes keeping her walls up, it’s going to take a lot of understanding and patience to gain Juniper’s trust, Zephyr’s definitely up for the challenge. This could possibly be my favourite in the series to date, lots of drama, lots of action, and I loved the developing relationship between Juniper and Zephyr. Good versus evil is always an enjoyable read for me, and Ancient Retribution ticked all my boxes.

Will her fear of abandonment hold her back from a relationship which could be more …

After King’s story, I wondered who would be next as most of the first introduced characters were now mated.
Yet there are still so many potentials with both old and now new characters. I hope if this series is coming to a close, that there will be a sequel to offer them all their own HEA.
Zephyr appeared in the previous books, he was the estranged brother, separated from his kin for centuries to only find when he freed himself from the hell realm he was imprisoned in that his clan has be decimated. So he is still adjusting to his new reality, but feeling an outsider.
Juniper found with her adopted family an equilibrium but it never erased the perception to have been unwanted and left behind. Why she protects herself by never allowing anyone in outside her close knitted clan. So when a dragon setting off all the warning signals, she tries to keep him at arm’s length. But he is no man to be deterred without a fight.
I loved them together, Zephyr is so accepting of Juniper, in awe of her strength and resilience. A perfect partner if she would be willing to open her heart to someone outside her family.
But as they face threats plus her past knocking at the door, she will have to make choice, to weight her decision to live alone or not.
Zephyr is one hell of a companion, accepting Juniper as she is, but refusing to bend to her edict when it means he would have to give her up, he is patient to let her come to him at her own pace.

Can wait to read more about all those protagonists left unmatched.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Each book is better than the last! Love the world building as always. Really liked Juniper and all her kick a$$ abilities. Zephyr could not have been a better match for her. He supports without being over bearing. They are truly mates and partners,

It was nice to see some of the other mated couples in this story. All Zephyr's brothers and the Alpha and his mate. Juniper's team has a bunch of characters and I would love to see them get their HEA as well.

If you haven't started this series, you are missing some serious paranormal adventure! Grab the series today!

This latest edition in the Ancients Rising series packs a lot into just 1 book. Our main characters are Zephyr, the assumed dead dragon brother of Mikael from book 2 and Juniper, a dragon shifter he shows up with in the end of book 4. I liked Zephyr a lot. He's patient, committed and capable. Juniper was a bit meh. She has issues and she spends a lot of time without confidence and whining. It didn't align with her leader mentality.

Juniper's history was a lot. We get to spend a lot of time exploring it. So much that Zephyr is really a side character in her story. Very little focus is on him. No time is spent on his history or feelings about his own family. We get a teeny tiny side romance, but its nothing like the Darkness series where the book split time on the couples. Not sure where this series can go next.

Juniper is a dragon who has no memories of her own clan and was raised by a wolf clan. She now is involved in black ops with her team and assists another dragon while en route to King's territory.

Zephyr has not been out of the hell realm very long but has been reunited with his brothers in King's territory, but still feels like an outsider. She helps him during a mission and sparks his interest. He knows what he wants and is determined to win her over...and not just for a casual interlude.

But Juniper is impulsive, brave, stubborn, independent-minded, guarded, and likes to be in control. She has trust and abandonment issues. Not only are there important rescue jobs to finish, but her past seems to be coming to find her...and it is something that she never imagined.

But Zephyr seems to be finding his place at her side whether she wants him there or not. He strives to be her champion, partner, and protector if needed, but also knows she is a fierce warrior and leader on her own. I loved their dynamic.

There are also some subplots of romances going on between sidekicks and I enjoyed those as well. I love that these books are full of all kinds of supes mating...dragons, vamps, wolves, jaguars, witches, phoenixes, etc. It keeps it interesting. And there is always action going on as well.

Ancient Retribution by Katie Reus
Publisher: KR Press, LLC
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: March 22, 2022

Ancient Retribution is the fifth book in the Ancients Rising series by Katie Reus and it's my favorite, so far! I absolutely love this series and it keeps getting better!

The author has created such a fascinating, well developed world and I can't get enough of it! The characters are incredible! I love getting glimpses into their lives!

Watching Juniper and Zephyr come together was so wonderful! They had incredible chemistry and I loved their banter! Also, the romance was pretty steamy!!!

I loved how fast paced this book was, filled with twists and turns and enough suspense to make me not put this one down! Did I mention there are supernaturals and humans living together to survive this world? Wow!!! Dragon shifters, wolves, fae, witches, vampires and humans have come together to thrive in these new circumstances and boy, do they make this book exciting!

If you love romance, fantasy, and adventure, then this book is for you! I highly recommend it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have been enjoying the heck out of this series. Shifters, Vampires, and Dragons oh my! We met both the main characters before - but not together. Both Zephyr and Juniper have difficult pasts. Zephyr was trapped in a hell realm (that sounds just delightful) for thousands of years away from his family. Juniper has no memory of her early childhood - before she was found by her wolf-parents. They have both become fierce warriors - and Juniper is a strong leader of her black ops team - which is a true found family for her.

I loved that Zephyr never waivered in his pursuit of Juniper. Juniper isn't sure she wants a mate or a serious relationship. But Zephyr doesn't back away - he just gives her space to learn him and see how serious he really is. Even in the midst of the human trafficking they are trying to stop - he's steady, solid, and and exactly what she needs. I just could not get enough of it!

Overall - I definitely recommend this series. You have a LOT of characters to keep track of - but they are all pretty awesome so its worth it. But seriously Katie Reus - can you please make Christian and Axel's book next - pretty please? I'm dying over here.

I receive this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Ancients Rising has quickly become one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I love the characters, the immersive world-building, the intrigue, the action, and the epic love stories. Ancient Retribution is Zephyr and Juniper’s story. Both Juniper and Zephyr have unique backstories, and I liked learning more about each of them. Juniper is part of an operative group that hunts dangerous and wanted paranormals, which is how her path crosses with Zephyr. When they start working together against an unknown enemy, Juniper and Zephyr can’t deny the attraction between them, but can Zephyr convince Juniper, who refuses to risk her heart to anyone, to take a chance on them?

Juniper and Zephyr are such fantastic characters! I love that Juniper is as much a warrior as Zephyr. She is a leader – strong, brave, and in control, and she is very much the alpha of her group. She is a total badass, and Zephyr admires her for it. Zephyr loves seeing her lead and has no problem following her orders, which is unusual considering he is a protective alpha warrior. I love that he has so much trust and faith in her and that he finds purpose when he’s with her and her team. On top of the mission they’re involved in, Juniper also learns more about her history and what happened to her when she was a child, and she is shocked by some of the revelations. Because of her past, Juniper isn’t interested in love and commitment, which proves difficult as her feelings for Zephyr strengthen. She goes through so much throughout the book, and her story is layered and interesting.

Zephyr’s story is really interesting too. New to this world, Zephyr doesn’t always feel like he fits in even though he has been reunited with his brothers. When he is with Juniper and her team, he finally gains a sense of belonging. Juniper and her team are a wonderful unit, and they are more like family than friends. I love how they bring Zephyr into their fold so easily. I think they see very quickly that Zephyr is a strong, capable, and honorable man, and he is a major asset to their team.

There are many amazing relationships explored in this book – friendships, family bonds, new and old allies, budding romances, and more. Of course, Juniper and Zephyr’s love story is my favorite. Juniper and Zephyr have amazing chemistry from the beginning, and even though Juniper resists her feelings, their connection is undeniable. They are a fantastic team, and there is so much sexual tension between them, you can cut it with a knife. The looks they give each other and the sizzling heat between the two belie the conflicted feelings and fear of anything but a casual fling. I think they’re one of my favorite couples of the series!

Like the other books, this story introduces some new characters while spotlighting others that we’ve seen in previous books. All of the characters are dynamic and layered, and their stories are so interesting. I like that we get to see how relationships from the first four books are progressing, whether other pairs end up together, and if a few will finally reveal their true feelings. And Juniper’s special ops group is amazing! I hope we get some of their stories in future books because I’m really interested in learning more about each of them. I also want to learn more about Juniper’s family, as well as King’s family. The introduction of several different realms opens up so many unique and intriguing possibilities, and I’m excited to see more of them. I think that’s part of the awesomeness that is this series – each book has a great conclusion, but I am always eager to learn more about the characters, the overarching plot, and the ever-changing and growing world.

King’s territory is the main setting of the story and series, and if I ever had to live in a paranormal world, I would choose this one! Along with the swoon-tastic shifters, there are super adorable baby dragons! I so need a baby dragon like these!! They are the best – fun and sweet and fierce! I also love King’s vision for his territory and this new world where humans and supernaturals coexist. He has lofty goals, but he is determined to create a safe, equitable, and better place for everyone. It’s such a fascinating world, and I love how Reus continues to expand upon it and detail it as the series progresses.

Like its predecessors, Ancient Retribution is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with swoon-worthy romances. I would definitely recommend it to lovers of paranormal romance, and I’m so thankful to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Zephyr is an ancient dragon shifter who was in hibernation during The Fall; an event in which certain dragon clans attacked cities all over the world in the hopes of taking control while annihilating humanity. His three brothers have all found their mates and settled down to live happy lives. Although Zephyr is incredibly happy for his family he doesn't quite feel like he fits in to this new world until he meets Juniper.

Juniper is a dragon shifter who has no memories of her childhood prior to living with her adoptive mother and father who happen to be wolves. Her parents were incredibly understanding and willing to do anything for Juniper, even if that meant switching clans to stop the abuse Juniper was experiencing from the other children. Her childhood might not have been perfect but she never had any desire to learn who her birth parents were. Juniper and her friends are now members of a Black Ops team fighting against supernaturals who want to do harm to others. Their current mission is to uncover a human trafficking ring. Their search brings them to New Orleans and right to Zephyr's door step.

I continue to be blown away by this series. I enjoy the premise and the world Reus has developed post apocalyptic event. All of the main characters are incredibly mindful of creating a world that is better than it was prior to the dragon attack. There is a great amount of compassion and a desire to treat one another with respect regardless whether you are a vampire, shifter, or demon. Juniper is a strong female character with a unique background. I loved revisiting characters from the first four stories and I look forward to the next installment.

This is my favorite world this author has written because there is just so much to love. First, dragon shifters are my favorite and they have actual dragons, not shifters, as well. I also love that you get every kind of supernatural in this series. I love King's territory and how all these different supernatural races work together for the greater good. Plus we get a new realm of dragons to love with the addition of the heroine, Juniper.

Her story was intriguing and I love that she was a warrior. Zephyr, the hero, is just as much of a draw to this story as well. I like how strong he was and he still had no problem following Juniper's lead. Just because a female can be Alpha, doesn't mean the male is submissive. These two were the perfect example of that.

The beginning was a bit slow but it does ramp up as the story progresses. I actually would have loved more time with Juniper and her long lost family as well. They were super intriguing. I hope maybe we can get a book based of her sister to give us more of that world. Either way, I'll read any and all books in this world!

5 stars - I loved it!

Juniper is part of a black ops group that hunts down dangerous paranormal criminals. During her recent mission, she rescues a sexy dragon warrior who is determined to help her finish her mission.

I adored these two! Juniper was such a badass heroine and I loved her dragon abilities. She was smart, sexy, and dangerous, all my favorite characteristics in a heroine. Zephyr was a protective alpha male but he had no problems letting Juniper lead and fight. I loved how supportive he was of Juniper. He is constantly telling her how wonderful and dangerous she is, and it was just perfect.

This story was very action packed. Juniper and her black ops group/adopted family are hunting down human traffickers and it involves a lot of battles with various supernatural creatures. I really enjoyed the mixture of action and romance in this. It was just the perfect blend for me.

This book also had wonderful side characters. I adored all of Juniper’s group, especially Hyacinth. I really hope we get books with them falling in love because I would love to learn more about them. Also, Juniper’s family was fascinating. I loved how unique her dragon clan is and how deadly their abilities are. I do hope the Nova clan will appear in future books because I really want to know more about them now.

Overall, this was a wonderful couple and a wonderful addition to the series. I love this post-apocalyptic world and the characters within it. With each book this world just keeps getting better, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.

Trigger Warnings: human trafficking, death of children

Dragon shifter warrior Zephyr doesn’t fit into this new world. He doesn’t feel like he fits in anywhere—until he meets Juniper and her crew. He knows from the moment he sees the sexy and brave female dragon that they’re destined to be together. But not only are they in the fight of their lives against an overwhelming enemy force, she’s royalty and her long-lost clan has come to bring her home.....

Very fast paced... lots of action, romance, magic, supernatural. The characters are great individually.... together they are fantastic. Juniper is a strong and capable heroine and Zephyr is loyal.... they sizzle together. The twists and turns kept the plot interesting. A terrific addition to the series.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.