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Hybrids #2
A Bat Out of Hell
119 is a product of biological engineering who has lived his entire life in an underground genetics lab. A compulsive daydreamer, he longs for the freedom to fly, but when he gets the opportunity to try his wings, the bat hybrid discovers that the outside world is a scary place and he hides in the safety of an underground cave.
Brad's life is all about caving and exploring the unknown and untouched, but an accident leaves him trapped underground and he's sure he'll never see the light of day again. Rescue comes in a way he never expected. A stranger who calls himself Mace promises to lead Brad to safety--but instead puts him in greater danger.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains elements of rape or near rape.
Brad's life is all about caving and exploring the unknown and untouched, but an accident leaves him trapped underground and he's sure he'll never see the light of day again. Rescue comes in a way he never expected. A stranger who calls himself Mace promises to lead Brad to safety--but instead puts him in greater danger.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title contains elements of rape or near rape.
135 pages, ebook
First published March 22, 2012
4 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Gale Stanley
91 books320 followersGale Stanley grew up in Philadelphia PA. She was the kid who always had her nose in a book, her head in the clouds, and her hands on a pad and pencil.
Some things never change.
Blog: http://galestanley.blogspot.com/
Some things never change.
Blog: http://galestanley.blogspot.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 19, 2014
How do I explain the empathy a reader can have for a fictional shifter? Hmmm.
Here's how...Mace saw the twinkling lights in the government laboratory where he and the other genetically altered bat hybrid shifters were incubated and abused. When he thought, Maybe someday I'll see the real thing. I was hooked.
Gale Stanley has an imaginative story line with well developed characters in Mace and Brad. Mace (Hybrids #2)is a M/M erotic story, so it is for mature readers only. The sexual content adds to the story line and is necessary for plot development. Overall, I liked this story even better than Hybrids #1.
Well written + imaginative plot=5 Stars
Here's how...Mace saw the twinkling lights in the government laboratory where he and the other genetically altered bat hybrid shifters were incubated and abused. When he thought, Maybe someday I'll see the real thing. I was hooked.
Gale Stanley has an imaginative story line with well developed characters in Mace and Brad. Mace (Hybrids #2)is a M/M erotic story, so it is for mature readers only. The sexual content adds to the story line and is necessary for plot development. Overall, I liked this story even better than Hybrids #1.
Well written + imaginative plot=5 Stars
May 9, 2014
I received a copy of MACE as a gift. While the novel was a departure from the genre I usually read, I was quickly drawn into the plot by Ms. Stanley's excellent writing style. MACE, the subject of nefarious human experimentation, is a hybrid human/bat! A destructive fire at the laboratory where he is imprisoned, frees him and thus the adventure begins!
Well written and fast paced with complex characters and a plot full of tension, romance and intrigue, I truly enjoyed this read. MACE is the second novel in this series and I think I might pick up the first to see what I missed! Take a chance, step out of your genre, and try MACE - I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
Well written and fast paced with complex characters and a plot full of tension, romance and intrigue, I truly enjoyed this read. MACE is the second novel in this series and I think I might pick up the first to see what I missed! Take a chance, step out of your genre, and try MACE - I'm sure you won't be disappointed!
August 11, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a short fast read about Mace a genetically altered human. This is the 2nd book in the series, it takes a different path than Adam the first book in the series. Mace is just as exciting if not more.
Sex Scences: Only a few but they were good :)
Characters: The characters are so well written I instantly connected with them
Would I recommend this to others: For sure
Religious: No
More than one book in a series: yes
Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance/Erotic
Would I read more from this author: Yes
This is a short fast read about Mace a genetically altered human. This is the 2nd book in the series, it takes a different path than Adam the first book in the series. Mace is just as exciting if not more.
Sex Scences: Only a few but they were good :)
Characters: The characters are so well written I instantly connected with them
Would I recommend this to others: For sure
Religious: No
More than one book in a series: yes
Genre: M/M, Paranormal, Romance/Erotic
Would I read more from this author: Yes
May 10, 2014
This is not a genre I would usually read, but suprisingly I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be looking for others of the same ilk.
This is a new author and a new series for me, but I'm so glad I read it. The story is sexy and sweet at the same time. A genetically enhanced shifter and a human man end up on the run together. They're attracted to each other, but they're so different—or are they? Love how the relationship develops, and was rooting for them all the way. Now I'm curious to see where the story goes. When is book three coming out?
This is a new author and a new series for me, but I'm so glad I read it. The story is sexy and sweet at the same time. A genetically enhanced shifter and a human man end up on the run together. They're attracted to each other, but they're so different—or are they? Love how the relationship develops, and was rooting for them all the way. Now I'm curious to see where the story goes. When is book three coming out?
May 9, 2014
This book is a romance, but also a good sci-fi story about genetic manipulation gone bad. In today's world that's not so farfetched. A nice plus is that the characters are unique, and instead of the usual wolves and cats, we get a bat shifter and a caver. I especially enjoyed reading the scenes that take place in the cave. The setting felt so real, I started feeling claustrophobic. Nicely done. Fans of the genre will enjoy this one!
April 10, 2014
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
One-nineteen had been raised in the academy with other orphans of soldiers who’d died in the line of duty, and even then he’d been different. Although he’d always lived underground and had never seen the light of day, his activity level increased between dusk and dawn, and he would prowl the dorms for hours. The other boys would make fun of him, but he couldn’t stop himself. His body would only do what felt natural to him. His mentor, Dr. Shepard, tried forcing him to stay awake all day, but the conditioning hadn’t worked, so the doctor started giving him drugs. Without a pill, one-nineteen still found it impossible to sleep at night. Which could only mean one thing. The laboratory technicians who administered his evening meds had forgotten his sleeping pill. This had never happened before, and suddenly he felt downright scared of what might happen next. A change in routine was never a good thing. Mace
This is the 2nd book of the Hybrids series and it picks up with another escapee from the horrid labs that are controlled by the military and Dr. Shepherd.
Knowing that they will never leave him alone, 119 hides in the only place he feels safe, and even then he feels that danger is only a few steps behind him.
Brad Walsh is a loner -- by circumstance and choice. He's an avid outdoorsman and loves to explore. After an accident in a cave, 119 comes to his aid and he return he offers 119 a place to stay.
Will Brad tell him to leave once he finds out what he is? Can 119 stay ahead of the forces that are tracking him?
I'm ready for the next book in the series.
One-nineteen had been raised in the academy with other orphans of soldiers who’d died in the line of duty, and even then he’d been different. Although he’d always lived underground and had never seen the light of day, his activity level increased between dusk and dawn, and he would prowl the dorms for hours. The other boys would make fun of him, but he couldn’t stop himself. His body would only do what felt natural to him. His mentor, Dr. Shepard, tried forcing him to stay awake all day, but the conditioning hadn’t worked, so the doctor started giving him drugs. Without a pill, one-nineteen still found it impossible to sleep at night. Which could only mean one thing. The laboratory technicians who administered his evening meds had forgotten his sleeping pill. This had never happened before, and suddenly he felt downright scared of what might happen next. A change in routine was never a good thing. Mace
This is the 2nd book of the Hybrids series and it picks up with another escapee from the horrid labs that are controlled by the military and Dr. Shepherd.
Knowing that they will never leave him alone, 119 hides in the only place he feels safe, and even then he feels that danger is only a few steps behind him.
Brad Walsh is a loner -- by circumstance and choice. He's an avid outdoorsman and loves to explore. After an accident in a cave, 119 comes to his aid and he return he offers 119 a place to stay.
Will Brad tell him to leave once he finds out what he is? Can 119 stay ahead of the forces that are tracking him?
I'm ready for the next book in the series.
April 28, 2014
Mace, a bat hybrid, is the product of genetic manipulation and he's lived in captivity all his life. When he gets a chance to escape from the lab where he was created, he finds that the outside world is a scary place and he hides in a cave. Despite the fact that he was created to be a killer soldier, he ends up saving the life of a human, and falls for him. Mace would love to have a normal life with Brad but he knows it's impossible. This emotional love story, with hot sex scenes, had me rooting for a happily ever after. I'm looking forward to book three.
April 28, 2014
Loving this series!
Genetic experimentation, mad scientists, and sexy hybrids. What's not to like? Mace manages to escape and hides in the only safe place for a bat hybrid—a cave. He rescues a caver, and the man gives him a place to stay. But danger follows. I enjoyed the tension between the men, and seeing how Mace reacts to his growing attraction to Brad. The romance is sweet and steamy. I'm ready for the next book in the series!
Genetic experimentation, mad scientists, and sexy hybrids. What's not to like? Mace manages to escape and hides in the only safe place for a bat hybrid—a cave. He rescues a caver, and the man gives him a place to stay. But danger follows. I enjoyed the tension between the men, and seeing how Mace reacts to his growing attraction to Brad. The romance is sweet and steamy. I'm ready for the next book in the series!
October 28, 2012
Enjoyed!
June 3, 2014
I am loving this series and I simply can't wait until the next book comes out. I am going so far as to purchase a bundle if they are made available. This author's imagination and story telling abilities are off the chain.
I am always entertained and happy with her work.
*I received a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review*
I am always entertained and happy with her work.
*I received a free copy of this book for a fair and honest review*
May 7, 2014
Mace [Hybrids 2] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) by Gale Stanley is a Great story!
The story is about two men who seem to be complete opposites but find out they're more alike than they thought.
Mace's DNA was altered and his entire life was spent in a cell on a military base. Then an explosion at the base gives him a chance to escape. Mace is a bat-shifter so he hides in a cave with a colony of bats. He's afraid to leave, but when he sees a caver in trouble, he shifts and rescues the man.
Brad offers him a place to stay, and he accepts. It was interesting to see Mace adapt to life on the outside, and how the relationship between him and Brad grows. But Mace's past catches up to them, and now he has a choice to make. Will he save Brad again, or run this time.
Fascinating story of two guys who really do complete each other. Could be a standalone, but now I want to read the first book.
This was a gift that i truly enjoyed! 5 stars for Mace and the author Gale Stanley for a great read!
The story is about two men who seem to be complete opposites but find out they're more alike than they thought.
Mace's DNA was altered and his entire life was spent in a cell on a military base. Then an explosion at the base gives him a chance to escape. Mace is a bat-shifter so he hides in a cave with a colony of bats. He's afraid to leave, but when he sees a caver in trouble, he shifts and rescues the man.
Brad offers him a place to stay, and he accepts. It was interesting to see Mace adapt to life on the outside, and how the relationship between him and Brad grows. But Mace's past catches up to them, and now he has a choice to make. Will he save Brad again, or run this time.
Fascinating story of two guys who really do complete each other. Could be a standalone, but now I want to read the first book.
This was a gift that i truly enjoyed! 5 stars for Mace and the author Gale Stanley for a great read!
April 28, 2014
"I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads."
This is the second in the series that I have read, and it is every bit as good - in fact it may even be better. The story starts at the same point as the last one, but follows another escapee. You would not have to have read the first to understand the second, but clearly there is an opportunity for links to be formed in later books - which should be very good. The characters are so appealing and Mace's innocence is described so beautifully that the outcome is both scorchingly hot and very romantic.
Thank you for a very enjoyable read!
This is the second in the series that I have read, and it is every bit as good - in fact it may even be better. The story starts at the same point as the last one, but follows another escapee. You would not have to have read the first to understand the second, but clearly there is an opportunity for links to be formed in later books - which should be very good. The characters are so appealing and Mace's innocence is described so beautifully that the outcome is both scorchingly hot and very romantic.
Thank you for a very enjoyable read!
May 8, 2014
An intriguing story
I don't normally read this genre but I received a copy of this book and was drawn in by the concept and the author's great writing style. Yes, there is romance and sexual content, but an intriguing story as well. The hero is a shape-shifter, a genetically altered man who has been confined in a military facility his whole life. When he escapes he takes refuge in a cave and rescues a human who offers him a place to stay. The descriptions of the cave and caving in general were fascinating and authentic, as caving is something I tried many years ago; I got stuck so I appreciate the potential predicaments.
I enjoyed seeing how the protagonist adjusted to life after imprisonment.
The story progressed at a good pace with enough action to keep me turning the pages. Readers who enjoy paranormal romance will not be disappointed.
I don't normally read this genre but I received a copy of this book and was drawn in by the concept and the author's great writing style. Yes, there is romance and sexual content, but an intriguing story as well. The hero is a shape-shifter, a genetically altered man who has been confined in a military facility his whole life. When he escapes he takes refuge in a cave and rescues a human who offers him a place to stay. The descriptions of the cave and caving in general were fascinating and authentic, as caving is something I tried many years ago; I got stuck so I appreciate the potential predicaments.
I enjoyed seeing how the protagonist adjusted to life after imprisonment.
The story progressed at a good pace with enough action to keep me turning the pages. Readers who enjoy paranormal romance will not be disappointed.
July 29, 2016
"Mace" by Gale Stanley is the second in her M/M Hybrid series. After reading Adam, the first book. I was more than ready to start reading book two. Mace didn't disappoint. It turns out that Adam was genetically altered with bat DNA, an interesting twist, because this means he can fly. There's a nice description of his first attempts, when he escapes captivity. But Mace knows he can't survive on the outside and he chooses to hide in a cave, where he ends up rescuing Brad, a human who seemingly had an accident. The enemies are closing in, and Brad doesn't have a clue what awaits him. I like the relationship between the characters, especially Mace's awakening sexual feelings for Brad. I'm looking forward to book three.
March 31, 2014
This is a great follow up to Adam. The story is about another escaped hybrid but one that's a different species. Interesting setting and good chemistry between the characters.
October 30, 2012
This review was originally written for MM Good Book Reviews and can also be found there.
With such an interesting and intense start I expected a completely different story than Bat Out Of Hell turned out to be. As a second story in a series it lacked detail that was probably explained in A Chance Encounter and that combined with the rushed love story left me wanting.
119 is a prisoner in an experimental lab/military facility. One of many whose DNA was crossed with an animal breed when he was a child for the purpose of creating a super soldier. The doctor in charge of the project had different results in mind than humans being able to transform into the animal whose DNA they received, but knowledge is valuable so 119 and others like him stay imprisoned while he tries and make his experiment more efficient without the nasty side effects.
During a fire 119 escapes and transforms for the first time into his bat form and hides with other bats in a cave. There he finds and rescues Brad and as they say – the rest is history.
As I already mentioned, the beginning had me intrigued right away, the writing seemed more serious, the subject was powerful and the plot had a good start. As 119 or as he is later called – Mace, found his way out of immediate danger and I got to meet Brad, my interest waned.
I just didn’t like Brad at all. His whole personality was partially boring and mostly unattractive. The first attempted sex scene between the main characters was just wrong and left me uncomfortable which really isn’t easy to do. The love story was a rushed affair with little substance that pushed the fact that the pairing didn’t work for me, up front.
My high point was Mace. He was a really nice character with a lot of potential, but the author decided not to develop him further and I thought that was a shame. The rest of the plot evolved rather quickly without much conflict or any type of a deeper story. Part of it was even a type of introduction into the next book and overall I can’t say I had fun reading this.
As an easy shifter story without much depth, or just a sequel to a good first book, this might satisfy a potential reader, but it really didn’t work for me.
With such an interesting and intense start I expected a completely different story than Bat Out Of Hell turned out to be. As a second story in a series it lacked detail that was probably explained in A Chance Encounter and that combined with the rushed love story left me wanting.
119 is a prisoner in an experimental lab/military facility. One of many whose DNA was crossed with an animal breed when he was a child for the purpose of creating a super soldier. The doctor in charge of the project had different results in mind than humans being able to transform into the animal whose DNA they received, but knowledge is valuable so 119 and others like him stay imprisoned while he tries and make his experiment more efficient without the nasty side effects.
During a fire 119 escapes and transforms for the first time into his bat form and hides with other bats in a cave. There he finds and rescues Brad and as they say – the rest is history.
As I already mentioned, the beginning had me intrigued right away, the writing seemed more serious, the subject was powerful and the plot had a good start. As 119 or as he is later called – Mace, found his way out of immediate danger and I got to meet Brad, my interest waned.
I just didn’t like Brad at all. His whole personality was partially boring and mostly unattractive. The first attempted sex scene between the main characters was just wrong and left me uncomfortable which really isn’t easy to do. The love story was a rushed affair with little substance that pushed the fact that the pairing didn’t work for me, up front.
My high point was Mace. He was a really nice character with a lot of potential, but the author decided not to develop him further and I thought that was a shame. The rest of the plot evolved rather quickly without much conflict or any type of a deeper story. Part of it was even a type of introduction into the next book and overall I can’t say I had fun reading this.
As an easy shifter story without much depth, or just a sequel to a good first book, this might satisfy a potential reader, but it really didn’t work for me.
March 8, 2015
One-nineteen always lived underground and had never seen the light of day, his activity level increased between dusk and dawn, and he would prowl the dorms for hours on end. One night the technicians who administered his evening meds had forgotten his sleeping pill was this a accident or on purpose. The guards have never treated 119 or the others good, so when 2 of the guards enter his prison he is very worried. Before anything happens alarm goes off and then the all the door are release. 119 see that that everyone is rushing to get away fro the fire and go with the others prisoners. Since 119 gene have been split with a bat, he is able to fly and escape before he is capture again. He decides to hide with a colony of bats in a cave that is the cave that Brad decodes to explore. With Brad push over the ledge and injury 119 finds him, and helps him return home. Only problems is that 119, now know as Mace is afraid that the soldiers will find them and hurt Brad. unknown to Mace is that they are able to trace him.
This is the 2nd book of the Hybrids series and it picks up with another escapee from the horrid labs that are controlled by the military and Dr. Shepherd.I'm ready for the next book in the series.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: This is awesome book. I'm ready for the next book in the series.
MY RATING: 5 Hearts *****
This is the 2nd book of the Hybrids series and it picks up with another escapee from the horrid labs that are controlled by the military and Dr. Shepherd.I'm ready for the next book in the series.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK: This is awesome book. I'm ready for the next book in the series.
MY RATING: 5 Hearts *****
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2015
Another awesome read! Although the story can stand alone, it's best to read the series in order. I had wondered what would happen with that flash drive from the first book. Good to see that it appeared in this second book as well. Can't wait to read the next one, either, especially what will happen for Captain Sawyer!
Back to Mace's story... Born into a prison facility in a gene-manipulated environment, Mace has never seen the light of day before. His interactions with guards, meals, potty, etc are predictable and sterile. As one of the hybrids highly guarded and studied by a government sanctioned top secret project, Mace found that his body not only took on the desired effects of animal strengths but that he can shape-shift into a bat. Presented with escape, he finds his natural habitat and hides there until Brad takes a fall into the cave.
Struggling for survival at first, the two form a sweet and romantic attraction. Danger follows close behind and the light that the two first saw at the end of the tunnel (or cave, in this case) soon seems like an unattainable dream. Mace, destined to be on lockdown forever, and Brad, the caver who is falling in for him, face another definitive fork in the road.
Steamy and sweet, I got sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put this down. So looking forward to reading all in the series!
Back to Mace's story... Born into a prison facility in a gene-manipulated environment, Mace has never seen the light of day before. His interactions with guards, meals, potty, etc are predictable and sterile. As one of the hybrids highly guarded and studied by a government sanctioned top secret project, Mace found that his body not only took on the desired effects of animal strengths but that he can shape-shift into a bat. Presented with escape, he finds his natural habitat and hides there until Brad takes a fall into the cave.
Struggling for survival at first, the two form a sweet and romantic attraction. Danger follows close behind and the light that the two first saw at the end of the tunnel (or cave, in this case) soon seems like an unattainable dream. Mace, destined to be on lockdown forever, and Brad, the caver who is falling in for him, face another definitive fork in the road.
Steamy and sweet, I got sucked into their world from the first page and couldn't put this down. So looking forward to reading all in the series!
June 22, 2014
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads*
3.5 stars.
I goofed up and read book 2 first. With that saying, I didn't have any issue falling into the story, to the point that I didn't even realize until I looked the book up on Goodreads & saw it was book #2. My bad.
Well-written. A fast-paced novella. A quick way to spend some time on stress-free entertainment. The paranormal premise is solid, interesting, but not the main focus. If you are looking for in-depth paranormal world building or a slowly building romance, you won't find this here. The paranormal elements & the romance are both equal in the story. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Reading is for entertainment, and sometimes PNR & UF can be slightly confusing, making it feel more like work than relaxation.
Overall, I was truly entertained.
Recommend: to readers who aren't sticklers on world-building. Those who enjoy m/m romance.
Will I continue on with this series: Yes. Great way to spend an hour- hour & a half.
Will I read more from this author: Yes.
3.5 stars.
I goofed up and read book 2 first. With that saying, I didn't have any issue falling into the story, to the point that I didn't even realize until I looked the book up on Goodreads & saw it was book #2. My bad.
Well-written. A fast-paced novella. A quick way to spend some time on stress-free entertainment. The paranormal premise is solid, interesting, but not the main focus. If you are looking for in-depth paranormal world building or a slowly building romance, you won't find this here. The paranormal elements & the romance are both equal in the story. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. Reading is for entertainment, and sometimes PNR & UF can be slightly confusing, making it feel more like work than relaxation.
Overall, I was truly entertained.
Recommend: to readers who aren't sticklers on world-building. Those who enjoy m/m romance.
Will I continue on with this series: Yes. Great way to spend an hour- hour & a half.
Will I read more from this author: Yes.
June 21, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my fair and honest review.**
“Mace” by Gale Stanley is not my normal genre of read, but I honestly couldn’t put it down. The paranormal aspects drew me in and kept me interested. The descriptions were fantastic, the characters believable, and the suspense fast-paced. I loved everything about the book, right down to the sweet moments, like when “Mace” got his name. I thought the love story was sweet and warm, leaving me all tingly thinking about new loves. I would definitely recommend this mash up of shape-shifter paranormal, suspense, mystery, romance, and erotica to anyone who wants a quick read with a great story to back it up!
“Mace” by Gale Stanley is not my normal genre of read, but I honestly couldn’t put it down. The paranormal aspects drew me in and kept me interested. The descriptions were fantastic, the characters believable, and the suspense fast-paced. I loved everything about the book, right down to the sweet moments, like when “Mace” got his name. I thought the love story was sweet and warm, leaving me all tingly thinking about new loves. I would definitely recommend this mash up of shape-shifter paranormal, suspense, mystery, romance, and erotica to anyone who wants a quick read with a great story to back it up!
October 8, 2012
Okay this story is so bad, it's actually horrible. The main romance between hybrid 119 or Mouse(Mace) and Brad isn't worth mentioning it. This book is bad. Be smarter and avoid it.
Gale Stanley isn't a good writer. For me she is pathetic, but then I'm worse because I have read some of her books.
Gale Stanley isn't a good writer. For me she is pathetic, but then I'm worse because I have read some of her books.
February 13, 2014
It wasn't horrible...but not great either. I sorely missed Chance's sense of humor from the 1st book. Basically it felt rushed and shallow. Their love affair was amazingly fast and unrealistic and it was a real shame. Enough to sparkle my curiosity but not enough to sate it. A real waste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2013
It wasn't horrible... but it did feel rushed and shallow, and a total waste of great potential.
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