Werewolves of the Mountain by Abigail Raines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


At only 119 pages (kindle) this book is a very quick read. I discovered it during a quick perusal of the Kindle Unlimited section. While this book won’t blow you away with an in-depth look at shifter/werewolf culture; nor will it alter your perception of love and relationships. What it will do is satisfy your whimsical paranormal book cravings.

Millie is an up-and-coming fashion designer who is passionate about success. She’s putting in long hours to see her dream become a reality. So caught up in her career-she’s lost touch with most of her hometown friends and only speaks occasionally to her father. Sadly, she’s brought back into her hometown of St Neuri when her father unexpectedly passes away.

Liam- As a reader your first glimpse of his character is at a greasy hamburger shack. He begs a cup of coffee off a waitress (after shamelessly flirting) even though he’s been banned from the establishment. This gave me an impression that he was rangy and perhaps a big of a cad. Millie feels an instant lust/love towards Liam but is quickly warned off by the cafe’s waitress.

Millie and Liam have a few more run-ins which gave me a better (more favorable) opinion of Liam.

Again, the story is quick and lacks depth (due to it’s brevity) but I still rate it as a solid read for those looking for a few hours of whimsy.



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Wicked Cravings by Suzanne Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“I’ll fuck you so hard you’ll think I hate you. Beg me, Jaime.”

BOOM! After reading that I’ll assume you’re ready to download this book and start reading. Wait, what? You want more of a review than just that quote? Fine, fine! Here you go…

Wicked Cravings is the second installment of “The Phoenix Pack” series focusing on sexy shifters and their quest to find mates. I love the series because while it does contain quite a bit of steam (hallelujah) there’s still an exciting plot and the author has created an intereseting shifter culture.

While this book didn’t quite meet the perfection that was Feral Sins the line I’ve quoted at the top of my review has got to be one of the hottest thing I’ve ever read. Swoon! Dear Jesus, please at least once in my life can someone say this to me?!?

About the book:
Dante Garcea is the Phoenix Pack’s beta wolf. As second in command he’s got a a list of responsibilities that’s a mile long. And you know what they say…all work and no play makes Dante a dull boy! That is until Jaime Farrow comes around. She’s messy and spirited and I love her even more because she works with abused animals. Both characters are flawed/damaged which is supressing their true feelings for each other. Dante at least took a small break from his work to hook up with a crazy biotch who is spreading rumors trying to damage Dante’s character. Her 7 knuckle-headed brothers are buying her bull$hit and are out for blood. Further causing havoc for the couple is his former lover who pops up and does her best to rekindle their partial imprinting from several years ago.

Enjoy!

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Territory by Susan A. Bliler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After sharing such high praise for Territory’s prequel I jumped into Territory #2 with high expectations! Sadly- This book did not live up to it’s predecessor.

In this installment we meet Kya Hubbard who is a shifter who was turned against her will. For the past several years her reality has been an absolute nightmare at the hands of a sadistic alpha and his pack. Upon her escape Kya runs into the North West Territory pack and meets Briggs (Dell’s brother). Over the course of the book I was forced to endure Kya’s escape attempts no less than one bazillion times. (Trust me- I counted!) The first few times were understandable based on her previous torture and treatment. But by the end I was smacking my palm to my forehead and wondering how this character made it to publication.

The next brain hemorrhage came in the form of Briggs Blackbird- Token Obtuse Male. As a fan of werewolf and shifter romance a common accepted trait of mates is their protective nature towards their female mates. Even to the male’s detriment they typically protect their beloved at all cost. How in Hades does this guy miss that key concept? He blurts hurtful things over and over again and blames it on honesty? Shouldn’t he be willing to sacrifice himself for her happiness? Possessive mate FAIL

Alas, I finished this book and my vigor to dive into the series has cooled. Such a promising prequel and then a frustration book 2. I’ve added the third installment to my “Want to Read” list but haven’t tapped into it quite yet.

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Territory Prequel by Susan A. Bliler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alright, gather around fellas! This prequel pretty much knocked it out of the ballpark for me! Great set up for a series! Can NOT wait for more installments in the series!!!

What’s to love?
Chloe Lott is a fiesty gal who’s loyal to the core. Her dedication to her family and friends is admirable and she’s not a wallflower that will wilt in difficult situations. Sadly the story starts with Chloe in the midst of an emotional landslide- Her beloved brother was murdered and his wife committed suicide. Doing her best to shoulder her own pain and that of her grieving mother set us up for a lot of emotional development throughout the story. Another bonus? Chloe is Native American and I have to admit I don’t stumble upon too many romance novels featuring that ethnicity. Loved that!

Dell Blackbird is everything I look for in an Alpha male romantic character. Loved the dynamic between Dell and his family and pack mates. As someone with very little family of my own I devoured the warm banter and teasing between the characters. Who wouldn’t want to join this pack?!?

Only complaint- (In fairness I’ve never been propositioned by a sexy alpha shifter) BUT even if I was I’d like to think I’d control myself enough not to screw in the bushes outside of a restaurant parking lot. Especially for the first encounter AND with their family members inside! Alas, if the day ever comes that I’m in the position (fingers crossed) I’ll update my review if I succumb to temptation. 😉

In summary- three hip hip hoorays for Territory Prequel. Now please excuse me while I attack the next book!

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To Save a Mate by Krystal Shannan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a salacious combination! Sexy werewolfs and studly cowboys? Yes, please!

To Save a Mate features werewolf shifter Luke VonBrandt has always lusted from afar for Kara McClure. Kara has been in a relationship for the past 5 years with a cheating sleaze-bag. When Kara gets bad news and runs to her boyfriend for comfort the wool is finally lifted from her eyes. She realizes that her boyfriend is a creep. Praise the heavens for small mercies! In rolls Luke VonBrandt (literally) and sets the book into motion.

What I enjoyed about the book:
Loved the VonBrandt family dynamic- especially Luke’s supportive twin brother and organized mother.
Kara’s character has been dealt with tragedy and the author doesn’t skim over her feelings. Really enjoyed the realistic portayal of someone grieving from a huge loss.

What I didn’t enjoy about the book:
The paranormal aspects of the characters are never fully developed. The VonBrandt family are werewolves dating back to an ancient curse from a disgruntled witch. Yet we don’t understand the full nature of the curse or aspects of their culture. At one point Kara mentions the VonBrandt family’s wealth and their mysterious ranch yet doesn’t explore the town’s suspicions or where the money actually comes from. (Certainly there’s no werewolf royalties they are earning so where is their wealth come from?)
Kara’s cheating boyfriend was a tad unbelievable. How was he sticking his penis in every female he passes and his girlfriend NEVER finds out. What?! She lives in a freaking sorority for goodness sake! Certainly she would have heard whispers of her boyfriend’s infidelity???

Since this book scratched my itch for a werewolf romance I’m not sure if I’ll continue in the series to the second installment. Perhaps I’ll proceed to a down & dirty mobster story next!

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Kiss and Kin by Kinsey W. Holley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, well, well, look what the werewolf dragged in… a quirky little romance novel for me to enjoy!

ABOUT:
Taran is an alpha shifter who’s gorgeous with a reputation as a love ’em and leave ’em type. He’s also a detective for Houston’s Shifter Investigation Unit.

Lark Manning is described as a court reporter but her career is never discussed more than as a passing comment. She seems neither passionate about it nor does it affect the plot what-so-ever. That little tid bit seemed as useful to know as her high school english test score.

Both individuals love each other but are too timid to make their feelings known. Taran’s concerns stem (mostly) from the reaction from their extended family. Although they aren’t blood relatives growing up they considered themselves cousins.

Loved the premise, enjoyed several scenes of the book but feel the author could have built in a few early chapters for more character development and turmoil. For example- perhaps a chapter from Lark’s perspective watching Taran date other women when she was younger? They characters are described as struggling with (what they perceive are) unrequited love. Alas, in “as-is” condition I’ve awarded it 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely an enjoyable, quick read but would have loved a bit more conflict to make it interesting.

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