Possessed by a Wolf by Sharon Ashwood – a Review

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Description:
Wolves mate for life…and wolves never forget their first love

Royal photographer Lexie Haven wasn’t expecting to see her ex-boyfriend Faran ever again. She could accept that he was a spy, but a werewolf? No way. No matter how good they had been together, she has very personal reasons for steering clear of monsters. That is, until he literally crashes into a royal gathering in all his furry glory—and with a gunman on his tail.

Within minutes of seeing each other again, the two estranged lovers are on a collision course. For now, Lexie is a prime suspect in the heist of a priceless ring, and only Faran can help her find the jewel and restore peace to the royal kingdom. But first, Lexie needs to trust in second chances and the supernatural.

Review:

I was looking forward to a wolf…*GASPS, did I just write that?!* But Faran is no ordinary wolf. He was made irresistible at the direction of Sharon Ashwood. Working for La Campagnie des Morts – the Company of the Dead, as Famine, a loyal member of the Four Horsemen, Faran is really the jokester of the group who tends to hang back. Until now, that is. Faran is lead on a solitary assignment, but facing Lexie is more dangerous to his heart. I loved Possessed by a Wolf and I’m making it public record!   Sharon Ashwood has done a marvelous job with her Horsemen series. It’s a must read!

The wedding of Princess Amelie of Marcari to Prince Kyle of Vidon is imminent. Chloe (from Possessed by a Warrior and currently blissfully engaged to swoon-worthy Sam) is coordinating the big event as well as the engagement soiree. She’s dumbfounded when shots ring out at the party (where’s the love?!), but this union is more than the sum of its parts.

“The disagreement between Team Vampire [Marcari] and Team Slayer [Vidon] had kept the two tiny countries at war since the Crusades. The marriage between Amelie and Kyle – a true love match, by all accounts – was supposed to unite the kingdoms and end the hostilities.”

When the Four Horsemen, allies and defenders of the Marcari, are heaved aside unceremoniously, wedding detail/protection is terribly vulnerable. Faran is the least recognized member of The Company, so he’s instructed to blend in with the crowd and jump to Princess Amelie’s side should the need arise. Not too risky an undercover case, until Faran reunites with his ex, Lexie, hired photographer for the wedding events. Brave in the face of heartbreak, and flying bullets, the two quickly abandon emotional baggage to protect one another. It’s a natural, effortless pull — one that neither cares to examine too closely, of course. Chickens! 😀

Lexie’s not without her own set of trouble. On the night of the engagement party, Lexie’s job was to photograph the wedding band containing fire rubies, the crown jewels of Vidon that Kyle had specially made for Amelie. The jewelry is encased and secured with its own alarm system! Except for the night in question, that is. Amidst the eruption of violence, the ring was stolen and the Vidonese security team is not taking it lightly. It was Lexie’s assignment after all. So how can Faran fly under the radar? How can Lexie prove her innocence?

Chloe had saddled him with a cover identity as Lexie’s husband and assistant. Chloe had meant to give him a plausible excuse to be in the palace, but that meant Lexie would be close to whatever trouble Faran might stir up.

Posing as a married couple? Fun indeed! Truth be told, it hit too close to their once upon a time relationship, but communication is sorely needed. I thought Lexie was a little too frigid for Faran, but my assessment doesn’t negate the effect Lexie has on Faran; she gets him fired up almost instantaneously. It bugged me a bit, if I may be honest. Faran wears his heart on a sleeve; he’s passionate and hurt over the way Lexie broke things off. Lexie doesn’t seem nearly remorseful.

The mystery thickens with motive, doppelgangers, fey, and ghosts. The “hot potato” retrieval of the wedding ring is engaging, but the thief, of the supernatural variety, exposes hidden truths, lore and a slew of theories. Before long, Vidon, Marcari, and The Company are surrounded by a motley crew of suspects (some even royal!) Who stands to gain the most by preventing Kyle and Amelie’s wedding? Is there something more nefarious in the making?

I would be remiss if I didn’t recant my original opinion of Lexie. While her obstinacy battled with indifference, we come to dawning revelations where she’s concerned. Sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution even though your heart is reaching out for its other half. Lexie undergoes a slow, but startling transformation. She displayed a spine of steel when knowledge dictated action. Lexie fought even harder when her heart was in question.

While the book is focused on Faran and Lexie, we are treated to scenes with Sam and Mark (they are a tight unit), but a spectacular cameo amped up anticipation to say the least. Ms. Ashwood is set to leave it all out there in July for the next, and final installment of the series, Possessed by the Fallen. That’s only 3 months away! I’ll read that one slowly, to savor the epic conclusion.  

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author