Tag Archives: shapeshifters

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks-a review

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Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks- a review

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

Book 13 (Released November 27, 2012) in the Love at Stake series

About the book:

Handsome Howard…Hunky Howard… Hot Howard…
It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels fragile, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she was a pot of honey he’d like to lick…

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on the TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

Review:
Wild About You begins with Howard on vacation in his home state of Alaska. He found out in book 12, Wanted Dead or Alive, that his arch nemesis, Rhett Bleddyn, is alive. Howard and Rhett went to school together and became bitter enemies. Rhett, a werewolf, had made it his mission to torture Howard in any way he could. It culminated with Howard’s girlfriend being killed by Rhett. Howard and Rhett fought and Rhett went over a cliff. Howard ended up being banned from Alaska, mistakenly being blamed for having a part in his girlfriend’s death. He took the punishment in order to keep his family from the Bleddyns, who were power hungry and had a very large pack whose numbers were far more than the were-bears.

Howard enlists the help of his twin cousins, Jesse & Jimmy, and Dougal and Carlos, a vampire and a shifter who teleported in to check into why Howard was still in Alaska. Howard is systematically going after Rhett’s holdings. He’s already destroyed two homes, and now, he’s after Rhett’s financial records. Upon retrieving that information, his lifelong friend, Harry, who writes for a local paper, starts printing stories that show just how underhanded and devious Rhett is.

While Howard was away in Alaska, Shanna Draganesti, one of Howard’s employers, discovers his secret crush. Elsa Bjornberg, who happens to be on a home renovation show. And you’ll never guess…………. Shanna has a house that needs renovating.

When Howard and Elsa finally meet face to face, their mutual attraction is instantaneous. Unfortunately, there are many things at play. The curse that they have both been told about all their lives, which they both always thought was more lore than fact, comes center stage. And Rhett is lurking in the background, ready to make Howard suffer for revealing his secrets. Will Howard be able to keep Elsa safe? And, how about the curse? You’ll have to read to find out.

I have been waiting for Howard’s book for a long time and definitely wasn’t disappointed. Howard is strong, loyal and hot!! And, Elsa is perfect for him. Sparks always writes with humor in her stories, and this one delivers on that aspect too. There were touching moments, sad moments and hot moments. We get to catch up with a few old friends and meet some new ones. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. If you’ve not read this series, you’re definitely missing out!! It is one of my must read series and hope that it becomes that for you as well!!

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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Black Moon Awakening by Lina Gardiner-a review

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Black Moon Awakening by Lina Gardiner-a review

BLACK MOON AWAKENING by Lina Gardiner

BLACK MOON AWAKENING (released May 2012) is a novel written in a combination of urban fantasy and the paranormal. Lina Gardiner blends the shape-shifting world of the Therian, the aggression of the werewolf, the power of the Egyptian gods and, the humans who want it all, into a fast paced story where the enemy could be your best friend or the neighbor next door.

Jude Black is a powerful Therian shape-shifter and a high level operative that specializes in targeted killings. But on Jude’s latest fact-finding mission (at Eideroche Medical) for the Senate, everything will go wrong– the trainee in his custody is presumed dead and Jude is accused of his murder; and Jude discovers a female werewolf who has been imprisoned and used for medical experiments. Jude is drawn to the werewolf which is wrong on so many levels but the most important is that the Therians and the werewolves are mortal enemies.

Letitia Hawke is the only female Tracker and daughter of the werewolf clan alpha, and has no recollection of recent events. Thinking everything that has happened has been a bad dream, Letitia will discover more than one bloody body has been left with all the evidence pointing to her. With the help of Jude, they will uncover the details that each has become a pawn in an impending war between their species-Jude has been set up by the very people with whom he works and Letitia’s special DNA has been used in an experiment to build an army of hybrid soldiers. But some of the experiments have gone horribly wrong.

There is plenty of mystery and misguided belief. Jude’s brother has been missing and his whereabouts unknown, but with Jude’s special abilities he will discover the true extent to what has happened and who may be to blame. But keeping Letitia out of the hands of Eideroche Medical is one of Jude’s priorities. When their only option is to expose Letitia to the others, both will discover that their powers and abilities are much stronger and stranger than anyone could have imagined.

Lina Gardiner brings together two powerful species of shape-shifters; the embattled mythological history and legacies of the Egyptian gods Horus and Set; a werewolf clan on the verge of destroying themselves and; the many secrets that have been withheld for the good of the few. There is a power struggle within the Therian nation and Senate, and Jude and his family heritage are at the center of it all.

BLACK MOON AWAKENING is an interesting and fascinating look at two shape-shifting species with a history of hatred and animosity between the worlds. At times, the writing was descriptive and intriguing, and at other times it was simple especially during the conversation and interactions between characters-the writing is much stronger in the descriptive narration. Gardiner’s attempts at world building are interesting and colourful and, I hope she spends a little more time in the Underworld of Theria in her next instalment. There is plenty of suspense, intrigue and deep, dark secrets that are slowly revealing a lifetime of lies and betrayal.

The relationship and interaction between Jude and Letitia left me wanting more-more as in a romantic adventure, but Black Moon Awakening is not a romance novel per say. It is more of an urban fantasy suspense adventure. There is definitely an attraction and sexual chemistry between Letitia and Jude-one that needs to be explored- but there was little time for romance and no time for sex. I did miss the lack of one-on-one time.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Copy supplied by Goodreads Firstreads/Author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Phantom Warriors: RIOT (Phantom Warriors #6) by Jordan Summers- a review

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PHANTOM WARRIORS: RIOT (Phantom Warriors #6) by Jordan Summers

PHANTOM WARRIORS: RIOT is the 6th novella (August 30, 2012 release) in Jordan Summers’ Phantom Warriors novella series. Phantom Warriors is a race of alien shape-shifters from the planet Zaron. Without enough women for mates, the Phantom Warriors have been sent to Earth by King Eros in search of suitable mates. As a member of Claw Clan, Riot is one of the largest shape-shifters on Zaron-his other form is the bear.

When his previous encounters with Earth’s women were not successful in finding a mate, Riot knew the King would not give up so easily. Determined that each of his warriors would find his match, King Eros ordered Riot back to Earth and he wasn’t to return without a female. But his sheer size and power frightened most of Earth’s females and it was becoming difficult to get anyone to stop long enough to talk. But when he found a young woman running for her life, Riot knew that maybe he had found the one woman on earth that would be his mate.

Nina Whitetail is a veterinarian who has taken on a crusade to save the black bear from the hunters and poachers in her small town near Olympic National Park. On the eve on her best friend’s wedding Nina and Kim (against better judgment) took off into the forest armed with wire cutters hoping to dismantle some of the bear traps used to ensnare the animals. But Nina would become the prey when the hunters discovered that Nina was the one who tampered with their traps.

Meanwhile Nina’s grandfather, a Cherokee Shaman and Elder was dying. His cancer had progressed so that he only had a few days to live, and Nina’s relationship with the old man was very close. But Mr. Whitetail had a vision and told Nina that one day she would meet the Great Bear and the Bear would take her to the stars, from where she would never return. Thinking her grandfather’s cancer had finally claimed his mind Nina chose to take the vision as the ramblings of his ravaged brain. But when she is finally rescued by a monstrous sized talking bear Nina soon realizes that she has either lost her mind or her grandfather’s vision has come true.

The PHANTOM WARRIOR is a series of short stories and novellas. An interesting premise with a mix of both paranormal and science fiction, that takes a different look at the shape-shifting storyline. If you like the shape shifter genre, you will probably like the Phantom Warrior series. Jordan Summers tells a tale similar to many paranormal storylines, but adds her own twist with the addition of an alien animal shifter.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Reviewed by Sandy

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DEBORAH COOKE-Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors Dragon Legion Novellas

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Deborah Cooke-Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors series of Dragon Legion Novellas

 

TITLE:  Kiss of Danger

AUTHOR:  Deborah Cooke

SERIES:  Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE:  February 2013

HERO:  Alexander

 

 

TITLE:  Kiss of Darkness

AUTHOR:  Deborah Cooke

SERIES:  Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE;  March 2013

HERO:  Damien

 

 

TITLE: Kiss of Destiny

AUTHOR: Deborah Cooke

SERIES: Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE: April 3013

HERO: Thad

 

SOURCE:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahCookeFanPage

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Undenied (Amoveo Legend #3.5) by Sara Humphries-a review

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UNDENIED (Amoveo Legend #3.5) by Sara Humphreys-a review

UNDENIED is the latest novella (October 2, 2012 release) in Sarah Humphreys’s Amoveo Legend series focusing on 10 Amoveo ‘clans’ of animal shapeshifters.  Undenied is a FREE e-novella featuring Bengal tiger Boris Zankoff and his soon to be mate palm-reader Lilian Cordero.

Like many novellas, this storyline is a quick read, fast paced and doesn’t waste any time.  Lillian has always felt that she was a little strange with her psychic connections and her ability to read palms.  Her nightly dreams are haunted by a beautiful tiger who encourages her to come to New Orleans.  With nothing keeping her back, Lillian heads to New Orleans with $50 in her pocket and the wind at her back.  Without a place to stay, Lillian finds herself outside ‘The Den’ looking for somewhere to live.

Boris knows that his mate is near.  But with the Amoveo purists hunting down hybrids and human mates, Boris fears that when his all-too-human mate arrives she will be targeted for destruction.  His need to protect his mate will find him facing an enraged member of the purists who has Lillian in his sights.

UNDENIED is quick, fast, FREE and a little bit sexy.  If you have a few minutes at lunch, download UNDENIED and enjoy. 

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Reviewed by Sandy

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HARD MATED (Shifters Unbound #3.5) by Jennifer Ashley-a review

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HARD MATED (Shifters Unbound 3.5) by Jennifer Ashley

HARD MATED is a short story (August 2012 release) in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series. When the shifters revealed themselves to the human population over 20 years before, fear and anxiety amongst the humans forced the shifters into segregated communities known as Shiftertowns and each shifter was collared to control possible aggression and the urge to kill. But in many of the Shiftertowns, illegal Shifter Fight Clubs were springing up and like any popular enterprises, the darker side of the fight clubs would rear its’ ugly head hoping to initiate a more lethal match to the death. Only this time, former allies, would tangle and it would be more than just the fighter’s lives at stake.

Eron aka Spike Reyes is a bodyguard, tracker and a jaguar shifter. But following his most recent fight, Spike would discover that he was also a father to a 4 year old jaguar shifter cub named Jordan. Along with this information came a young human female claiming that Jordan’s mother was dying and she needed to see Spike right away. Within a matter of hours, Spike had custody of his young son and his Grandmother Ella was the only one who knew how to raise a mischievous cub on her own.

Myka Thompson was a trainer of quarter horses for the rodeo. Finding her best friend’s one night stand in a fight club was a little out of her league, and Myka was worried that Spike’s penchant for fighting was a sign that he was not fit for fatherhood. But a call from Spike asking for help, would place Myka in a position to view Shifter life up close and personal. And the attraction between Myka and Spike is evident from the start. What becomes instantly recognizable are Spike’s predatory and protective nature which go into overdrive when his natural animal instinct demands he safeguard his cub and future mate. He is willing to risk a confrontation with the Shiftertown leaders and refuses to stand down when he knows he has overstepped the line.

Meanwhile, Spike had been approached about possibly branching out with a former Shifter acquaintance who has a great dislike for the treatment of shifters. Someone was offering Spike the ability to use his natural animal instincts in the ring in return for a coveted position in the Shifter hierarchy.  But insurance was needed so that  Spike would obey, and the threat against his family, would push Spike over the edge. And to his surprise, the very shifters he was willing to turn aside were the shifters who risked their own lives to save Spike’s new mate and his son.

HARD MATED is the latest novella in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifters Unbound series focusing on the struggles of a species that has been segregated from human society due to ignorance and the perceived danger of animal violence. Jennifer smoothly blends characters from her previous storylines allowing for a cohesive feeling between each novel and a familiarity throughout the stories. Hard Mated looks at the life of a species trying to live their lives as normal a possible, but the stereotype and discrimination are all to familiar to the real lives of many cultures and races we encounter in our every day lives.

LINKS TO ORDER ebooks .99cents only:
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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BODY GUARD (Shifters Unbound #2.5) by Jennifer Ashley

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BODY GUARD (Shifter Unbound #2.5) by Jennifer Ashley

Elizabeth Chapman is an independent woman, raising her younger sister and hiding a few secrets that she hopes no one will find.  Owning and operating a small store just outside of Shiftertown, she is one of the few human merchants willing to allow the shifters into her store. But when one of the local gang members decides to rob her store at gunpoint, Elizabeth is surprised to find a 15 ft Kodiak shifter coming to her rescue.

Ronan is a bear shifter from Shiftertown.  20 years earlier, the government forced all shifters collared and relocated to towns where they would not bother and anger the humans.  But discrimination is ugly whether you are human or shifter, and forcing them into areas once littered by garbage and debris was punishment for existing.  And Ronan has taken it upon himself to house many of the unmated and young shifters without family or anyone to look after.  With his extended family of shifters, Ronan knows what it is like to be alone in a room full of people.  But finding Elisabeth Chapman facing a gun, enraged the protective instincts of the bear within, and he soon found himself shackled before a judge for the attempt on the gang member’s life.

Freedom has its’ costs, but keeping Elisabeth and her sister Mabel safe, was Ronan’s first priority.  Knowing the gang would not stop, Ronan anointed himself Elisabeth’s bodyguard and protector for as long as the gang was still a threat. And there were internal threats as well.  Those in charge of Shiftertown knew Elizabeth had a secret, and they were not going to allow Elizabeth to bring any more problems into their small community of shifters and their mates.   But Ronan’s bear wanted more –he wanted a mate- and Elizabeth was his to claim.  And as a mate-claimed female, Elizabeth would be protected by everyone in Shiftertown and therefore she would no longer be perceived as a threat.

When the gang members made it known that they would not tolerate shifters or Elizabeth’s interference, Ronan agreed to a compromise –of sorts.  Shifter fights were illegal, but what the authorities did not know, did not hurt-except those that were left dead or maimed.  Agreeing to fight at the local fights, Ronan had no idea what he was about to face.  But Elizabeth’s past was about to catch up and it was during the fights that Ronan would finally learn what it was like to be truly loved and part of something bigger.

BODY GUARD is a great novella in Jennifer Ashley’s Shifter Unbound series.   The attraction between Elizabeth and Ronan was not readily apparent, because there wasn’t any of the relationship angst.  Ronan was nothing but a gentle (bear) where it involved his mate, and his was willing to take everything slow, although the mating frenzy would soon catch up. The character development was smooth. I liked that Jennifer included some of the Shiftertown background premise in the storyline allowing for new readers some semblance of fluidity.  Many novels cannot be read as stand-alone, but when the author includes pertinent background information, it is a bonus for everyone especially the new reader to any series. I am looking forward to Jennifer’s next novel in the Shifter Unbound series.

LINKS TO ORDER: ebooks only .99cents
Amazon Paper back
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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