Tag Archives: shifter

The Dragon’s Bond by Marie Johnston-a review

Posted on by
10

The Dragon’s Bond (The Jade Dragon Shifters Brothers 2) by Marie Johnston-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 18, 2022

Lachlan

I was supposed to be a brutal and ruthless ruler of my dragon shifter clan, but I’ve defied the odds to become a calm male who thinks before he acts. I rule my small town fairly, without the bloodshed. The only time I acted with the same selfishness of my parents was when I selected my mate. And for the last four years, I’ve worried I ruined her life. I want to do better, but I don’t know how, and if I don’t figure it out, she’ll be gone.

Indy

I know Lachlan didn’t grow up like me. He didn’t have a loving, supportive, and completely smothering family to dote on him. But when he announced he wanted me to be his, I was elated. I had high hopes. And then we just…existed together. A female dragon shifter is rarely short of pride, but if Lachlan doesn’t talk to me, I can’t picture a second chance for us. And when someone tries to kills me, I worry we won’t be able to try.

•••••

REVIEW: I’m loving this series and meeting more family members. We started off with the Silver Clan, which lead us to the Jade Clan and then the Garnet Clan, and also the Peridot Clan. (So I’m hoping another series of books will spring out from them) ?

Indy has had enough of being the leaders mate! She tired of being ignored and not being included in the running of the clan! It’s time to make changes …..

Lachlan is the leader of the Jade Clan, he’s been their leader since his parents died in a fire. Lachlan is hiding a secret, and he’s terrified someone will eventually find out!!

We get to meet Levi which will take us to meet a new Clan (although we met them briefly in this book, and it’s not another dragon Clan!)

You don’t need to read the previous book, it stands well enough in its own. But reading the previous book does give a little insight into Lachlan and his thoughts…..

Lachlan and Indy have been mated for a few years! Lachlan needed to mate for leadership reasons! Indy did as she was asked! Although she was both relieved (her former boyfriend was beginning to give off creep vibes!) and surprised (Lachlan could have had his pick of mates). But with a vast chasm between them how will they ever overcome it? Do they want too?

It has a little angst, passion and secrets. It also has a little danger for both the main characters. Lachlan finds it hard to express his feelings for his mate, he truly loves her, but I get the impression he’s never really told her! And Indy is full of self doubt when it comes to her mate! He’s never at home and he’s always with other women (her family and town like to tell get often!) Both characters needed their heads banged together. Both have feelings for one another, and both can’t express them…..

If you love a second chance romance with dragons and a bossy mate, I’d recommend this one in a heartbeat. It’s shortish, and with all of her books you want just a little more ? characters are great, settings are detailed enough for you to imagine yourself there.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one THE DRAGON’S PLEDGE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie ?

Share

You Had Me At Wolf (Wolff Brothers #1) by Terry Spear-a review

Posted on by
11

You Had Me At Wolf (Wolff Brothers #1) by Terry Spear-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 25, 2020

First in a thrilling new series from USA Today bestseller Terry Spear featuring the hot, powerful Wolff brothers!

A wolf on a mission cannot be deterred…
The hot, powerful Wolff brothers have moved to the outskirts of Silver Town and opened a ski lodge. They’ve always wanted to live in a wolf-controlled area, and now they have their chance. They’re settling in for a quiet winter, when their lives suddenly become way more exciting than they’d ever planned.

Private Investigator and Gray wolf shifter Josie Grayson is hot on the trail of a dangerous criminal hiding out at the ski lodge when her partner takes ill and must leave her to pursue the mission alone. Blake Wolff steps in–he can’t resist the allure of this brilliant and focused she-wolf whose presence awakens a long dormant yearning in his heart.

As pursuit of their quarry heats up, Blake has a mission of his own…to convince Josie that there’s more to life than work…and that she’s his perfect mate.

••••••

REVIEW:YOU HAD ME AT WOLFF is the first instalment in Terry Spear’s contemporary, adult WOLFF BROTHERS paranormal, romance series-a spin off from the author’s Silver Town Wolf series. This is Private Investigator, former special agent in the US Army Criminal Investigation Command, and Gray wolf shifter Nicole Grayson, and Wolff Timberline ski lodge owner Blake Wolff’s story line. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow Wolff Brothers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nicole and Blake) YOU HAD ME AT WOLFF follows the building relationship between is Private Investigator, former special agent in the US Army Criminal Investigation Command, and Gray wolf shifter Nicole Grayson, and ski lodge owner Blake Wolff. Nicole Grayson, a gray wolf shifter is an insurance fraud investigator, and her latest assignment took her to Silver Town, a shifter run town, where the Wolff brothers owned and ran a local ski lodge. When her partner in the investigations took sick, Nicole found herself face to face with Blake Wolff, and the Wolff extended pack and family, as our heroine investigated the case of insurance fraud involving a once-dead client who is very much alive. What ensues is the building relationship between Nicole and Blake, as they work together to reveal the truth.

The relationship between Blake and Nicole is one of immediate attraction but Nicole is only in town for a short time as she investigates a case of fraud. While Nicole had no intention of extending her time in Silver town, the developing relationship between herself and Blake forces Nicole to reconsider the future, and the future of her own extended family. Blake knows that Nicole is the one but they must first uncover the truth with the help of his Pack, and extended family. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Blake’s large extended family including his brothers Landon, Brandon and sisters Kayla and Roxie, Pack leaders Darien and Lelandi Silver, Nicole’s brother Nate, as well as several members of the Silver Town Pack previously introduced in the original series.

YOU HAD ME AT WOLF is a story of family, friendships, relationships and love. The slow building premise is entertaining but so much of the story line felt like filler-from the many detailed dinners to side stories, that had nothing to do with the overall premise. The characters are numerous, colorful and energetic; the romance is passionate but I didn’t feel the palpable sexual attraction.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Leopard’s Wrath (Leopards #11) by Christine Feehan-Review & Giveaway

Posted on by
28

Leopard’s Wrath (Leopards #11) by Christine Feehan-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

LEOPARD’S WRATH
Leopard Series #11
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2019

He’s a man used to getting what he wants, but she’s not the type of woman to take things lying down….

Born into a life of crime, Mitya Amurov has had a hard life, and his leopard has developed into a feral beast to protect him. It’s constantly trying to claw its way to the surface—until a chance encounter with a stranger instantly calms the predator inside him. While Mitya wants Ania desperately, it’s only a matter of time before his past catches up with him, and he’d rather die than put her in danger. But Ania is dealing with dangers of her own….

Considering her family’s history, Ania Dover should know better than to get mixed up with a criminal like Mitya, but she just can’t stay away. Something wild in her responds to his presence. A need so strong it scares her. But she’s not sure she can accept what he’s offering. Ania has always been an independent woman, and Mitya expects to be obeyed in all things.

Even with her body calling out for his, Ania won’t let anything stop her from settling a deadly score years in the making—not even the man who wants to claim her as his mate.

•••••••••

REVIEW:LEOPARD’S WRATH is the eleventh instalment in Christine Feehan’s contemporary, adult LEOPARDS paranormal, erotic, romance series focusing on a group of Leopard shifters. This is Russian leopard shifter and businessman Mitya Amurov, and Anja Dover’s story line. LEOPARD’S WRATH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory, history and cohesion.

NOTE: LEOPARD’S WRATH contains scenes of graphic violence and implied abuse, including memories and retelling of events as well as spanking and discipline, that may not be suitable for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Ania and Mitya) LEOPARD’S WRATH follows the building relationship between Russian leopard shifter Mitya Amurov, and Anja Dover. MItya Amurov found Ania Dover stranded on the side of the road not realizing that Ania was his intended mate, a female leopard shifter who lived on the neighboring estate. About to enter into the Han Vol Dan, the female leopard shifter’s first fertile period, Ania is caught unaware as she struggles with her father’s declining health, and staying one step ahead of the people who have targeted her and her family for execution. But all is not well in the world of the Leopard shifter, as more than one family has been targeted by someone intent on destroying them all. What ensues is the building relationship between Ania and Mitya, and the potential fall-out as secrets and lies, and the struggle for power threaten everyone in Ania and Mitya’s circles.

Ania Dover comes from a long line of leopard shifters who have worked on the periphery of organized crime. A car enthusiast and lover of speed, Ania is more than capable of holding her own when it comes to getting out of harm’s way but Ania is unprepared for the emotional and physical needs of her leopard, and finds herself in situations where she has very little control. Mitya Amurov never thought he would find someone to love especially in the wake of his violent lifestyle and the abuse he suffered as a child but meeting Ania Dover meant the possibility of his own happily ever after if not for the threats against his life by the leopard that is his sire.

The relationship between Ania and Mitya is one of immediate attraction fated by DNA, need and the Han Vol Dan. Mitya Amurov, like all male leopard shifters, is a possessive and controlling man, and is aware that Ania is about to enter into her time of need, a time when every male shifter will target the woman he loves, to make her their own. Ania will become the recipient of many offers as she approaches the Han Vol Dan. Ania struggles with her attraction to Mitya, a man she knows to be dangerous and dark but her father’s rapid decline in health meant Mitya is the man to step up and help the dying shifter in his final hours. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic, and intense. There are some scenes of spanking and discipline .

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of strong secondary and supporting characters including Mitya’s cousins and their mates: Evangeline and Fyodor Amurov (Leopard’s Blood #8), Timur and Ashe Amurov (Leopard’s Run #10), as well as Jake Bannaconni, Drake Donovan, Joshua Tegre, Elijah Lospostos, Eli Perez, Mitya’s right hand man Sevastyan, and shifters Vikenti and Zinoviy, Miron, Kiriil and Matvei, Mitya’s father Lazar; Ania’s father Antosha, as well as numerous leopard shifters from various crime families.

LEOPARD’S WRATH is a story of family, betrayal, power and revenge; a story of grief, loss, threats and control. The action packed premise is entertaining, engaging and emotional; the characters are colorful, energetic and dynamic; the romance is spicy, sensual and hot. LEOPARD’S WRATH and the Leopard Series will open up your imagination to the wonders of the paranormal.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Wild Rain
Burning Wild
Wild Fire
Savage Nature
Leopard’s Prey
Cat’s Lair
Wild Cat
Leopard’s Fury
Leopard’s Blood
Leopard’s Run
Leopard’s Wrath

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 70 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, Ghostwalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

The Reading Cafe and Christine’s Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of LEOPARD’S WRATH to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE Christine Feehan on Facebook

4. Please LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from November 5-10, 2019

Share

In A Badger Way (Honey Badger Chronicles #2) by Shelly Laurenston-dual review

Posted on by
11

IN A BADGER WAY (Honey Badger Chronicles #2) by Shelly Laurenston-dual review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 26, 2019

Petite, kind, brilliant, and young, Stevie is nothing like the usual women bodyguard Shen Li is interested in. Even more surprising, the youngest of the lethal, ball-busting, and beautiful MacKilligan sisters is terrified of bears. But she’s not terrified of pandas. She loves pandas.

Which means that whether Shen wants her to or not, she simply won’t stop cuddling him. He isn’t some stuffed Giant Panda, ya know! He is a Giant Panda shifter. He deserves respect and personal space. Something that little hybrid is completely ignoring.

But Stevie has a way of finding trouble. Like going undercover to take down a scientist experimenting on other shifters. For what, Shen doesn’t want to know, but they’d better find out. And fast. Stevie might be the least violent of the honey badger sisters, but she’s the most dangerous to Shen’s peace of mind. Because she has absolutely no idea how much trouble they’re in . . . or just how damn adorable she is

•••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW: IN A BADGER WAY is the second instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s fun and fabulous contemporary, adult HONEY BADGER CHRONICLES paranormal, romance series-a spin-off from the author’s PRIDE and PACK series. This is prodigal genius and badger hybrid Stevie Stasiuk-MacKilligan, and security specialist/panda shifter Shen Li’s story line. IN A BADGER WAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Shen and Stevie IN A BADGER WAY follows several paths but continues to focus on the MacKilligan half-sisters: badger/ wolf Charlie; honey badger Maxie, and our heroine badger/ tiger Stevie MacKilligan. Stevie is a prodigal, a genius but suffers from severe anxiety, panic attacks and depression that when provoked or threatened, her self preservation instincts result in a beast that no one is able to control. Currently housing another child prodigy, Kyle Jean-Louis Parker, and his security guard Shen Li, Stevie struggles with demons from the past including a father and uncle who may or may not be threatening the people she loves. When a number of hybrid shifters are found dead, Stevie is contracted by Dr. Irene Conridge, to go in search of the people responsible in an effort to protect shifters like herself. With Shen Li at her side, Stevie will face down her demons, the Bears, the Wild Dog Nights, and possibility of losing herself in the name of science. What ensues is the building romance and relationships between Stevie and Shen, and the potential fall-out as Stevie is targeted by a man desperate to eradicate the impure shifters.

IN A BADGER WAY has all the requisite snark, humor, fun, and over the top craziness expected from Shelly Laurenston’s shifters. The MacKilligan sisters are over protective, fiercely loyal, and when threatened are a force unto themselves. Feared by other shifters, the sister’s reputations as hybrids of unknown consequences places everyone on alert when the proverbial sh*t hits the fan-Stevie is no match for the strongest and biggest shifters, or science, itself.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including some very familiar shifters (Dee-Ann and Ric; Niles Van Holtz and his human wife Irene Conlan, Bo and Blayne, Loch and Gwen, and Marcella Malone), the Berg triplets Berg, Dag and Britta Dunn, Kyle Jean-Louis Parker and his sister Oriana as well as Maxie’s best friend, wolverine shifter Dutch Alexander.

A fantastic story teller, Shelly Laurenston brings her imagination to life blending animal characteristics with a human mind set ensuring no character is entirely free from one or the other. A spirited, energetic and animated series The Honey Badger Chronicles, and thusly the Pride and Pack series are a definite must read.

 

Barb’s REVIEW:  In a Badger Way by Shelly Laurenston is the 2nd book in her wild crazy exciting and hilarious Honey Badger Chronicles series.  Trust me when I say, if you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing not only a gem of an author, but so much fun as you read each and every one of her books. I cannot say enough about Laurenston, as she continually has me engrossed in the story, which has a lot of action and violence, but at the same time I am laughing all the way.  Needless to say, I adore Shelly Laurenston and cannot get enough of her books.  Now for my review  🙂

In the first book of this trilogy, Charlie, the oldest sister was the heroine.  She was an awesome heroine, tough, respected and devoted to her two younger sisters, as well as being the sister who is always in control and feared the most.  They are Honey Badgers, but hybrids; together all three made a wild crazy and terrifying team.  In a Badger Way, the youngest sister, Stevie is our heroine, and we can’t help but love Stevie; she is the child prodigy that everyone wants, even at times to kill her.  Stevie is a genius in everything she does, whether its music or physics, but she has a flaw; she has anxiety panic attacks and when scared, she loses control and shifts into a huge tiger monster.

What I love about this series is that the three sisters are there for each other, even if they also fight each other.  In this story, Charlie and Max are always helping to protect Stevie, even if she can handle herself, if she stays in control.   We also get to meet many of the other shifters we have met previously, like Blayne, Irene, Dee Ann, Jess, just to name a few.   It will be Irene who will convince Stevie and her sisters, as well as some of the MacKilligan family to help bring down a group that are planning to create  a drug that will neutralize hybrids.

Shen Li, our hero, is a panda shifter, as well as a bodyguard.  Shen finds himself spending more time trying to protect Stevie, then what he was hired for.  But living with the MacKilligans is a non-stop wild ride, and life will never be the same.  Stevie likes having Shen around, as she find the panda cute; in a short time after all those around him (especially Max and Charlie) hint that something is going on between him and Stevie; first Stevie and then slowly Shen start falling for each other. Shen realizes that he enjoys being with her and her sisters; he was the perfect person for Stevie, not only protecting her but helping her learn to control her violent anger and shifts.

What follows is an exciting adventure that was also fun-filled, wild & crazy action, three great sisters, wonderful secondary characters, and so much hilarious laughter. Telling too much more would be spoilers, and this is the kind of story that needs to be read and fully enjoyed.  I cannot wait for the next book.   If you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing an author that always gives us fantastic stories.  When it comes to fun, crazy, hysterical and exciting, with fantastic characters, no one does it better then Shelly Laurenston.


Click HERE for our reviews of book one Hot and Badgered.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

___________

 

Share