Early Book Review: When a Princess Proposes (Embraced by Magic) by Kerrelyn Sparks

When a Princess Proposes is the sixth book in the Embraced by Magic series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It takes place twenty years after the last novel in the series, and we get to see the next generation take center stage. It is currently scheduled for release on April 26 2022. 

All Princess Eviana needs is an escape. Possessed of an unfortunate and unusual Embraced gift, which she’s been banned from using, she required no training. Now, her overprotective parents want her to wed. As a result, the palace is crammed with obnoxious noblemen…Until Quentin, the enigmatic eagle shifter and royal spy, maneuvers several of the unsuitable suitors into revealing their most embarrassing secrets before the court. Finally, Eviana has an excuse to free herself. If only her family knew the blow that’s shaken her: golden-eyed Quentin’s refusal to let her near. Heroic, but low born, Quentin’s infatuation with Eviana is as inappropriate as it is unshakable. He must keep away from her, for his own sake. But after a series of suspicious deaths, and the princess’s narrow escape from kidnapping, Quentin knows that only together can they expose the danger stalking Aerthlan’s Embraced. On foot, in disguise, they’ll need trust and quick wits to uncover the vicious conspiracy closing around them. But finding the truth might break down their own defenses as well. 

When a Princess Proposes continues the story set up by the previous books, with some faces returning readers will remember well. I liked getting to know some of the secondary characters from the earlier books better, but somehow missed one along the way. I think readers that might have missed one or two will be able to follow the story fully, but like me want to go back and see how those missing bits played out. I liked Eviana and Quentin ad how they interacted a great deal. I liked that no one in this world is perfect- everyone has their issues to deal with and flaws to overcome while still doing the best they can. I loved the world building and how there are so many layers to the story, with even the minor characters feeling real and whole, like they just might get their own story next. I look forward to whatever Sparks might do in this world next.  

When a Princess Proposes is a good continuation of the series and I think fans of the series and author with be very happy with the direction the series has taken. 

Early Book Review: Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher

Not the Witch You Wed by April Asher is currently scheduled for release on February 8 2022. Magic-less witch Violet Maxwell wants nothing to do with alpha wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne, the man who broke her teenage heart. But when the two of them are forced by arcane Supernatural Laws to find mates, Violet and Lincoln agree to fake-date their way to a fake-mating in order to conjure themselves some time. When old feelings make a reappearance—along with Violet’s magic—they both realize there’s nothing fake about their feelings. But there are old secrets and looming threats that could snatch away their happily ever after, again. One thing’s for sure: magic doesn’t make dating and love any easier.

Not the Witch You Wed is a book that very much reels like the start of a series with a good blend of romance and paranormal politics.Violet and Thorne are the stars of this story. I liked the combination of second chance and fake dating  tropes, and thought the conflicts and groundwork laid for future books was well done. I really liked getting to understand the dynamic between Violet and her sisters, and the connection they have with their grandmother. I thought the balance of characters devoted to happiness and greater good versus power and prestige was on point and fairly realistic. There were points when I got frustrated with the characters or saw something coming well before it happened. However, there were also moments when I was pleasantly surprised by an action or reaction and found myself grinning. I think the balance of this read was well done, and I will keep up with the series if I see it on Netgalley or in the wild. 

Not the Witch You Wed is a second chance romance with a magic twist. 

Book Review: True Dead (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

True Dead is the most resent installment of the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter Yes, you really do need to read this series in order- and if you enjoy audiobooks this series is done wonderfully in that format. 

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.  Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown.

True Dead is exactly what I needed for the continuation of this series. Jane and her chosen family have been through a lot, and this book starts just as the next wave is about to roll in. I liked the continued character growth for Jane, and her growing awareness about how much is at stake, and how much rides not just on her choices but on her very survival. I was thankful for the moments of Jane's trying to figure out all the important players, and what is likely to come next, included her running through important bits from past books to remind me (and other readers) of moments that might have been forgotten or deemed less important. It helped me get back into the swing of the adventure and layers of planning involved in the larger story line. I was glad to see certain story arcs play out, and interested to see where some of the new threads lead us all. This is very much not for newcomers to the series.

True Dead is a great addition to the series, fans will want to pick it up and dive in. 

Audiobook Review: The Vow (Black Arrowhead) by Dannika Dark, Narrated by Nicole Poole

The Vow is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series by Dannika Dark. The audiobook is narrated by Nicole Poole. Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she's about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn't on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend's brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous. Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn't quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward? Murder, mayhem, and a mating ceremony.

The Vow is a roller coaster ride of world building, character development, and mystery- and I was all in from the very start. I liked Mel and Rose from the very start of the book, and was thrilled to see how trying to do the right thing for others got our main characters their happy ending. While I thought her connection with Lakota and their ending up together was a little predictable, I very much enjoyed the journey that they took to get there. The town and tribe dynamics and cultures were well built, and sadly the prejudice, mistrust, and resentment all too believable. The mystery of the murders was very well done, although I have to admit that the culprit was not a big surprise to me- everytime they popped up in the story I had my suspicions that they were up to something.  The narrator did a wonderful job with the book. She captured the heart of the story and characters in her performance using inflections and slight changes in her cadence to capture the difference in characters. I enjoyed the book and look forward to more.

The Vow is a solid start to a new urban fantasy and romance series. I look forward to reading (or listening) more as it continues.

Early Book Review: Bears Behaving Badly (BeWere my Heart) by MaryJanice Davidson

Bears Behaving Badly is the first book in the BeWere my Heart series by MaryJanice Davidson. It is currently scheduled for release on March 31 2020. 

These social worker bear shifters give the term "mama bear" a whole new meaning! Werebear shifter Annette Garsea is a caseworker for the Interspecies Placement Agency. When a selectively mute and freakishly strong teen werewolf is put in her custody, Annette has to uncover the young girl's secrets if she's to have any hopes of helping her. And not even the growling of a scruffy private investigator can distract her from her mission. Bear shifter David Auberon appreciates Annette's work with at-risk teen shifters, but he's not sure if her latest charge is so much a vulnerable teen as a predator who should be locked up. All that changes when he, Annette, and her motley band of juveniles find themselves dodging multiple murder attempts and uncovering a trafficking cartel that doesn't just threaten the kids, but risks discovery of the shifters by the wider world of homo sapiens.

Bears Behaving Badly has a good deal going on.Annette and David had some great dialogue, and I enjoyed the clueless, thought to be unrequited love, aspect of the story. They were fun and I liked getting to know them. I also really liked the secondary characters- and found some of them more interesting and entertaining than the major players on occasion.  I like that parts of the character backstories are slowly revealed rather than having a massive information dump. I thought that the mystery of what was going on and who the mole was had a good pace and had a good balance of danger and character exploration. Although, I have to say that some of the big picture was a little obvious to me and I wanted to facepalm when Annette and David finally figured it out. The story was fun and enjoyable. However, there several occasions when the transitions were sudden and I had to go back and reread bits to see if I missed something, some clue, as to how they got to be somewhere or which line of dialogue when to which character. Everytime that this happened with a scene transition I was taken out of the story and it took away from my enjoyment a bit. 

Bears Behaving Badly is a fun romantic adventure with a nice balance of humor, mystery, and a touch of heat.

Book Review: Faerie Forged (Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

Faerie Forged is the third book in the Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. I highly recommend reading this series in order. I think newcomers would be lost as to much of the character and world building work that was done in the previous books. 

Alex is screwed. She’s due at the fae Court of Enchantment in less than twenty-four hours, but she’s not even close to being ready. Her job is hanging by a fraying thread. There’s a new vampire master in town. And several of her werewolf friends have been captured by the Paranatural Task Force. She’s their best chance for release before the full moon reveals their secret, but the Lord of Enchantment is not someone you keep waiting—even when he happens to be your grandfather. All Alex can do is call in a favor, hope to hell she can survive the plots of the fae court, and hightail it home to salvage her life. One mistake at court could change everything.

Faerie Forged is a great addition to Alex's story and includes a great deal of additional world building as she enters the fae realm. I liked the pacing of the world and character building, and appreciate the continued character growth for Alex and those closest to her. I also liked some of the fae descriptions- and could recognize many from folklore, legends, and other previous reads. It did take me a few pages to get back into the story and remember where we left off with all of the relationships and complications, but I was quickly back to being fully invested. I liked that some threads of the story were neatly tied up, but so many new possibilities opened up by the end of the story. While the immediate issues were solved, and I was not left with the rage cliff hangers bring out in me, there are so many thing that could happen next. There are so many situations and relationships that could implode with the new developments that I desperately want the next book but also want the author to take their time so that the quality of plotting, pacing, and characters continues. 

Faerie Forged is a solid continuation of the story. I am eager to see where the story takes us next. 

Book Review: Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas (White Wolf) by Terry Spear

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is the first book in the White Wolf series by Terry Spear, but is connected to the other paranormal romance series by Spear. Romance writer Candice Mayfair never missed a deadline in her life—until the playful bite of a werewolf puppy accidentally turns her into an Arctic wolf shifter. Talk about a life-changing event! Candice is at the end of her rope with the unpredictable shifting, a strong desire to howl, and the need to vacuum constantly to keep the shedding fur under control. Enter werewolf private investigator Owen Nottingham. Owen has a new mission: convince the pretty she-wolf she needs to join his pack in time for Christmas and be his mate. It’s the only way he can think of to keep her safe.

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a quick read, and one while very connected to the other books in the series also felt a little more insulated. I liked Candice's character. She is pragmatic and steady- doing what she needs to do to survive without panicking or acting out. Owen is pretty steady and I liked his respect and determination when it came to getting to know Candice. I think the background drama was a little too much, and the developing relationship was almost no longer the focus of the book, although the pair did actually discuss things and act like mature adults for the most part. I felt like the hard stuff (Candice's coming to terms with being a werewolf as an example) and skipped over. It was a good, but not extraordinary or unexpected read. 

Dreaming of a White Wolf Christmas is a better read for me than some of the more recent books in this extended series. It is what fans of the author are looking for and expecting, but nothing more than that. 

Book Review: SEAL Wolf Undercover (SEAL Wolf) by Terry Spear

SEAL Wolf Undercover is the fifth book in the SEAL Wolf series by Terry Spear is the 22nd book in the Heart of the Wolf series. Even though I have read most, if not all, of this series I still felt a it like I was missing something when I started this book. While parts of the story stand up fine on its own, there are a lot of important bits that only those that have been following the series will fully enjoy. However, even for us, after twenty something books even some of us have forgotten things that were important.

Special wolf agent Jillian Matthews has joined the jaguar-run United Shifter Force to track down a deadly criminal. She’s even willing to work with PI Vaughn Greystroke—until the hot, growly SEAL wolf makes the mistake of getting in her way. Naturally, she shoots him. Who could blame her? Vaughn Greystroke has always worked alone. But when a string of attempted murders puts him in the crosshairs, teaming up with the Shifter Force begins to sound like a good idea. Even if he has to work with alluring—and potentially treacherous—Jillian Matthews. Vaughn is a trained SEAL, after all. He can surely keep his distance from Jillian...no matter how much she’s getting under his skin.

SEAL Wolf Undercover is a romance with lots of action, plenty of detective work and mingling of characters from different storylines, not all of which I remember or felt like I needed. I liked that Jillian is independent and capable, but I do not feel like her or Vaughn were completely fleshed out. There are the trust issue, which was fine, and the shifter instant mate connection thing, which was not unexpected. However, I think there was very little focus on the couple, it was more about the twisted plot that resulted in people getting shot or otherwise injured. I do like that Jillian and Vaughn were both investigators, so they withheld judgement and trust for a good while, but there was very little working things out together, it all just fell together too easily for me. However, I think this might just be my personal burn out due to the number of books I have read from the author, and my apparent inability to stop reading them even when I know I need to take a break. 

SEAL Wolf Undercover is exactly what one expects from this series, however I think I need a break from it, after I finish the one related book I still have in my queue. It is good, but starting to feel too complicated to keep all the interwoven stories straight, and too little about the couple the book is about. 

Book Review: Her Dark Half (X-Ops) by Paige Tyler

Her Dark Half is the seventh book in the X-Ops series by Paige Tyler. While there are parts of the story that you can only fully enjoy if you know the bigger picture, this romance can be enjoyed on its own as well. 

Trevor Maxwell is a coyote shifter with an attitude, a covert operator, and trusts no one, especially his devastatingly beautiful new partner. Alina Bosch is former CIA, the newest operative on the covert team, and hired to spy on her partner. They are teamed up to catch a killer. But when the mission becomes much more dangerous than they expected, they're going to have to ignore the attraction between them and learn how to trust one another to come out on the other side. 

Her Dark Half does a good just of looking at trust issues and partners. Trevor and Alina both have good reasons not to trust easily, and I think that part of the story, and their developing relationship is well done. However, somehow I just never really connected with either of them, and was more interested in the large corruption plot and the other relationships that were touched on in the story (Tanner's in particular). I did like that many of my questions about who did what were answered, and while some twists and turns were exceptional, I felt like others were just too easy. I think I might be done with this series, but I will admit wanting to know the outcome of some of the pairing I know will happen, but have not yet.

Her Dark Half is a good continuation to the larger story arch, which I was glad to see some serious movement on. However, I was not as engaged with the characters as I have been in previous books, and this is by no means the end of the series.I felt like it might have closed the book on part of the story, but there is a whole new angle for the series to continue on with. 

Early Book Review: Wolf Hunt (SWAT) by Paige Tyler

Wolf Hunt is the sixth book in the SWAT series by Paige Tyler and is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2017. Remy Boudreaux is back in his hometown, New Orleans. He's there with three of his fellow Dallas SWAT officers for a week of training with the NOLA PD. On the eve of a tropical storm, Remy and his buddies prowl the French Quarter. One tantalizing scent captures Remy's senses, forcing him to follow until he is face to face with Triana Bellamy, his beautiful high school crush. After reconnecting, Remy and Triana are close, very close. Remy struggles to keep things casual. Ever since his partner, and lover, was killed on the job, he's kept women at a distance. But when a mysterious wolf pendant ropes them both into danger, Remy's protective instincts kick in. He may have to reveal his true self and hope Triana accepts him.

Wolf Hunt opens with the scene that explains how Remy's partner, and lover, was killed in a raid. So readers know right away that he is going to be reluctant to get attached from the very beginning. My only issue with it is that the raid seemed so familiar to me that I had to check and double check to make sure I had not read this book before. I know raids gone wrong are all going to be similar on some level, I started off my read unsure, but was glad that the rest of the story made up for my initial unease. I liked hat Remy reconnects with someone he knew from his past, but that readers still got to know Triana and her mother a little. I think the mother was my favorite character- and I spent a good portion of the book worried that she was going to get killed, because I liked her and her forthright style and stubbornness so much. She was three steps ahead of Remy, Triana, and the  root of the danger haunting them all the whole book. I say some of the twists and connections coming right away, but was happy to see some of the interesting ways they came about. I enjoyed the read, but could have done with less stubborn brooding and more actual conversation between Triana and Remy- but that is something that I find to be a common issue in romance of all sub-genres.

Wolf Hunt is not far off what I was expecting, but was glad to see a few unexpected twists along the way. Fans of the series will want to pick this one up, and since the stage is set off the SWAT home turf I think newcomers to the series will be able to fully enjoy the read as well. 

Book Review: The Dead Seekers by Barb & J.C. Hendee

The Dead Seekers is the first book in a new series by the same name by Barb & J.C. Hendee. It is set in the same word as their Noble Dead saga, which I have not read. However, I think that readers with no prior knowledge of the world will be able to fully appreciate the story, as I did. Although I will admit that I am now intrigued to see what was written before. 

In the dark reaches of the eastern continent, Tris Vishal travels from village to village, using his power to put unsettled spirits to rest. He works alone, having learned that letting people close only leads to more death. Still, he finds himself accepting the help of the Móndyalítko woman who saves his life—a woman whose gifts are as much a burden as his own. Mari Kaleja thirsted for vengeance since the night her family was taken from her. She has searched far and wide for the one she thinks responsible, known only as “The Dead’s Man.” But before she can kill him, she has to be sure. Mari hopes traveling with Tris will confirm her suspicions. But as they embark on a hunt where the living are just as dangerous as the dead, she learns the risks of keeping your enemy close. Because it’s no longer clear who is predator and who is prey.

The Dead Seekers is a book that is unique and captured my attention very quickly. I enjoyed learning about the world this takes place in, and how Tris and Mari fit into it. I liked the level of internal conflict for both Mari and Tris, as it made their pasts and current situation much more engaging. I could understand Mari's desire for vengeance, and her vulnerability. I think the duality of her nature- with the strength and vulnerability she tried so hard to hide- made her character so interesting that I could not help but become engrossed in her story. I also wanted to know more of how Tris came to be who and where he was- while most of it was explained, I think there must be so much more to his story that I do not know yet. It just makes me want to read more from the author to see if those moments are in another book. The danger and relationship development were very well paced, with enough surprises and intrigue to keep me reading happily. 

The Dead Seekers is an intriguing read that left me satisfied, but still wanting more. To me, this is a sign of a well crafted book. 

Book Review: Her True Match (X-Ops) by Paige Tyler

Her True Match is the sixth book in the X-Ops series by Paige Tyler. I do not recommend starting the series here, it is too dependent on the previous stories in character building and in the larger story arch with is getting very interesting, but is complex.

Feline shifter Dreya Clark picks the wrong penthouse to rob and ends up arrested by sexy detective Braden Hayes. But Braden isn’t the only one who’s been watching the cat burglar. Agents from the Department of Covert Operations swoop in to offer her a deal. If she wants to stay out of jail, she’ll have to work with them—and pair up with the hot cop. Braden isn’t thrilled about the DCO meddling in his investigation. He’s been chasing Dreya for years. Thrown together on a dangerous covert mission, fur flies and temperatures flare. But when danger closes in on them, their game of cat and mouse turns deadly-serious, and they’ll have to rely on each other to make it out alive.

Her True Match is a fast and fun romance. Like many series, this runs into the pitfall of being dependent on previous books in the series in order to fully understand the characters, and the complexity of the organization and mythos of shifters in this particular author's world. However, that being said, fans of the series have been waiting to see of what awaited Braden and Dreya, we knew they would be back. The story also involves many favorites from previous books and ties together some threads that had been dangling for a bit. The larger story arch about the hybrids, and who is loyal to who, blows up in this one- and if you were not already fully engaged in the story keeping track of who was who would be  useless. I did enjoy the story, although I felt like it was a little too easy for Braden and Dreya- although in the next few books I think we'll see much more about the dangers to everyone in the series- not just the couple of the moment.

Her True Match is a good addition to this series. I felt like the romance portion was a little too easy, almost like it was filler to get the larger story arch moving to where it needed to go. However, I think this will be a must read for fans of the series, because it was a game changer.

Book Review: A Very Jaguar Christmas (Heart of the Jaguar) by Terry Spear

A Very Jaguar Christmas is the fifth book in the Heart of the Jaguar series by Terry Spear. While you do not need to read the books in order, reading the other books by Spear in the series will give you a good idea of the characters and world before diving in head first. Even though you really do not need to read all the books in order, I have enjoyed everything I have read by Spear and if you like one then going back to fill in the blanks or pick up one of her other series will new no chore. 

As a protector of all jaguar-kind, Guardian agent Demetria MacFarlane isn’t surprised to get a call near Christmas—but when she’s sent to protect a cub whose species she didn’t even know existed, her holiday season gets complicated. And it doesn’t help that her partner is a distraction of the hottest kind.Hotshot JAG agent Everett Anderson can handle dangerous poachers and wildlife traffickers, no problem…but kids? Everett fears he’ll be stuck cub-sitting under the Christmas tree, but working with one sexy Guardian she-cat may be the best present he’s ever gotten.

A Very Jaguar Christmas has characters that are feeling with loss and a hard job, shifter special ops, but have put off a conversation for far too long. They have been tossed together. On a welfare mission, and then in taking care of a werewolf cub, when they had no idea that other kinds of shifters even existed. Since there is significant backstory between the par some of the romance seems to go vey fast- but I like that they actually talk things out and discuss feelings rather than just attraction. Spear is good at that, but it always makes me happy when a paranormal romance steps back from the insta love or lust and lets the couple find their way together. Some of it seemed too easy, I am not sure why, but while I loved the story and the characters there was not the danger and drama factor that is normally part of this series. It was good, but I missed that element of suspense. 

A Very Jaguar Christmas is a sweet story and a fun read. I liked the characters and their connection- as well as connection this book made to bridge the gap between Spear's different series. I am very interested to see where the world she has created goes now that things are now connected.     

Book Review: Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols

Not His Dragon by Annie Nichols is a paranormal romance. Eoin Grant hasn’t encountered a female of his race in decades, and this crazy person’s scent declares her unmated. Fate set her in his path, and he won’t let this opportunity slip through his claws. No matter how wary she is of him. After all, how many chances does a dragon have at finding love? But fate can be a crueler mistress than his perfect mate. Of all things, she thinks she’s human. Business is taking off for Angie Weldon. She put her freakishly sharp nails to good use when she opened her back-scratching spa in downtown New Porter City. The local shifter community pounced on her skills and she’s knee-deep in shed fur. By the end of the year, if lucky, she could afford to move out of her crappy apartment. Dollar signs flash before Angie’s eyes when a dark, brooding stranger books her solid for a week but she notices the possessive fury in his glare. She’s been around enough shifters to know the look, and she won’t go down that road again. Angie is literally swept off her feet by the intense shifter and he wants more from her than she’s willing to give. She figures it’s best to avoid eye contact and back away slowly. Until he changes her life by insisting she’s a dragon. 




Not His Dragon is a fun paranormal romance. Angie is a quirky heroine, although her internal dialogue in the very first chapter almost had me putting the book down. I am glad I kept reading though, because the read was fun with several twists and plenty of world building. I thought this might be part of a series, but so far I have not found any evidence of that. I liked the interplay between Angie and Eoin, and that our dragon had to admit some vulnerability to our heroine before we normally see that kind of sharing in romance involving alpha males of any species. There were several very funny moments, and some that were very high tension. I liked that there was a nice mix of mystery, romance, suspense, and magic throughout the read. There were faults, several of the twists were fun but either not fully developed or unnecessary, but I enjoyed the read on a snowy weekend as I stayed snug and dry indoors.

Book Review: For the Bear's Eyes Only (Grizzlies Gone Wild) by Kathy Lyons

For the Bear's Eyes Only is the third book in the Grizzlies Gone Wild series by Kathy Lyons. While it would be helpful to have read one or both of the previous books, I do not think it necessary to enjoy this read. Those that know the series will certainly get more out of it because of the larger story arc, but newcomers will not be left completely out in the cold. The first book was The Bear Who Loved Me, and the second book was License to Shift (which I somehow missed reading).

Life as Alan Carman knew it is over. After he was captured and tortured by a mysterious enemy, the lawyer's latent grizzly-shifter DNA was triggered. The old Alan is gone, and in his place is a terrifying vicious beast that lives and breathes for revenge. He will track down the person who did this to him-and it'll be the last thing he ever does. Tonya Kappes refuses to let Alan run headlong to his death. A bear-shifting deputy-and the Gladwin Clan's beta-Tonya faces Alan with one weapon: the love that's lingered between them since they were kids. But the idealistic man she knew has changed into something raw, primal, and unbelievably sexy. And, if Alan can't learn to love the beast inside himself, maybe he can love the animal in her.

For the Bear's Eyes Only is a good installment of the series, an I was eager to see how Alan and Tonya come together. Alan has been altered, and he is now a shifter, but not the bear he always wanted to be. He is a monster, and is willing to kill to prevent the woman that made him this way from hurting anyone else. Then comes Tonya, the woman he has always loved but could never have, trying to bring him home and convince him he is not the monster he fears. Together they search for the person behind the experiments and in the process find themselves. Alan needs to come to terms with his new life, and learn not to hate himself while Tonya needs to come to terms with her emotions and the pain Alan is going through. I love that despite the wild nature they now share, the pair actually talk things out and deal with their problems rather than jumping into bed and forgetting about them- though there is plenty of that too. They actually work on the emotional aspect of their issues, both shared and individual. This always earns respect from me for the author.

For the Bear's Eyes Only is a good read, but not one that wowed me. It is a must read for fans of the author or series, but those that are not invested in the story might not enjoy it as much as the rest of us.

Book Review: Wilde Bear (Blue Bear Rescue) by Terra Wolf, Holly Eastman

Wilde Bear is the first book in the Blue Bear Rescue series by Terra Wolf and Holly Eastman. Everyone is hiding something. Ever since his father died Xavier Wilde has thrown himself into his work. As the leader of the Blue Bear Search and Rescue Team, his job is simple, save lives. However, things become a lot more complicated when a cute curvy brunette from the Department of Transportation comes to help the team with a new job. Now Xavier is forced to show her his true self, in order to convince her to be his mate. Laurel doesn't let anyone tell her how to do her job. Especially not some polar bear shifter who thinks he's God's gift to Search and Rescue. But when Xavier begins to break down her walls, Laurel finds herself unable to say no. In their line of work, mistakes can cost people their lives. So how can they trust each other to keep everyone they care about safe when they're both hiding their own secrets?

Wilde Bear is a short book, I read it in a night, but the characters are still multidimensional and have plenty of baggage to deal with. I like that Xavier and Laurel each have reasons to want to stay single, and are reasoning adults that talk through the issues (for the most part) rather than allowing those issues to become even bigger conflicts. I also enjoyed that Xavier, even though an alpha in his own right, respected and supported Laurel's abilities and strength rather than trying to cushion her from any discomfort- no matter how much he might have wanted to. Since I had already read book two in the series, River Bear, I already knew some of the characters and the larger plot line that was begun in this story. Although there was one thing from the mentioned in the second book I expected to see here, but did not, so was a bit disappointed that I did not get the insight on one of the other search team members that I had hoped for. I was impressed that the book was able to do the world and character building it needed to in order to set up the rest of the series while still getting a solid romance written as well.

Wilde Bear is a quick read with more going on than one might expect. Solid characters and a good start to a series that I expect to be keeping up with. 

Book Review: River Bear (Blue Bear Rescue) by Terra Wolf

River Bear is the second book in the Blue Bear Rescue series by Terra Wolf. I have not read the first book, but feel like I did not miss too much.

Polar Bear Shifter Jake has always wanted a real family. People to love and care about him, nothing like his foster father who saw him as nothing more than a punching bag. He testified against the monster and put him away for good, or so he thought. Delilah is an orphan, she knows the struggle of being alone all too well, but when she meets Jake suddenly she has everything she ever wanted. Until someone threatens to take it all away. Jake has to defend his mate against his one true enemy. His own family. But will he be able to keep her safe, when he has to defeat his own demons as well? 

River Bear is an enjoyable, quick read. Delilah comes to the small town with the promise of investigating a case for a group of shifters, who have always fascinated her. She needs the money, and when she sees Jake she needs to work extra hard to keep her rule of no dating on the case. She is smart, determined, and self reliant- which always drives an overprotective were-bear crazy. She is fascinated by the job, and her partner while she hunts for the people behind the complaints and problems the rescue crew has been facing. Jake is worried when he sees Delilah, because of a vision a friend had of someone matching her description dying by his hands. he wants to protect her,. wants to keep her close, but also wants her at a safe distance so that the vision cannot come true- a combination that is not really possible. I like that the pair actually talk to each other, and share past traumas and issues that might effect them in the long run. While the romance wraps up a little too neatly at the end, that is not unexpected in paranormal romance involving shifters that include any mention of mates.

River Bear is a fast and fun story. I did think the final wrap up a little too neat and tidy, I still enjoyed the read and will be looking at other books from the author. 

Book Review: The Bear Who Loved Me (Grizzlies Gone Wild) by Kathy Lyons

The Bear Who Loved Me is the first book in the Grizzlies Gone Wild series by Kathy Lyons. Between singlehandedly running her bakery and raising her teenaged nephew, Becca Weitz thought she had a decent grip on "normal." Then her nephew vanishes, and life as she's known it changes forever. Local legends are true: bear shifters exist and her nephew is part of their clan. As is Carl Carman, the sexy, larger-than-life man who has sworn to find her nephew-and the other young shifters who've gone missing.As the leader of his clan, Carl is surrounded by enemies. He's learned the hard way that keeping a firm leash on his inner beast is key to survival, though his feelings for Becca test his legendary control. Then danger stalks too close, and Carl realizes he must unleash the raging, primal force within to protect everything he holds dear. But can Becca trust his grizzly side with her life-and her heart?

The Bear Who Loved Me is a fun start to a series. I really liked Becca, and her need to be busy and useful regardless of what is going on around her. She is determined and strong, with a quick wit and good heart. Carl, or Mr. Max, is the alpha bear in his clan, and is struggling to prove himself as a powerful leader when violence and death is his last resort rather than his fall back for all conflicts. I like that we are introduced to a variety of clan members, some of which promise to be the stars of the future books (which I need to get my hands on). I liked the main characters, and the secondary characters very much. I found the personalities and reactions to be reasonably realistic, or as much as they can be when dealing with were-grizzly bears. I found them compelling and I was invested in their futures early in the book. The conflict of missing Theo- and the larger storyline that this will continue in the series- reminds me a little of the story found in Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series, but the idea is one I would actually expect to have happen if shifters were really discovered in the real world. 

The Bear Who Loved Me is a great start to a new series, and has me looking for the next books, License to Shift (recently published) and For the Bear's Eyes Only (to be released on November 15 2016). It is good fun with complex characters with plenty of room for more. 

Book Review: Curse of the Were-Hyena by Bruce Hale

Curse of the Were-Hyena is the first book in the Monstertown Mystery series by Bruce Hale. Mr. Chu, the coolest teacher ever, has developed some very unusual habits, like laughing hysterically for no reason, sniffing people's homework, and chasing chickens. When best friends Carlos and Benny decide to find out what's happening to him, they get caught up in some moonlight madness. And it looks like just the beginning of the weirdness that has arrived in the town of Monterrosa.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is an entertaining read that will appeal to a wide audience. Carlos and Benny each get into a good amount of trouble as they do their best to save their teacher, unravel the mystery, and not become were-anything in the process. I like that they are fully aware of what they are doing and that the adults are not foolish. The adults might miss some things, but are not the clueless cutouts that are often found in children's books. Carlos' family is facing big changes, which gives the story an undercurrent of him trying to find his place in light of a younger sister with big things going on. Benny might be a little to reliable for the goofy option, but I still know people that think like his, so i still found his character to be realistic. The family dynamics play a role, and change as the story continues, which adds an extra dimension to the story. The mystery and supernatural elements kept me on my toes, and held a couple surprises for me. I was pleased to actually have some of the final twists to be unexpected, and in some cases completely so. While not a perfect story, it was well worth the read and I think  it will become a favorite series for many reluctant readers.

Curse of the Were-Hyena is a fast and fun story that will be a hit with middle grade readers. I think this is a series that might encourage more reluctant readers in that age range to follow the series and explore reading a little more.

Book Review: Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter

Blood of the Earth is the first book in the Soulwood series by Faith Hunter.Those that have read the Jane Yellowrock series will have a head start, but newcomers to Hunter's world will be able to catch up quickly.

When Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she was almost alone in the world, exiled by both choice and fear from the cult she was raised in, defending herself with the magic she drew from her deep connection to the forest that surrounds her. Now, Jane has referred Nell to PsyLED, a Homeland Security agency policing paranormals, and agent Rick LaFleur has shown up at Nell’s doorstep. His appearance forces her out of her isolated life into an investigation that leads to the vampire Blood Master of Nashville. Nell has a team—and a mission. But to find the Master’s kidnapped vassal, Nell and the PsyLED team will be forced to go deep into the heart of the very cult Nell fears, infiltrating the cult and a humans-only terrorist group before time runs out.

Blood of the Earth is a happy surprise for me. I have always hear good things about Hunter, but just had not invested the time in reading her other books. I figured with the start of a new series I could jump on in, and I am so glad I did. Nell is a complex character, struggling to stay safe after leaving the religious cult she was raised in. She might have left the compound, but she still struggles with the conventions that creep into her daily life choices. Then there is her unique ability to work with the earth and her connection to the forest. When Rick comes and asks for help her life is disrupted even more and the characters and readers fall down the rabbit hole together. As Nell helps his team search for missing girls she comes to further understand herself, her gifts, and how much of what she knows is actually the truth. The investigation is complicated, as are the dynamics of the cult and Nell’s family. I really enjoyed some of the character interaction and growth, the PsyLED team is a group of characters that I want to know more about and whose interplay (among themselves and with Nell) is nearly perfect. There is plenty of groundwork laid down for more investigations and growth for Nell- and the entire team. I am very interested to see where this leads.

Blood of the Earth is a solid start to a new series, even for those of us that have not read the previous books by Hunter. The characters and story are complex, with plenty of twists and turns to keep those pages turning. The only reason I have not read the Jane Yellowrock series is because I discovered it after it was significantly underway and I did not have time to catch up- now it is has risen up my to be read pile and I will find the time.