Search
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Bear Creek Christmas (Holiday Mates #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)
BEAR CREEK CHRISTMAS is the first book in a new series, Holiday Mates. If you are looking for a slightly humorous, warm and fuzzy, low-angst bear shifter book, then you've come to the right place.
Levi has left his ex-boyfriend and family behind as he moves to Bear Creek to start again. His boyfriend was only interested in Levi's looks, and Levi wants to be more than just eye candy on someone's arm. Knox is the local bear shifter handyman who has just about given up on meeting his mate. When Knox first scents Levi, his bear roars to the front, determined to claim his mate. This scares Levi back and he has to seek the advice of a good friend before he decides what to do next.
If you like books where the main characters fall for each other, instead of insta-lust, then this is just the thing. Levi wants to take it slow, and Knox will fight his bear to give Levi that time. Knox worships Levi and will do all he can to give him what he needs, even if it's not what Knox wants.
The ex turning up wasn't a surprise, him dropping out of the story the way he did, was. I kept expecting him to return and cause more trouble, but then, that may be against the warm and fuzzy Christmas story we've got going on.
One thing to be warned about - there are comments about a lot of exclamation marks! 😉 Personally, I didn't notice that many and so didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. If you read this book with the expectation of a gentle, holiday-themed, slow-burn love story then you won't be disappointed. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 2, 2021
Levi has left his ex-boyfriend and family behind as he moves to Bear Creek to start again. His boyfriend was only interested in Levi's looks, and Levi wants to be more than just eye candy on someone's arm. Knox is the local bear shifter handyman who has just about given up on meeting his mate. When Knox first scents Levi, his bear roars to the front, determined to claim his mate. This scares Levi back and he has to seek the advice of a good friend before he decides what to do next.
If you like books where the main characters fall for each other, instead of insta-lust, then this is just the thing. Levi wants to take it slow, and Knox will fight his bear to give Levi that time. Knox worships Levi and will do all he can to give him what he needs, even if it's not what Knox wants.
The ex turning up wasn't a surprise, him dropping out of the story the way he did, was. I kept expecting him to return and cause more trouble, but then, that may be against the warm and fuzzy Christmas story we've got going on.
One thing to be warned about - there are comments about a lot of exclamation marks! 😉 Personally, I didn't notice that many and so didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. If you read this book with the expectation of a gentle, holiday-themed, slow-burn love story then you won't be disappointed. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 2, 2021
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Sweat Connection (Hot Under the Collar #1) in Books
Aug 2, 2023
SWEAT CONNECTION is the first book in the Hot Under the Collar series, and I am already loving this series! Nope, there are no billionaires, no shifters, no vampires. What you have is low-angst 'normal' people with found families joining their lives together.
Katherine McIntyre is simply exceptional at character-led stories featuring found families. There's just no two ways about it! And in this one, there are so many characters that need stories! But for now, I'll stick with Rhys and Cole because, man oh man, are they worth talking about!
Rhys is one of those that has a nervous energy about it, all the time. Cole is one of those that puts people at ease, all the time. Together, when opposites attract, sparks fly! Cole provides the stability and grounding that Rhys needs, whilst Rhys gives Cole the enthusiasm and energy he might otherwise be lacking. I loved how their relationship was so loving and tender in ways an outsider might miss. That's the good part of having a story from the first perspective! We get to see both Cole and Rhys' worries and apprehensions and also see what the other person is thinking.
The connections are not just between Rhys and Cole though. Oh, no! Those tendrils spin out and connect Rhys' friends to Cole's dad and best friend. And let's not forget Sammy who made me laugh so many times. Luckily for me, my two have outgrown those years but I can look back now and laugh.
This was is 5-stars all the way. It simply couldn't be anything less. And from just two sentences in the epilogue, I am looking forward to Lex and Theo's story! Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2023
Katherine McIntyre is simply exceptional at character-led stories featuring found families. There's just no two ways about it! And in this one, there are so many characters that need stories! But for now, I'll stick with Rhys and Cole because, man oh man, are they worth talking about!
Rhys is one of those that has a nervous energy about it, all the time. Cole is one of those that puts people at ease, all the time. Together, when opposites attract, sparks fly! Cole provides the stability and grounding that Rhys needs, whilst Rhys gives Cole the enthusiasm and energy he might otherwise be lacking. I loved how their relationship was so loving and tender in ways an outsider might miss. That's the good part of having a story from the first perspective! We get to see both Cole and Rhys' worries and apprehensions and also see what the other person is thinking.
The connections are not just between Rhys and Cole though. Oh, no! Those tendrils spin out and connect Rhys' friends to Cole's dad and best friend. And let's not forget Sammy who made me laugh so many times. Luckily for me, my two have outgrown those years but I can look back now and laugh.
This was is 5-stars all the way. It simply couldn't be anything less. And from just two sentences in the epilogue, I am looking forward to Lex and Theo's story! Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2023
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Taming the Fox in Books
Aug 17, 2023
TAMING THE FOX was originally an erotic short story but has been revised and re-released.
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
Harlan is a fox shifter, with no family and no clan, as he doesn't want to breed with a vixen. He has his family's cabin and lives alone, only going into town when necessary. Shane is a wolf shifter, from a rather well-to-do family, who visits his mother's old house and decides to live there, for reasons the same as Harlan's. These two meet and a spark of attraction is there immediately but, for 'reasons', Harlan won't do anything.
Now... I loved the premise of this book, and the characters are all great - apart from those that aren't meant to be. It is a long book, with plenty of time for you to sink into the story. BUT it didn't have to be. One of the reasons it is so long is because there is a constant back and forth as Harlan fights his feelings. For me, this went on too long, as it eventually took away from the story and made the impact of his feelings and the situation less than it should have been. After all that, the ending and the epilogue are done in just a couple of pages. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you get the meaning.
The focus of this story was definitely our two MCs, so enjoy what world-building you can. What is there, is done very well. There is angst here, but it is mainly internal by just one of the MCs.
A different story and one I enjoyed. Definitely recommended by me. Take a read for yourself and see what you think.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 17, 2023
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Covered (Gold Hockey Season 2, #7) in Books
Oct 31, 2022
Best one so far...
COVERED is the seventh book in the Gold Hockey Season Two series but you can read it as a standalone. Jess and Josh from book six do feature here as supporting characters, but you don't need to have read their story.
Jordyn's world exploded when she caught her husband and best friend together. She packed up her sons and their lives and moved to be near her brother. Ben can see she is hurting, but also sees the strength inside, the strength she doesn't feel. With his confidence in her, Jordyn is able to find her feet. The connection works both ways, and she is able to help him when his family issues get too big for him to contain.
This was a brilliant read! Ben and Jordyn know what they want and go for it. No messing around, no unnecessary angst, just feelings and the ability to show them in small ways. That's what got me about this book. There are no big flashy 'look at how good I am' moments. Just kind, caring, simple, and oh-so-effective times that burrow under your skin and make you yearn!
I read this book in one sitting as I simply couldn't put it down. I loved Ben and Jordyn's story, not forgetting Sammy and Marcus. The pacing is perfect, the story flowing without any hitches or jerks. Well, maybe Daniel is a jerk, but he's supposed to be!
This was a great addition to the series, the best one so far in my opinion. Now, I just need to wait for Will and Lily. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jordyn's world exploded when she caught her husband and best friend together. She packed up her sons and their lives and moved to be near her brother. Ben can see she is hurting, but also sees the strength inside, the strength she doesn't feel. With his confidence in her, Jordyn is able to find her feet. The connection works both ways, and she is able to help him when his family issues get too big for him to contain.
This was a brilliant read! Ben and Jordyn know what they want and go for it. No messing around, no unnecessary angst, just feelings and the ability to show them in small ways. That's what got me about this book. There are no big flashy 'look at how good I am' moments. Just kind, caring, simple, and oh-so-effective times that burrow under your skin and make you yearn!
I read this book in one sitting as I simply couldn't put it down. I loved Ben and Jordyn's story, not forgetting Sammy and Marcus. The pacing is perfect, the story flowing without any hitches or jerks. Well, maybe Daniel is a jerk, but he's supposed to be!
This was a great addition to the series, the best one so far in my opinion. Now, I just need to wait for Will and Lily. Absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated The Bond (The Secret Tales #1) in Books
Jun 20, 2023
absolutely LOVED the slow burn/fade to back/very little smexy times!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Historical romance has always been a bit hit and miss for me, I tend to get annoyed with all the rules and regs of the time, but, strangely, that's what I liked about this one!
Because Rosie (to only Rhys and NO ONE else!) kind of flaunts the rules. She pushes the boundaries and smashes down the expectations for ladies of her time.
Given her secret, and how she dealt with that in the past, it's understandable she doesn't want anyone to push her into anything, certainly not a marriage to Penworth, the odious man. Rose's male parental unit (I refuse to call him her father!) is a nasty piece of work, but he does get his comeuppence!
I loved that Rose and Rhys have history, from when they were children. I loved that we get some of that history in flashbacks. It helps you paint the picture of how Rose and Rhys came to be.
And I absolutely LOVED the slow burn/fade to back/very little smexy times that this book has. Hardly surprising given Rose's past, but I loved that Rhys loved Rosie enough to WAIT for her, to come to him, when she wanted more from him.
Quite a lot of angst in this book, for Rose as well as Rhys. I liked that Rhys was able to articulate his feelings for Rose, since men of that time were not expected to be able to do that.
Given the bit at the end, I expect that one of Rose's sister's will be next and I look forward to reading it,
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but I can't find a single thing wrong with it, so. .
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Historical romance has always been a bit hit and miss for me, I tend to get annoyed with all the rules and regs of the time, but, strangely, that's what I liked about this one!
Because Rosie (to only Rhys and NO ONE else!) kind of flaunts the rules. She pushes the boundaries and smashes down the expectations for ladies of her time.
Given her secret, and how she dealt with that in the past, it's understandable she doesn't want anyone to push her into anything, certainly not a marriage to Penworth, the odious man. Rose's male parental unit (I refuse to call him her father!) is a nasty piece of work, but he does get his comeuppence!
I loved that Rose and Rhys have history, from when they were children. I loved that we get some of that history in flashbacks. It helps you paint the picture of how Rose and Rhys came to be.
And I absolutely LOVED the slow burn/fade to back/very little smexy times that this book has. Hardly surprising given Rose's past, but I loved that Rhys loved Rosie enough to WAIT for her, to come to him, when she wanted more from him.
Quite a lot of angst in this book, for Rose as well as Rhys. I liked that Rhys was able to articulate his feelings for Rose, since men of that time were not expected to be able to do that.
Given the bit at the end, I expect that one of Rose's sister's will be next and I look forward to reading it,
I wrote 4 stars at the top of the page, but I can't find a single thing wrong with it, so. .
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1202 KP) rated Sloane's List in Books
Dec 19, 2023
high on the cute scale!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Sloane is now an empty nester, after sending her 18 year old daughter off to college. She has a list of ten things she wants to do. She just needs a man to help her. Enter Oscar. He meets her the day before Paige goes off, and is smitten from then on. But Oscar is younger than Sloane, and has a bit of a reputation. What's a girl to do, eh?
Bar one thing, and I will come back to that, I loved this!
It's a really easy read, and I mean that in a very VERY good way.
There were some plot lines I did not see coming, so well played there, but the penny did drop really fast! And some coming at ya like a freaking freight train, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. But I loved that! Sometimes, it really is lovely to see it all laid out for you.
It's not overly explicit, and I loved that here, for these two. I was expecting it to be, for some reason, and I loved being proven wrong about what I needed to read at this point in time.
Fairly low on the angst scale, but high on the cute scale and scorching on the warm and fuzzy scale!
I loved that we got to hear from both Sloane and Oscar, but also from Paige (Sloane's daughter) Alex (Oscar's brother) and the mother hen in the apartment complex, Auntie Ernie.
So, what didn't I like? Simple. First person, present tense AND multi point of view. In fact, I very VERY nearly dumped this, once I saw how it was written. So very VERY glad I didn't!
I haven't read anything by this author before, and I think I'd like to read something with a bit more bite.
But still, a very VERY good, 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Sloane is now an empty nester, after sending her 18 year old daughter off to college. She has a list of ten things she wants to do. She just needs a man to help her. Enter Oscar. He meets her the day before Paige goes off, and is smitten from then on. But Oscar is younger than Sloane, and has a bit of a reputation. What's a girl to do, eh?
Bar one thing, and I will come back to that, I loved this!
It's a really easy read, and I mean that in a very VERY good way.
There were some plot lines I did not see coming, so well played there, but the penny did drop really fast! And some coming at ya like a freaking freight train, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it. But I loved that! Sometimes, it really is lovely to see it all laid out for you.
It's not overly explicit, and I loved that here, for these two. I was expecting it to be, for some reason, and I loved being proven wrong about what I needed to read at this point in time.
Fairly low on the angst scale, but high on the cute scale and scorching on the warm and fuzzy scale!
I loved that we got to hear from both Sloane and Oscar, but also from Paige (Sloane's daughter) Alex (Oscar's brother) and the mother hen in the apartment complex, Auntie Ernie.
So, what didn't I like? Simple. First person, present tense AND multi point of view. In fact, I very VERY nearly dumped this, once I saw how it was written. So very VERY glad I didn't!
I haven't read anything by this author before, and I think I'd like to read something with a bit more bite.
But still, a very VERY good, 4 star read.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Jessica Billman (3 KP) rated Sweep: Volume 1 (Sweep, #1-3) in Books
Apr 7, 2019
Enthralling (5 more)
Great Character development
Easy to relate to (more so for young adults).
Very consistent, you don't see crazy out of character, makes no sense, kind of actions.
Very Emotional, you will be all over the place and love every minute.
Clean, though it has a passionate romance, this is not a steamy book, perfect for YA and people simply not interested in those kinds of things.
There is a side to 'very emotional' that can be a little unsettling for some. I loved it though! (1 more)
Not Steamy - For those who would want it.
Whats not to love?!
*No Spoilers*
I loved this book, though I read the series when I was young, having the 15 novels constrained to a few bigger books instead of a bunch of tiny ones is a huge plus for me!
Years and years after my first read, this book still pulled me in and kept me there. Cate Tiernan really grabbed the bull by the horns by offering us a MC Heroine who is not perfect or a knock out. At 16 she is down to earth, she has her flaws and insecurities which really is what makes her such and intresting character to come and relate to. And the best friend who she can't help but relate herself to. Cate brings the world of teenage angst and adds in magick and danger for a thrilling mix that will pull you right in.
This book takes over the span of roughly a year. With plenty of twists and turns, ups and downs and all arounds. Morgan and Cal have a very interesting journey, along with a group of...we will call them friends. Its such a diverse group of personalities.
Its definitley a book I would recommend to any YA. My little sister has just read it and is also in love! But if you are not YA don't turn it away so quickly, it's a book to be read! I never got to finish the series before and am so excited to follow more of Morgan's story!
I loved this book, though I read the series when I was young, having the 15 novels constrained to a few bigger books instead of a bunch of tiny ones is a huge plus for me!
Years and years after my first read, this book still pulled me in and kept me there. Cate Tiernan really grabbed the bull by the horns by offering us a MC Heroine who is not perfect or a knock out. At 16 she is down to earth, she has her flaws and insecurities which really is what makes her such and intresting character to come and relate to. And the best friend who she can't help but relate herself to. Cate brings the world of teenage angst and adds in magick and danger for a thrilling mix that will pull you right in.
This book takes over the span of roughly a year. With plenty of twists and turns, ups and downs and all arounds. Morgan and Cal have a very interesting journey, along with a group of...we will call them friends. Its such a diverse group of personalities.
Its definitley a book I would recommend to any YA. My little sister has just read it and is also in love! But if you are not YA don't turn it away so quickly, it's a book to be read! I never got to finish the series before and am so excited to follow more of Morgan's story!
Mandi S (1 KP) rated The Sky Is Yours in Books
Jan 23, 2018
Dystopian futuristic society. Coming of age teen angst. A love triangle. Human/robot hybrids. Dragons unrelentingly setting virtually everything on fire. Check, check, check, check, and check. The Sky is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith has all of this and more. I'll be honest and say that I had no clue what this book was about at first, but I was fascinated by the cover. The neon graffiti-ed look drew me in, but as soon as I read the synopsis I was hooked.
The scene is Empire Island, a once booming metropolis now nearly abandoned as dragons have burned it to the ground. These two dragons appeared randomly in the sky and have not left for years, looming above the city 24/7 and taking no prisoners as they burn and reburn what little remains of Empire Island. Enter Duncan Ripple, a rich, privileged teen set on disregarding orders and living his life, as he crashes his hovercraft on a neighboring desert island. Here is where Abracadabra, or Abby, nurses him back to health until they are both rescued. Upon returning home, they are met by Swanny, Duncan's betrothed, as their parents force a union that neither of them seems to want. Chaos ensues, the three teens escape, and they are left to their own devices on a journey of self-discovery and survival in a smoldering city.
I really enjoyed this book. It is so unique, fun, and engaging, and almost impossible to categorize. The characters were all very well developed, and the plot was exciting and different. While the three characters were intertwined, they each had their own distinctive arc that developed them individually. Although it didn't bother me much, I will say that some of the language used might annoy a more traditional reader. Men are "pros" and women are "fems", and traditional names of objects are abandoned in favor of modernized versions such as the "Toob" for television, a "HowDouse" for a firetruck, and "LookyGlass" for what seems to be a cell phone.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Thank you so much to Crown Publishing for sending me a finished copy of this beauty!
The scene is Empire Island, a once booming metropolis now nearly abandoned as dragons have burned it to the ground. These two dragons appeared randomly in the sky and have not left for years, looming above the city 24/7 and taking no prisoners as they burn and reburn what little remains of Empire Island. Enter Duncan Ripple, a rich, privileged teen set on disregarding orders and living his life, as he crashes his hovercraft on a neighboring desert island. Here is where Abracadabra, or Abby, nurses him back to health until they are both rescued. Upon returning home, they are met by Swanny, Duncan's betrothed, as their parents force a union that neither of them seems to want. Chaos ensues, the three teens escape, and they are left to their own devices on a journey of self-discovery and survival in a smoldering city.
I really enjoyed this book. It is so unique, fun, and engaging, and almost impossible to categorize. The characters were all very well developed, and the plot was exciting and different. While the three characters were intertwined, they each had their own distinctive arc that developed them individually. Although it didn't bother me much, I will say that some of the language used might annoy a more traditional reader. Men are "pros" and women are "fems", and traditional names of objects are abandoned in favor of modernized versions such as the "Toob" for television, a "HowDouse" for a firetruck, and "LookyGlass" for what seems to be a cell phone.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Thank you so much to Crown Publishing for sending me a finished copy of this beauty!
Kate and her husband Ron, have a seemingly perfect life: happily married, two kids, etc. So Kate is thrown off by her attraction to another man, Peter Ash, when she meets him at a dinner party held by one of Ron's colleagues and his own wife. Peter himself is married, with twin sons. Unable to get Peter out her mind, Kate ignores the warnings of her friend Beth, and arranges an encounter. Shortly after that event, Kate and Beth are involved in a horrific terrorist attack, and it seems like nothing will ever be the same.
This was a slightly bizarre novel with an interesting premise: a sort of anti-adultery treatise, in a way. The novel confounded me slightly with its two different tracks: one of personal angst and murder (I don't think it's a spoiler to state that shortly after the terrorist attack, Peter Ash winds up murdered) and then the terrorist attack, which seems somewhat oddly inserted into the novel's plot. Kate's friend Beth is a police detective, and for me, Beth was driving force of the book (and seriously, practically the only sane person in this story). I enjoyed her character and while it's been noted that this was a standalone novel for Lescroart, I could see another book featuring her.
Beth is perplexed as she tries to solve Peter Ash's murder. For us: not really. I felt as if the suspect was fairly easily identifiable the whole time. Lescroart did a fairly good job as casting suspicions on someone else; at one point, I finally thought, oh, ok, maybe I really am wrong (but I wasn't). There's a whole host of characters in the novel and they are interesting, but not really as complex or intricate as Beth. Overall, I enjoyed this novel-- I haven't read anything by Lescroart since some of his early Dismas Hardy books ages ago-- but I didn't find it to have an amazing "wow" factor or anything. It was an interesting, if somewhat predictable thriller, with some strange plot points thrown in.
I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and the publisher (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
This was a slightly bizarre novel with an interesting premise: a sort of anti-adultery treatise, in a way. The novel confounded me slightly with its two different tracks: one of personal angst and murder (I don't think it's a spoiler to state that shortly after the terrorist attack, Peter Ash winds up murdered) and then the terrorist attack, which seems somewhat oddly inserted into the novel's plot. Kate's friend Beth is a police detective, and for me, Beth was driving force of the book (and seriously, practically the only sane person in this story). I enjoyed her character and while it's been noted that this was a standalone novel for Lescroart, I could see another book featuring her.
Beth is perplexed as she tries to solve Peter Ash's murder. For us: not really. I felt as if the suspect was fairly easily identifiable the whole time. Lescroart did a fairly good job as casting suspicions on someone else; at one point, I finally thought, oh, ok, maybe I really am wrong (but I wasn't). There's a whole host of characters in the novel and they are interesting, but not really as complex or intricate as Beth. Overall, I enjoyed this novel-- I haven't read anything by Lescroart since some of his early Dismas Hardy books ages ago-- but I didn't find it to have an amazing "wow" factor or anything. It was an interesting, if somewhat predictable thriller, with some strange plot points thrown in.
I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and the publisher (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available everywhere as of 01/24/2017.
Merissa (12061 KP) rated Lone Wolf in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Lone Wolf kicks off with Jackson being a reluctant saviour and helping someone get to the hospital. He literally crashes into his soulmate, causing the heart bump and tunnel vision he has been told about. Of course, the heart bumps could be because his soulmate is a male, which throws Jackson completely. Leo has heard of the soulmate bond, but doesn't really know much about it. He doesn't have a problem with wolves, and lives with one in a purely platonic manner. Leo is gay, and has no issues with being so. These two have a number of hurdles to jump before they can get their HEA.
This story brings a new twist to the soulmate bond, in that although both sides know when it happens, the human side of the bond is harder to feel, and BOTH parties can walk away if they decide they don't want to follow through with the bond for whatever reason.
There is angst in this book as Jackson tries to deal with having a male soulmate, and he does act like a massive jerk for part of the book. I personally think Leo is too forgiving, but I understand the bond is there. There isn't much of a connection between Jackson and Leo for most of the book, because of issues, but once it happens, it's all good. Not only do they have their relationship problems to contend with, but they also have to deal with arson and the Human Protection League, who are fervently against wolves, and especially human-wolf bonding.
Not everything is answered in this book, and I would say Jackson and Leo get a HFN ending, so I'm wondering if there will be a second book to this one?
On the whole, even though it didn't blow me out of the water, I enjoyed this book and would be interested to see where it's going next. I would still recommend Lone Wolf.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This story brings a new twist to the soulmate bond, in that although both sides know when it happens, the human side of the bond is harder to feel, and BOTH parties can walk away if they decide they don't want to follow through with the bond for whatever reason.
There is angst in this book as Jackson tries to deal with having a male soulmate, and he does act like a massive jerk for part of the book. I personally think Leo is too forgiving, but I understand the bond is there. There isn't much of a connection between Jackson and Leo for most of the book, because of issues, but once it happens, it's all good. Not only do they have their relationship problems to contend with, but they also have to deal with arson and the Human Protection League, who are fervently against wolves, and especially human-wolf bonding.
Not everything is answered in this book, and I would say Jackson and Leo get a HFN ending, so I'm wondering if there will be a second book to this one?
On the whole, even though it didn't blow me out of the water, I enjoyed this book and would be interested to see where it's going next. I would still recommend Lone Wolf.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!