Review: Winter's Wolf by Tara Lain

Title: Winter's Wolf (Tales of the Harker Pack #3)
Author: Tara Lain
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Length: 220 pages

Grade: B



BLURB:


Winter Thane was raised on the two cardinal rules of werewolf existence: don’t reveal yourself to humans under penalty of death, and there’s no such thing as a gay werewolf. It’s no surprise when his father drags him from his wild life in remote Canada back to Connecticut to meet his old pack in hopes it will persuade Winter to abandon his love of sex with human males. Of course Dad’s hopes are dashed when they come face-to-face with the gay werewolves in the Harker pack.

Winter takes one look at FBI agent, Matt Partridge, and decides bird is his favorite food. Partridge is embroiled in an investigation into drug dealing and the death of a fellow agent. He can’t let himself get distracted by the young, platinum-haired beast, but then Winter proves invaluable in the search for clues, a move that winds them both up in chains and facing imminent death. Winter quickly learns his father’s motives are questionable, the pack alphas are a bunch of pussies, humans aren’t quite what they seem, and nothing in the forests of Connecticut is pure except love.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed book one of this series, The Pack or the Panther by Tara Lain. I haven't read book two yet, but it is not necessary to read them in order to understand the plot in book three. So, each book can be read as a standalone; but I recommend book one anyway.

In this installment, Winter is a lone wolf used to living off the land with his father, but they reunite with their old pack and in doing so, many secrets are revealed. When Winter falls for Matt Partridge, FBI agent in town investigating the death of a fellow law enforcement officer, he's torn as he cannot reveal he's a werewolf to Matt. If he does, they both face death, but with underhanded dealings happening within the pack, Winter might have no choice.

As usual, Tara Lain writes a tight and intriguing story. I loved the fact that Cole and Paris (main characters from first book) were major players in this installment, as I think they are remarkable characters. I also liked Winter's take charge attitude, and I'm so curious about Lindsey's backstory from Wolf in Gucci Loafers, I'm going off to buy book two right after I post this! But while I did enjoy Winter's Wolf, there were a little too many subplots going on for me. I was most interested in Winter and Matt's tale, but that got caught up in Winter's undercover operation, and his father's romance with a human, and it felt like too much was going on in this book for me to give it a higher rating. Overall, if you like shifters, pack politics and adventure, you will enjoy Winter's Wolf. A solid read from this author in the paranormal genre.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Kayan's Mage by Jess Buffett

Title: The Kayan's Mage (Hunter Clan #1)
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Length: 102 pages

Grade: B


BLURB:

Sawyer McLeod lost his family and his entire Guild, except his twin, seven years ago. Now almost twenty-one, he is coming to the age to receive his abilities as a Mage. Unfortunately there are others who will stop at nothing to see the brothers don’t survive that long.

When Jake Hunter, Kayan for a Clan of Wolf Shifters living in Australia, finally finds his true-mate, he doesn’t expect it to be in the midst of a brutal attack. Through omissions of truth, misunderstandings, and fear, Jake struggles to prove to Sawyer that he can trust him.

When Sawyer is finally willing to give Jake a chance, a ghost from the past returns to destroy everything they have built together. Will they be able to overcome the foe long thought gone, or will it be the end for the Kayan’s Mage?

MY REVIEW


A great start to what looks to be an exciting series from new author Jess Buffett. Twins Sawyer and Riley have been on the run since their entire family was murdered seven years ago by evil vampires. Sawyer is about to come into his Mage powers when he's attacked, then saved by Alpha wolf Jake Hunter. Realizing they are mates, Jake takes Sawyer back to his compound so the two men can learn more about each other. But dark forces are brewing and threaten their new-found happiness.

What I liked about this book was the slow build between Sawyer and Jake. This story wasn't Insta-Love mates, who then have OMG-amazing-sex which segues into a happily ever after. No, Ms. Buffett took her time with the initial get together of the two main characters and allowed the build-up to progress organically, especially after bad guys attacked Sawyer. However, once she does that, then came a rush of happily ever after plot points which seemed to me to unfortunately rush the ending. Up until that happened, this was an A- book, but the "heteronormal" ending didn't seem to fit the previous chapters which were romantic and sweet.

Another great part of this book was that Sawyer was kick-ass. He's no TSTL simpering man waiting for his Alpha to save him, he's a powerful Mage coming into his own. A dynamic character in his own right and when paired with Jake, they make a formidable couple. Plus, his relationship with his twin, Riley was wonderful. (I cannot wait for Riley's story, Riley's Vampire Prince to be released on May 11, 2013!) Add on some interesting world-building and you have a very enjoyable read.

Recommended for all paranormal lovers who like complex characters, intriguing plots, secondary characters who will knock your socks off and leave you panting for more; plus a wonderful love story that brings something fresh and new to the genre. I am looking forward to more from Ms. Buffett in this universe!

Review: Prince Claimed by Amber Kell

Title: Prince Claimed (Thresl Chronicles #2)
Publisher: Total E Bound 
Length: 88 pages

Grade: B


BLURB:

When fate spins two lives into turmoil, rising above their issues may be the only way to find true love.

Prince Bleine always had female mates before. As a Thresl he’d never been given a choice. The animal within chose who it chose. However when his brother-in-law Kreslan mates Bleine to a man in order to save his life, Bleine quickly learns to adapt and that what he’s always thought he wanted isn’t exactly what he needs.

Sarler left his home planet to escape their restrictive ways. Interested in pursuing his interest in men, he had been unsure how to start. When he is inadvertently bonded to Prince Bleine, he is struck by how little he understands about handsome princes or life at court.

Secrets and mysteries surround them. Can they discover everything about each other while keeping their enemies at bay? When Sarler is injured, he realises he has to take a chance if he ever hopes to find love with the prince of his dreams. Can he convince Bleine that he sincerely wants to give their relationship a try, or has he waited until it’s too late?