Loading ...Got Wolf? by Helen Hardt and Ria Ellis
Blood Wolf by Helen Hardt
4 Tombstones
American Suzanne Wood accompanies her best friend and cousin, Ashley Knight, on a trip to Scotland to inspect a piece of property that Ashley, a witch, inherited from her grandmother. While there, Suzanne is rescued from a group of thugs by the property’s caretaker, Damian McGowan. Suzanne is startled by Damian’s intense need to stay by her side and his declaration that she belongs to him but not as startled as Damian is to have these sudden, unknown feelings for the lovely Suzanne. After all, Damian has no frame of reference with which to base his reactions. Suzanne certainly doesn’t mind the Scottish hunk’s attentions, especially when he woos her with his charm and sexy brogue - but she can’t help that think this man might be a little too crazy for her style. Now, if only Damian’s secret and some supernatural crazies would leave the two alone, they could possibly work something out together.
This story was a treat, especially considering the subject matter: it’s not uncommon to hear stories of alpha men who meet “the one”, instantly glom onto their destined mates, and insist on claiming and protecting him. Ms. Hardt’s delivery of this theme, however, is quite unique - particularly the socially awkward nature of an independent woman attempting to interact with the populace as she’s chased around by an alpha male. It was both hilarious and highly believable. It was also interesting to note the juxtaposition of Suzanne’s disbelief in magic and the paranormal, despite being very close with a white witch, and Suzanne’s life suddenly thrust in the middle of a town full of supernatural beings. The only detractor was Suzanne’s capitulation with Damien’s desires. She puts up a good fight, but it seemed a little out of character to give in when - or maybe more accurately, how - she did. The side story of Ashley and Rex was intriguing as well. I hope these two have a story in the near future.
My Lord Werewolf by Ria Ellis
5 Tombstones
Cassandra Hollingsworth is on a mission to find her missing brother, William. Her journey leads her to the castle of Lord Connor Wolf, Earl of Wolfhaven, after her carriage is attacked by a creature. She can’t recall how she got to the Earl’s home or how her missing brother might tie into her attack but she’s sure the handsome lord is hiding something dark from her and she’s determined to figure out what that something is. Connor is taken in by Cassandra’s beauty and entrancing smell but he tries his best to keep space between himself and the lovely creature residing in his domain in the hopes that he can protect her life from his family curse.
“My Lord Werewolf” has a very gothic feel, combined with an almost Austen-esque sensibility about the characters, minus the typical focus on the goings-on of the Ton. Connor and Cassandra feel like very real characters, from their relatively chaste interactions with one another and the level of excitement simple touches created. Connor’s reasoning for hiding his curse from Cassandra is both well-thought out and understandable; as the threat to her life and well-being is not imagined. The presence of ghosts sweetens the deal for Cassandra, considering her love of gothic novels. She is understandably both repelled and intrigued by her surroundings at Wolfhaven, and her attraction to Connor is convincing.
My favorite, however, was Cassandra’s unwillingness to abide by society’s dictates regarding her preferred reading habits among other activities like fencing. She is still a woman prone to fainting and water works but she tries her best to be brave. This story was executed well and maintained a great level of mystery and levity to keep the reader intrigued, especially considering the overall representation of what it is like for Connor to live with a curse and the lack of cure-all for his affliction. This was a story I could not put down, and I eagerly await any further tales by Ms. Ellis.
Book Stats:
- e-book, digital format
- Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
- Book Length: Novella
- Language: English
- ISBN: d4532
To purchase an electronic copy of Got Wolf? click here.
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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