REVIEW - SUMMIT OF THE WOLF - SILVER WOLF CLAN BY TERA SHANLEY

Title: Summit Of The Wolf

Series: Silver Wolf Clan

Author: Tera Shanley

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy, Shapeshifter, Werewolves

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Kensington Books

Release Date: 1st September 2015

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An Unbreakable Bond

Morgan Carter is a claimed werewolf. Only her mate, Greyson Crawford, has the right to protect her, and to love her. But that hasn’t stopped rival packs from challenging Greyson’s claim. Morgan is the last silver wolf—the only female with the ability to produce werewolf offspring, which means there are many who would defy pack law to make her their own.

An Unstoppable Evil

When war comes to the Silver Wolf Clan on the eve of The Summit, Morgan and Greyson have no choice but to fight for their kind. With the arrival of an ancient enemy, the two realize that the war has only just begun, and to survive the greatest threat they have ever faced, they must learn to trust each other again…

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REVIEW
I had mixed feelings about reading this book because on one hand, I wanted to know more and read more about the characters but I knew there were no more books available after this one, so on the other hand, I kind of didn't want to read it as I didn't want the series to come to an end either.

This cover is dominated by Morgan both in her human form in the foreground and in her Silver Wolf form in the background. The font style and placement of the book title, series name and author name are all in the same style as the rest of the series which makes the series really cohesive. I bet they look brilliant side by side on o book shelf! All the individual book covers would encourage me to pick them up in a book store to learn more about them so I'd say they certainly do their job well.

As I have said with the other titles in the series the genres I have seen listed for this book series are Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifter, Werewolves, Romance which totally fit this book and book series. I also noticed that someone has added Urban Fantasy too which I also agree with. This really is a great shifter series that contains everything from the claiming and mate bonding to pack dynamics and how challenges are dealt with along with how misbehavior/wrong doing within packs are dealt with. Also the more unusual aspects of two packs co-existing close to each other as Dean and Grey are doing in this series.

Once again I really, really enjoyed reading this book, I just truly hope it wasn't the last in the series. I still have so many questions about the futures of the characters in this series. I enjoyed meeting the other packs when Grey's and Dean's packs both went to the Summit and shared accommodation. I found the scene description of the male wolves waiting in an airport so funny, all the pacing and these big tough males, two of them alpha's struggling with being round people and then being cooped up in an airplane together too. Poor Logan being teased about his love of gossip magazines. 

A lot of the action and angst for Morgan happens at the Summit. Morgan even ends up feeling "alone" and distanced from her mate Grey. Grey tends to internalise things and has a just get on with it attitude. Whilst they are at the Summit it becomes apparent both Morgan and Grey are struggling with all the attention on them and their wolves are taking over more and more. In the end Morgan actually speaks to Grey about the fact she needs Grey as himself as well as his wolf. It is soon revealed at the Summit's annual meet that the elders and some of the wolf clans and alphas are quite archaic in their attitudes to women and particularly to Morgan and the possibilities that she may one day produce children so re-population the once thought extinct Silver Wolf Clan. It seems the elders also think they can have a say in what may happen to Lana in the future should she be turned, both Morgan and Grey insist that will be a choice for Lana to make not anyone else no matter how important they think she could be to the Silver Wolf Clan and it's re-population. Other major incidents in the Summit are the male fighting challenge....now I wonder who could enter and win that? There's also a female fighting challenge but no one ever enters that . . . could that all change this year? Would/Could Morgan be provoked enough to fight? 

Favourite characters that have remained so throughout the series are both the main alpha's and their mates Grey & Morgan and Dean & Rachel. I absolutely adored the young teen character of Marissa, she gains so much confidence in both herself and in her new pack, so much so when two males give her unwanted attention and over step the mark she reports back to Grey whose wolf takes immediate action on Dean's advice and challenges the wolves in the fighting ring. Prior to the fights Marissa makes certain gestures at the males and is gleeful when Wolf doles out his own form of justice to them! By the end of this book I was warming up even more to the growing character of Lana too. She comes across as such a cutie yet seems so wise too when prompted to call Grey daddy to irritate other characters, she then ends up calling him daddy anyway with Morgan's blessing. Another totally adorable scene is when she growls when she is eating at the Summit's last night barbeque! Is she merely mimicking those around her or could her own inner wolf be rising to the surface?
We learn a little more about Dean's pack in this book. The fact that Wade the packs doctor is a more dominant wolf than he shows. The way Dean, Grey and Wade have land bordering each other and use all three properties in the regular runs together in wolf form. We see Brent find someone who he would potentially like as a mate but will she be interested when she hears of all the drama that goes on around Morgan, the Silver Wolf? I enjoyed their being more female shifters featured in this book and hope that the series continues and has more female wolves too. 
I also enjoyed the "bad" trouble causing character of Alexis, when will she learn her lesson that she will not manage to come between Grey/Wolf & Morgan/Silver Wolf. Alexis once again tries every tactic she has at her disposal to the point of being reprimanded by various characters including her very own mate Jonathan. How does Jonathan put up with Alexis? Could Jonathan be trouble in the future for Grey & Morgan? At One point in the book something that Alexis says ends up in possible devastation for Grey & Morgan. . . . as for whether Alexis gets her wish you'll need to read the book! I couldn't possibly say but lets just say Alexis truly is a vindictive conniving bitch in this book and knows just how to use the elders expectations for the Silver Wolf Clan rebirth to her advantage!

I also want to find out more about the next chapter for both Dean and Grey's packs, with wolves wanting to pledge to Deans Pack and I'm looking forward to how things could change in Grey's Pack. There is a point in the book where things come to a head with Dean and Grey when Dean thinks more of his wolves may be wanting to transfer to Grey's pack. Is that the real case or is it merely a misunderstanding?

Once again I feel I could go on and on about this book and the series as a whole too but I shouldn't nor want to reveal everything. I just can't explain how great this series is, I'd say if you are a lover of shifter books they are a must read to add to your reading lists. If you love a great kick butt female character then these would be a good recommended read for you too. Other series and authors I would say comparable to the Silver Wolf clan by Tera Shanley are Kelley Armstrong's Women Of The Otherworld Series (which has shifters, witches and more!) Rachel Vincent's and her Shifter Series and her Menagerie Series (with a travelling menagerie of shapeshifters and more!) Amanda Carlson and both her Jessica McClain shifter's series (and for another kick butt female, but more mythology in genre, her Phoebe Meadows series). Back to great shifters there's Karina Espinosa's Mackenzie Grey Series, J.A. Belfield's Holloway Pack, Nikki Jefford's Wolf Hollow Series and Keri Armstrong's The Awakening.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book and series so far were, Oh wow amazing! Totally love this book and series! Please tell me there will be more Tera Shanley??? There is so much more this series and it's fantastic characters have left to give. There is the brief appearance of vampire Larius to be built upon along with whatever disaster or action the dragon plans to take against a Silver Wolf Clan being reborn. I'm also looking forward to Lana deciding on what she wants to do or become in the future along with young Marissa eventually being faced with choosing a mate, though I have my own thoughts on who she would/could possibly choose. 

REVIEW - BRAND OF THE PACK - SILVER WOLF CLAN BY TERA SHANLEY

Title: Brand Of The Pack

Series: Silver Wolf Clan

Author: Tera Shanley

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapershifter, Werewolves, Romance

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Kensington Books

Release Date: 9th June 2015

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The last of her kind...

As the last of the Silver Wolves, and the only female with the ability to produce werewolf offspring, Morgan Carter is a wanted woman. Male suitors from all packs vie for her, and threaten the safety of her young niece, Lana. But there is only one man Morgan wants...

The last of his control...

Greyson Crawford has been through hell and back for Morgan. And he’d do it again. But until she learns to trust him, and lets him claim her as his own, he can’t fully protect her. When a force more powerful than either have known threatens to tear them apart, can Greyson convince Morgan to accept him as her mate once and for all, before it’s too late?

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As soon as I finished Black Dog's Revenge I wanted to continue reading. This series really is addictive reading! So as I had the next book in the series on my kindle I just had to start it right away.

This cover has the beautiful silver wolf in the background, and then Morgan in the forefront in her human form, with her beautifully strange eye colour. Once again the font style and placing of the book titles, series titles and author name is the same as the rest of the series so far. I have liked every cover in this book series so far. They would certainly tell me immediately that they are shifter books and would make me want to pick them up from the bookstore shelf to learn more about them.

Obviously as this is a book series the genres listed are the same as the other titles which are Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Shapeshifter and Werewolves. They all fit the book very well and I love a great shapeshifter/werewolf book and if it's as good as Silver Wolf Clan, I am definitely looking forward to reading this one. I really love this series, it's very addictive reading!

So at the end of the last book Grey/Wolf and Morgan/Silver Wolf were reunited so that should mean a quieter, happy ever after ending right? Oh no, no, no! As Grey has yet to claim Morgan as his mate and then go through the ritual of branding the pack that is not the case. Morgan may be now living on Grey's land in the home he built for them but in the eyes of the werewolf community until Morgan is claimed by her mate she is quite literally up for grabs. We know, as does Morgan that Grey would never willingly allow anyone to take her from him but this means he has to show his power and fight anyone that decides to challenge him for Morgan. Morgan eventually gets sick of the challenges and having to be constantly on alert for the next one as well as watching the actual fights, she loses her temper and announces that she will be claimed by the end of the week. Which means she needs to organise a wedding within just seven days. Luckily neither Morgan or Grey want to invite many people. The guests consist of Morgan's mum, Hannah, and the Dallas Pack. I found it funny that just the night before the wedding Morgan and Grey seem to relax only for another challenger to turn up and want to fight Grey in the middle of the rehearsal dinner! Rachel does some fast talking and distracts Morgan's mum Hannah, by asking what she thinks to the different options she has thought of the finish decorating the wedding cake she has made for the wedding. This challenger is a such a dirty fighter and with Grey's mind on the wedding tomorrow he isn't concentrating as much or as sharp as he usually is that Morgan becomes so upset watching whats going on from an upstairs window that she changes into her wolf form and runs through the house past her mother. The quick thinking Marissa explains the "dog" is her fourteenth birthday gift and is called Snowball! 
After the whole wedding ceremony there is the branding to be done too. The branding has to be done with a special silver knife which means its going to be very painful for the werewolves as they can be truly hurt by silver, as it burns them. Due to so many challenges Grey didn't manage to get to the silversmith to pick up the brand himself so it is a task that Dean does. It is also Dean that gives or carves Grey's brand mark onto his arm. Dean also provides some special poultices that make the brand mark heal well so the brand is very clear. Grey is then in charge of doing first Morgan's brand mark as she is his first werewolf in his own pack and then Marissa.

After all this going on you'd think that Grey and Morgan could have a worry free few days for a honeymoon? Well Hannah takes her grand-daughter Lana to give the couple a few days and Marissa announces that she will stay over at the Dallas Pack house but there is the worry of who "the dragon" is and why he/she has been sending prophetic dream warnings to Grey and then sending the beautiful necklace to Morgan on the day of the wedding. 
Once again its clear that the Dallas Pack will still be working closely with Grey and his new pack.

Characters I loved in this book were of course Morgan, Grey, Lana and Marissa. I especially love the scene where Morgan runs through the house in front of Hannah and Marissa just laughs and asks who let Snowball in. Then later Morgan asks Marissa why she couldn't have come up with a better name for her birthday "dog" present. Marissa cheekily laughs and says she thinks the name Snowball is perfect as Morgan's wolf is pure white. It shows how much Marissa feels at home and how much her confidence has improved since hanging around with Grey. I felt a little sorry for Dean when he seemed so sad consenting and "handing" Marissa over from his pack to Grey's pack. You really feel sorry for Dean as even though he will still see Marissa she will no longer be part of his pack. The Dallas Pack has gone from having three females, Rachel, Alexis and Marissa to having just his mate Rachel in his pack.

Again I really loved reading this book and this series, the Silver Wolf Clan is firmly on my favourite shifter series and I have already checked out other books by Tera Shanley as well as learning she writes under a different name also, so those series are on my list to want to read too. If you love shifter series such as Shifters or Wildcats by Rachel Vincent, Women Of The Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong, Holloway Pack by J.A. Belfield, The Awakening by Keri Armstrong or Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford then I'd recommend you read this series too! Once again this book is definitely filled with action, and grabs your attention at the beginning, holding onto it until the very end and then....it leaves you wanting even more! So my next read is Summit Of The Wolf! I have asked Lyrical Press an imprint of Kensington Books about the possibility of more titles in this series and they said though there were no plans right now, they wouldn't ever say never! So who knows maybe there will be more to come. I guess I will have a better idea once I've read Summit Of The Wolf which is the fourth and last at the moment.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were Wow totally loving this series! Just when you think all will be well. A bitchy little wolf has a word in the right ear and there's even more trouble looming for Grey n Morgan. Looking forward to reading the next in the series just hoping it isn't the last!

REVIEW - BLACK WOLF'S REVENGE - SILVER WOLF CLAN BY TERA SHANLEY

Title: Black Wolf's Revenge

Series: Silver Wolf Clan

Author: Tera Shanley

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapershifter, Werewolves, Romance

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Kensington Books

Release Date: 17th February 2015

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He’ll risk it all to bring her home.

Morgan Carter witnessed her sister’s murder, has been turned into a werewolf and is now raising her young niece. Then her fiance, Greyson Crawford, proves he wants to be with her for the wrong reasons, and she knows her life couldn’t be any stranger. Devastated, she retreats to her cozy house in the city with her sister’s little girl, Lana. There, they’ll have normalcy, and maybe eventually, even happiness.

But Morgan’s the only living silver wolf. Her uniqueness—the ability to produce werewolf offspring—means, without Grey’s protection, she’s unknowingly put herself and Lana in deadly danger. Other werewolves want to claim her for their pack, and she’s the easiest, most tempting prey ever.

When they strike, Grey has to find her and rescue her before it’s too late. Not so simple a task; he has only the uncontrollable beast inside him, Wolf, and an unlikely pack of allies he’s forced to rely on. Can he get to her in time? And if he does, can he convince her he’s there for the right reasons, saving them both?

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After reading and really loving the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read more about Grey and Morgan. Even though I am on a self imposed book buying ban I just had to break it for this book and the price was an absolute bargain!

The cover has two wolves in the background, one with its head raised in the air howling. I am guessing these wolves represent Grey and Morgan. Once again the the foreground of the book is Morgan with her dark hair and purple/violet coloured eyes. The font style for the book title, book series and author name are all as for the previous book which I think are still perfect for this book and really pull together the different books very well. I'd certainly love to have the full set in paperback on my book shelves.

The genre's I have found listed in various places for this book are Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Shapeshifter and Werewolves. They all fit the book very well and I love a great shapeshifter/werewolf book and if it's as good as Silver Wolf Clan, I am definitely looking forward to reading this one.

This book basically picks up where Silver Wolf left off. Grey has proposed to Morgan and she has accepted. The Dallas Pack celebrate the good news with the couple and when the pack become curious about Morgan's eye colour it isn't long until the truth is out that Morgan is in fact a very rare wolf. The Dallas Pack soon learn that Morgan is a Silver Wolf, which is extremely rare and very coveted as it is the only female wolf that can breed. In other words Morgan has become a very prized possession for whoever manages to claim her as their mate and part of their pack. Rachel takes Morgan off to explain why all the unmated werewolves in the Dallas Pack are suddenly fascinated and posturing for Morgans attention, and why Grey is suddenly struggling to control his wolf from fighting them all. Rachel explains that Grey is a special wolf, a beast and that he will need to be to protect her from all the attention she is sure to get from the werewolf community. This leads to a rather big misunderstanding between Morgan and Grey. Grey's wolf  more or less tells Morgan that she is his responsibility to protect and with Morgan already feeling sensitive and used to being independent becomes irritated thinking Grey and his wolf view protecting her and being with her as a duty. Obviously upset Morgan takes Lana and moves back to her own little home in her already sketchy neighbourhood. Morgan tells Grey she needs space to think about what she truly wants. Morgan however doesn't take into account how interesting and how much other wolves will want to claim her for their pack with or without her consent. Grey stands back and gives Morgan time and space to become used to her wolf. He stops going around to Deans so that Morgan has the safety of the Dallas Pack to run with and learn from. In the meantime he purchases the land near the Dallas Pack property and sets about building his own future pack home. Marissa surprises the Dallas Pack and Grey by visiting him and helping him build his home. All the work Grey is doing on his land is with a future pack in mind. Grey still holds onto the hope that Morgan will come back to him.
Morgan simply returns the flowers that Grey sends to her for her and Lana. Lana does ask Morgan regularly when they will see Mr Grey again. The Dallas Pack do not talk about Grey to Morgan and it is Marissa who keeps Grey informed about how Morgan and Lana are and what they are doing. The serious problems begin when it becomes apparent that someone has leaked the information that Morgan is a Silver Wolf. As Dean, Alpha of the Dallas Pack had sworn his pack members to silence about Morgan the only person that wasn't bound by this order and no longer bothered what the Dallas Pack think of her is Alexis. It seems Alexis is still jealous of the fact Grey only has eyes for Morgan. It rankles Alexis even more that she was the one that by biting Morgan triggered her transformation into a wolf, not that she knew Morgan would be a Silver Wolf. 

I feel like I could seriously talk forever about this book and the Silver Wolf Clan series so far.
I love the character of Marissa even more. The way she has confided in Grey how she was made a werewolf and abused by her monster maker. Marissa feels she has that in common with Grey as he was also turned by a monster wolf. Marissa feels more comfortable around Grey as he is naturally protective over her. Viewing her as a younger sibling and is protective of her. The fact Grey is a beast of a wolf and not afraid to growl his anger or frustration if he feels Dallas Pack members Jason and Logan are hassling Marissa also comforts her. Though Dean tries his best to keep Jason and Logan in line, they are also members if his pack and as Alpha he has to keep his male wolves content as well as care for Marissa. Dean and Rachel give their blessing and permission for Marissa to spend time round at Grey's place when Logan and Jason's attention are too much for her.

Morgan soon learns how Marissa felt when she herself is kidnapped by the Montana Pack. The Alpha, John has decided she is to be his. The kidnappers are very clever feigning a kidnap attempt on little Lana, which so easily sends Grey and Wolf off to bring back the child he has come to think of as his own. Though Grey fights Lana's kidnappers he is well outnumbered and they succeed in taking Morgan. Grey is in a seriously injured state, and it is difficult for other wolves to help him when they secretly want fight him in his weakened state to dominate his wolf, and in his injured state he wants to fight anyone and everyone too. It is the smaller, less dominate, submissive Marissa who takes Grey and his wolf under her control to keep him calm whilst Wade arrives and assess the injuries he has sustained.

Can the Dallas Pack Doctor Wade patch Grey up? Grey ends up feeling really sorry for himself, even his wolf feels inadequate and that he is somehow to blame that Morgan is not safe. When Grey and his wolf finally regain consciousness about 24 hours after his attack, he is inconsolable, blaming himself for not sorting things out with Morgan.  vIt is Marissa that snaps him out of this mood, more or less telling him to buck his ideas up and go out there and fight to get his mate back! I think Marissa is the only one that would ever get away with talking to Grey and Wolf in the manner she does.
Can the Dallas pack use their knowledge and resources track where Morgan has been taken? If Grey can rescue Morgan will she accept him and his wolf as hers? Let's just say the Black Wolf does have his revenge but will it be too late for his relationship possibilities and future with Morgan.

This book is definitely filled with action, and grabs your attention at the beginning, keeping a hold of it until the very end and then....leaves you wanting even more!

My immediate thoughts upon finishing reading this book were that is was a brilliant read, I am loving this series so far. Looking forward to reading more. Still loving Grey n Morgan and think Marissa is a brilliant character and could be a fantastic big sister figure to Lana.

REVIEW - SILVER WOLF CLAN - SILVER WOLF CLAN SERIES BY TERA SHANLEY

Title: Silver Wolf Clan

Series: Silver Wolf Clan

Author: Tera Shanley

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance,Shapeshifters, Werewolf

Publisher: Lyrical Press, Kensington Books

Release Date: 4th August 2014

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Loving him will be legendary...if she can survive it.

What happens when monsters turn out to be real? One summer night while camping in the woods, Morgan Carter finds out in a big way. A tall mysterious stranger, Greyson Crawford, risks his life to try and save her sister from the vicious wolf attacking their camp. When he’s bitten and disappears into the night, Morgan can only assume the worst.

Greyson shows up a year later, and he’s a different animal altogether. His eye color shifts constantly and the rumble in his throat sounds more animal than human. She hasn’t any idea where he’s been all this time, but a good guess as to what he’s become.

Grey is determined not to let the darkness of his new existence affect Morgan and the little girl in her care. He hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Morgan but knows he should stay away and let her live a normal life. That’s easier said than done, though. A new danger pulls him from the shadows to keep her safe, and he’s no wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Can she accept what lurks just below his surface? More importantly, can she survive him?

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After recently reading and loving a book with werewolves as the main characters I really felt like I needed to read another shapeshifter genre book and I've had this one on my list and my kindle for a while so decided it was about time I read it.

The cover is quite dark suggesting night time, there is moonlight and in the background there is a beautiful silver wolf. In the foreground is a woman who upon reading the book you realise is Morgan who has long dark hair and blue, almost purple eyes. The cover featuring the wold definitely makes you want to know more so to me does its job well.

The genre's I have seen listed in various places for this book are Paranormal, fantasy, romance, shapeshifter and werewolves. They all fit the book well and I love a great shapeshifter/werewolf book so I am definitely looking forward to reading this one.

The very start of the book felt a little slow but I think it was building a little suspense because then the action begins with the main character Greyson Crawford gets into a fight with a mad wolf that is in the process of attacking Morgan, Lana and Marianne. In the fight Grey manages to protect Morgan and the small toddler Lana, but whilst doing this he is bitten by the mad wolf. 
Then Grey has to go through the madness and craziness of learning that the bit he received has made him a werewolf himself. Grey struggles with the new part of him. His wolf regularly fights Grey for dominance and has an insatiable need to hunt and fight and kill.
Grey learns much more about shifting and learns to come to some sort of a compromise with his wolf when the Dallas Pack reach out to him. Though Grey cannot join this pack as his wolf is clearly an alpha and will take rules and orders from no one, male nor shifter. The Alpha of the pack Dean and his mate Rachel do make Grey welcome and offer him a safe place to change and run as well as being there to talk about any problems he has. The Dalla Pack is unusual in that it has 3 females. One if Rachel who is Dean's mate, then there is their adopted daughter Marissa who is very timid and scared, and there Alexis who we learn Dean turned to save her life. Alexis takes an immediate liking to the new alpha male Grey, but as much as she likes Grey, Grey's wolf hates her. It is Rachel and then Dean that advise Grey how to cope with his wolf finding and being fixated on his mate. They explain to Grey how he will have an overwhelming desire to protect his mate and will worry every moment that they are apart. After introducing Morgan and her niece Lana to the Dallas pack things get out of hand when overwhelmed with jealousy Alexis attacks Morgan. Only Morgan has a surprise of her own concerning the once thought extinct Silver Wolf Clan.

As I said already within my review this book is certainly action packed. Once you are thrown straight into a mad rogue wolf vs human fight. Though Grey doesn't know the young woman and toddler he fights with all he has to prevent the mad wolf getting to them. It turns out to be a fight that cost him is own life as he knew it. Instead he has to get used to attempting to keep this new unruly part of him under some form of control. It seems just as he is learning some control his wolf charges to the forefront again, demanding he take a mate and not just any mate, a very specific woman whom he would give his life for. Though unusual is wolf also is determined to accept and protect his mates niece, who she has adopted after the death of the toddlers mother. Though a wolf would normally have problems caring for another offspring he surprises himself and everyone when he is at his very gentlest with the child and would not hesitate to lay his life down for he either. 

Favourite characters in this book are Grey, Morgan and Lana as they are the main characters. I love how Morgan takes everything in her stride and accepts Grey for what he has become. I also love the hints at the possibility of there being something "other" about Morgan and because of their heritage/bloodline Lana too. Maybe this ancient heritage is why Morgan takes everything so well with Grey and when "it" is revealed to her about herself too. The other character I loved was Marissa, who initially petrified of Grey and his wolf turns out to be the one person to calm him and offer him first aid when no one else can get anywhere near him and his alpha wolf. I also enjoyed the way Marissa immediately took little Lana under her wing too. 

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were that the very beginning of the book felt a little slow to start with but by 35% I was hooked and seriously could not put this book down. Looking forward to reading much more of this series as well as reading other titles by Tera Shanley. So I am definitely going to be reading much more of this series, there's so much I want to know. Such as who was the rogue wolf that bit Grey? I also look forward to learning more about the Dallas pack and how Grey and his pack may increase. Also touched on in this book is how unusual it is for two alpha's to exist amicably in the same area so theres so much to play out too. And I don't think for a minute that Alexis will disappear quietly, she seems the type that would hold a grudge! I'm also eager to check out other titles by Tera Shanley.

REVIEW - A VERY OUTLAW CHRISTMAS - OUTLAW SHIFTERS BY T.S. JOYCE

Title: A Very Outlaw Christmas

Series: Outlaw Shifters

Author: T.S. Joyce

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Shapeshifter

Publisher: Wicked Willow Press

Release Date: 13th December 2017

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Outlaw grizzly shifter, Trigger Massey, has been on the naughty list most of his life, but things are different now. He’s got a new mate, is in a race to save his ranch, and is the brand-new alpha of the Two Claws Clan. Add to that, his mate, Ava, has a serious problem with Christmas, and Trigger has his work cut out for him. This is his first Christmas as leader of his Clan, and he’s taken it as a personal challenge to make it perfect. The only problem? Ava never wanted perfect. 
Ava Dorset just needs to get through December, set up her business, save the ranch, and be the best mate she can be to Trigger. He’s a big brawler, who raises his fists first and asks questions later. They’re fresh out of a war with the local cougar clan and looking to stay on the straight-and-narrow until she can get their business off the ground, but the boys find trouble wherever they go and they’re demolishing her plans. All she needs to do is get their focus off the holiday, and back on saving the ranch, but the more Trigger works to get her holiday spirit back, the more she thinks perhaps December isn’t so bad.

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REVIEW

I have read other titles by this author under a different name so decided to try this shape-shifter series. I decided to read this novella first are it had a Christmas theme running through it and it did say that it could be read as a standalone too. Only time will tell if I should have read For The Love Of The Outlaw first.

The cover has tatooed male on the cover wearing a cowboy hat, an opened plaid shirt and jeans. After reading the novella it is safe to say this cowboy is grizzly bear shifter Trigger Massey. As the series is called Outlaw Shifters the title alone would make me want to learn more about the book. 

The genres I have found listed for this novella are Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance and shapeshifter, which I think all fit it very well.

So this book is centred on the Two Claws Clan, whose alpha is Trigger Massey, a large grizzly bear. Also part of the Clan is Trigger's mate and best friends younger sister Ava Dorset. The rest of the Clan is Colton Dorset, and ex-Darby Clan members Kurt and his 3 year old son Gunner.

The main gist of the novella is about Ava and her hatred of Christmas and anything Christmas related. Ava used to love Christmas when she was younger, it was the only time her dad seemed to care about anything, and did the usual Christmas Traditions with her. That was until one day he packed his car as full as possible with items he could sell to fund his gambling addiction. It was from that day that Ava realised how many of the traditions her dad did with her were actually mostly done by her older brother Colton.
When Colton reveals to Trigger that Ava now hates Christmas and why. Trigger decides he wants to rekindle Ava's love for Christmas, by making new traditions together. Ones they can repeat year after year. 

To be honest I loved all the characters of the Two Claw Clan, from Trigger, the alpha that protects his pack. If anyone has anything to say/do to any of his pack, they have to get past/through him to do it. If they say anything out of line, as one male in this novella calls Ava "the breeder" they are dealt with swiftly and are in no doubt they should never do/say whatever offended ever again. In the case of the male calling Ava "the breeder", well he receives a swift, harsh, fast punch in the face from Trigger!

I adored the sweet relationship between Trigger and Ava. The way it was revealed Trigger had kind of watched over Ava from afar never believing anything would ever become of his love for her.

There's a great camaraderie within the Two Claw Clan, what with the kind of love/hate vibe Trigger and Colton have, as only two guys that have known each other for years can have. Then there's the sort of juvenile jokes etc that Colton also plays on Kurt and the three year Gunner. Even Ava obviously used to also being treat as one of the lads & one of the pack at times acts like "one of the lads". Ava is the only human within the Two Claw Clan at the moment. . . . Who knows what could happen in the future, as mate of the Alpha? 

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were. . .When can I read the next one? and Is it out yet? 

The answers to the above questions was that I can read Bk1 whenever I wish as I have bought it from Amazon already. The only thing that bothers me is I sort of didn't look at the numbers of the books and have managed to read Bk1.5 before Bk1!! Will it spoil my enjoyment of Bk1 when I read it? Only time will tell!

I really did enjoy meeting the Two Claw Clan and reading how Trigger and the rest of the guys try to coax Ava to enjoy Christmas once again, and start their very own traditions together. I look forward to reading more books in this series and discovering more about Trigger and his pack.

REVIEW - THE BELLES BY DHONIELLE CLAYTON

Title: The Belles
Series: The Belles

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Publisher: Gollancz, Orion Publishing Group

Release Date: 8th February 2018

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Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision. 

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

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REVIEW
My thoughts approaching reading this book are that I'm not and never was a "girly-girl book reader" so not sure how I will like this one. Though the blurb makes me think though things may at first look good on the surface that other darker things are at work.

The cover made me think of The Selection Series by Kiera Cass and The Lone City Series by Amy Ewing. The Belles cover certainly caught my interest and held it long enough for me to want to know more about the female on it. It would make me pick it up from a book store shelf to read the blurb.

The genres that I have seen listed for this book are Sci-Fi and Fantasy which fit well but personally I would also add dystopian, and mythology to the list of genres. The part I would describe as dystopian is the alternate "different" world The Belles and the normal citizens live in. The part of the book I would classify as Mythology is all centered around the history of the Gods and Goddesses that created The Belles. 

At the beginning of the book I became a little impatient as it was very detailed and descriptive about the God of the Sky and the Goddess of Beauty and I was impatient to learn more about the Belles and their gifts straight away. Though I describe the beginning of the book that it slow but very descriptive start it soon pulls you in as you learn more about each individual Belle. Having said all that you soon realise the early descriptive part is definitely needed and when certain things happen in the book you do remember it and refer back to it. I ended up enjoying the whole backstory, mythology of the Goddess and the God of the Sky etc etc. and appreciating it the further I got into the book. To tell you a little, (though it is told in much more detail and better than I can explain) the Goddess of Beauty ends up truly upsetting the God of the Sky and he curses the normal people making them ugly. However the Goddess of Beauty sends the Belles to help the people. I loved the section n the book where Belles are described as "Roses growing out of a dark ravaged soil"

Belles have a special gift, they can use something called their arcana to create different images for the normal citizens. They can give the citizens that pay for their services any colour skin, hair, eye colour if choice as well as body shape etc. However different ruling Queens have passed laws with the help of the Beauty Minister putting limits on certain things such as waist size. 

This year there are just six new Belles, Edelweiss, Padma, Hana, Ambrosia, Valeria and Camellia. They all have their individual flowers to represent them twined in and around the carriages they are to be presented to the royal and the "common" citizens watching the parade. The Belles have been trained by Madam Du Barry, her family ancestors have held the same position for many years and she intends this to be a handed down position for many more years! The book then begins with the Beauté Carnaval, the festival that happens just once every three years. Though we discover further into the book that this festival was a more regular occurrence and usually had many more Belles taking part. There are the usual multitude of vendors selling sweet in honor of the Belles such as small mountains of shaved ice topped with strawberries the colour of the Belles lips, intricate teacakes shaped like the different Belles signature flowers, sweet puffs molded like the Belles hair buns and colourful strings of sugar pinwheeled around sticks to mirror our traditional waist sashes and dresses. There are Imperial guards that are in charge of pushing the crowds of people back so that the procession has space to pass through. The Belles are individually presented to the Royals, they are given a subject/person to make beautiful. The Belle that impresses the Royals the most will work at the Palace whilst the other Belles get to work in the different tea houses. Being the Queens favourite is all these young Belles have dreamed of. Camellia is convinced it will be her as her mother was a Queens favourite before she had her. To be honest you could say she does our perform the others but maybe the Queen has other requirements that perhaps Camellia doesn't suit. Who will be the Queen favourite and why?
I won't reveal who is the favourite as the "winner" should be revealed at the correct time in the book!

Quite naturally as Camellia is both one of main characters in this book and was also one that I loved the most. You do end up really rooting for her as she face many tests within the book that need to be overcome. When she is asked to use her arcana to do something that is forbidden her first reaction is to obey the rules. However when the person asking the favour is someone very important and her decision could affect the whole kingdom how long can she say no. . . The other Belle I instinctively adored was Edelweiss or Edel as her Belle sisters call her. Edel is rebellious and doesn't really care who knows it! I honestly wasn't sure of Ambrosia, she initially seemed to be caring but when she assumed she would win and her behaviour during the ceremony made me wary of her. 

The character I enjoyed not liking was Princess Sophia, she is a brilliant brat! It's awful how power and the possibility of being the next Queen can go to someone's head. So sad and a shame that an outwardly beautiful person can be so ugly inside. Princess Sophia shows more care and affection to her teacup animals. You really see an evil side to Princess Sophia. Those in favour with Sophia have to agree with her all the time, as if they fall out with Sophia she can be a very dangerous enemy. 

There is certainly a lot going on in this book such as the mystery of who is crying at night. Also why is the true heir to the crown Princess Charlotte in a deep coma like sleep? Then there are Princess Sophia's suitors. One in particular goes out of his way to befriend the Queens favourite Belle. What could he possibly want from a Belle?

The writing style and plot style reminded me of a couple of other series I have read some of. The society reminded me a little of Gennifer Albin's Crewel series (though I have read very little of the series.) The other book series the society and the upper class society attitudes towards the Belles was The Lone City Series by Amy Ewing. So if you have read and loved either of these books you need to read this book! Even if you haven't read those series this book seriously is a must read book!

I really loved some of the phrases within the book, such as "Beauty Is In The Blood" and the way the phrase "May You Always Find Beauty" is used in the book. In fact "May You Always Find Beauty" made me think about the Hunger Games and the whole "May the odds be in your favour"

My immediate thoughts upon finishing the book were Wow! Absolutely amazing read. I highly recommend reading this one. Please tell me it's book one and there's lots more to come in this series?

My final thoughts on the book are that it was a fantastic read that kept me hooked really wanting to learn more all the way through. This book is a great start to a possibly brilliant series. I can't wait for the next book!! I would be reading it right now if I could.

REVIEW - WOLF HOLLOW - WOLF HOLLOW SERIES BY NIKKI JEFFORD

Title: Wolf Hollow

Series: Wolf Hollow Shifters

Author: Nikki Jefford

Genre: Mystery, Thrillers, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Release Date: 23rd October 2017

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A REBELLIOUS OUTCAST

Cocky. Coy. Wolf shifter. Tabor is the hollow’s only half-breed, scorned and forbidden to use his powers. Constantly overlooked despite his strengths, Tabor believes Sasha is as shortsighted as the rest of the pack until she proves there’s more to her than a blindly obedient lapdog to the council.

A DUTIFUL PUREBLOOD

Spirited, stubborn, and deeply loyal, Sasha feels the pressure from her pack to claim another pureblood, yet no one is brazen enough to defy the elders and toy with her . . . no one besides a sexy, hotheaded half-breed.

AN ATTRACTION THAT THREATENS THE FUTURE OF THE PACK

Bewildered by the deceptively proud and surprisingly sensual Sasha, Tabor would risk everything to claim her. Despite her vanishing bloodline, Sasha can’t resist the charismatic half-breed even as predators threaten their pack and the elders pressure her to breed with a pureblood.

In a fantastical post-apocalyptic world, where only the strongest survive, sometimes trusting the heart is the bravest act of all.

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REVIEW

Nikki Jefford is an author that I have heard of but I hadn't read any of her books and when I saw Wolf Hollow was described as both shifter and post apocalyptic I was intrigued how the genres would mix together. 

The cover is set in a forest, which we later discover is wolf hollow. There is a wolf in the background who is looking towards the male in the foreground. I did wonder how post apocalyptic the book would be as it seems to be showing a very healthy looking green forest so was looking forward to finding out more. The title & author name font stand out well along with the series title at the very bottom of the cover. There is a tagline/recommendation from author Karen Lynch, though I haven't read anything by Karen so it didn't really sway me either way. I think the cover should catch your eye when on a bookstore shelf enough to make me want to pick it up and read the blurb.

The genres I have found listed for this book are mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, dystopia, & post apocalyptic. I agree with most of the genres listed but feel I should point out that though the world has been devastated by an apocalyptic event, in this case a disease there isn't a great deal more post apocalyptic issues within the book. I wouldn't really label it dystopian either, I would say it falls more into the shape-shifter category. Maybe more post apocalyptic elements will work there way in later in the series. In this book the humans are the ones more affected by the post apocalyptic component in the book. 

A disease brought devastation to the world twenty eight years before, meaning there are many empty houses and buildings to be scavenged for useful items for the remaining human survivors and the different shifter survivors. There are two types of shifters in this recovering world, pure-blood shifters who are born and brought up in the wild, and the more urban shifters who are considered half-breeds. The humans that survived the disease have been hardened and are cruel to shifters if they manage to catch them. Making shifter fight shifter and forcing male shifters to mate and create shifter pups for the humans to use for security or to make money from fighting each other.

The Wolf Hollow pack live in the forest and are suffering with reduced numbers. The pack were attacked by a group of vulhena's years ago and their pack numbers have never gotten back to what they were. The Wolf Hollow Pack have a council which is made up of the three surviving elders, Jager, Garrick and Palmer. Also on the council are Garrick's son Raider and the only remaining pure-blood she-wolf Sasha. There's a lot of pressure being put on Sasha to claim a pure-blood wolf and procreate to continue her family's bloodline. However the only pure-blood male Wolfrik disappeared not long after the Vullhena attack that killed their parents saying he would not be told what to do and no one would tell him who to mate with too. Sasha was devastated, and has remained so for three long years. Sasha has continued with life in Wolf Hollow providing security to those that live in the den with their pups and preventing vulhena's attacking. It's during such an attack that Tabor a half breed shifter/wizard finishes off killing a vulhena Sasha had begun fighting. It's then that Sasha truly looks at Tabor thinking perhaps she will never find a pure-blood to mate with and that maybe it's time she look around at the other males available in Wolf Hollow as potential partners. Sasha feels she wants to settle down, but she is a strong willed woman who doesn't appreciate being told who she should or shouldn't choose as a mate. There are quite a lot of pack rules, policies and traditions at play within Wolf Hollow. When the elders reveal they have finally persuaded Hector a pure-blooded male from the Glenn Meadows pack to visit during a moon ceremony Sasha is somewhat annoyed. It becomes more and more apparent that the elders plan to quite literally present Sasha to Hector during the dance in the hope they will claim each other. Sasha has other idea's and removes a necklace she has been given to wear so that Hector will recognise her. Sasha has no intention on mating with Hector now she has her eyes set firmly on someone else. Tabor also is feeling a strange sudden attraction to Sasha ans when the opportunity arises to replace one of the ceremonial dancers and dance with Sasha during the mating ritual he takes it. Just when you think all is well and Sasha and Tabor may have a chance at happiness, Wolfrik returns to Wolf Hollow. Tabor is tricked by one of the cunning elders who wishes to rid the pack of the half shifter/wizard along with another male wolf called Zachary. 

There's such a lot going on in this book with the shifter relationships, the mating and claiming of shifter partners, the pure-blood vs half-breed shifter politics, the vulhena. mad wolf and human problems along with unscrupulous elders and the need to change and modernise the pack to ensure it's future.

I of course loved the kick butt female lead character of Sasha who is as tough as any of the males who provide the security patrols to keep men, mad dog and vulhena situation under control. She is a loyal friend to Wolfrik even though he abandoned her years before she is still there to offer her help and support as a friend. Sasha is also in agreement that the pack needs more democracy and more people on the elder council. Sasha is also prepared to put her life on the line to rescue Tabor when he is being held by humans. You also see a softer side to Sasha when she visits the trees of the ancestors where her parents are buried. I'd have to say she is my favourite character in the book. Though I also like den mother Heidi who isn't scared to stick up for half breed friends when needed, nor unafraid to either put her thoughts for changes within the pack across, or back others such as Sasha that suggest them. Heidi being a den mother also means she has two cute pups, Amy and Eric, who I hope we get more of in the next book too.

Of the male characters I liked Aden, who was Sasha's patrolling partner at the beginning of the book, who seems to accept what the elders have instructed him that as the packs only large tough werewolf he will be expected to not claim a partner or mate as he will always be needed for patrols and security. I hope to see Aden meet a suitable partner later in the series! Tabor is also a favourite, the way he has always been regarded and treat as an outcast. It's no wonder he is quick to believe the lies of Garrick about whats best for the pack. He is a true asset to the pack even if they don't all realise that. I loved the fact when he is given the option of a different life elsewhere he follows his heart.
The main character I loved to hate was Garrick, the elder, father to Raider. In fact Garrick is so bad even his own son, Raider does not speak up on his fathers behalf. I think the new council members will see to it that he doesn't step out of line again. The other character that gets his comeuppance is Zachary. Though I felt a little sorry for him as he was kind of blackmailed into helping Garrick in his attempt to rid the pack of Tabor. Zachary's sentence is one of the harshest that can be handed out to a male shifter. Judging by his apparent immediate infatuation with Tabor's relative arriving near the end of the book I'm thinking maybe he will redeem himself in some way in the coming book series.

I read this book in just two reading sessions, I really didn't want to put it down, it quickly became addictive reading. I will be checking out other books by Nikki Jefford as soon as I get the chance and the Wolf Hollow Series is firmly on my WTR list. This is an 18+ read due to the content, descriptions and certain acts described in the book. It is a little steamy in places but all such scenes etc are within a great plot. I could seriously go on and on about this book, it is crammed with plot and action. There are so many ways this series could take, I am sooo looking forward to reading more.

My immediate thoughts upon finishing this book were . . . When can I read the next one? and What else has Nikki Jefford wrote that I could read whilst I'm waiting for book two in the Wolf Hollow Series?

Book Two in the Wolf Hollow Series, Mating Games is out tomorrow! 

(13th February!).