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Pride #0.5
Howl For It
They hunger for your pleasure. They growl for your touch. And in these sizzling stories by New York Times bestselling author Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden, these sexy wolf shapeshifters are lust at first bite. . .
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
Quiet little Darla Lewis couldn't be happier when the most-feared member of the South's rowdiest pack kidnaps her. A girl gets real tired of being overprotected by her own shifter family, and there's nothing like an oh-so-big bad wolf to start a pack feud, unleash her instincts--and have her surrender however and whenever she wants. . .
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
Gage Ryder knew his human bride had a wild side. But spending their honeymoon night on the run from hunters out to finish him and his pack is sure not the kind of fun he was looking forward to. No problem--Gage will do whatever it takes to lay bare Kayla's secrets and find the truth. If he can keep from being captured by his own seductive game. . .
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
Quiet little Darla Lewis couldn't be happier when the most-feared member of the South's rowdiest pack kidnaps her. A girl gets real tired of being overprotected by her own shifter family, and there's nothing like an oh-so-big bad wolf to start a pack feud, unleash her instincts--and have her surrender however and whenever she wants. . .
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
Gage Ryder knew his human bride had a wild side. But spending their honeymoon night on the run from hunters out to finish him and his pack is sure not the kind of fun he was looking forward to. No problem--Gage will do whatever it takes to lay bare Kayla's secrets and find the truth. If he can keep from being captured by his own seductive game. . .
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Shelly Laurenston
45 books7,716 followersOriginally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A. Aiken's dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 537 reviews
May 25, 2017
*Mild Spoilers*
I am only rating "Like A Wolf With A Bone" because it's the only one I read. OMG did I love this book. What a cute quick read. Funny and sexy! I loved Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith so damn much I don't know what it is, but I have a weakness for the strong silent type. Eggie was hott! Everyone is scared of Eggie, but little Darla Mae! I loved Darla Mae too. She didn't let anyone treat Eggie like a outcast. they were both respectful and supportive of each other. Darla is outgoing and sweet with a touch of sass. Loved their story!!! And OMG the end with their daughter I laughed so hard! Great fast read and I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
I am only rating "Like A Wolf With A Bone" because it's the only one I read. OMG did I love this book. What a cute quick read. Funny and sexy! I loved Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith so damn much I don't know what it is, but I have a weakness for the strong silent type. Eggie was hott! Everyone is scared of Eggie, but little Darla Mae! I loved Darla Mae too. She didn't let anyone treat Eggie like a outcast. they were both respectful and supportive of each other. Darla is outgoing and sweet with a touch of sass. Loved their story!!! And OMG the end with their daughter I laughed so hard! Great fast read and I can't wait to read the other books in this series!
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio...
January 24, 2018
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston:
This was such a cute shifter story! Both main characters were quirky and just had me laughing. It was silly but entertaining. The blurb makes Eggie sound scary and while he was a well trained military man with no social skills, he came off almost shy when he was with Darla. Darla was the fun, outgoing shifter who didn't really have a care in the world and wasn't afraid of anything even when their were human men trying to kill her. She pretty much just inserted herself into Eggie's life and he just followed along with whatever she wanted. Both of their families added some entertainment to the story as well. Very fun read.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden:
This was a more serious read than Shelly's story but equally as entertaining. If you like the Hero's who go after what they want no matter the consequences, you get that in Gage. He's a strong, dominant and protective Alpha of his pack and that extends to his very human mate Kayla. Their courtship was very short and all Gage wanted to do was bind her in marriage as quickly as possible. Probably due to the fact that he was hiding a secret from her, but she was hiding a secret from him as well. This short story was full of action as Gage and Kayla work together to try and survive a rogue shifter posing as a human hunter.
I would give both these stories 5 Stars. I enjoyed both of them in different ways. Shelly Laurenston for the fun entertainment and Cynthia Eden for the Suspenseful entertainment.
This was such a cute shifter story! Both main characters were quirky and just had me laughing. It was silly but entertaining. The blurb makes Eggie sound scary and while he was a well trained military man with no social skills, he came off almost shy when he was with Darla. Darla was the fun, outgoing shifter who didn't really have a care in the world and wasn't afraid of anything even when their were human men trying to kill her. She pretty much just inserted herself into Eggie's life and he just followed along with whatever she wanted. Both of their families added some entertainment to the story as well. Very fun read.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden:
This was a more serious read than Shelly's story but equally as entertaining. If you like the Hero's who go after what they want no matter the consequences, you get that in Gage. He's a strong, dominant and protective Alpha of his pack and that extends to his very human mate Kayla. Their courtship was very short and all Gage wanted to do was bind her in marriage as quickly as possible. Probably due to the fact that he was hiding a secret from her, but she was hiding a secret from him as well. This short story was full of action as Gage and Kayla work together to try and survive a rogue shifter posing as a human hunter.
I would give both these stories 5 Stars. I enjoyed both of them in different ways. Shelly Laurenston for the fun entertainment and Cynthia Eden for the Suspenseful entertainment.
January 16, 2018
4- "Going somewhere..?" Stars!
~~Review for Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden only.~~
I am a huge fan of Eden’s pnr writing so it was a no-brainer to request this little collection. And although Gage and Kayla’s story was quick in its telling it was an extremely enjoyable read.
"It’s too late to run… I’d just follow you."
A shifter marrying a hunter is not what one generally expects seeing as they generally fall on opposite sides of the fence when the chips are down. Kayla has been tasked with getting close to Gage in order to penetrate his pack and take it down, but little does she realize as she walks down the aisle, that Gage knows exactly who she is and what she is after.
A hunter and a wolf didn’t have a shot at forever…
Double crosses, twists and turns, plenty of action of the sexy and non-sexy variety, this was a novella length story that packed a decent punch.
"I’m not letting you go."
I actually think the premise of the hunters and what occurred in this book would have been a great start to a series, I don’t think the author has written any more involving these characters though. But one can hope for the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
~~Review for Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden only.~~
I am a huge fan of Eden’s pnr writing so it was a no-brainer to request this little collection. And although Gage and Kayla’s story was quick in its telling it was an extremely enjoyable read.
"It’s too late to run… I’d just follow you."
A shifter marrying a hunter is not what one generally expects seeing as they generally fall on opposite sides of the fence when the chips are down. Kayla has been tasked with getting close to Gage in order to penetrate his pack and take it down, but little does she realize as she walks down the aisle, that Gage knows exactly who she is and what she is after.
A hunter and a wolf didn’t have a shot at forever…
Double crosses, twists and turns, plenty of action of the sexy and non-sexy variety, this was a novella length story that packed a decent punch.
"I’m not letting you go."
I actually think the premise of the hunters and what occurred in this book would have been a great start to a series, I don’t think the author has written any more involving these characters though. But one can hope for the future.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 2, 2018
Howl For It was two paranormal shifter romances in one book, each novella length. I originally picked up the book because I’m a big fan of Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense novels, but I’d never tried her fantasy books. After reading Wed or Dead, I’m definitely trying more of her paranormal books, because it was fantastic! I’ve never read Shelly Laurenston’s stories, so I was pleasantly surprised by her story! It had me cracking up and it was pretty hot!
3.5 Stars Like a Wolf With a Bone-Shelly Laurenston
Egbert Ray Smith, Eggie for short, is on break from the Marine Corps and back home with his family, the Smith Pack. As usual there’s family drama with his brothers and their mates it seems the Smith boys have married the Lewis sisters and they’re always fighting over something. Waiting outside while they hash things out inside, Eggie spies the youngest sister, Darla Mae outside as well, shaking her head over the drama playing out between the mates inside. Eggie is immediately smitten and follows Darla Mae out into the forest where he witnesses a few male figures hunting her. Apparently, Darla Mae has brought trouble back with her from San Francisco, and Eggie makes it his mission to keep her safe.
As I said, Like a Wolf With a Bone had me cracking up. The antics between the families were funny, just their names alone had me laughing: the Lewis sisters all had Mae as their middle name: Janie Mae, Roberta Mae, Janette Mae and so forth, and all were married/mated to the Smith brothers all with Ray as their middle names: Nicky Ray, Bubba Ray, Frankie Ray. You get the picture. At any rate it was fun seeing the Eggie and Darla Mae get to know each other, falling a little harder with every minute while settling in to his home and town, battling family and danger in the process. Their romance was hot! Definitely want to read more from Ms. Laurenston.
4.5 Stars-Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden
Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense is always a thrill ride and I can now say the same about her paranormal stories. Kayla and Gage are on opposite sides, Kayla is a hunter of all paranormal entities, and Gage is a wolf-shifter, a powerful Alpha of his pack; so, you wouldn’t think they’d be getting married, yet as the story opens that’s exactly what’s playing out.
Oh, the chemistry between Kayla and Gage was sizzling! There’s obviously some mistrust between them when they each had secrets, but there was never a question that these two weren’t meant to be together. Their secrets come out pretty much from the start and they each must deal with betrayals from each of their groups. It was non-stop action, and when there wasn’t danger to deal with Kayla and Gage couldn’t keep their hands off each other! Loved the story and the paranormal world set up, but I’m not sure if this book is part of another series Cynthia Eden writes. I see a potential for more stories here, and I’d like to read more!
A copy was kindly provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars Like a Wolf With a Bone-Shelly Laurenston
Egbert Ray Smith, Eggie for short, is on break from the Marine Corps and back home with his family, the Smith Pack. As usual there’s family drama with his brothers and their mates it seems the Smith boys have married the Lewis sisters and they’re always fighting over something. Waiting outside while they hash things out inside, Eggie spies the youngest sister, Darla Mae outside as well, shaking her head over the drama playing out between the mates inside. Eggie is immediately smitten and follows Darla Mae out into the forest where he witnesses a few male figures hunting her. Apparently, Darla Mae has brought trouble back with her from San Francisco, and Eggie makes it his mission to keep her safe.
As I said, Like a Wolf With a Bone had me cracking up. The antics between the families were funny, just their names alone had me laughing: the Lewis sisters all had Mae as their middle name: Janie Mae, Roberta Mae, Janette Mae and so forth, and all were married/mated to the Smith brothers all with Ray as their middle names: Nicky Ray, Bubba Ray, Frankie Ray. You get the picture. At any rate it was fun seeing the Eggie and Darla Mae get to know each other, falling a little harder with every minute while settling in to his home and town, battling family and danger in the process. Their romance was hot! Definitely want to read more from Ms. Laurenston.
4.5 Stars-Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden
Cynthia Eden’s romantic suspense is always a thrill ride and I can now say the same about her paranormal stories. Kayla and Gage are on opposite sides, Kayla is a hunter of all paranormal entities, and Gage is a wolf-shifter, a powerful Alpha of his pack; so, you wouldn’t think they’d be getting married, yet as the story opens that’s exactly what’s playing out.
Oh, the chemistry between Kayla and Gage was sizzling! There’s obviously some mistrust between them when they each had secrets, but there was never a question that these two weren’t meant to be together. Their secrets come out pretty much from the start and they each must deal with betrayals from each of their groups. It was non-stop action, and when there wasn’t danger to deal with Kayla and Gage couldn’t keep their hands off each other! Loved the story and the paranormal world set up, but I’m not sure if this book is part of another series Cynthia Eden writes. I see a potential for more stories here, and I’d like to read more!
A copy was kindly provided by Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2016
The only thing these two stories have in common are wolf shifters and some suspense (only a bit in the first).
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
I enjoyed it because while keeping most of the tropes (soul mates and such), these two are a bit different. As always, there are obstacles in their way. Not that Darla cares. She ends up with one of the most dangerous wolves ever and she ... pokes him. What I loved is that there is no angst and even though she is not very strong, Darla is hardly a damsel in distress.
Yes, Eggie (what? It's a humorous story) is dangerous. Yes, everyone is afraid of him.
The suspense part of the story is only there to get these two together and I am not a fan of his brothers or her sisters.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This was darker than I expected. They have been together for weeks so no insta-love here. The story starts with their wedding and you soon find out that she is a hunter and he is her assignment.
Then her whole world is turned upside down and she realises that not all is as she has been told.
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
I enjoyed it because while keeping most of the tropes (soul mates and such), these two are a bit different. As always, there are obstacles in their way. Not that Darla cares. She ends up with one of the most dangerous wolves ever and she ... pokes him. What I loved is that there is no angst and even though she is not very strong, Darla is hardly a damsel in distress.
Yes, Eggie (what? It's a humorous story) is dangerous. Yes, everyone is afraid of him.
'No, people didn’t giggle around Eggie. Or laugh. Or breathe too hard. Or make any sudden moves that might be construed as a threat. Nope. Not around Eggie.'People didn't. Darla, on the other hand, did. And even though he wants her from the first moment, it is she who has to do all the chasing. Not that he minds really.
The suspense part of the story is only there to get these two together and I am not a fan of his brothers or her sisters.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This was darker than I expected. They have been together for weeks so no insta-love here. The story starts with their wedding and you soon find out that she is a hunter and he is her assignment.
Then her whole world is turned upside down and she realises that not all is as she has been told.
March 25, 2014
BR with Aly is so frigging bored.
Just Shelly Laurenston's story.
******Like A Wolf With A Bone: 5 Stars******
I'd totally forgotten what this story was about. It was like reading it for the first time and it was awesome!
I admit that whenever I read books about my favorite characters parents I feel kind of awkward. It's like catching your parents "kissing". (I'm a weird person, don't judge.)
But I'm a serious fangirl were Eggie is concerned. I love his brooding, glaring personality. It was nice seeing how sweet he was with Darla and how cute he could be when in love. In the rest of the series we usually just see his ruthless side when it comes to enemies or is protective one when it comes to Dee Ann. Darla was also such a sweetheart.
This is definitely a great start for one of my favorite series!
Here's a quote that had me laughing out loud...
"Arms wide, Darla reached up and hugged their daughter. She favored her mother in the face, but she has Eggie's eyes. Whether wolf or human, her eyes were cold and yellow and deadly. Sometimes, when she'd come to visit, the teo of them would go to the mall, get a couple of chocolate shakes, sit around, and just stare at people. Taking bets on who they could get to piss their pants with nothing more than a look. It was something they'd been doing since his little girl was about five or so. It was also something they never told her momma about."
Just Shelly Laurenston's story.
******Like A Wolf With A Bone: 5 Stars******
I'd totally forgotten what this story was about. It was like reading it for the first time and it was awesome!
I admit that whenever I read books about my favorite characters parents I feel kind of awkward. It's like catching your parents "kissing". (I'm a weird person, don't judge.)
But I'm a serious fangirl were Eggie is concerned. I love his brooding, glaring personality. It was nice seeing how sweet he was with Darla and how cute he could be when in love. In the rest of the series we usually just see his ruthless side when it comes to enemies or is protective one when it comes to Dee Ann. Darla was also such a sweetheart.
This is definitely a great start for one of my favorite series!
Here's a quote that had me laughing out loud...
"Arms wide, Darla reached up and hugged their daughter. She favored her mother in the face, but she has Eggie's eyes. Whether wolf or human, her eyes were cold and yellow and deadly. Sometimes, when she'd come to visit, the teo of them would go to the mall, get a couple of chocolate shakes, sit around, and just stare at people. Taking bets on who they could get to piss their pants with nothing more than a look. It was something they'd been doing since his little girl was about five or so. It was also something they never told her momma about."
September 10, 2012
'Like a Wolf With a Bone' by Shelly Laurenston
4 stars
Laurenston often uses the novella format to give us back stories of characters in her series from previous generations. In this one we get the story of hillbillie she-wolf killing machine Dee-Ann's parents - Eggie and Darla.
More wolf than man, we know from 'Big Bad Beast' that Eggie Ray Smith's favorite saying is "time to start the killin'" - and he often invokes it when forced to spend time with his crazy kin. So how then did a lethal military operative end up with sweet-as-pie Darla Mae Lewis? This is their sweet story and I really liked it. We got to see a whole new side of Eggie, and find out he may be scary, dangerous and feared by all who know him and of him, but he's really a protector at heart and gentle Darla is his perfect mate.
'Wed or Dead' by Cynthia Eden
3 stars
Not as good as Laurenston's story IMO, but still entertaining and definitely hot (as one would expect from Eden). In this one, a werewolf has to convince his new wife (who turns out to be hunting his kind) that supernaturals aren't all bad. It started it out interesting, but lost some momentum halfway through and I ended up skimming through the rest of the story....
4 stars
Laurenston often uses the novella format to give us back stories of characters in her series from previous generations. In this one we get the story of hillbillie she-wolf killing machine Dee-Ann's parents - Eggie and Darla.
More wolf than man, we know from 'Big Bad Beast' that Eggie Ray Smith's favorite saying is "time to start the killin'" - and he often invokes it when forced to spend time with his crazy kin. So how then did a lethal military operative end up with sweet-as-pie Darla Mae Lewis? This is their sweet story and I really liked it. We got to see a whole new side of Eggie, and find out he may be scary, dangerous and feared by all who know him and of him, but he's really a protector at heart and gentle Darla is his perfect mate.
'Wed or Dead' by Cynthia Eden
3 stars
Not as good as Laurenston's story IMO, but still entertaining and definitely hot (as one would expect from Eden). In this one, a werewolf has to convince his new wife (who turns out to be hunting his kind) that supernaturals aren't all bad. It started it out interesting, but lost some momentum halfway through and I ended up skimming through the rest of the story....
August 31, 2012
4 stars: "Like A Wolf With A Bone" by Shelly Laurenston
Loved Eggie Ray Smith's story. It was sweet while also really funny. A departure from the other books in the series, this story is set back in the 1970s when Eggie was first getting together with Darla Mae. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Sissy Mae's parents and the other aunts and uncles--who we know from the earlier books in the series. Eggie has such an infamous reputation in the earlier books--crazy, tough killer--it was really neat to finally read his story. This story is best read after reading the earlier books in the series. I don't think you'd love this story as much, unless you've read them first.
3.5 stars: "Wed Or Dead" by Cynthia Eden
This was a good novella but I would have liked more development of the H/h's relationship as well as their characters. The story overall was a good, high action tale.
Loved Eggie Ray Smith's story. It was sweet while also really funny. A departure from the other books in the series, this story is set back in the 1970s when Eggie was first getting together with Darla Mae. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Sissy Mae's parents and the other aunts and uncles--who we know from the earlier books in the series. Eggie has such an infamous reputation in the earlier books--crazy, tough killer--it was really neat to finally read his story. This story is best read after reading the earlier books in the series. I don't think you'd love this story as much, unless you've read them first.
3.5 stars: "Wed Or Dead" by Cynthia Eden
This was a good novella but I would have liked more development of the H/h's relationship as well as their characters. The story overall was a good, high action tale.
November 26, 2014
I think I'm just going to write one review for every single book in this series. It will work because it's essentially the same book written nine different ways.
When I read the prequel to this series, Howl For It, I thought to myself, Well, this could be interesting. I really liked reading about Darla and Eggie. The backwoods redneck theme made me a bit leery, but Laurenston wrote the characters with such unapologetic frankness that I found myself liking even the loudest, brashest southerners in the mix. Which is saying something because I can't really stand that kind of thing in real life. Laurenston has a way with characters and dialogue, and there's a wit in these stories that's sadly missing from a lot of modern romances. Her pacing is good, her sex scenes are enjoyable, not over-the-top or full of purple prose, but also not so dirty they'd throw some readers off. They're a sort of middle ground, I suppose. Which can be good or bad, depending on your taste. I personally can handle far raunchier sex scenes, but I don't need them, and I think the level of sensuality in these books is fitting to the sense of the stories overall. The characters are likable and irritating all at the same time, and that creates a tension while reading that's surprisingly enjoyable. You find yourself unable to put the book down, but not just because you love it. There's a desire to see what idiot things the characters will do next. A lot of them are the kind of people we love to hate and hate to love.
As an author, Laurenston is capable of crafting characters with charisma. You may not like them, you may disapprove of their life choices, but damn it, you find them intriguing.
The only negative thing I have to say about these books is that they're just too damn similar. In every book, the heroine is reluctant and bitchy, slightly hysterical and irrational, and the men are the ones who have to convince them they're fated to be together. I don't mind that in a story, but after nine full installments and two novellas, that formula got to be a little annoying.
When I read the prequel to this series, Howl For It, I thought to myself, Well, this could be interesting. I really liked reading about Darla and Eggie. The backwoods redneck theme made me a bit leery, but Laurenston wrote the characters with such unapologetic frankness that I found myself liking even the loudest, brashest southerners in the mix. Which is saying something because I can't really stand that kind of thing in real life. Laurenston has a way with characters and dialogue, and there's a wit in these stories that's sadly missing from a lot of modern romances. Her pacing is good, her sex scenes are enjoyable, not over-the-top or full of purple prose, but also not so dirty they'd throw some readers off. They're a sort of middle ground, I suppose. Which can be good or bad, depending on your taste. I personally can handle far raunchier sex scenes, but I don't need them, and I think the level of sensuality in these books is fitting to the sense of the stories overall. The characters are likable and irritating all at the same time, and that creates a tension while reading that's surprisingly enjoyable. You find yourself unable to put the book down, but not just because you love it. There's a desire to see what idiot things the characters will do next. A lot of them are the kind of people we love to hate and hate to love.
As an author, Laurenston is capable of crafting characters with charisma. You may not like them, you may disapprove of their life choices, but damn it, you find them intriguing.
The only negative thing I have to say about these books is that they're just too damn similar. In every book, the heroine is reluctant and bitchy, slightly hysterical and irrational, and the men are the ones who have to convince them they're fated to be together. I don't mind that in a story, but after nine full installments and two novellas, that formula got to be a little annoying.
January 26, 2018
"Like A Wolf With A Bone" by Shelly Laurenston - 5 star read.
Fun, flirty and fabulous insight into the elusive "Eggie" Smith and his journey to find his true love.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Edens 3 stars
The story was interesting with some really strong highs and lows. I felt some of the choices were completely over the top interrupting the story's flow.
I received this ARC copy of Howl For It from Kensington Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Howl For It is set for publication Jan. 30, 2018.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Brava; Original edition
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
ISBN-10: 0758273444
ISBN-13: 978-0758273444
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Howl-Shelly-La...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/howl...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Fun, flirty and fabulous insight into the elusive "Eggie" Smith and his journey to find his true love.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Edens 3 stars
The story was interesting with some really strong highs and lows. I felt some of the choices were completely over the top interrupting the story's flow.
I received this ARC copy of Howl For It from Kensington Books. This is my honest and voluntary review. Howl For It is set for publication Jan. 30, 2018.
My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Brava; Original edition
Publication Date: August 28, 2012
ISBN-10: 0758273444
ISBN-13: 978-0758273444
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Howl-Shelly-La...
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/howl...
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
September 30, 2012
Shelly Laurenston - Wolf With a Bone
Read
January 5, 2018DNF at 25%. Couldn't get into the story whatsoever. Calling Darla "she-wolf" over and over creeped me out, for some reason. And it's a historical set in the 70s? Pass.
June 23, 2015
2.5-3 Stars
Two books, Two "mehs."
Two books, Two "mehs."
May 31, 2020
Ugh. DNF 43%. Just totally BORING.
May 6, 2019
2.5* mostly for book 2
Like a wolf with a bone
This was just a hot hillbilly mess, with an H who goes by the name of Eggie I'm not sure why I expected better. Darla was a miss goody 2 shoes virgin who could still brawl with the best of them. This actually reminded me of the dragons series where the humor started off as funny and quickly grew annoying. Lots of secondary characters as her sisters are hooked up with his hillbilly brothers and his badass Alpha eye patch wearing momma makes an appearance too. I endured that's the best way to describe this reading experience
Wed or Dead
A tale of an Alpha wolf shifter and the Hunter who was ordered to get close to him. h and her brother were attached by wolves and her parents murdered so she was 100% committed to her cause. When it turned out her boss was the bad guy she was still a little too hesitant for a novella. H was fully committed to her. Alright action and plot just too much pushing away in so few pages. I've read this author before and will continue to try her books however.
Both books were safe reads
Like a wolf with a bone
This was just a hot hillbilly mess, with an H who goes by the name of Eggie I'm not sure why I expected better. Darla was a miss goody 2 shoes virgin who could still brawl with the best of them. This actually reminded me of the dragons series where the humor started off as funny and quickly grew annoying. Lots of secondary characters as her sisters are hooked up with his hillbilly brothers and his badass Alpha eye patch wearing momma makes an appearance too. I endured that's the best way to describe this reading experience
Wed or Dead
A tale of an Alpha wolf shifter and the Hunter who was ordered to get close to him. h and her brother were attached by wolves and her parents murdered so she was 100% committed to her cause. When it turned out her boss was the bad guy she was still a little too hesitant for a novella. H was fully committed to her. Alright action and plot just too much pushing away in so few pages. I've read this author before and will continue to try her books however.
Both books were safe reads
January 24, 2018
If you love shapeshifter romance then I'm pretty sure that you've already heard of these two authors. This time it's all about the Wolves though and even though there's suspense within these two stories for this reader it's all about the romance!
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
January 15, 2018
If you love shapeshifter romance then I'm pretty sure that you've already heard of these two authors. This time it's all about the Wolves though and even though there's suspense within these two stories for this reader it's all about the romance!
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Like A Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston
As you would expect from this author it's an hilarious look at the dynamics within her Pack world. The uber scary Eggie is reluctantly on leave when he comes to the rescue of Darla Mae. I honestly didn't mind that the plot surrounding Darla Mae felt weak as I found immense joy in the burgeoning relationship between Eggie and Darla Mae. Plus their families are just so crazy that you never know what they will do next but with Eggie growling and Darla Mae strutting her stuff this story certainly entertained me.
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
This felt very passionate right from the start with an undercover Hunter marrying the Alpha Wolf ! Yep it's a conundrum right from the start but it's pretty obvious that Gage knows what he wants , so will he put his Pack first or his new wife Kayla? Supporting characters didn't really work for this reader but the overall idea funnily enough did with betrayals, lies and a very hot Wolf !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
February 23, 2014
3.5 - 4 HOWLING STARS
Like A Wolf With A Bone ~ If you want to know the back history of the Smith pack, then this is your story. How the Smith boys began their relationships and mated with the Lewis girls, specifically Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith and Darla Mae Lewis. They will end up being the parents to Dee-Ann Smith from Big Bad Beast, Pride #6 . It was hilarious and sweet. One of my favorite parts of the book when Darla was asked if she was a polygamist instead of a pacifist.
Wed Or Dead ~ This was intense. I wish it had been a bit longer just to get more of the backstory. But I really liked it. The hotness starts from almost the very beginning. Just after Gage and Kayla's wedding. They are both hiding secrets that could destroy them. Once they decide to work together, they may just help change the future.
I liked both. I wanted more of Gage and Kayla and it was fun to see how some of the patriarchs in the Smith Family got together and why their offspring are so crazy. I rarely give intro storylines more than a 4, which why it's straddling a bit.
Like A Wolf With A Bone ~ If you want to know the back history of the Smith pack, then this is your story. How the Smith boys began their relationships and mated with the Lewis girls, specifically Egbert "Eggie" Ray Smith and Darla Mae Lewis. They will end up being the parents to Dee-Ann Smith from Big Bad Beast, Pride #6 . It was hilarious and sweet. One of my favorite parts of the book when Darla was asked if she was a polygamist instead of a pacifist.
Wed Or Dead ~ This was intense. I wish it had been a bit longer just to get more of the backstory. But I really liked it. The hotness starts from almost the very beginning. Just after Gage and Kayla's wedding. They are both hiding secrets that could destroy them. Once they decide to work together, they may just help change the future.
I liked both. I wanted more of Gage and Kayla and it was fun to see how some of the patriarchs in the Smith Family got together and why their offspring are so crazy. I rarely give intro storylines more than a 4, which why it's straddling a bit.
February 3, 2018
LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE
Shelly Laurenston
It was interesting at first but I just couldn't get behind a character as goody goody as the h, Darla. She was just too sweet, too peppy and of course she's also bossy, opinionated and sassy (-_-) but somehow ended up being rather boring for me.
Then there was the H, Egbert Ray Smith (who goes by Eggie!) and it all kind of went down hill from there. No matter how alpha and dangerous we're told he is, with a name like Eggie, I just couldn't take him seriously.
On top of that there were a lot of side characters that made vague appearances throughout the story that derailed the focus off the main couple and the whole story takes place in 1974 with an epilogue 30 years later that just felt off for me.
Would I recommend? Its a prequel to a new series (?) so maybe hold out for the first book. I don't think you're missing much here.
SAFETY INFO:
WED OR DEAD
Cynthia Eden
A mate bond between a shifter and an assassin? Yeah, to say it's complicated would be an understatement. Kayla and Gage have good chemistry and I liked the action and conspiracy that surrounded the h. She was strong and pretty kick ass. Until they introduce the cheesey villain and her annoying brother. Blood is thicker than water so I get why she acted the way she did when it came to her brother, but the villain! She frustrated me with her second guessing of the H and throw him over so easily for her brother. And vise versa, the way her brother so easily threw her over for the villain.
Gage was a good H but there just wasn't enough page time with him to really get a feel for him. Liked that he was 100% committed to Kayla right from the start (even before they find out their truly mates) but it felt too rushed. The smexy times were hot and creative *wiggles eyebrows* It's worth a read for that alone, Lol!
Would I recommend? Yes, this has the setup for the next in the series and a lot of backstory for the evil group hunting down shifters and especially about the main baddie.
SAFETY INFO:
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shelly Laurenston
It was interesting at first but I just couldn't get behind a character as goody goody as the h, Darla. She was just too sweet, too peppy and of course she's also bossy, opinionated and sassy (-_-) but somehow ended up being rather boring for me.
Then there was the H, Egbert Ray Smith (who goes by Eggie!) and it all kind of went down hill from there. No matter how alpha and dangerous we're told he is, with a name like Eggie, I just couldn't take him seriously.
On top of that there were a lot of side characters that made vague appearances throughout the story that derailed the focus off the main couple and the whole story takes place in 1974 with an epilogue 30 years later that just felt off for me.
Would I recommend? Its a prequel to a new series (?) so maybe hold out for the first book. I don't think you're missing much here.
SAFETY INFO:
WED OR DEAD
Cynthia Eden
A mate bond between a shifter and an assassin? Yeah, to say it's complicated would be an understatement. Kayla and Gage have good chemistry and I liked the action and conspiracy that surrounded the h. She was strong and pretty kick ass. Until they introduce the cheesey villain and her annoying brother. Blood is thicker than water so I get why she acted the way she did when it came to her brother, but the villain! She frustrated me with her second guessing of the H and throw him over so easily for her brother. And vise versa, the way her brother so easily threw her over for the villain.
Gage was a good H but there just wasn't enough page time with him to really get a feel for him. Liked that he was 100% committed to Kayla right from the start (even before they find out their truly mates) but it felt too rushed. The smexy times were hot and creative *wiggles eyebrows* It's worth a read for that alone, Lol!
Would I recommend? Yes, this has the setup for the next in the series and a lot of backstory for the evil group hunting down shifters and especially about the main baddie.
SAFETY INFO:
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2012
Just read Shelly's Like a Wolf With a Bone may come back and read Cynthia's story later.
This is the story of Dee-Ann Smith's parents, Eggie Ray Smith & Darla Mae Lewis. We've seen a bit of Eggie over previous books and he is still the scariest Smith wolf ever born. He is a stone cold killer, even if it is for the military.
Even his family, except his mother, is afraid of him. Until Darla. Darla is about to be attacked by humans in a shifter community when Eggie takes a hand, and a throat and various other body parts. Darla is injured by accident and Eggie, who is sick of hearing his brothers and her sisters arguing decides to leave and take Darla with him so he can get her medical assistance. Doesn't hurt that he thinks she is gorgeous.
Darla is the youngest Lewis girl and everyone is too protective, she is a wolf after all. The Lewis girls are known for their baking and their love of driving fast cars, which both play a part in the story.
Really enjoyed this instalment ;)
This is the story of Dee-Ann Smith's parents, Eggie Ray Smith & Darla Mae Lewis. We've seen a bit of Eggie over previous books and he is still the scariest Smith wolf ever born. He is a stone cold killer, even if it is for the military.
Even his family, except his mother, is afraid of him. Until Darla. Darla is about to be attacked by humans in a shifter community when Eggie takes a hand, and a throat and various other body parts. Darla is injured by accident and Eggie, who is sick of hearing his brothers and her sisters arguing decides to leave and take Darla with him so he can get her medical assistance. Doesn't hurt that he thinks she is gorgeous.
Darla is the youngest Lewis girl and everyone is too protective, she is a wolf after all. The Lewis girls are known for their baking and their love of driving fast cars, which both play a part in the story.
Really enjoyed this instalment ;)
February 25, 2019
Loved loved loved Shelley Laurenston's 'Howl for It'. I'd forgotten how funny this series is. A light read that filled in some back story of current characters. Nothing like reading how bad and mad a character's parents were back in the day! (or in this series case - still in this day)
August 30, 2012
And to get another thing out of my system...
EEEEEEEGGGGGGGGGIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Ok now I feel better.... huge breath...
This is yet another entry in the pairing of short stories/novellas from Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden. I have to be honest I get these for the Laurenston stories but I am happy to say that due to these I did discover Cynthia Eden and have enjoyed other works by her outside of these.
Like a Wolf with a Bone - Shelly Laurenston - 5 stars:
Laurenston takes us back in the history of her Pride series and gives us the story of Dee's parents... Darla and Eggie.
Darla Lewis is on "vacation" from her job as an assistant pastry chef for a Van Holtz restaurant in San Francisco. She has been sort of forced to come home to rest and relax although with her family and the Smith boys who are their mates there is no way she is really resting. She's an interesting soul in that she is a feminist, a pacifist and definitely a She-wolf. You see how she gets sort of lost with her more vocal and outgoing sisters but you also get to see the strong backbone she has. She is willing to stick up for what she believes in even if as a wolf she shouldn't really care about the full-humans or other such nonsense. She is attacked and Eggie comes to save the day. Unlike others she feels incredibly safe around the wolf that most run away from or at least back away very slowly and pray that he doesn't feel like pursuing them.
Eggie... *sigh* ... *wipes drool off chin*... he's such a misunderstood wolf. Sure he's scary.... yes he kills with no real outward emotion... yes he isn't a talker... a bit of an odd one... a loner... but dear gawd is he such a sweeite under the surface. Noone has ever seen him the way Darla does and he quickly discovers that this is HIS She-wolf and he will protect her as long as he has a breath in his body. He doesn't say much but his actions say what he can't. He can't believe she trusts him and is surprised he has found his mate. I don't think he ever thought that day would happen and watching this incredible man work out how much he loves her was aaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww worthy many times. His declaration of love has to be one of my favorite moments in this series and I am glad Laurenston was able to give this to us.
I have to say I want her to go back and also give us Bubba Ray and Janie Mae cause the glimpses we got in this have me wanting more more more.
Please go grab this work as it will make you look at Eggie in a different light than the killing machine everyone else sees him to be. Darla is one hell of a lucky woman.
Wed or Dead - Cynthia Eden - 4.5 stars:
Quick read about a hunter and a werewolf. Neither is completely what the other expected but is exactly what they each needed.
Kayla lost all her family but her brother in a violent werewolf attack and she has the scars (mentally and physically) to prove it. She takes an assignment from her boss to get close to a local Alpha by any means necessary so she can kill him. We start this at the Vegas wedding ceremony and find that she is attracted to him but feels in the back of her mind she still has to kill the monster. We see her work thru a few issues in this quick read to end up paired with an incredible man/beast that makes her see every species has monsters not just the werewolves/
Gage is Alpha to the core. He is not a monster but is a fair leader and will kill only if it is needed to protect the innocent or his Pack. He knows that she is a Hunter but also knows she is his. She is the mate he has always wanted strong... sexy and powerful in her own ways. They have a great honeymoon night together but understandably he is a little pissed when she tries to go thru with her original missions. She doesn't really put much effort in to it as she does feel that incredible connection as well.
This story has some nice sexy times but a lot of it is focused on the insane leader of the hunters and not truly on the main pair. I loved seeing Gage cause I mean he is one sexy beast but we just didn't get enough relationship building and that sort of disappointed me. I still loved it though so give it a chance.
EEEEEEEGGGGGGGGGIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Ok now I feel better.... huge breath...
This is yet another entry in the pairing of short stories/novellas from Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden. I have to be honest I get these for the Laurenston stories but I am happy to say that due to these I did discover Cynthia Eden and have enjoyed other works by her outside of these.
Like a Wolf with a Bone - Shelly Laurenston - 5 stars:
Laurenston takes us back in the history of her Pride series and gives us the story of Dee's parents... Darla and Eggie.
Darla Lewis is on "vacation" from her job as an assistant pastry chef for a Van Holtz restaurant in San Francisco. She has been sort of forced to come home to rest and relax although with her family and the Smith boys who are their mates there is no way she is really resting. She's an interesting soul in that she is a feminist, a pacifist and definitely a She-wolf. You see how she gets sort of lost with her more vocal and outgoing sisters but you also get to see the strong backbone she has. She is willing to stick up for what she believes in even if as a wolf she shouldn't really care about the full-humans or other such nonsense. She is attacked and Eggie comes to save the day. Unlike others she feels incredibly safe around the wolf that most run away from or at least back away very slowly and pray that he doesn't feel like pursuing them.
Eggie... *sigh* ... *wipes drool off chin*... he's such a misunderstood wolf. Sure he's scary.... yes he kills with no real outward emotion... yes he isn't a talker... a bit of an odd one... a loner... but dear gawd is he such a sweeite under the surface. Noone has ever seen him the way Darla does and he quickly discovers that this is HIS She-wolf and he will protect her as long as he has a breath in his body. He doesn't say much but his actions say what he can't. He can't believe she trusts him and is surprised he has found his mate. I don't think he ever thought that day would happen and watching this incredible man work out how much he loves her was aaaaawwwwwwwwwwwww worthy many times. His declaration of love has to be one of my favorite moments in this series and I am glad Laurenston was able to give this to us.
I have to say I want her to go back and also give us Bubba Ray and Janie Mae cause the glimpses we got in this have me wanting more more more.
Please go grab this work as it will make you look at Eggie in a different light than the killing machine everyone else sees him to be. Darla is one hell of a lucky woman.
Wed or Dead - Cynthia Eden - 4.5 stars:
Quick read about a hunter and a werewolf. Neither is completely what the other expected but is exactly what they each needed.
Kayla lost all her family but her brother in a violent werewolf attack and she has the scars (mentally and physically) to prove it. She takes an assignment from her boss to get close to a local Alpha by any means necessary so she can kill him. We start this at the Vegas wedding ceremony and find that she is attracted to him but feels in the back of her mind she still has to kill the monster. We see her work thru a few issues in this quick read to end up paired with an incredible man/beast that makes her see every species has monsters not just the werewolves/
Gage is Alpha to the core. He is not a monster but is a fair leader and will kill only if it is needed to protect the innocent or his Pack. He knows that she is a Hunter but also knows she is his. She is the mate he has always wanted strong... sexy and powerful in her own ways. They have a great honeymoon night together but understandably he is a little pissed when she tries to go thru with her original missions. She doesn't really put much effort in to it as she does feel that incredible connection as well.
This story has some nice sexy times but a lot of it is focused on the insane leader of the hunters and not truly on the main pair. I loved seeing Gage cause I mean he is one sexy beast but we just didn't get enough relationship building and that sort of disappointed me. I still loved it though so give it a chance.
February 7, 2018
LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE by Shelly Laurenston 4 stars
I’m a fan of Ms. Laurenston’s Pride series, so getting to see Eggie and Darla’s romance, which is a prequel of sorts to the Pride romances, was great. Alot of familiar characters, but I do think you could read this without reading the other books. It is filled with Ms. Laurenston’s trademark humor, romance and action. These are predators at their core, and I loved that hard edge mixed with the wicked smart humor. If you’re a longtime fan, getting to see the earlier generation of Smiths is worth the price of this book alone.
WED OR DEAD by Cynthia Eden 3.5 stars
Gage and Kayla’s romance was different. There’s an interesting amount of story to tell within the framework of a novella, and for the most part, I think Ms. Eden is successful. I did enjoy the action and the chemistry between Gage and Kayla is good. I do think it was pushing things to have sex at certain times, considering the danger, but while it stretched the bounds of believability, I still enjoyed myself.
I enjoyed this. It’s a two-fer that I can get behind. I can always recommend Ms. Laurenston and while I wasn’t that familiar with Ms. Eden, I enjoyed her story and I wouldn’t mind reading more from her. I would recommend this book to those who love their shifter romances.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
For more reviews, visit
July 24, 2020
5 Stars: Loved "Like A Wolf With A Bone" by Shelly Laurenston. It was great to read about Eggie Ray Smith and Darla Mae Lewis. They make a great couple, I enjoyed the history, and getting a glimpses into the aunts and uncles of the Smith Pack.
3 Stars: "Wed Or Dead" by Cynthia Eden was ok. I would have liked more development in the relationship between the two lead characters. Lots of action. Over all it was good.
3 Stars: "Wed Or Dead" by Cynthia Eden was ok. I would have liked more development in the relationship between the two lead characters. Lots of action. Over all it was good.
March 25, 2014
1st read: 27th November
Only for Shelly Laurenston's novella.
Buddy read with Maru
2ND read: 25th- March
Buddy read with Jo
Only for Shelly Laurenston's novella.
Buddy read with Maru
2ND read: 25th- March
Buddy read with Jo
April 17, 2015
Only read "Like a Wolf with a Bone." Loved Eggie & Darla.
December 26, 2017
When I seen this on netgalley I knew I had to re read this!. It's been 3 years and I must admit I forgot how much I loved Shelly Laurenston's style of writing.
Like A Wolf With A Bone -
Eggie Ray and Darla May are just the cutest ever. His big tough brooding personality to her sweet rosey and a little fiesty one complemented Eachother perfectly. Total opposites in everyway yet they just worked. I love how unsure of the whole situation Eggie Ray was and how little Darla May sorta just took charge! She tickled me to no end with her fiesty little snits. I love how she defended his virtue against others including her family. Eggie Ray melted me with how gentle her was with her! For a deadly creature he was for sure as sweet as pie to her. I devoured this sweet little love story in a few short hours with no breaks. It's seemlessly written jam packed with all kinds of sweet, sexy and alot of funny. I have no complaints.. it was a pleasure to read again.
Cynthia Eden- Wed or Dead.
This ones a new read for me. I must admit I enjoyed it and it's one of my favs from this author despite it being a short read it was brilliant.
Kayla and Gage's book is all gogogo from the first page!. A gunshot wedding after a brief courtship probably wasn't the best idea for two people who've got skeletons sky high in their closets. Lies and deceit isn't the best way to start a marriage but it clearly worked out for these pair. I loved that I'm thrown straight into action without time to prepare, It made me pay attention to what's going on and sucked me in from the start. Although they're both very dominant personalities they didn't clash as much as I'd expected ... they didn't have an easy road to happiness. They had to let go of demons that they've lived with a long time and trust in Eachother. Super fast paced with action, humour and some hot romance it has a little of everything jam packed into this little story.
It's my first read since being neck deep in Christmas prep and birthday parties so it was a needed escape from reality that ticked all the boxes.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like A Wolf With A Bone -
Eggie Ray and Darla May are just the cutest ever. His big tough brooding personality to her sweet rosey and a little fiesty one complemented Eachother perfectly. Total opposites in everyway yet they just worked. I love how unsure of the whole situation Eggie Ray was and how little Darla May sorta just took charge! She tickled me to no end with her fiesty little snits. I love how she defended his virtue against others including her family. Eggie Ray melted me with how gentle her was with her! For a deadly creature he was for sure as sweet as pie to her. I devoured this sweet little love story in a few short hours with no breaks. It's seemlessly written jam packed with all kinds of sweet, sexy and alot of funny. I have no complaints.. it was a pleasure to read again.
Cynthia Eden- Wed or Dead.
This ones a new read for me. I must admit I enjoyed it and it's one of my favs from this author despite it being a short read it was brilliant.
Kayla and Gage's book is all gogogo from the first page!. A gunshot wedding after a brief courtship probably wasn't the best idea for two people who've got skeletons sky high in their closets. Lies and deceit isn't the best way to start a marriage but it clearly worked out for these pair. I loved that I'm thrown straight into action without time to prepare, It made me pay attention to what's going on and sucked me in from the start. Although they're both very dominant personalities they didn't clash as much as I'd expected ... they didn't have an easy road to happiness. They had to let go of demons that they've lived with a long time and trust in Eachother. Super fast paced with action, humour and some hot romance it has a little of everything jam packed into this little story.
It's my first read since being neck deep in Christmas prep and birthday parties so it was a needed escape from reality that ticked all the boxes.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2018
3 stars
I liked this books.
But, my favourite was "Like a Wolf with a Bone" by Shelly Laurenston.
The characters were well written and the story-lines were good.
These author's are talented paranormal romance writers.
Good stories.
I liked this books.
But, my favourite was "Like a Wolf with a Bone" by Shelly Laurenston.
The characters were well written and the story-lines were good.
These author's are talented paranormal romance writers.
Good stories.
August 24, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Like a Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston:
This is the story of how Dee-Ann Smith’s parents, Eggie and Darla Mae, met. Eggie is a killer. Stone-cold, he does the jobs that no one else will, he does it well, and he doesn’t think twice. Darla is a pacifist. Great combo! Everyone is trying to protect Darla from Eggie, but when she unknowingly witnesses a murder, humans are after her and Eggie wants to be the one who protects her.
As with any Shifters series story, the banter and dialogue is random and hilarious, the family fights constantly, and the only calm in center of it all is sweet Darla. She knows right away that Eggie isn’t the mean, heartless man everyone makes him out to be. She senses the good in him and knows from the start that he’s the one for her. The best part of the stories in this series is the insanity. These characters will say anything, do anything and it makes me laugh. With this story, set in the 70s, there are random references to Columbo and Charles Manson (Darla was only with the cult for an hour!)
She walked bank to the counter, faced him, and said, “I love you, Eggie Ray.”
Eggie nodded and waited for more – because there was always more when it came to Darla Mae and that’s where he was expecting that damn hammer – but after nearly a minute she shrugged and said, “That’s it. I love you. I’ll always love you.”
Darla looked off and suddenly added, “And I like pie.”
I have to admit, when I started the story, I couldn’t remember how Eggie and Darla Mae fit into the series and who we had already met in a previous book that was directly related, until the epilogue came and jumped thirty years into the future with a visit from their daughter Dee-Ann and Ulrich Van Holtz. Learning more about Eggie makes me understand Dee-Ann so much better and where she gets her “personality” from. She’s daddy’s girl, and after getting a better understanding of Eggie and Darla Mae, they have that sweet kind of crazy that I love reading about. (162 pgs) 4/5 stars
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden:
Wow, the start of this one reeled me in quick. Gage and Kayla are walking down the aisle. For Kayla, it’s a mission, get close to the target (her soon to be husband) so she can take him out. Only problem with that is, over the past two months that she’s gotten close to him, she’s started having true feelings for him and she hesitates in her mission. She’s a hunter, she takes out the shifters that are killers. Gage is a pack alpha and he’s known all along who Kayla is and suspects that there’s more to her than meets the eye. It all comes out after their wedding night (one sexy wedding night) after Gage claims her as his, Kayla’s team breaks in and she takes off with Gage, proving where her new loyalty lies. The only problem is, her brother is still among the hunters and she can’t abandon him. This leads to not only Gage’s capture, but hers as well.
Gage and Kayla are now fighting against the leader of the hunters, a man that Kayla trusted for years, believing him to be her rescuer and not the monster he really is. I was completely into this world and these characters – the first part is really engaging and fast paced. And then Kayla makes a really stupid choice. I groaned out loud because I hated seeing her do this. Even knowing the man she thought was their leader and fighting for the good side was truly a monster, she chooses to stay within his reach because of her brother, knowing that she’ll just be locked back up after she and Gage had managed to escape. It just seemed like such a stupid thing for her to do and it made me think of her differently after that, not in a good way.
The action is intense until the very end, and kept the story moving along at a great clip. Overall, I enjoyed the relationship between Gage and Kayla. I’m a sucker for the whole “mate – claiming – alpha” set up and Gage is as alpha as they come. Aside from the few moments with Kayla that had me annoyed with her choices, I liked this world and the action packed story surrounding the fight between the human hunters and the wolf shifters. (150 pgs) 4/5 stars
Like a Wolf With a Bone by Shelly Laurenston:
This is the story of how Dee-Ann Smith’s parents, Eggie and Darla Mae, met. Eggie is a killer. Stone-cold, he does the jobs that no one else will, he does it well, and he doesn’t think twice. Darla is a pacifist. Great combo! Everyone is trying to protect Darla from Eggie, but when she unknowingly witnesses a murder, humans are after her and Eggie wants to be the one who protects her.
As with any Shifters series story, the banter and dialogue is random and hilarious, the family fights constantly, and the only calm in center of it all is sweet Darla. She knows right away that Eggie isn’t the mean, heartless man everyone makes him out to be. She senses the good in him and knows from the start that he’s the one for her. The best part of the stories in this series is the insanity. These characters will say anything, do anything and it makes me laugh. With this story, set in the 70s, there are random references to Columbo and Charles Manson (Darla was only with the cult for an hour!)
She walked bank to the counter, faced him, and said, “I love you, Eggie Ray.”
Eggie nodded and waited for more – because there was always more when it came to Darla Mae and that’s where he was expecting that damn hammer – but after nearly a minute she shrugged and said, “That’s it. I love you. I’ll always love you.”
Darla looked off and suddenly added, “And I like pie.”
I have to admit, when I started the story, I couldn’t remember how Eggie and Darla Mae fit into the series and who we had already met in a previous book that was directly related, until the epilogue came and jumped thirty years into the future with a visit from their daughter Dee-Ann and Ulrich Van Holtz. Learning more about Eggie makes me understand Dee-Ann so much better and where she gets her “personality” from. She’s daddy’s girl, and after getting a better understanding of Eggie and Darla Mae, they have that sweet kind of crazy that I love reading about. (162 pgs) 4/5 stars
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden:
Wow, the start of this one reeled me in quick. Gage and Kayla are walking down the aisle. For Kayla, it’s a mission, get close to the target (her soon to be husband) so she can take him out. Only problem with that is, over the past two months that she’s gotten close to him, she’s started having true feelings for him and she hesitates in her mission. She’s a hunter, she takes out the shifters that are killers. Gage is a pack alpha and he’s known all along who Kayla is and suspects that there’s more to her than meets the eye. It all comes out after their wedding night (one sexy wedding night) after Gage claims her as his, Kayla’s team breaks in and she takes off with Gage, proving where her new loyalty lies. The only problem is, her brother is still among the hunters and she can’t abandon him. This leads to not only Gage’s capture, but hers as well.
Gage and Kayla are now fighting against the leader of the hunters, a man that Kayla trusted for years, believing him to be her rescuer and not the monster he really is. I was completely into this world and these characters – the first part is really engaging and fast paced. And then Kayla makes a really stupid choice. I groaned out loud because I hated seeing her do this. Even knowing the man she thought was their leader and fighting for the good side was truly a monster, she chooses to stay within his reach because of her brother, knowing that she’ll just be locked back up after she and Gage had managed to escape. It just seemed like such a stupid thing for her to do and it made me think of her differently after that, not in a good way.
The action is intense until the very end, and kept the story moving along at a great clip. Overall, I enjoyed the relationship between Gage and Kayla. I’m a sucker for the whole “mate – claiming – alpha” set up and Gage is as alpha as they come. Aside from the few moments with Kayla that had me annoyed with her choices, I liked this world and the action packed story surrounding the fight between the human hunters and the wolf shifters. (150 pgs) 4/5 stars
March 27, 2018
I really enjoyed the Shelly Laurenston's story - it was set in the 70s, which made it original for this genre. I hope this was a prequel for a series that I can get - it was really fun and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a different PNR. The second offering lacked in comperecant, but was still an entertaining distraction for an afternoon. Recommend!
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