Violet VaughnBesprekingen

Katie and Brindle were high school sweethearts. He’s a werewolf and turned her into a wolf on prom night. Desperate to be normal again, she breaks up with him and runs away to college. During spring semester, it’s mating season and she’s in heat. Brindle shows up at her school to help her get through it but doesn’t expect her to accept him. She later reevaluates her choices and wants to rekindle their relationship. Problem is, he’s moved on to a new she-wolf and Katie is keeping a secret bound to hurt and anger Brindle to the extreme.
Though I think Katie stayed frazzled and stressed for too long, I understand why she ran away from the love of her life. She was scared and had no one to talk to, other than her mate who didn’t seem to understand why a human-turned-werewolf would be upset. C’mon, the girl’s 18/19 years old. Give her a break.
I didn’t much like Brindle. I did like that he gave her the time she needed to come to terms with what happened and who she is now, but he should’ve accepted her back into his life when she was finally ready. He still loved her and wanted her, but didn’t trust her. He slept with her but didn’t leave his girlfriend. This is totally unacceptable.
The time-period for this story takes place throughout the course of several months but the transitions from weeks to months confused me. In one chapter, Katie’s been home for her summer break for like three days and, in the next chapter, it’s fall time. There’s not much information about what happens off the page.
The whole story is very well-written and is told in Katie’s 1st person POV. I wish I could’ve seen more of Brindle and got inside his head to know his thoughts and feelings. I might’ve liked him better if I understood him. I downloaded this novella as part of the Lindholm brothers boxed set (Winter Valley Wolves Vol. 1). I liked this story overall and I’m anxious to read the other novellas in the series.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book for free on Instafreebie and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Devon owns a hair salon with dreams of going to Paris. All that changes when she gets into a car accident with a gorgeous mechanic. Things heat up between her and Bosun pretty fast. She has a long list of ex-boyfriends with broken hearts and she’s finally met her no-strings match in Bosun.
He’s the eldest werewolf of his brothers and though he loves women, he’s waiting to find his special true-mate before he settles down. He finds her unexpectedly in Devon, but she’s a human with a werewolf best friend. She just doesn’t know her friend’s a wolf.
I liked Bosun much more than I did his brother, Brindle, from book 1. Bosun is older and seems more mature than his younger brother. He handles his relationship with Devon responsibly and acts like a gentleman at all times, even though he can get pretty wild. I absolutely loved the banter between him and Devon, and the way he threw her off-guard. Very sweet.
This story takes place in about a week or so. Unlike the first book, the time line doesn’t jump around but it flows smoothly from scene to scene. It made for a much easier and pleasant read.
I’m not a big fan of 1st POV narrative but I like the author’s writing. It’s told strictly from Devon’s POV but I still felt as though I understood Bosun very well.
This is definitely a good story and I look forward to the next book in the Lindholm brothers boxed set (Winter Valley Wolves Vol 1).
5 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book for free on Instafreebie and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

This is the last novella in the Winter Valley Wolves Vol 1 box set which features the Lindholm brothers.
Raven dreamed up becoming a financial investor on Wall Street but ended up waitressing tables. With a rented Prada purse and Louboutin heels, she shows up at her high school reunion and scratches the purse and breaks the heel of her shoe. She runs into her old childhood friend and crush, Berch, and he’s way grown up.
Berch is a werewolf who’s known Raven was his true mate since they were small children. They were inseparable as kids but grew apart in high school. Now that she’s returned for their high school reunion, he won’t let her go so easily again.
Neither will her old boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer.
I really liked the book but I think Raven accepted Berch’s werewolf story with too much calm and understanding. She didn’t really freak out as I think most women would. Instead, she took some time to adjust and came to terms with it a little too easily.
Well-written in Raven’s 1st POV, the story takes place in about a week and flowed very smoothly. We meet the next couple in the series, Ergan and Kayla, and their story is told in the Winter Valley Wolves Vol 2, the Wakefield brothers.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book for free on Instafreebie and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.

Light hearted romance

A cute and cozy romance, this is perfect for readers who aren’t into sexual scenes or bad language. I liked that the main female character wasn’t perfect and had a few insecurities many women face.

WHAT AN EXCELLENT COLLECTION OF STORIES TO WARM EVEN SCROOGE'S HEART WITH BOOKS THAT WILL HAVE READERS RAPIDLY READING!! Each book had me rapidly reading to see how these author's books kept me entertained, and each book just got better than the last book!! I SURE HOPE THAT I WIN A GIFT CARD SO I CAN BUY THE NEXT COLLECTION!!

Good story but I had some trouble connecting with the heroine since she was kind of a sanctimonious prick.

Not really an HEA. Not my cup of tea. Instead of uplifted and energized, I was left angry and depressed. Yuck. Pain, death, destruction, a few sexy times. Multiple sex partners, deception and despair. The upsides didn't make up for the fucked up ending. And it is seriously fucked up. Its too bad becaue it had potential.

I am enjoying all of the Knight/Brannigan witches' stories. In this one - the love story between Natalie and Jonathan - was not as much of a focus as it has been in the other books. Which disappointed me. However, there was more of a focus on the witchcraft/spellcraft, which made me happy. All in all, it is a good addition to the series and I continue to look forward to the next book.

Barely makes 2 stars.
Loaded with typos and errors.
Started off cute but quickly became boring.
Very little intimacy.
I can't say adult.
Anyone over the age of 15 or 16 can read it easily as far as adult contents is concerned.

I've given this author enough tries & this one cinches it for me.
All the books I own of hers is going into my 'Not for Me' shelf.

To poorly written. borders on juvenile.

Started off really interesting. Then lost momentum. Picked back up, then dropped off again.
Filled with all sorts of errors.

I just love shape shifters books and Ace just made me drool! At the age of forty-seven, Ace never thought that he would find his true mate, but the he found Sabine. I loved Sabine who managed a bar took no sass and could hold her own, but she was lonely as her mom had died two years ago, so when Ace entered the bar, they clicked!

Loved the characters loved the story line in theory but the execution and writing style sort of made the whole thing fall flat for me. It was a rather choppy read and it over explained certain ares whilst simultaneously under explaining others. With better editing I think this book could have been a 5 star read.

OH MY GOSH! A SEVEN FOOT MAN! I liked the shy Andre the very first time he came on the scene with a dimple that only came out when he actually smiled which was not often. With me being five foot three I could EASILY claim UP him and give Neesa a run for her money! I could almost imagine Andre singing to me with his deep voice. Once Andre met Vanessa my chance with down the drain as he knew that SHE was his mate. I thought that Vanessa was way too hard on her sister who embraced their were-bear side while she just wanted a NORMAL husband and kids not knowing that they would be shifters also. Book one only made me wish that I could the rest of the series..

its okay

License to Werewolf
Winter Valley Wolves, Book 2

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

The Characters:

Devon Reilly:
Bosun Lindholm:


The Story:

After a minor car accident brings Devon and Bosun together they learn they have chemistry from page 2 and it never dies. Another fast and sexy romp through the wilds of…wherever they live. It is short, sweet and steamy. There are many baby wolves on the way for this pack.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars½

Never Say Werewolf Again
Winter Valley Wolves, Book 1

I Picked Up This Book Because: Judged a book by it’s cover.

The Characters:

Katie Winslow:
Brindle Lindholm:


The Story:

This was a quick smutty romp through a world of hidden wolves and trying to deny your fate. I listened to it because I wanted something fast and fun and that’s what I got. The steamy sex scenes were a welcomed surprise.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars

I love anthologies because there are so many new authors that you can discovered all at once. This anthology had one of my favorite authors Charlene Hartnady which was the main reason I chose to read it. But there are also many entertaining short stories by some very good authors. I enjoyed most of the novellas with an exception of a few which were just too raunchy for my taste but most of them have interesting characters and story lines. Of all the shorts, for me the most enjoyable reads were:

Christin Lovell ~ A Beary Merry Christmas
V. Vaughn ~ Andre
Tasha Black ~ Ghost of Shifters Past
Charlene Hartnady ~ Shifter Beneath the Mistletoe
Harmony Raines ~ Bear Humbug
Ruby Shae ~ Little Drummer Bear
Emerald Wright ~ A Dragon’s Gift

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

not a review is a note to self:

2.5 stars

H didn't have to work for it. H was a player and h was virgin that was disgusted by his man whore ways, but that only lasted about a page before she jumped him. Seriously - WTH? If H had been sorry about what he had been up to while searching for his mate or even considered that his choices could have an effect on her this could have been a great story.

I liked all but the last two - the second to last had spanking and pain which was not noted in the description, and the last one while a nice story had too much sadness in the story itself and the premise. Not enough sexual tension and consummation, just tension and sadness.

Overall a good collection.

This is an amazing collection of stories and any one of them makes the price worth it! I haven't read them all but the ones I have are fantastic.

Beyond Love and Hate by Zoe York - He fears relationships, she yearns for ever after, they have explosive chemistry. In this wonderfully written novella we find the story of Finn and Beth and discover how wants and desires can change when love is found. This is a great novella that makes for a light afternoon read.

Forever Sheltered by Deanna Roy - Loved this one!! Finally a story in this series I didn't need a box of tissues to get through it! Still a very emotional read with both the Hero and heroine facing incredible challenges and pain in life. I felt the characters worked well together and couldn't help pulling for everyone. We get to catch up with our other series favorite characters as well. Very well written.

First Taste by Mira Bailee - Love this one!! Devon Stone is definitely my favorite Stone brother. While Devon and Kaiden may be twins, they definitely approach life differently. Devon is the bad boy and appears to want nothing to do with the business. When he meets shy, reserved, and slightly OCD Olivia he is immediately interested but convincing Olivia to give them a chance proves a bit difficult. Olivia can't understand what a guy like Devon Stone would want with her nor does she feel she can handle the life he deals with. Their story is just getting started and I can't wait to watch it develop! I highly recommend!!

Tempted by the Bear - Part 1 - Violet Vaughn
by V. Vaughn

Even though I haven't read the first serial, Called by the Bear, I didn't have any problems reading this book. I am a person that likes to read things in order, so all I did was make some notes so I could connect people and things that were talked about.

I wasn't always a huge fan of serials. The first few I read I wasn't to happy with, but now, I have found a lot of enjoyment in them.

Ms. Vaughn has done a wonderful job of carrying this one on and making sure that enough information is given about the back history of the characters.

I am looking forward to reading more about Annie, Tristan and all the other characters.

Desert Hunt (Twin Moon Ranch) (prequel)
by Anna Lowe

Rae is a special kind of wolf. Abused by her home pack, and mistreated by the pack she escapes to, she is afraid she will never feel safe and free anywhere. She is afraid to trust and she fears a forced mating. Then, she is informed that she is being sent to the Twin Moon Ranch Pack. She doesn't know why, but she knows she has to go and is hoping it is where she will find her freedom.

Zack is considered a low wolf because of his lineage. When in fact, he is an Alpha. He is just very restrained and never shows it or challenges anyone in his pack. His duty is to track trespassers and deal with them. Due to his low status he figures he will never find his mate. After all, what decent female wolf would want a half-breed.

Rae and Zack have a lot of decisions to make. Only time will tell if Zack will live through them and if Rae will learn to trust again. Two very long roads for two very stubborn and confused shifters.

*ARC given for an honest review*

Tempted by the Bear - Part 2
by V. Vaughn

Things are moving along for Tristan and Annie. Though I am still unsure as to whether or not Tristan will betray Annie. Then there are his kids. They way Tristan talks about them has Annie kind of wondering. I get the feeling that his mother is going to be a definite problem and the kids aren't sounding much better.

Isabelle is totally pissed at Tristan. She feels that he has abandoned her, left her alone. However, there is Luke. He is their partner in crime, so to speak, and she knows she can turn to him for a sympathetic ear, at the least. She can definitely get some physical relief with him. More would be nice, but doubtful.

Tori finally meets the man she is dreaming about, Keith. Unfortunately even though she knows he feels this weird connection, he acts as though he doesn't want anything to do with her. She hunts him down where he works and he still insists that nothing can happen between them. Tori's friend Lucy, also Luke's twin, tries to help Tori out by introducing her to Jax. Jax is a college student and closer to her age. Though she finds him very attractive, she just isn't sure she is going to be able to get Keith out of her mind.

*ARC given for an honest review*

Tempted by the Bear - Part 1
by V. Vaughn

Even though I haven't read the first serial, Called by the Bear, I didn't have any problems reading this book. I am a person that likes to read things in order, so all I did was make some notes so I could connect people and things that were talked about.

I wasn't always a huge fan of serials. The first few I read I wasn't to happy with, but now, I have found a lot of enjoyment in them.

Ms. Vaughn has done a wonderful job of carrying this one on and making sure that enough information is given about the back history of the characters.

I am looking forward to reading more about Annie, Tristan and all the other characters.

*ARC given for an honest review*

Chosen: Winter Valley Wolves #4 (The Mating Season Collection, #19)
by V. Vaughn

Parker has been looking for his true mate. He found her once, but lost her. He becomes a famous NFL player and has quite a bit of fun while searching for his true mate. Unfortunately he is thrown out of the NFL for fighting, so he goes back home. He finds his mate once again at the local diner, but she wants nothing to do with him. Somehow he is going to have to prove that she is it for him and he for her.

Trixie was bitten by a wolf 5 years ago while camping. Since then she has had a problem with running fevers every spring. It is very confusing. Working in a diner she has the bad luck of meeting Parker Hoyt, the so-into-himself ex NFL player. Not her type at all, but she has the really strong attraction to him and she really isn't liking it. Taking the advice of an old classmate Trixie decides to get her hair cut. Turns out to be one of the best choices she ever made. Who ever thought you could learn so much from going into a salon?

Chosen was a fun read. Just goes to show that you can't run from what should be.

*ARC given for an honest review*

Berch: Winter Valley Wolves #3 (The Mating Season, #14)
by V. Vaughn

Raven leaves Winter Valley to go to New York. She is looking to land a great job in investment finace, only to land a waitressing job instead. She goes back to Winter Valley for her class reunion. Whats the first thing that happens when she gets there? She falls. What is the second thing that happens? She falls for Berch Lidhholm again. Well, still. She has been in love with Berch since she was a child. They just never got together. Now Berch wants her to go out with him. This just might be getting much better then she thought they would.

Berch has known that Raven was his true mate for years. She had to be ready for the truth before he could say anything, so he let her go. She is back now and he can't let her leave again without telling her. If she doesn't want to stay, he will let her go again, but he is going to try really hard to get her to stay. Her ex-boyfriend from high school is trying to step in though. He wants Raven for a mate too.