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Anchor (Northern Shifters #4)

by Jorrie Spencer (Goodreads Author)

3.44 of 5 stars 3.44 · rating details · 135 ratings · 24 reviews

She follows her dreams into his arms…and danger is not far behind.

When her defense of a young wolf is rewarded by the mention of a real town, she finally has

...more

ebook, 320 pages

Published April 19th 2011 by Samhain Publishing (first published February 1st 2011)

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Aug 03, 2011 Book Utopia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: het, romance, paranormal

2.5, but I like the author and think this is a valuable entry to the series' world-building so I'm rounding up.

Mala has had night terrors all of her life, dreams where she becomes a part of a wolf who is in terrible fear of its life. Over the years, she’s learned how to harness that fear and turn it into a weapon against the attacker, but the nightmares always leave her shaken and exhausted, not to mention isolated and half-convinced she’s crazy. At least, until she slips back into the mind of t...more 2.5, but I like the author and think this is a valuable entry to the series' world-building so I'm rounding up.

Mala has had night terrors all of her life, dreams where she becomes a part of a wolf who is in terrible fear of its life. Over the years, she’s learned how to harness that fear and turn it into a weapon against the attacker, but the nightmares always leave her shaken and exhausted, not to mention isolated and half-convinced she’s crazy. At least, until she slips back into the mind of the latest wolf she’s saved and discovers his name and where he lives. After losing her latest job, she decides to go check it out and see if the wolf is for real. She doesn’t think he will be, so color her surprised when she shows up in Wolf Town and finds out that he is. The alpha in Wolf Town is Angus, a leader who’s more nurturing than he is violent. He’s been protecting the young wolf Mala saved, and when he learns that Mala has been visiting wolves in her sleep, does everything he can to keep Mala in town. He’s convinced she’ll be in danger should news of her talents spread, not to mention the fact that the violent wolf after his new ward is still out there, waiting to kill both of them.

The action in this is fairly seamless and continuous, providing a constant forward momentum that makes the novel a quick and easy read. The aspect of Mala being what the wolves have dubbed a dream wraith brings some new elements to Spencer’s shifter world, a new avenue to explore as her powers aren’t heard of by anybody, not even by series regular (and one of my favorites) Trey. It opens doors in stories to come and keeps the world interesting and colorful, constantly growing and changing, but it does so organically, rather than allowing the world to grow stale and stagnant. This is its greatest strength, and is the primary reason followers of the series should read it.

It’s unfortunate, then, that the romance is so lackluster. The vast majority of the story is spent on the tension, both that of the action and the mystery of Mala’s powers. Mala and Angus express physical attraction early on, but that’s it until a good two-thirds of the way through when all of a sudden, they’re having sex. I never felt any sexual tension between them, nor believed it might be something more than a passing physical thing. In fact, their so-called romantic scenes are so truncated, even the epilogue that attempts to pull threads together feels incomplete and unsatisfying. It’s not helped by Mala’s inconsistent characterization (she seems to alternate from weak to flirtatious without a bat of an eyelash) or the fact that Angus has a damsel in distress weakness. I more easily believe that he wants to protect her in response to that than I do any genuine emotion.

This isn’t the strongest entry in the series by far, but considering the new elements that were introduced to the world building, like a necessary one. I just wish I could’ve cared about the romance more, or that the romance had been left out entirely.(less)

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May 05, 2011 Ally rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, ebook, paranormal-romance

Mala never outgrew her night terrors. At twenty-eight, her nights are a battleground as she defends helpless wolves from attack by their own kind. The effort costs her—one dream often leads to a week of missed work. When her defence of a young wolf is rewarded by the mention of a real town, she finally has the chance to learn if her dreams are just as real. She never expected to meet an honest-to-God alpha werewolf, much less develop an instant, embarrassing crush on him. Angus MacIntyre, de fac...more Mala never outgrew her night terrors. At twenty-eight, her nights are a battleground as she defends helpless wolves from attack by their own kind. The effort costs her—one dream often leads to a week of missed work. When her defence of a young wolf is rewarded by the mention of a real town, she finally has the chance to learn if her dreams are just as real. She never expected to meet an honest-to-God alpha werewolf, much less develop an instant, embarrassing crush on him. Angus MacIntyre, de facto alpha of Wolf Town, is determined to see every fugitive wolf employed, educated and well-adjusted to life in the open. The arrival of a young wolf on the run isn’t all that unusual, but the human woman hard on his heels is beyond extraordinary. The dark-eyed beauty possesses a dream-wraith ability that challenges everything he thinks he knows about his world—and stirs his mine instinct in a way he’s never felt before. Yet her gift makes her vulnerable to those who would try to use it to their advantage. But this is his town. His pack. His woman. And Angus will do whatever it takes to protect what’s his.

I read a review for Anchor somewhere else, (I can’t remember where) and although the reviewer wasn’t keen on it, the storyline really appealed to me and I thought I’d give it ago.

Anchor is a shifter paranormal romance but it’s a bit different from what I usually read, which is what appealed to me in the first place. It feels a little like a paranormal romance with a twist of urban fantasy because it’s not totally about the romance between Mala and Angus, there are quite a few other things going on in this short story which I liked.
In some ways Anchor is a predictable read, following the standard storyline which is loved by many but in other ways Anchor is very unusual, as the characters, for one change some of the dynamic of the book. For instance, there’s a gay wolf-shifter and it’s only the second time I’ve come across a gay shifter, which I liked! There’s an interesting background with Angus and his children, and the way his town/pack are made me giggle quite a bit.
Although there are many things I liked about Anchor, one thing I couldn’t get past is how I felt like I was missing something in the storyline with Angus and his pack and the people of his town.

Overall, I liked Anchor and it was an enjoyable different read that made me happy that I decided to (less)

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Mar 24, 2011 ms bookjunkie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 2011, romance, paranormal, to-reread

Since this was an ARC, I'm going to be a little wordier than "I liked it a lot." Which I did.

*warm fuzzies* I found Anchor a very satisfying read. The world building was solid, and the reading experience was… well, I keep coming back to words like satisfying, solid, straightforward, consistent. Even competent. As in, I had no fear that the foundation was going to crumble beneath me. So to speak.

Apparently Anchor is a part of a series of standalone books. It truly does stand alone well. I didn't...more

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Mar 21, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At night, she dreams. And not the kind of dreams that make one feel good. Not the kind of dreams where everything they wish for comes true. No, Mala's dreams are the kind that are frightening, eerie, and too realistic. When Mala acts on a dream, to see if in fact it is real, the danger begins.

Mala intends to find Caleb, the boy from her latest dream. Who is he, where is he? A name in this particular dream leads her to him, and the reality of what she can do. She never intended to stay in Wolf T...more At night, she dreams. And not the kind of dreams that make one feel good. Not the kind of dreams where everything they wish for comes true. No, Mala's dreams are the kind that are frightening, eerie, and too realistic. When Mala acts on a dream, to see if in fact it is real, the danger begins.

Mala intends to find Caleb, the boy from her latest dream. Who is he, where is he? A name in this particular dream leads her to him, and the reality of what she can do. She never intended to stay in Wolf Town, but circumstances and people change her mind. Such as Angus. He's different than anyone Mala has ever met, but then again, she's never met a werewolf before, unless you count her dreams.

The first few chapters of this story were a little hard to follow along, but as the book continued, I became less confused and more intrigued as the pieces started to fit into place. Mala had a rare gift indeed, and many in Wolf Town were intrigued or feared by her gift. There were mixed reactions about Mala being there and why she was there. Could any of them ever accept her? The curiosity of Mala and who she was, what she could do had me turning the pages, eager for more. Ms. Spencer does an amazing job of keeping the reader wondering, keeping Mala's character shrouded in secrecy. Little by little, we learn about the heroine and made me like her more and more.

I enjoyed Angus's character immensely. He is a strong leader, protector, father and friend. He protects his pack, and he wants to protect Caleb, and now Mala, especially when she begins to help him find other wolves in trouble and reach out. Though neither would admit it, Angus and Mala's attraction to each other is strong, leading into sizzling sexual tension and a bond of trust.

All in all, this shifter story is captivating, sexy, dangerous and exciting. If you're a fan of the paranormal, hot alpha male wolves, extraordinary powers, and dreams that lead you where you belong, hurry out and get this book.

Originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...(less)

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Apr 19, 2011 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: novella, paranormal-romance, review, read-in-2011

Originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/04/18/...

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Apr 19th
How I got this book: Review Request from the author

Anchor was my first read by Spencer, and although there were a few things I stumbled over, I enjoyed the overall story.

Mala has always had weird abilities when she was dreaming, and the most recent dreams are getting more and more scary and terrifying. When one dream changes and instead of seeing a wolf, she sees a young boy, Mala wonders if may...more Originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/04/18/...

Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Apr 19th
How I got this book: Review Request from the author

Anchor was my first read by Spencer, and although there were a few things I stumbled over, I enjoyed the overall story.

Mala has always had weird abilities when she was dreaming, and the most recent dreams are getting more and more scary and terrifying. When one dream changes and instead of seeing a wolf, she sees a young boy, Mala wonders if maybe there isn’t something more to her nightmares than she realizes. She takes a chance and heads to Wolf Town at the off change she will see the boy from her dreams. But she never expected everything she found.

Angus is the local alpha, and wants to take in every wolf who needs sanctuary. When a beautiful human woman comes sniffing around and telling him some pretty outlandish stories, he decides to keep her close to find out exactly what she can do. But there is someone out to get Wolf Town’s newest members, and Mala’s strange gift may be the only thing that came save them all.

I really enjoyed the overall world building Spencer created for this book. The magical abilities of Mala’s was something I’d never seen done before in any other book, and I loved the way it was woven through the story line, how other characters reacted to her and how she both loved and feared the ability. It was really well done, and probably my favorite aspect of the entire story. I’m not sure if this is the first book in a series, but if it is, I hope that Spencer dives more into the magical abilities of people within her world.

I wish that I would have developed a better connection with the cast of characters from this one. Mala was somewhat timid and constantly scared at the beginning of the book, and for me she didn’t seem to do a whole lot of personal growth throughout, although she was able to stand up to a select few by the end of the book. I enjoyed Angus’ character, but he could have been a bit more alpha growly (I do love my alpha’s all gruff and rough). The cast of secondary characters were a mix of townsfolk, and while many of them didn’t register much to me, there a few that stuck out that I hope to see more of, specifically Aileen. (Spencer confirmed to me via Twitter that she hopes to give Aileen her own story next!)

The romance between Mala and Angus was something that really took a back seat to the rest of the story. I would have like to see a little more from them, and felt like their relationship was somewhat out of the blue. Although the two were attracted to each other, they went from being wary around each other to jumping between the sheets; there was no romance spark for me. Hopefully if this does turn out to be a series, Spencer can give these two some more page time, and really show us more of these two.

All in all I really enjoyed Anchor. It had a few hiccups along the way, but the overall story and world building made this a good paranormal read. I give it a C+
(less)

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Apr 20, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

I really like the concept of Anchor. Mala is in a sense summoned in a dream state to wolves who are showing great fear. In this dream state she is able to not only siphon some of that fear away and communicate with the victims, but wield weapons using this fear and help fight off the bad guys. She has no idea why this happens to her and has never been able to confide in anyone. That is until she becomes anchored to Caleb, a teen wolf who is being hunted by his abusive father, John Davies. When s...more

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Apr 20, 2011 Meg Kinch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Stars: 3.5/5
This book was really pretty good. It was actually on the mild side for it to be classified as erotic romance in my opinion. Overall, the book was a satisfying read, although I thought the end fell a little flat. There could have been more, in my opinion. Was Mala really staying? Are Mala and Angus going to be a couple? Get married? Have babies? Does Angus's daughter, Jancis, finally warm up to Mala? And, what IS Jancis's deal with Mala? I found her to be rather hostile to Mala for no...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-paranormal, shifters-changelings, betrayal, own-kindle

On instinct, Mala instructs a young wolf to run through her dreams, forming a link that she returns to again to make sure he is safe. Mala has lived her life rejected by the abnormal dreams that have her protecting wolfs from harm. When she sees something in one of her dreams that leads her to WolfTown, she follows the hunch that there maybe more to her dreams than just the terror that keep her immobile.

Angus MacIntyre is the alpha of WolfTown, although it is not necessarily a title he needs, hi...more

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Mar 12, 2012 Tamara Rebeka rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well well.... This is more of a 2.5 star
On the story side, as in wolves, dreams and so on... it's ok... not something to fuss about but a good plot... BUT and this is a big BUT... I was expecting a romance and I got that ... it's just it was in the last 20 pages :/
I mean seriously you cannot put a sexy guy on the cover and give us one sexy scene that's not even that well written. I'm not sure how the rest of the series will go but this first book was an ok book to read if you are NOT expecting...more

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Apr 26, 2011 R rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book is very disjointed. There is no romance between suppose heroine and hero. They do sleep together way at the end of the book and I could not figure out why?? It jumps all over the place and to me is just a waste of time and money.

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Oct 24, 2012 Chelsea Long rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm not a fan of insta-love. The premise behind the story and the dreams was enticing but the immediate love thing that happens isn't to my taste. There were also some copy editing errors like missed words that drove me a bit nuts.

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Feb 25, 2012 Ellen rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, paranormal

Bit meh really, I mean it wasn't bad but it wasn't good, it felt like it should be part of a series but I probably would be bored by that, which is saying something since I love paranormal books.

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May 16, 2011 Ceola rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting concept.
I have read books about wraiths before.but not good ones.
I would like to see a sequel gothic or more about mala
Drea, wraith that helps wolves in danger

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Jun 09, 2011 Sasha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shapeshifters, romance

Excellent concept, well executed.

Things I loved:
There was communication and forthrightness among all the characters in the novel. Even the villain was upfront.
The writing was sad and lovely all at the same time.
Characterisation was good for all the main characters.

(and coming off the disappointment that was the 5th Cassie Palmer novel, this JS book was a great pick-me-up/palate cleanser)

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Aug 14, 2012 Chelsea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I really enjoyed this book! It was filled with interesting characters & had an intriguing lot that keeps the reader engaged in the story.

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Jun 20, 2011 Tammy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Quick, easy read with strong characters. However, the storyline was very simple with no real twists or turns.

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Oct 27, 2011 Katie Cody rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, werewolf

Mixed with mystery, paranormal abilities, and some steamy romance Anchor is definitely a lovely read. Right from the start I was caught up in the mystery and suspense wondering who the wolf that she had to save was. The heroine had a rough life because of her ability. Even after all the trouble her ability causes she still tries to do all she can to help others using this ability. Will Angus be the one to finally except her for who she is and will she be able to help her new found friends find t...more

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Feb 21, 2012 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: auper-alpha-shifters

my first read by Jorrie Spencer. and I really enjoyed it. would love to read more about Wolf Town

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Sep 24, 2011 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebk, shifter

Great story about Mala, a human, who has the ability to help werewolves when she is sleeping by taking their fear and turning it into a weapon against their attackers/enemies. Years of thinking it is only dreams and wondering if she is crazy, Mala decides to search for Caleb, one of the werewolves she saves. Following Caleb to Wolf Town, there she finds Angus, the Alpha, where she learns her dreams are real and that she is actually a Dream Wraith, and finds her own place among the wolves.

I loved...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Sobia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Average writing + below average world building + marginally described MC's + too many characters+ less than stellar editing = a between 2.5 and 3 star read

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Mar 25, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr-sci-fi-fantasy-romance, read-in-2012

3 1/2 stars

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May 21, 2011 Tracy's Place rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.25 out of 5

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Jun 01, 2012 Katherine Wall rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I recieved this book through the Goodreads First Reads competition. I liked this book. It was an easy read with enough happening to keep interest. I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't more intense. Some parts of the book could have been more drawn out and built suspense. The ending was a bit anticlimactic.

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Apr 19, 2012 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: michelle-mcm-s-2012-reading-list, read-april-2012, jorrie-spencer

I enjoyed this "new to me" author. It's an interesting idea, lots of world building in this one.

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May 11, 2013 Nappy marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: authors-q-z

May 10, 2013 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Apr 29, 2013 Elisa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: elisa-s, trade-size, paranormal

Apr 24, 2013 Len rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read, adult-fiction, romance-paranormal

Apr 21, 2013 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Apr 18, 2013 Brandi Skinner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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About Jorrie Spencer

I write romance as both Jorrie Spencer and Joely Skye, and I'm published with Samhain.

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Books by Jorrie Spencer

The Strength of the Pack (Northern Shifters, #1)

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Anchor (Northern Shifters #4)

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