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Wild About You (Love at Stake #13)

by Kerrelyn Sparks (Goodreads Author)

4.16 of 5 stars 4.16 · rating details · 2,142 ratings · 298 reviews

Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...

Howard is not l...more

Mass Market Paperback, 1, 370 pages

Published November 27th 2012 by Avon

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Dec 18, 2012 DemonKitty003 rated it 5 of 5 stars

~After reading~

This was amazing!! I loved Howard's book!! I must say that this is my second favorite. Conner and Howard are my top favorite in the series. The flame of burning passion forming and the blazing fire of revenge dance perfectly together. Like a two lives in one that can be hard to handle but will fall in line. The perfect spices to create this amazing sizzling delicious book. Wonder who will be next :)

~Before reading~

OMG!!! Howard's Book!!! Here is the review I have read on the websi...more

8 likes · like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Ren rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Love at Stake readers and fans

Shelves: arc-edelweiss, 4-stars, alpha-hero, e-books, family-theme, must-have-it-in-paperback, paranormal, pnr-challenge-2012, read-english-book-challenge, reccomended-to-translated, rolling-my-eyes-at-the-cover, romantic-or-couple-cover, shape-shifter-and-or-werewolf, special-ability, steamy, there-are-hot-men, there-s-hot-and-dangerous-heroes, utc-shifter-challenge-2012, vampire, humor

e-ARC provided by Edelweiss

Hunky Howard, Handsome Howard, Hot Howard, He-Man Howard, Hard-as-rock Howard, Hesitant Howard, Happy Howard....

Continued after the previous book,Wanted: Undead or Alive. Howard Barr, a were bear and employer of MacKay S & I realized that his arc enemy Rhett Bledynn, that somewhat responsible for his banisment is still alive. Rhett who killed Howard's girlfriend twenty years ago is a ambitious and evil werewolf. So Howard decide to get his revenge toward Rhett.

In t...more

10 likes · like · see review

Dec 21, 2012 Karin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, paranormal, romance, 2012-reading-challenge

I CANNOT wait for this book. Ms. Sparks usually puts the hero in the next book in the previous book (at least that is what I have observed). Howard is mentioned in most of the books but has actually played supporting rolls in the last two. I've always loved Howard - I WANT A DONUT!!!

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Very good. Like Shanna, I expected Howard to be shy. I wanted a bear claw the entire time I was reading.... LOL I did like how Ms. Sparks explained how he went from the balding, bear of a man to th...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Jade rated it 3 of 5 stars

loving howard and his bear claws!!

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Camilla ~ ♥Qhuay At Last♥ ~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paperback

If you ever need to find the definition of a filler book in a series, then look no further because this is the definition of such a book. This book is #13 in the ‘Love at Stake’ series and nothing happens in the war against the Malcontents, this book is all about Howard and his mate, Elsa.

We’ve all loved Howard, but we’ve also all been used to Howard being chubby and semi-bald, and trust me, this is not a Howard who is chubby and semi-bald in any way, if you know what I’m sayin..

It took me a whi...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Melindeeloo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance-shapeshifters

For me Wild About Youwas on the pretty good side - it was cute and light, but I guess in my current mood cute and light didn't quite do it for me - though it's probably not a actually a problem with the book, but with the reader instead...sigh. I did like Howard, even though Spark's rebooted him from what he was at the start of the series, and really, except for all the cameos, you could probably read this latest Love at Stake book (it's number 13) without reading the other books since Howard's...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Sarah Jordan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I REALLY like this cover. I may need a moment.......OK, I'm back.

What can I say? I love Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake series. It's fun, fluffy and entertaining, with laugh-out-loud moments mixed with adventure and hot hunky alpha males. When I start a new one I know exactly what I am getting, and I really treasure that. The happy-ever-after ending is a sure thing, and she keeps it fresh by adding in new characters and plotlines.

Howard is a were-bear and daytime security guard for the vampi...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Ashlie Sydel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hot Howard was working it in this book! It wasn't until I read other people's reviews that it dawned on me that this was a filler book. There was NO discussion about the Vamps vs Malcontants in this book at all. But it seeing how I was so wrapped up in Howard's story it obviously wasn't that big of a deal to me. After finding Howard's secret tapes under his bed, Shanna decides to play match maker and contacts Howards celebrity crush. Elsa is a 6'2 amazon of a woman and she and Howard are destine...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Hannah rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, reviewed

Just to be completely clear, I read this for a laugh and knew from the beginning that this wasn't my kind of book at all. There were definitely parts that I laughed out loud at, like Bleer? Seriously? There was also a reference to dolphin shifters, which is a book I dearly hope already exists. It sounds hilarious. The bear puns were also appreciated, I just wish there'd been more of them.
I knew it was going to be terrible from the beginning and I wasn't wrong. The descriptions leave a lot to be...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, paranormal

Reviewed by: April
Book provided by: Edelweiss
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I am absolutely wild about Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks!! This book is hot, humorous and impossible to put down!

First of all, I have to comment on the cover: love love love it! It is eye-catching, hot, steamy and portrays the story perfectly. Howard’s eyes beckon, call and ache for you to pick up the book and indulge within the sinfully delicious tale within. You will not be disappointed!

Wild About Yo...more Reviewed by: April
Book provided by: Edelweiss
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

I am absolutely wild about Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks!! This book is hot, humorous and impossible to put down!

First of all, I have to comment on the cover: love love love it! It is eye-catching, hot, steamy and portrays the story perfectly. Howard’s eyes beckon, call and ache for you to pick up the book and indulge within the sinfully delicious tale within. You will not be disappointed!

Wild About You is the 13th book in the “Love At Stake” series. These books, however, can be read in any order at any time. I can say this with absolute certainty because I have yet to read them all. The first book by Ms. Sparks that I ever read was Eat Prey Love (#9 in the series) and I never felt as though I was missing out on an important chunk of the story line. Wild About You is no different. Each book centers on a specific character and tells their story. Previous characters do make appearances throughout, but you do not need to know their back story to get the full effect of the story.

With that in mind, Wild About You is Howard’s story. Howard is a were-bear with a few dark demons in his closet. He works as head of security at the top-secret school, Dragon Nest Academy and has always led a solitary life. Howard is kind, intelligent, loyal and smokin hot. Howard also has to deal with a long standing curse cast upon his heritage long ago – a curse that he does not believe in until it is thrust right in his face.

Elsa is the star of a popular home improvement/renovation series called International Home Wreckers. Elsa also has had to learn to live with her larger-than-ordinary size (she thinks of herself in this way: Yes, I’m freakishly large. I’m so tall I occasionally suffer from altitude sickness.). Born with a wicked birthmark upon her shoulder, shaped like a bear claw, Elsa has also been warned of a curse that has long effected her family. A curse that could mean her death and a curse that Elsa believes to be nonsense – that is until it is thrust right in front of her face.

A connection? Oh yes. When a delightful matchmaker brings Harold and Elsa together, Elsa feels the burn – literally, and the heat of chemistry and an unnerving and undeniable pull springs forth the moment their eyes meet. There is, of course the self-denial and the “try to resist” routine, however they are written in a delightful and provocative way that had me glued to the pages.

Full of heated romance, well-developed and vivid characters, Wild About You had me hooked from the first chapter. I don’t know if it was the flow of the story, the characters, the story line, plot or a combination of all of those things that had me zipping through the pages and unable to put the book down. Harold is amazing. He is so incredibly sweet, kind, considerate, hot, sizzling, loyal, alpha and just male perfection rolled into a nifty and smoking package that would make any woman swoon. Howard suffers from the loss of many loved ones and “regret” seems to be a constant in his life. This will definitely bring out the nurturing side of the reader. Elsa is a kind, strong, ambitious and likable character that will leave the reader yearning for her to find happiness. These are a few of the things that I found myself feeling as I read. I also found myself sighing in romantic bliss, giggling at the humor, tearing at the pain and joyful at the happiness. Yes, tons of emotions but for me this is what makes a great read. I loved being drawn so tightly into Harold and Elsa’s story and I cannot wait to see what character gets their own story next. I also look forward to visiting these two characters in future stories to see how they are getting along.

Kerrelyn Sparks is such a magnificent paranormal author. She has the talent to spin tales of romance and supernatural with characters that are real and connectable, as well as adding liberal doses of suspense and/or life altering problems to overcome. Her stories remain in my mind and heart long after I have finished reading them and leave me anxious for more. For lovers of paranormal, shape shifting, romance and just plain excellent stories, I highly recommend Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks! It is definitely one that has been added to my “keeper” shelf and one that I will recommend to all!(less)

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Jan 02, 2013 Sara Strand rated it 4 of 5 stars

Real talk- a were bear is just weird for me. And it's not like it's a turn off, it's just really hard to picture in my head. So in my head, I envisioned him to being like Alcide in the Sookie Stackhouse. Wrong? Maybe. Also when Elsa is first introduced in the book, she felt like (an God help me but I can't help it), a special needs/carnival showpiece. You know, that person that has something wrong with them but yet that's what makes them a star quality? Because picturing a gorgeous, very tall wo...more Real talk- a were bear is just weird for me. And it's not like it's a turn off, it's just really hard to picture in my head. So in my head, I envisioned him to being like Alcide in the Sookie Stackhouse. Wrong? Maybe. Also when Elsa is first introduced in the book, she felt like (an God help me but I can't help it), a special needs/carnival showpiece. You know, that person that has something wrong with them but yet that's what makes them a star quality? Because picturing a gorgeous, very tall woman swinging a sledgehammer is what that felt like for me.
But all of that aside? Loved the book. Sure, it took me a bit to get to used to, but once I did, I wasn't disappointed. I just wish I had known this was in a series because I would have done some homework and maybe read some of the earlier ones because I believe this is book 13. Not that you have to read the series, this is definitely a stand alone book, but I felt like I would have loved it even more had I know the back story to how Howard got here, and learned a little more information about the vampires he essentially works for.
This book is everything you want a romance novel to be- it obviously has romance between Elsa and Howard but it also has mystery, it has suspense, and it has relationships that you know would matter in real life. I actually flew through this book one evening before bed and it was worth it. I'm actually really excited to read some of the previous stories and then bookmark her future books. Kerrelyn is a really great writer that is believable. Sure, we're talking shifters and vampires but she writes it as this is just common stuff and no big deal. Very interesting her take on vampires too- not really like what most writers are doing with vampires in their books but still very traditional, if that makes sense? Maybe it feels weird because everyone else seems to have daylight tolerating vampires and Kerrelyn doesn't go that route and that's another reason I appreciated this book. No need to be different, just do the traditional but do it well.

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Dec 31, 2012 Jenifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, favorites

Love at Stake series #13

After watching several of his fellow co-workers and employers find true love, Were-bear Howard finds himself wishing he had someone by his side, but a sad past and job responsibilities have kept him from being able to find him mate. Maybe that was why Elsa seemed like the perfect woman to him. She was beautiful, tall, strong, and hosts a home renovation show away from Howard's reach.
Elsa is thrilled when she receives a call to renovate a house and runs right into Howard....more

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Dec 19, 2012 Julie Ramsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: done

Wild About You

Howard Barr, security specialist, beloved friend, and a werebear. Howard is loved by his vampire & shifter friends. He is trusted with Shawna and Romans kids. But Howard is banned from his home Alaska. So when the reason Howard is banned comes out and makes the ban null and void, he takes a vacation and starts some trouble. Shawna is not transitioning to a vampire very well. She misses her babies dunning the day. When she see Howard ,she sees her good friend and knows he is lon...more

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Dec 07, 2012 Becca rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

I enjoyed this book. It has Ms. Spark's usual light touch and humor as well as a visit with some old friends from previous books in the Love At Stake series. This story centers around Howard Barr, a bear shifter with an addiction to donuts and a generally genial personality. I believe this is the first story that takes place almost entirely at the Dragon Nest Academy, which has featured in some of the previous books - but only briefly.

I'm not entirely sure why, but this book did not hold my inte...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Vickie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wild About You begins with Howard on vacation in his home state of Alaska. He found out in book 12, Wanted Dead or Alive, that his arch nemesis, Rhett Bleddyn, is alive. Howard and Rhett went to school together and became bitter enemies. Rhett, a werewolf, had made it his mission to torture Howard in any way he could. It culminated with Howard’s girlfriend being killed by Rhett. Howard and Rhett fought and Rhett went over a cliff. Howard ended up being banned from Alaska, mistakenly being blamed...more Wild About You begins with Howard on vacation in his home state of Alaska. He found out in book 12, Wanted Dead or Alive, that his arch nemesis, Rhett Bleddyn, is alive. Howard and Rhett went to school together and became bitter enemies. Rhett, a werewolf, had made it his mission to torture Howard in any way he could. It culminated with Howard’s girlfriend being killed by Rhett. Howard and Rhett fought and Rhett went over a cliff. Howard ended up being banned from Alaska, mistakenly being blamed for having a part in his girlfriend’s death. He took the punishment in order to keep his family from the Bleddyns, who were power hungry and had a very large pack whose numbers were far more than the were-bears.

Howard enlists the help of his twin cousins, Jesse & Jimmy, and Dougal and Carlos, a vampire and a shifter who teleported in to check into why Howard was still in Alaska. Howard is systematically going after Rhett’s holdings. He’s already destroyed two homes, and now, he’s after Rhett’s financial records. Upon retrieving that information, his lifelong friend, Harry, who writes for a local paper, starts printing stories that show just how underhanded and devious Rhett is.

While Howard was away in Alaska, Shanna Draganesti, one of Howard’s employers, discovers his secret crush. Elsa Bjornberg, who happens to be on a home renovation show. And you’ll never guess…………. Shanna has a house that needs renovating.

When Howard and Elsa finally meet face to face, their mutual attraction is instantaneous. Unfortunately, there are many things at play. The curse that they have both been told about all their lives, which they both always thought was more lore than fact, comes center stage. And Rhett is lurking in the background, ready to make Howard suffer for revealing his secrets. Will Howard be able to keep Elsa safe? And, how about the curse? You’ll have to read to find out.

I have been waiting for Howard’s book for a long time and definitely wasn’t disappointed. Howard is strong, loyal and hot!! And, Elsa is perfect for him. Sparks always writes with humor in her stories, and this one delivers on that aspect too. There were touching moments, sad moments and hot moments. We get to catch up with a few old friends and meet some new ones. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. If you’ve not read this series, you’re definitely missing out!! It is one of my must read series and hope that it becomes that for you as well!!
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Dec 01, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Finally, Howard gets a chance at love. He’s been around in the series for quite some time, always there protecting who needs protecting and watching the vamps find their true loves. What’s a lonely bear going to do when he has secrets of his own that prevent him from finding his own happiness? Pine from afar it seems. Until Roman’s wife, Shanna, got that twinkle in her eye.

I was thrilled to finally see Howard take center stage. His wa...more Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Finally, Howard gets a chance at love. He’s been around in the series for quite some time, always there protecting who needs protecting and watching the vamps find their true loves. What’s a lonely bear going to do when he has secrets of his own that prevent him from finding his own happiness? Pine from afar it seems. Until Roman’s wife, Shanna, got that twinkle in her eye.

I was thrilled to finally see Howard take center stage. His was a very private character that always seemed to be at everyone’s beck and call, and yet he never minded. Why was he there? Why was he so dedicated to MacKay Security? Howard was such a contrary character and the author hinted at his depths early on. He was a formidable opponent yet was such a pushover with kids. How could I not like a big tough guy with the insides of a squishy marshmallow? I had a great time learning that there was a lot more to Howard Barr than anyone could have envisioned. I came to appreciate his inner pain, his self-sacrifice and his determination to somehow right the wrongs and have vindication too. Unfortunately for him, and exciting for me, his plans caused a domino effect that propelled the plot, provided plenty of drama and suspense and kept the pages turning.

Add too that, the plans Shanna put into effect. They had more of an impact then even she could predict, which in turn, made this a very exciting romance story indeed. Shanna found out about one of Howard’s secrets which introduced Elsa to the story. Unbeknownst to both Elsa and Howard, their courtship was going to be one of the most bizarre yet fascinating adventure of their lives. Through the course of the book, they discover some amazing things about themselves, not the least of which is the solving of a hundreds of years old mystery. I was amused at how both sides had different accounts of the same story but when the truth comes out, readers will be in for another dose of intense excitement.

There are old favorites, like seeing Roman, Angus and Shanna again. It’s Roman and Shanna’s son, Tino, that oh, so innocently, adds spice and surprise to the events surrounding the hapless hero and heroine. He really is a cute manipulator - reminds me of his mom. Then I got introduced to Greta and Ula, Elsa’s aunts. They are more than doting aunts to Elsa, and their paranoid ways aren’t without credence. Elsa found that out the hard way.

That nasty bugger, Rhett Bleddyn, is back. And now I know why. What I found out about him made my ears steam. Ms. Sparks created a wonderful villain and I intensely disliked him. His connection to both Howard and Elsa was a surprise though and a clever bit of suspenseful writing.

A book by Ms. Sparks wouldn’t be complete without the kind of humor she’s known for. I’m pleased to say that all the deer, raccoons, and squirrels have a new friend, but even wild pigs don’t play nice. I know I referred to previous characters but rest assured, this is a wonderful standalone read. The author used the additional characters to further Howard and Elsa’s story without diluting it in any way. It was well balanced.

Wild About You is a thrilling story, peppered with humor and populated with characters that readers can fall in love with. Ms. Sparks continues to pen adventurous romance books that always seem fresh, vibrant and entertaining. This book is no exception. Even if readers visit this series for the first time with Howard’s story, this novel encompasses all that made me a fan of Ms. Sparks early on. Try it and see. (less)

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Nov 29, 2012 Douglas Meeks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all this is the Love at Stake series, it is not meant to be Masterpiece Theater, it is simple and fun, plots that while many times intricate they are always enjoyable and keep moving along a consistent timeline that makes the series easy to follow but does assume you read most if not all of the preceding books. Reading this series in order makes it a lot more fun. This book is the story of Howard the were-bear that has been in eve...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Patricia Lynne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wild About You is Kerrelyn's 13th Love At Stake book. Book 11 disappointed me a little, but book 12 made up it for it, so I wasn't sure how to approach 13. All I knew was this series is one of my must read as soon as released. I wasn't disappointed.

But I also wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the story like I have the rest of the series, but it lacked a little Spark (haha, that's the author's name.) It seemed to bounce between Howard getting revenge on Rhett and the love story of Elsa and Howard...more Wild About You is Kerrelyn's 13th Love At Stake book. Book 11 disappointed me a little, but book 12 made up it for it, so I wasn't sure how to approach 13. All I knew was this series is one of my must read as soon as released. I wasn't disappointed.

But I also wasn't super impressed. I enjoyed the story like I have the rest of the series, but it lacked a little Spark (haha, that's the author's name.) It seemed to bounce between Howard getting revenge on Rhett and the love story of Elsa and Howard. They didn't seem to mesh as well as other books. Books can have subplots along with the main plot, but the plots need to flow together. This jumped from one to the other and then there would be no mention of the other. It wasn't until the end when the two meshed together.

The sex scenes were also over fairly quickly. If I remember, the last few books were like that too. That's kind of a disappointment because part of the reason for reading a romance is steamy love scenes. But it also gave more time to plot. My one big issue with the love story is when the characters finally hook up. They're arguing a little over and Elsa says she finally decides to trust and love Howard. Next thing they're getting it on in the pool. It felt disjointed.

Don't worry though, there was plenty I enjoyed. I loved getting to know Howard. He was a cuddly teddy bear who was also fiercely loyal as expected. His pursuit of Elsa was passionate, but he was a complete gentleman too. It was fun meeting other were-bears. Especially Howard's two younger cousins. Their antics were funny and cute. The legend of the curse gave interesting insight to the were-bears' past. I loved having more of Shanna's son too. He is adorable!

I also enjoyed the fact that Howard didn't try to hide being a were-bear from Elsa. All along, he knew he would have to tell her so when the time came there wasn't the usual girl runs away from monster screaming. Elsa was afraid, but it was fear of the curse.

And with every Kerrelyn Sparks novel, she has at least one scene that has me busting out laughing. This one had Shanna's son, Tino, turkey basters and pregnancy.(less)

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Nov 24, 2012 Patty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wild About You
by
Kerrelyn Sparks

My "in a nutshell" summary...

Howard loves Elsa. Howard is a man who can change into a bear. Howard s a protector. Elsa...might be a guardian. Their paths cross!

My thoughts after reading this book...

Hmmm...this book is not a genre that I normally read and at first I really wanted to stop reading it. But it slowly captured my interest. Howard is sort of a protector who can turn into a huge bear...he has secrets but almost everyone in this book has secrets. He yearns...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Bitten By Love Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was my first Kerrelyn Sparks book and I liked it! This is the thirteenth book in the Love at Stakes Series. In this story we read about Howard Barr a were-shifter who works security for the Draganesti family and Elsa Bjornberg who works on a television show that does home renovations and is also Howard's secret crush.

After his banishment from his home in Alaska 20 years earlier for being accused of murder, Howard returns home to visit his mother and grandfather. He finds out the man he was...more This was my first Kerrelyn Sparks book and I liked it! This is the thirteenth book in the Love at Stakes Series. In this story we read about Howard Barr a were-shifter who works security for the Draganesti family and Elsa Bjornberg who works on a television show that does home renovations and is also Howard's secret crush.

After his banishment from his home in Alaska 20 years earlier for being accused of murder, Howard returns home to visit his mother and grandfather. He finds out the man he was accused of murdering Rhett Bleydden, was still alive. He puts a plan into motion to ruin Rhett. While there his grandfather is quick to remind him about a family curse, that Howard just does not believe.

Elsa Bjornberg works on a television show doing home renovations. AKA Amazon Ellie, nicknamed in reference to her height, hates the name and is really a girly girl at heart. She was raised by her aunts growing up and has a strange birthmark on her shoulder they believe to be a family curse.

Shanna Draganesti learns of Howard's crush on Elsa and she invites the television show to renovate her home. This is where Howard finally gets to meet Elsa, and things really "heat" up. The things in this book that bothered me were Elsa's aunts. After they find out that when Howard first touched Elsa her birthmark burned, they immediately fly to where Elsa is filming the show. They show up armed to the teeth with guns and knives and threaten to kill Howard on the spot, which in turn makes Elsa stay away from Howard. I was annoyed at how they acted, they wouldn't listen to anything Elsa said, I felt really frustrated at how weak-minded Elsa was and how easily she let her aunts talk her into questioning Howard's motives even though he was nothing but nice and respectful towards her. Elsa otherwise is made out to be this strong woman and yet when it came to her aunts, she was like a child....respect i know i get that but it seemed too much for me.

I really like Howard and his personality. He was loving, kind, a gentleman, and was very funny. When Elsa and Howard were together they had great chemistry.

Kerrelyn Sparks is an amazing writer and overall the story was really good. (Every story has their pros and cons). I will definitely be going out and picking up the rest of the series and you should all go out and get this book when it comes out on November 27th 2012

Review By Sara G(less)

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Oct 03, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, hot-vamps, paranormal, shifters, werewolves, romance

I have been anticipating this book ever since Howard walked onto the scene with his big box of bear claws. Who can resist a guy who loves a good donut?

Seems that Howard has a secret love, home remodeling and Elsa. Elsa is the Amazon-ish host of Howard's favorite show. He keeps copies of the show under his bed and Shanna mistakes them for porn. Too funny. When she finds out the truth she sets things in motion to get them together. Elsa and Howard are a good match. Howard needs someone who won't...more I have been anticipating this book ever since Howard walked onto the scene with his big box of bear claws. Who can resist a guy who loves a good donut?

Seems that Howard has a secret love, home remodeling and Elsa. Elsa is the Amazon-ish host of Howard's favorite show. He keeps copies of the show under his bed and Shanna mistakes them for porn. Too funny. When she finds out the truth she sets things in motion to get them together. Elsa and Howard are a good match. Howard needs someone who won't crack under pressure. There's a pesky curse looming over them and with interfering aunts and the return of Rhett they find it difficult to find peace. They read into the curse the wrong way. Once they figure out what it really means they have to hurry after Rhett before the past repeats itself.

I like Howard in this book. He has always been just the cuddly bodyguard but there is more to him and I like it. You learn about his past, his family and how he ended up working for Angus. It takes the forefront and you get to see him in a new light. He is sad that everyone around him is happy and moving on but he seems to be stuck in a rut and he wants to be happy.

Elsa appears to be a strong independent type. As you read more about her she comes accross as more sensitive but defensive due to the reactions of most people. Elsa is not built like a petite flower, she is statuesque. I like her escpecially the fact that she doesn't scare too easily.

Rhett appears again to try and settle and old score with Howard. I wasn't a big fan of the storyline with him. In most books the villian is very promodant but with Rhett he appears breifly at the beginning and then breifly at the end. I wanted the showdown between him and Howard to be more explosive. I am happy that the saga with Rhett is over but I wanted more to that storyline.

Shanna and Roman have a small side storyline in this book. It seems that Shanna has yet to come to terms with her new life. She is able to find closuer and acceptance in this installment. I am happy that their drama is finally settled.

Sparks writes another winner with this book. All of her fans will enjoy this story. I love her writing because she has that way of combining comedy and drama together to make a fantastic read. The cover threw me off a little because Howard is gray. That is all explained in the book whay he is gray and then the cover makes sense.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It lives up to the series standards even though I wasn't happy with some parts. I can't wait to read the next book and I wonder who will be the star. Maybe Dougal. This is a recommened read.

I received this copy coutesy of Edelwiess and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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Sep 10, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

ORIGINAL POST: WILD ABOUT YOU Isn't Too Hard or Too Soft
Wickedly Early Review

WILD ABOUT YOU
Book 13 in the Love at Stake series
by Kerrelyn Sparks
Avon/Harper Collins Books 11/27/2012
Paperback (384 pages) and E-book
Book provided by publisher via NetGalley.com. No Remuneration exchanged and all opinions herein are my own unless otherwise noted.

Description:

The thirteenth book in the Love at Stake series features Howard Barr, the were-bear!
Handsome Howard…Hunky Howard… Hot Howard…
It’s not every d

...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, fiction, paranormal-romance

This book is the thirteenth book in the Love At Stake series. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but I didn't have any trouble following the story in this book. Ms. Sparks does a great job of concisely summarizing past events so that a new reader knows the history of various characters.

There was great chemistry between Howard and Elsa. I don't want to spoil anything but I thought the ancient curse that kept Howard and Elsa apart was original and creative. There was also plenty o...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Lady Lioness rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: saw-in-romance-sells, genre-paranormal-romance, read-september-2012, subgenre-psychic-powers, subgenre-other-weres

Snagged via Edelweiss.

I love shifter romances and I have a definite soft spot for stories that deviate from the normal wolves or cats. I especially enjoy heroes that have a quirky flaw or two. A werebear with an addiction for pastries definitely fits the bill. Howard's focus on strategy made him an interesting hero and I liked how he was determined to 'woo' Elsa. His celebrity crush on Elsa was also very cute.

There were some problems with this book, repetitiveness, for example. I'm not entirely...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: galleys-arcs

Wild About You – Kerrelyn Sparks

Oh, I’ve been waiting a while for Howard’s story and here it is. Handsome Howard, Hunky Howard and the list goes on!. The majority of these books are about vamps, but when Ms Sparks gets a notion to write about the furrier side of life she really goes all out!

This book is filled with a ton of steaming innuendo, longing looks, sexy passages, sexy male anatomy wonderful descriptions, mystery and suspense! You name it, you will find it!

It has been a while since Elsa...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Bebe Knight rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review by Bebe at Reading Until I Fall Asleep

The most recent book, Wild About You, follows Howard, a were-bear who we first met in book one as head of security at Roman’s laboratory, and Elsa, a TV personality on a home improvement show who happens to be the long lost Guardian of the Forrest and the answer to stopping a curse in Howard’s family. Elsa is brought to upstate New York where Shanna needs some remodeling done on a rundown house, but Shanna has bigger plans for Elsa. She just happened...more

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Nov 14, 2012 The Window Seat added it

Howard Barr is a shapeshifter - and is a Kodiak bear when he shifts - who happens to have a great affinity for pastry! Falsely accused of murder 20 years earlier, Howard was banished from his home in Alaska. Miraculously free from his banishment, he finally gets to visit his mother and grandfather who raised him. His grandfather warned him again, for what Howard thought was the thousandth time, about the family curse. Howard thought his grandfather was nuts!

In this 13th installment of the Love a...more

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Dec 29, 2012 t'irla ~The BookSlayer~ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: lovers of Bearshifters and Kerrelyn Sparks

Recommended to t'irla ~The BookSlayer~ by: PA

Shelves: 4-star-read

Howard was everything I wanted him to be and more. His story is enthralling and I hope we see even more of him in further 'Love at Stake' books.

Description:

Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd...more Howard was everything I wanted him to be and more. His story is enthralling and I hope we see even more of him in further 'Love at Stake' books.

Description:

Handsome Howard...
Hunky Howard...
Hot Howard...

It's not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he'd like to lick...

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he's a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their new found love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

My Thoughts:

I have been attracted to Howard from all the other books in the series. He always seemed to be the reliable one, the one who held it all together back home. His description is past books was not really sexy but that was fully explained to us at the beginning of the story as to why he is now hunky Howard. I am happy that Howard knew what he wanted and who he wanted. We met his foe in the last book and it was great to see him get what was coming to him. Elsa was the perfect mate for Howard, intelligent, patient, self possessed and has her other brand of "otherness".

It was interesting to see a different side of Shanna. I think Kerrelyn Sparks was smart to have us see that everything was not all rosy when her change occurred and that she questioned how it was effecting her as a mother and a woman. I also enjoyed seeing Tino's connection with Howard and how strong it was and that he also connected to Elsa in a similar manner.

KS writes with humor and is a genius at pacing a book so that it is a fast paced whirlwind. You find that night is gone before you realize it and are putting the book down to the sun coming over the horizon. Her characters are charming, funny, and you can readily become emotionally involved with their stories. Thanks for another great read Kerrelyn!

Solid 4 stars and nudge to all those who have not yet discovered the 'Love at Stake' series you are missing out on one of the best PNR series out there. Can't wait for the next book! (less)

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Feb 11, 2013 Bron rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: vampire, were-animal, were-wolf, paranormal, romantic-comedy

Another great light hearted paranormal comedy by Kerrelyn Sparks. This is the story of Howard, the were- bear (Kodiak bear), and hid television idol Elsa. This romance has an added complication, Elsa is not a normal paranormal- and her family does not want Elsa anywhere near Howard.

The story deals with Howards background, his and Phil's desires to reap revenge on an old foe, and Elsa learning about herself as well as learning to deal with a lot of conflicting emotions. Although not my favourite,...more

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Nov 20, 2012 Kimberly rated it 2 of 5 stars

Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com

I received an ARC of this book and I did not know it was part of a series and honestly I was a bit confused for a good amount of the beginning of the book. Obviously these characters have been introduced before and situations are ongoing from the other books. I just never connected with the characters which I think has something to do with not being aware of the previous story.

I did not feel that Howard and Elsa had a connection either. The book seemed ve...more

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About Kerrelyn Sparks

Kerrelyn Sparks is the New York Times bestselling author of a series that mimics its sexy heroes by refusing to die. Now up to book thirteen, the Love at Stake series spreads laughter worldwide in thirteen different languages. In spite of a tendency to nibble on necks or howl at the moon, Kerrelyn’s vampire and shapeshifter heroes are still wonderfully romantic.

Please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com ...more

More about Kerrelyn Sparks...

Books by Kerrelyn Sparks

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, #1)

The Undead Next Door (Love at Stake, #4)

All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire (Love at Stake, #5)

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Wild About You (Love at Stake #13)

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