Silver Mine (Takhini Wolves, #2)

Sep 13, 2012 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, genre-paranormal-romance, halfbreed, published-2012, shifter, shifter-cat, shifter-wolf, trope-healer-woman

One of the aspects I enjoyed most about Silver Mine is that Arend tackles a relationship without the fate-mate connection between characters. This was especially interesting since most of Arend's books set in the Takhini and Granite Lake worlds rely on the fate-mate trope to drive the relationship forward. So it was nice to see Arend tackle a relationship set in this world where the characters didn't have that connection driving them.

Arend also takes another step away from her usual fan-fare in...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, read-in-2012, review

Joint review with E originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/09/21/...

MinnChica: When you take on of my favorite authors and one of my favorite genres and mix them together, it’s almost always a recipe for success. I love that I can always count on Vivian Arend to deliver not only incredible books, but wonderful tidbits and teases for her fans. When I first heard she was going to be writing longer books set in the wolfie world, I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with, and the...more Joint review with E originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/09/21/...

MinnChica: When you take on of my favorite authors and one of my favorite genres and mix them together, it’s almost always a recipe for success. I love that I can always count on Vivian Arend to deliver not only incredible books, but wonderful tidbits and teases for her fans. When I first heard she was going to be writing longer books set in the wolfie world, I couldn’t wait to see what she came up with, and the Takhini books are just fabulous. One of the things I loved most about Silver Mine was just how different our hero was from previous ones in the series. He was a reluctant alpha, and although he whined and complained about being in charge, he did it with the best intentions of EVERYONE in mind. I loved Chase. LOVED.

E: Arend always provides a wonderful story and great characterization. While she continues writing new books in the wolfie world about the only constant is that they have packs and Alpha’s. Her skill in continuing to keep things fresh and unusual is wonderful to see. Like MinnChica mentioned Chase did not fit the typical alpha mold and he was simply wonderful. He didn’t want the power or responsibility but when push came to shove he stepped up and did what was necessary. He has been acting as a kind of unofficial alpha by taking care of the link between civilization and the loners but never to the extent of banding a group of different species together. I think he might be my favorite alpha of Arend’s. Well until I read the next book or re-read a previous one.

MinnChica: I have to agree that Chase is one of my all-time favorites, and for me (the girl who loves her alpha’s to walk the line of alphahole, that’s saying something!), that speaks volumes about both Chase’s character and Arend’s ability to write him. While Chase somewhat stole the book IMO, Shelley was great in her own right. She was just as caring and loving as Chase for the people in his territory. She genuinely wanted to help everyone, and knew what it was like to be viewed as an outsider. She lived her whole life somewhat outside of the paranormal and normal worlds, not really feeling like she fit in either one, and because of that she was able to understand the outcasts in Chase’s territory, and connect to them in ways no one else could.

E: Shelley was also a great character. She certainly didn’t let Chase walk over her as she tried to find her spot as a veterinarian. I really felt for her because her full human sister, Caroline, fit into the pack and shifter world much better then she did. Since she was an outsider she was able to create a connection with the other misfits without them feeling patronized. I also liked how she didn’t let her fear of rejection keep her from following her calling and finding out about this new virus. I did find that I adored how her sister and put a lot of time and effort into ensuring that Shelly wasn’t mistreated when she came back although I think she has several levels of plans within plans.

MinnChica: I am with you in the love for Caroline! I adored everything about her, and I hope and pray that she gets the chance to end up with Evan, despite the fact that they don’t seem to be mates. There were actually quite a few secondary characters in this book that I enjoyed and can’t wait to see more of. I like the way that Arend is bridging the gap between the Takhini wolf pack which is organized and really relies so much on the town and 21st Century way of life, and the misfit group of Chase’s folks who are all recluses and enjoy their solidarity. I hope we get to see them coming together more often now that they seem to have a common ground between Caroline and Shelley.

E: YES! I have my fingers crossed regarding Caroline and Evan in future books *hint, hint*. I do really like how the gap is being bridged because they are an important part of the world. I also think the bears and their huge conclave are going to have a significant role in upcoming events. They have already interfered in previous books and I think it is only going to get worse. I also adored Jones, Shelley’s young protector. And I am pretty sure I know why he won’t change into human form *evil grin* just an example of Chase protecting what is his.

MinnChica: All in all I think this book is one of the best in the wolfie series to date. I loved not only the hero and heroine, but also all the secondary characters as well. Both Chase and Shelley were so great as individuals as well as a couple that I wanted the very best for them from the very start. I loved the fact that we stepped outside the normal shifter world and took a look at what life is like for the outsiders who don’t want to be in the normal pack structure. It added another wonderful dimension to the world, and I can’t wait to get back into the swing of things in Takhini.
I give Silver Mine an A-

E: Arend has created and continues to expand her wonderful wolfie world. I know I will always get a great story and memorable characters both main and supporting. I don’t know what they are going to do or what they will face which is part of the attraction to me. Chase and Shelley while quieter then many of Arend’s previous heroes and heroines easily hold their own. Their world isn’t perfect and everyone doesn’t neatly fit in but their impact is also noted not just ignored. I love the increasing complexity with the greater length stories in Takhini. And like MinnChica, I can’t wait for the next one.
I give Silver Mine an A(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Laurie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I haven't read anything by Vivian Arend that was filled with wonderful, colorful characters. This one has just as many wonderful, quirky, free spirited characters living in it too. Characters who you fall in love with and cheer for.

Chase is a loner due to his dual nature of shifting. And he likes it that way even if he is the default Alpha for all of the misfit shifters living in the outbacks of the north for what ever reason they shun society. But someone has to go to civilization to get suppli...more

like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Jessie Potts rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, shifter

This is the second book in the Takhini Wolves series and pairs a crossbreed shifter with a shifter who can't actually shift. The hero of this novel is very contradictory: He's an outcast and alone, yet considered the alpha of all the outcasts. He also loves Shelley but claims she isn't his mate. If you like HFN (that's Happy For Now), then this will strike your fancy. If you crave an HEA with destined mates, then check out Wolf Signs from Vivian's Granite Lake Wolves series.

Not only does Vivian...more

like · see review

Sep 02, 2012 Carien rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr

I love Arend's Shifter stories, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Silver Mine.

And as always Arend delivers a fun, sexy and very satisfying story.

I like how the hero and heroine aren't mates. Even though I do love the mate-trope, it was refreshing to see two shifters who didn't feel drawn together by an inescapable mate bond, but who felt physically attracted to each other and had to figure out if they had more in common than just that.

I really liked Shelley. She's been hurt and at fir...more

like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Cocktails and Books added it

Shelves: cnb-reviewers

The second installment to the Takhini Pack series, Silver Mine gives us the story of Chase, a crossbreed shifter, and Shelley, a shifter who can't shift. This is an interesting story of two outcasts who can't seem to keep their hands off each

What I liked about this story the best was the characters. There's just something about Chase, I wasn't sure what it was at first, I just knew that there was something about this character that set him apart from your average hero. Chase turns out to be a co...more The second installment to the Takhini Pack series, Silver Mine gives us the story of Chase, a crossbreed shifter, and Shelley, a shifter who can't shift. This is an interesting story of two outcasts who can't seem to keep their hands off each

What I liked about this story the best was the characters. There's just something about Chase, I wasn't sure what it was at first, I just knew that there was something about this character that set him apart from your average hero. Chase turns out to be a contradiction in terms. He's an outcast living off in the woods in virtual solitude, yet he’s the alpha of dozens of other outcasts of every imaginable shifter breed. He’s even got a wolverine in his pack! On the other hand, we have Shelley, the “mutant” wolf shifter whose human half sister fits in with the shifter pack better than she does. How a pack would accept a human but reject a shifter, I have yet to understand. What I do understand is that Shelley seems to have a masochistic side. The pack treats her badly, she refuses to return to the pack, yet she just has to go back to her hometown and serve as their doctor/vet. It almost sounds like your typical abusive relationship. I just couldn’t understand why she would put herself in that position, which made it hard to really get her character.

What I didn’t like about this story… Arend makes it a point to say, more than once, that Chase and Shelley are not mates. So if they’re not mates, then where is this relationship headed? A one-night stand? A hot affair that will continue until one or the other does find their true mate and dumps the other? To tell you the truth, I finished the book and I still don’t know. Although I greatly enjoyed the story, the love scenes were pretty hot, the action everywhere, the alpha attitude plentiful, yet it still felt incomplete. I don’t feel it measured up to Arend’s usual work. Maybe that makes me biased. So I’m basing my rating on my enjoyment of this particular piece of work as I read it. Would it have made a difference if I had read book 1 first? Maybe. So to be honest, I will give this series a second chance and read book 1 before deciding if I will continue to follow it or not. You be the judge. You disagree? Feel free to tell me.

(less)

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: guiltypleasures-kclu, publishersent, samahinreview

KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

Silver Mine is book two in the Takhini Wolves series by Vivian Arend, and she has another winner on her hands. With each book in her shifter series I fall more in love with these wolves. I like learning about the dynamics each different pack. This one centers more on a bush pack then the Takhini pack, but Shelley is the half sister of Caroline. Caroline is the human that hooked up with Evan the pack Alpha in the first book, Black Gold.

Shelley isn’...more KcLu's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4.5 Stars

Silver Mine is book two in the Takhini Wolves series by Vivian Arend, and she has another winner on her hands. With each book in her shifter series I fall more in love with these wolves. I like learning about the dynamics each different pack. This one centers more on a bush pack then the Takhini pack, but Shelley is the half sister of Caroline. Caroline is the human that hooked up with Evan the pack Alpha in the first book, Black Gold.

Shelley isn’t your typical wolf, and she doesn’t really like being around a pack. Growing up she was bullied by her fellow wolves, and now she is back to be the local vet and shifter doctor. She is not sure about joining back into the pack, because of her past. She also shies away from all romantic relationships with shifters. So this is why she gives Chase the brush off at first. Then he shows up at her clinic with a wound that will not heal, and to get the cure they have to go together into the bush.

Chase is a Métis, meaning he is a wolf but he is also a cougar, and that makes it really hard to be a part of a pack. He has been living in the bush for years, but he must travel to Whitehorse to get supplies for not only him but other shifters in the area not comfortable with the city. From the moment he sees Shelley, something about her calls him, and he is having a hard time resisting her in the bush. Is she his mate?? Can she save him from whatever is keeping his wound from healing?? Can they be together when he lives in the bush, and she is on the verge of opening a clinic in Whitehorse??

I absolutely loved this book!!! I liked for all her self doubt Shelley is really strong. I really liked all the characters that come into play once they are out in the bush. So many different types of shifters and you get to see the differences in each of them. Not to forget some smoking hot panty melting sex scenes between Shelley and Chase. I highly recommend not only this book but the all of this series and the Granite Lake series. Hope y’all enjoy them as much as I have!! (less)

like · see review

Jul 30, 2012 Caitlin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vivian Arend did it again with writing another book I couldn’t put down. I am falling in love with the Takhini wolves. In this story both Chase and Shelley are considered outcasts and flawed but to each other they discover they are perfect just the way they are.

Shelley is Caroline’s younger sister who has never been able to shift. As a child she was treated horribly by the pack. She escaped to the south and became a vet/shifter doctor. Now she is back on her own terms and won’t be bullied this...more

like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Tamara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Vivian Arend always delivers an original story: From a deaf "human" who doesn't know she's really a werewolf (Wolf Signs, Granite Lake book 1);to a couple comprised of a werewolf who can't shift into her wolf form and a cross breed shifter who can change into two forms, both a cougar and a wolf!

Chase "Silver" Johnson is the unofficial alpha of a group of outcasts. Once a year he ventures into Whitehorse to secure supplies for the group. But, this trip is different. Chase is injured by a crazy pu...more

like · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-favorites, read-in-2012

Vivian Arend returns us to the breathtaking beauty and inherent dangers of the Yukon Territory in the second of her Takhini Wolves series. Sliver Mine is a unique shifter story for a number of reasons but most of all it’s about those considered misfits who don’t fit into pack life and therefore have chosen a solitary existence in the wilderness. Arend has obviously spent time in this part of the country because through evocative descriptions she brings realism that compliments a sometimes violen...more Vivian Arend returns us to the breathtaking beauty and inherent dangers of the Yukon Territory in the second of her Takhini Wolves series. Sliver Mine is a unique shifter story for a number of reasons but most of all it’s about those considered misfits who don’t fit into pack life and therefore have chosen a solitary existence in the wilderness. Arend has obviously spent time in this part of the country because through evocative descriptions she brings realism that compliments a sometimes violent imaginary world that is brimming with humor.

These shifters are an irreverent bunch who normally enjoy life and their sexuality to the fullest. In fact, their biology is programmed so their wolfie side is triggered to emerge during the post pubescent period through sex. Half human/wolf shifter Shelly Bradley’s wolf has remained dormant, and attempts to trigger her she-wolf have historically failed. Shelly suffered significant ridicule by the Takhini pack during her youth which increased during her teen years and her suffering eventually drove her away to school where as mentioned in the synopsis she earned her credentials as a Veterinarian with a specialty in shifter medicine. Shelly has returned to Whitehorse determine to carve out her place administering to the locals. The other attraction is that Shelly’s headstrong human half-sister Caroline lives there and she is an accepted member of the pack for more reasons than one. Shelly has no intention of trying to ingratiate herself into pack life, however she is unaware of the positive changes that have occurred under the leadership of new pack Alpha, Evan and his brother Shaun who is the Beta.

Things change when the enticing, amicable Chase Johnson arrives in town and seeks Shelly’s expertise in treating a wound he received while fighting off an attacker in the bush. Normally shifter wounds heal when they shift into their animal form but Chase’s is worsening. When usual methods of treatment don’t improve Chase’s situation at all Shelly is stymied and insists on going into the bush to find the shifter that caused the wound. Shelly tries to resist, and keep her professional hat on but finds herself sensually drawn to the shifter who hails from unusual origins. Chase can shift into both cougar and wolf, but the thing is, he has no control over which of his ‘others’ will appear.

Like Shelly, Chase is an outcast but has eked a place out of the bush where he must fight and work hard daily for survival. That being said, he loves his life and as Shelly embarks on the adventure of a lifetime and spends intimate time with Chase she learns there is far more to this remarkable man then meets the eye. Sliver Mine offers sizzling sexual attraction and hot eroticism. What I liked, is this isn’t your typical shifters meet their mates and bond forever scenario, its quite different regarding two relationships that are integrated into the storyline. Moreover, there is back-country action and battle scenes as the author vividly depicts the protagonists quest for survival while faced with the outbreak of a vicious and deadly disease.

If you enjoy a paranormal shifter tale, Silver Mine has it all, plot twists, memorable characters, laugh-out-loud sarcastic dialogue, fun shifter high-jinks, action and suspense that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, and an endearing love story. As well, there is a feisty little kitten named Enigma. Oh, and an unusual use for duct tape! ;) What I also loved is that Arend uses the poetry of Robert Service as the foundation for each of 3 parts of the story. I was surprised, I thought one would be Evan’s story but the author creatively took the tale in an entirely different direction adding depth to the world, making for a winning read. I’m looking forward to the next tale in the Takhini Pack stories.

Review originally published at Book Lovers Inc (less)

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit… this one took me a bit longer to warm up to. Not that the main pair isn't hot but for some reason I just wasn't as quickly drawn in. I liked them both when I finished this but at first it just didn't call to me.

This is an interesting book in that the main pair are both oddities in the shifting world…

Chase is a hybrid that is never certain if he will turn in to a cougar or a wolf when he shifts. He's a bit of a loner at the start of this but stands as the Alpha for a rag-tag grou...more I have to admit… this one took me a bit longer to warm up to. Not that the main pair isn't hot but for some reason I just wasn't as quickly drawn in. I liked them both when I finished this but at first it just didn't call to me.

This is an interesting book in that the main pair are both oddities in the shifting world…

Chase is a hybrid that is never certain if he will turn in to a cougar or a wolf when he shifts. He's a bit of a loner at the start of this but stands as the Alpha for a rag-tag group of shifters who just don't fit in to a traditional pack or hierarchy for one reason or another. He is heading in to town to pick up supplies for himself and the outsiders but also ends up getting seen for an odd wound that just won't heal. He's very loyal to his adopted people and only ends up staying in town longer than expected due to the wound. He is fascinated with the heroine when they first meet but this is no jump in to bed romp.

Shelly is the half-sister of Caroline (Evan's sort of lover/assistant… hmmm no they are lovers but dude you have to read both books to get a good picture) and a wolf that can't shift. She's been treated poorly due to the inability to shift but has finally decided to come home to open a clinic… vet… she's not completely aware of Evan and the changes he is making but you'll like how he treats her when he meets her. She's not looking for a man but is also attracted to Chase when they meet.

The whole mystery surrounding his wound was interesting and man oh man when the two of them finally get down to business the pages do heat up. I liked seeing these two find something they weren't looking for and was happy to see their HEA.

Ok… This being said … I'm impatiently waiting to see what Vivian does with Caroline and Evan… they both deserve an incredible HEA and if they aren't together she better make it worth our while.. (Hint Hint)… LOL. I'm left with some questions after this one but I think that there is more to their story than what we have so far but hey I have faith she'll not only make us squirm for a bit longer but the payoff will be huge.(less)

like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Barbara ~*Lindt Ninja*~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, paranormal, series, gray-covers

I’ve loved Arend’s series about shapeshifters since 2009, when I picked up Wolf Signs, a book about a deaf girl who heads out into the wilderness with no idea she’s part wolf. It was unique, sexy and full of humor. The Granite Lake wolfies have been going strong for five books (with a new one coming!) and they’ve spun off into a slightly edgier and rougher series, the Takhini Wolves. I liked the first book for its sly humor and bad-assery (new word alert!). Silver Mine was a more sedate book, th...more I’ve loved Arend’s series about shapeshifters since 2009, when I picked up Wolf Signs, a book about a deaf girl who heads out into the wilderness with no idea she’s part wolf. It was unique, sexy and full of humor. The Granite Lake wolfies have been going strong for five books (with a new one coming!) and they’ve spun off into a slightly edgier and rougher series, the Takhini Wolves. I liked the first book for its sly humor and bad-assery (new word alert!). Silver Mine was a more sedate book, the issues a little deeper and there wasn’t quite so much butt-kicking. The humor is always there though. I wouldn’t recognize an Arend book without it.

Chase is a loner by nature, living in relative isolation in the Canadian wilds with random fellow loner shifters for a loose “pack.” During his yearly trip into civilization in Whitehorse for supplies that will probably end up in their bellies too, he’s also got to find a doctor. He got scratched up during a fight with a puma shifter and the wounds aren’t healing at all.

Years ago, Shelley fled Whitehorse and an abusive Takhini pack that turned her into an outcast because she was a half-breed wolf who couldn’t shift. During her time away, she became a vet with specialized shifter training and the old Takhini alpha was overthrown by a much different, kinder man who created a new kind of pack. Her sister Caroline and the lure of her own office in Whitehorse pulls Shelley back home, although she’s determined to stay away from anything resembling pack life or shifters – except a very delicious blonde shifter who’s new in town looks interesting to her one night.

That blonde shifter comes banging on her not-yet-open office door the next day, looking for the doctor to check out some scratches. Shelley can’t figure them out – there was something wrong with the puma shifter who attacked Chase and she needs to check him out before she can fix what’s wrong with him. That means Chase has to take her deep into his isolated territory, the two of them, alone, with all of this sizzling attraction between them.

At least for a good while at the start of the story, I didn’t feel very connected to Shelley and Chase. There was a lot of other stuff going on back in Whitehorse with Shelley’s sister Caroline and Evan, the Alpha of Takhini, and it was a little distracting. By the time the two had really left civilization, it was easier to feel a bond and a lot of sexual tension growing between the two of them. I was a little surprised by how fast Shelley decided she wouldn’t resist him. I mean, not that I would either. But, you know, I expected her to at least put up more of a fuss.

Shelley and Chase both have sad and unusual pasts that should have given them a little oomph in the depth department. Shelley experienced terrible bullying because she could never trigger her wolf and was blamed for something terrible. Chase is a Métis, a shifter with two animals who generally isn’t accepted by either pack. They had a lot in common that could have brought them together on a special level but I just never got that feeling from them. I really did believe their romance though and whoo, they were steamy together.

The supporting characters and side stories were very strong and I think may have overwhelmed Shelley and Chase. There was a lot of Caroline and Evan, much being made about her being human and not his mate despite them sleeping together. Back at Chase’s home, there was an adorable cast of characters: Delton, the grizzled old wanderer who’s been watching his place; Jones, the young trouble-making wolverine and my favorite, Frank, the big ol’ bear shifter who’s absolutely hilarious. I swear I’m going to sit on Arend one of these days and make her write a bear shifter series. They’re big, brawny (get in a lot of trouble) and so funny I adore them.

I’m pretty conflicted about this one. I liked the mystery of the puma scratches and the hike in was memorable because of the nice slow build of sexual tension between Shelley and Chase. There had just been too much other stuff going on earlier in the book and I don’t think I had a good enough grasp about who they were individually to really feel for them as fully as I wanted to as a couple. The supporting characters were awesome though, really bringing the story to life and making it fun. Overall, I enjoyed reading this despite the issues and I’m looking forward to Evan getting his book (and the bears, hint hint)(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 Brenda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think this may seriously be my favorite Vivian Arend story to date. I loved the main characters, one an outcast, the other a freak in the shifter world. Intelligent, compassionate people who just don't fit in with a traditional pack find each other, but do to their past experiences they are not searching for a long term relationship, let alone a mate. On the surface it might sound like a common plot in paranormal romance, but it's not. The setting in the Canadian wilderness, the characters and...more

like · see review

Sep 23, 2012 ☼sunny☼ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: strong-female-heroine, were-wolves-cats-and-satyrs

I love everything Arend writes and this is no exception.
A shifter that can't shift and a vet.Lily. A loner who shifts to both cougar and wolf and lives in Isolation. Chase.

He comes to town for a years worth of supplies and meets the lovely Vet just beginning to set up her new practice. He is already suffering from a toxic shifter injury that will probably kill him.

With the help of her mentor, she returns to the wild to find the shifter that caused the injury only to find him already dead.

An a...more

like · see review

Sep 14, 2012 Francesca the Fierce ~Eyelet Ecstasy~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, genre-paranormal-romance, werewolves-shifters

This review was posted at Under the Covers

It's always amazing how much I enjoy Vivian Arend's writing. It flows so smoothly and it's just so enjoyable I can't help but find her stories entertaining. Add in some sexy shifters and I'm in heaven. SILVER MINE follows the same Arend formula but it's not your typical story. The few twists she put to this story are refreshing!

First of all there's the hero Chase, who is a crossbreed and can actually shift into a cougar AND a wolf. How cool is that? Mayb...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Kristy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

Chase is an outcast to regular shifter society and finds his sense of belonging in the wilds of the Yukon. Shelley had been forced to leave Whitehorse years ago due to discrimination, but was returning to set up a business as a vet and shifter doctor.

Chase suffers a puzzling injury that forces him and Shelley together. Sparks and fur fly as they rush to cure Chase before he succumbs to his injury.

I thought this book was better than the first in the Takhini Wolves series. I liked the characters b...more

like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Helyce rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-romance, reviewed-for-smexybooks

Previously posted at www.smexybooks.com

Chase “Silver” Johnson is a shifter with two forms. Able to shift into a wolf and a cougar, he never knows which form he’ll take when he calls on his body to shift. Being unable to control this made him an outcast of sorts and he’s taken to living way out in the bush, far away from civilization, with other shifter outcasts. Chase is the unofficial alpha for all these men and once a year he makes the long trek to civilization to buy a year’s worth of supplie...more Previously posted at www.smexybooks.com

Chase “Silver” Johnson is a shifter with two forms. Able to shift into a wolf and a cougar, he never knows which form he’ll take when he calls on his body to shift. Being unable to control this made him an outcast of sorts and he’s taken to living way out in the bush, far away from civilization, with other shifter outcasts. Chase is the unofficial alpha for all these men and once a year he makes the long trek to civilization to buy a year’s worth of supplies. Once in Whitehorse, he quickly takes care of getting his supplies, but there is another form of business that he hopes to take care of while he’s there as well.

Shelly Bradley is bit of an outcast herself. The daughter of a shifter father and human mother, she is a wolf that cannot shift. She wasn’t triggered during puberty and suffered greatly as a young woman when her pack realized this. Mistreated, she left Whitehorse, went to school to become a veterinarian and now, years later, has braved a move back home. She hasn’t decided if she’ll rejoin the pack, but she’s excited to be back with her human sister, her only real family. She’s focusing on opening up her practice, getting the building ready and the last thing she’s looking for is a man, especially a shifter.

When Chase and Shelly meet one evening, sparks fly and though there is real interest on both sides, Shelly ignores it all. They all think they’ll “be the one” that will trigger her dormant wolf. She’s tired of playing that game and the disappointment she has to see in the eyes of the man when he realizes he not the one. But when Chase shows up at her clinic and asks for her help with an injury he got that is not healing as it should when he shifts, she’s too intrigued to turn away. Finding out that Chase is a crossbreed shifter is too much for her scientific mind to let go, and she wants to understand why his injury is not healing.

So they head out into the bush to try and track down the puma that Chase fought with to try and get some samples in order to figure out what’s going on. Ten days of hiking back into the bush, alone, with Chase. It’s not long before their sexual attraction takes over and Shelly doesn’t want to fight it anymore. They are not mates; instead, it’s their human sides that call to each other. When they come upon a dead puma shifter who appears to have died mid shift, they really begin to worry. As Chase’s injury worsens, it becomes a race against the clock. If they can’t find a cure, Chase and others may fall prey to this awful disease.

Vivian Arend has fast become one of my favorite authors. From her sexy cowboys, to her sexy shifters, I can honestly say I will read anything she writes. While I have read all of her Granite Lake Wolves books, I had not read the first Takhini Wolves book and worried that I may feel lost in starting with book 2. That was not the case. This book starts and flows really well as we meet many characters and get to know them all a little bit while we also watch Shelly and Chase not only fall in love but solve the mystery of a disease that seemed to have started in the bush but could have clearly traveled into civilization and caused a lethal epidemic.

What I really enjoyed about this story is how Vivian took two characters that, though they suffered greatly at the hands of their people, were strong enough to rise above it and do so much good for others. Though Chase chose to live away from civilization, his kindness and generosity with the other outcasts land him in the seat of unofficial Alpha, something he took seriously and was always at the forefront with all decisions he made. Even when he was already half in love with Shelly, he made decisions for all involved, always looking at the big picture, not just his own happiness. Shelly, too, made a difficult decision to leave the pack and do something for herself, but when she knew she was strong enough, she came back to try and find a place for herself there and do some good. Vivian Arend does a really good job of creating really interesting characters, with very specific traits that are so different from the norm and oh so interesting. I especially enjoyed some of the more humorous secondary characters like Taylor and Frank, huge bear shifters who live in the bush too. Then there was Jones, a somewhat troubled young wolf shifter who will endear himself to you with his unexpected actions.

We also meet Evan, the wolf Alpha in Whitehorse. I liked his character quite a lot and look forward to seeing more of him. I’m secretly hoping he will find a mate; I didn’t enjoy the character that was with him in this book and while it was a friends with benefits type set up, I hope it stops there. The only other thing that caused me a bit of confusion was the correlation between what was happening in the bush with the disease and big Bear contingent that seemed to be making their way to Whitehorse. It’s all spelled out clearly in the end, but I have to admit I didn’t catch on until it was clearly spelled out.

If you are a fan of shifter stories, I recommend both this series and the Granite Lake Wolves series. You’ll find really interesting characters, great storylines with hot romance.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Musing Bookworm rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-club-reads, dragons, sci-fi, shifters, witches, wolfies, writers-i-love

Where is a werewolf hermit with an ailment to go with a medical problem? To the anti-pack veterinarian of course.

Once again, Vivian Arend brings the wild and sexy world of shifters to the page in the second instalment of the Takhini Wolves series.

Our hero, the delicious Chase Johnson prefers the quiet life. The VERY quiet life of the Yukon, home of outcasts and hermits of the shifter world. Chase is all alpha but not interested in pack life, not least because he is a cross breed with no idea wh...more

like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Mikaela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

I jumped on the chance to read an ARC of Silver Mine when Vivian Arend posted about the opportunity on her blog. And I am glad I did. This book was Vivian Arend at her best.

This book took place in Whitehorse and in the wilderness in Yukon. I loved the tiny details in small town life. From how everyone knows everyone, to the layer of secrets that existed beneath the surface. But, I loved the descriptions of the wilderness more. It tugged at something within me, and made me long to walk along the...more

like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Mariana Bezerra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-author, alpha, format-epub, paranormal-romance, read-blog, samhain, werewolves

Read this review on my blog! --> Book Travels

I liked this book, but I expecting Evan for the next story. Don’t really consider this book really part of the Takhini pact, because Shelley was not from town and left the wolf problems a long time ago and Chase is the alpha of his misfits, so not really part of a pact neither.
Shelley left Whitehorse after being bullied her entire childhood, because she’s a half wolf and needs sex to be triggered. It was easy for the other wolfs to pick on her and...more

like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Tala rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, books-i-re-read, adult, romance, shapeshifters, arc, series

Another great series from Vivian Arend. This is book 2 in the Takhini Wolves series. I have to admit up front I’ve loved everything I’ve read from this author. This is a great Paranormal Romance that is for adults. The sex scenes are steamy and well done, but there is plenty of action. The story is well developed.

Chase is a loner and he's convinced he likes it that way because he never knows if he'll shift into a cat or wolf, then he gets hurt and can't heal. He runs into Shelley at her clinic...more Another great series from Vivian Arend. This is book 2 in the Takhini Wolves series. I have to admit up front I’ve loved everything I’ve read from this author. This is a great Paranormal Romance that is for adults. The sex scenes are steamy and well done, but there is plenty of action. The story is well developed.

Chase is a loner and he's convinced he likes it that way because he never knows if he'll shift into a cat or wolf, then he gets hurt and can't heal. He runs into Shelley at her clinic and suddenly alone doesn't sound so good. Of course he thinks he just wants a fling. I like Chase’s confidence in his abilities, quiet strength and the way he takes care of everyone in his life while denying he does it at the same time. I did wish he didn’t doubt that he was worthy of anything other than being an outcast due to his duel nature and lack of a certain control.

Shelley has cruelty in her past that she has to overlook so that she can connect with another shifter. She holds pieces of herself away from everyone. She’s convinced herself that she’ll be alone forever and is fine with it. Then Chase shows up in down and makes her doubt her outlook for the future. Shelley also fights herself for what she wants. I could understand Shelley's pain at past and potential future rejection and her desire to be with the sister that loves and supports her regardless of anything else.

I loved the characters, especially Chase, they felt real with developed personalities. The side characters were well developed with complex personalities. I want to know more about a few of them. The Yukon came to life for me. At times I felt the cold and the beauty of the place come through very well.

I laughed out loud, got annoyed at some characters, and felt the emotional pain of others. In other words Ms. Arend brought the story to life.

This can be read as a stand-alone, but would be much more enjoyable if you start with the first book (Black Gold) in the series.

I received this book from the author for a honest review.

edit: Originally posted on Darkerpassions (less)

like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 A.R. Von rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: rr-2012-challenge

Vivian Arend is one of the many authors that got me addicted to shifters. I've yet to be disappointed by any of the works I've read by her to this day (I own and have read 18 of her works so far). Silver Mine is an excellent addition to the Takhini Wolves series with another fun loving pair for us to enjoy. I LOVED that character’s from Black Gold (the first book of the series) where involved a great deal in this book. It made me feel all giddy to see Gem again with her silly mate Shaun. Silver...more

like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 E_bookpushers rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, e-book, paranormal, romance, series

Joint review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/09/21/...
Publisher: Samhain
Publish Date: Out now
How we got this book: ARC from the author

If a tree falls in the forest, duck…

Life in isolation is the safest place for Chase Johnson, a crossbreed who doesn’t know which form he’ll assume next—cougar or wolf. Once a year, his unelected position as spokesman for the Yukon outcasts forces him to visit civilization. This time he runs across someone unexpected. She’s not his mate, but...more

like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Marisella rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books-i-own, favorite-author, shifters, series-pnr-erotica

One of the best shifter books/series I've read; Chase is a Metis shifter, with 2 different forms, and Shelley is a wolf who can't shift at all. Together they solve a medical mystery, bring together a motley crew of outcasts, and find their own place. Vivian Arends books always have great timing and dialogue, hot sex and humor.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Check out my review and two teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2012/09/feasted-on-takhini-wolves-series-book-2.html

like · see review

Nov 07, 2012 Edie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, fave-reads, popcorn-reads

Devoured this book in minimal time, just a fun, fun read.
Different from the others in the series in many ways, but damn interesting. Loved the shifter dynamics and the Caroline sideline, I so hope she gets her own story.

like · see review

Sep 29, 2012 Kris (KindleRomance) rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars. Slow moving, little relationship building, light steam, strong likable characters, interesting non-pack dynamics. Plot revolved around strange virus going around, but I'm not sure I really understood how it got resolved. An explanation of why the young wolf moved her away from camp and then followed her around was never given, and didn't really make any sense.

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, read-in-2012, favorites2012

4.5/5 stars

I enjoyed this one. I didn't want to stop reading and go to bed when I got to a particular very exciting scene. The action scenes are very well written and I love how Chase and Shelley come together.

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Mary Lauer rated it 4 of 5 stars

I REALLY liked Chris's character. Shelley was less interesting to me, but she held her own. Can't wait to read more! Will Evan get a HEA? If so, what happens with Caroline? 8-(

like · see review

Sep 25, 2012 Christiana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another nice romance-shifter series by Vivian Arend!! ...if she would just tone down the sex scenes a bit and increase the action it would be a perfect 5 star read for me!! ;-)

like · see review

title link	preview: Silver Mine
avg rating	preview: Silver Mine Goodreads rating: 4.12 (234 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13599596-silver-mine?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334263660l/13599596.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13599596-silver-mine?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Silver Mine by Vivian Arend[/url]

Silver Mine (Takhini Wolves #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Vivian Arend

Books by Vivian Arend

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Silver Mine