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The Mane Squeeze (Pride #4)

4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 · rating details · 4,691 ratings · 238 reviews

Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and…uh…well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie cut...more

ebook, 318 pages

Published November 1st 2009 by Kensington Publishing Corporation (first published October 27th 2009)

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Feb 27, 2011 Zeek rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-all-time, favorites-pnr, favorite-author, pnr, romance, favorite-hero, favorite-heroine, kindle

At his good friend’s wedding to Smith pack Alpha Bobby Ray “Smitty” Smith, Grizzly shifter Lachlan Macryrie decides the sexy little tigon (half tiger/ half lion) he happens upon is as irresistible as honey covered salmon. But a misunderstanding leads to a brawl causing her to slip thru his paws like his slippery favorite food.

Gwen O’Neill, mix breed shifter and sister to two severely protective lions, is a beauty. But does she follow in her Mom’s lioness pawprints and labor in the beauty industr...more

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Oct 28, 2009 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance-shapeshifters, paranormal-romance, shapeshifters, favorites

Forget shape shifters who make you want to howl, this one will make you want to cover yourself in honey!

I really liked the hero of Mane Squeeze, who can deny the charm of a seven foot drop dead gorgeous shifter in a kilt and as a grizzly shifter Lock MacRyrie has an understated danger about him that I found truly appealing and which allows this thoughtful sweetheart of a hunk the ability to make even the fiercest breed of shifters run for cover - or play dead.

For a Laurentson leading lady, the...more Forget shape shifters who make you want to howl, this one will make you want to cover yourself in honey!

I really liked the hero of Mane Squeeze, who can deny the charm of a seven foot drop dead gorgeous shifter in a kilt and as a grizzly shifter Lock MacRyrie has an understated danger about him that I found truly appealing and which allows this thoughtful sweetheart of a hunk the ability to make even the fiercest breed of shifters run for cover - or play dead.

For a Laurentson leading lady, the heroine tigon (half tiger, half lion) Gwen, is downright sweet - relatively speaking - Gwen just doesn't have that uber-vicious streak like the rest of the past heroines - even though this 'kitty' does bare her claws from time to time. And while it was kind of funny to watch Gwen hiss and climb the drapes after being put in her place by one of the afore mentioned nasty former heroines - I would have like to have seen Gwen regain her power with a little revenge.

But that said, even though it sounds like a really strange match Gwen and Lock are good together and there's plenty of steamy stuff as Lock baits the hook and then takes his time reeling Gwen in because he knows she's a keeper. And it is really nice that Gwen is good for him too, helping him to take a chance on turning his very cool hobby into the career he's always dreamt of.

I really love Laurenston's books for the combination of humor and heat, and all of the crazy family members are part of what make these books so funny. I'll admit I did have a few issues with the Gwen's lion half-brother Mitch and the half-brother-of-her-half-brother, Brendon, who are so much less here as supporting characters than they were when they had their turn in the spotlight - I actually found them more irritating than funny this time round. But Loch's father and uncles are fun, and Gwen's friend Blayne as the ADD wolfdog hybrid was a hoot.

So overall, I really liked Mane Squeeze - it is worth reading for Lock alone - and I hope to see a lot more of Laurenston's shifters in the future. If you’ve read all of her Pride and Pack stories and are looking for some more sexy fun from Laurenston, you should check out her medieval Dragon-shifter stories, written as her alter ego G A Aiken.
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Aug 01, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-paranormal, series, humorous, athletes-hockey, shifters-were, shifters-bear, own-kindle

Gwen O'Neill is not sure what draws her to the handsome Grizzly Lachlan "Lock" MacRyie, but she seems to always find herself in his arms. When they "accidentally" bump into each other again, he finally asks her out, after all bears are deep thinkers. Lock has never met anyone quite like Gwen, sexy, unpredictable, and addictive and he can't think of his life without her in it.

Not sure why I kept putting this one to the side, thought it was fantastic. A lot of sub stories that could lead to more s...more

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Nov 30, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

There are not many funny and loopy paranormal books that will have you laughing out loud and rolling your eyes at the same time. The Main Squeeze is definitely one of them.

Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie is not really that interested in social events. But, since this seven foot tall grizzly bear shape-shifter from Long Island, New York has no choice and must to attend his good friend’s wedding, he’ll suck it up and pretend to enjoy himself. Lock enjoys the simple things in life, such as catching salmon...more There are not many funny and loopy paranormal books that will have you laughing out loud and rolling your eyes at the same time. The Main Squeeze is definitely one of them.

Lachlan “Lock” MacRyrie is not really that interested in social events. But, since this seven foot tall grizzly bear shape-shifter from Long Island, New York has no choice and must to attend his good friend’s wedding, he’ll suck it up and pretend to enjoy himself. Lock enjoys the simple things in life, such as catching salmon in the river and foraging for honey. He feels uncomfortable in most public situations because everyone around him runs the other way when he enters the room. It all comes down to Lock being able to shift into a ten-foot, fifteen-hundred pound, silver-tipped grizzly bear whenever he feels like it. (Silver-tipped because of his hair color.) This latest wedding has all types of guests from shifters that include lions to wolves and other breeds. And when alcohol is consumed, things do tend to get out of hand. Lock is expecting some brawls and is not surprised when he notices a hybrid ready to pounce on some lions who turn their nose up at her. Lock is intrigued by this gold-eyed beauty with a real dirty mouth.

Gwen O’Neill is a tigon, a half tiger, half lion hybrid from Philadelphia who is ready to fight anyone who makes fun of her. She puts up with enough from her brothers, who treat her as if she is can’t take care of herself, and a mother who is always criticizing her job and life in general. When Gwen first meets Lock, she finds him annoying. He’s from Jersey, after all, and seems to be a big pushover. There’s no way he can keep up with a girl like her.

Lock is very interested in Gwen even though bears and other furry animals usually don’t mix. He comes to her rescue when she and her best friend Blayne, a happy-go-lucky wolf bitch, are attacked by a group of she-wolves on neutral territory. Gwen is hurt protecting Blayne and Lock takes her to the hospital. Gwen has a deep-rooted fear that the doctors will steal her organs. Lock finds Gwen to be too much of a handful, but there is something so sexy and endearing about her that he can’t get enough of. And when Gwen and Blayne move to New Jersey to start up their plumbing business, Lock will have even more drama to deal with, such as trying to figure out who wants to harm Gwen and keeping her brothers from attacking him. Gwen adores this big grizzly and would love nothing more than to call him her own. She just has to keep her brothers and mother in the dark because they are just too noisy for their own good.

I have never met a bunch of insane-acting characters who curse like truck drivers and will drop everything to fight just because someone can’t keep their insults to themselves. Ms. Laurenston makes sure to combine humor and snark in some outlandish ways, such as Blayne joining a roller derby team and getting beat up because of her new hobby. And the funny thing is, Blayne goes back for more while her friends, who are a bloodthirsty bunch, watch from the stands.

The main reason to read The Mane Squeeze is because of Lock. He is the ultimate beta hero and will have you sighing from the very first page. He’s a great partner and love interest for Gwen, and their interactions and banter are witty and too funny for words. And when these two hit the sheets, it’s passionate and fun. Ms. Laurenston has given Lock a great skill with his mouth that you’ll not want to miss and one Gwen almost faints in pleasure over.

There is a bit of a mystery concerning Gwen’s mother, Roxy, and a nemesis of hers who wants revenge for something Roxy did in the past. Because of that, Gwen becomes a victim but won’t go down without putting up a fight. And because there are so many insults and craziness being thrown from all side, it made my head spin more than once. At some points I felt the characters were a bit too immature in the way they handled things and I would have preferred fewer secondary characters and more of an emphasis on Gwen and Lock.

Even with some wacky and some eye rolling antics from the characters, I found The Mane Squeeze to be a fun, sexy story where the grizzly bear and his tigon can find happiness in one another’s arms.
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Mar 05, 2011 Amy or "Ames" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, erotica, laugh-out-loud, kindle, read-in-2011, favourites, interracial-multicultural

Bears! My first bear shifter book and what an impression it made! He may not be an alpha male but Lock's very size (6ft 11 3/4inch human and 10ft bear) and demeanour means he can pretty much do whatever he wants as evidenced by his treatment of the "kittens" Mitch and Brendon, sometimes forgetting he was still dragging them like battered ragdolls in his hands. He was very entertained by these two playthings, much to their chagrin...and need for a hospital afterwards. -LMAO!

Lock's bear nature was...more Bears! My first bear shifter book and what an impression it made! He may not be an alpha male but Lock's very size (6ft 11 3/4inch human and 10ft bear) and demeanour means he can pretty much do whatever he wants as evidenced by his treatment of the "kittens" Mitch and Brendon, sometimes forgetting he was still dragging them like battered ragdolls in his hands. He was very entertained by these two playthings, much to their chagrin...and need for a hospital afterwards. -LMAO!

Lock's bear nature was so sweet and adorable, riveted by the simplest of pleasures -playing with his toes and eating anything honey but woe betide anyone who threatens someone he loves, my god the boar rage -yikes! Oh and never startle a bear, never, that's if you want to keep your head on your shoulders.

His father's notoriously fierce curiosity was hilarious, even his toddler niece was aware of it. His mother's protectiveness -woah! Mitch forgot one of the major rules of dealing with bears -never get between a mama bear and her cubs. Whoops.

Gwen is a mixed breed as a tigon, a tiger/lion mix which has unfortunately meant that she's received much racism, both verbal and physical. She's overwhelmed and embarrassed by her mother and feels claustrophobic by her brother Mitch's protectiveness. She's beautiful but not high maintenance. She's a qualified plumber and an experienced beautician, well she had to be with her mother owning her own hair salon. She also has a homicidal streak she tries to hide but comes out when her BFF Blayne is injured in a strange and dangerous game, that only Lock can deal with (she can't get around his size, thank goodness).

I completely agreed with her when she realised what Lock's bear lips and other appendages could do when she said "Marry me" -LOL! I also found it very sweet the way she was reassuring Lock the perfectionist about his art, creating one-of-a-kind furniture out of wood. And the prices she negotiated for them -bloody hell! I bet every writer would want her for an agent!

I absolutely loved the story, adored the characters (yay for seeing Niles Van Holtz again), the abundance of laughs and the growing community we've got going and even the family feuds. It all made me very happy.

DeeAnne -What a relief...because I wasn't sure...Anyway, I can't wait to read her book now.

And remember: Conditioner -it's your friend. Nair, is not.(less)

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Apr 05, 2011 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: comedy, contemporary, crazy-family, excellent, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, halfbreed, matchmaker, read-2011, romance, series, were-shifter, kindle

I've been in the mood for funny lately and have been on a marathon of Laurenston's books. This is definitely one of my favorites in the Pride series. Lock and Gwen are so cute together and they are one of the most sane couples we have seen to date. They're sweet and happy together and most of the hilarious situations come from their dealings with their friends and family.

I absolutely loved Mitch through this book because I practically died laughing every time he was in a scene! He was constantly...more I've been in the mood for funny lately and have been on a marathon of Laurenston's books. This is definitely one of my favorites in the Pride series. Lock and Gwen are so cute together and they are one of the most sane couples we have seen to date. They're sweet and happy together and most of the hilarious situations come from their dealings with their friends and family.

I absolutely loved Mitch through this book because I practically died laughing every time he was in a scene! He was constantly leaping out of closets or sneaking up on people trying to catch them scheming about Gwen, his sister. He was way overprotective and was against her hooking up with a bear. It was hilarious to watch him trying to rat Gwen out to their mom (even though she's 26) and trying to control the situation with Lock. It never went his way and he always ended up chickening out and (literally) throwing his brother, Brendon, under the bus and screaming, "take him!"

Blayne and the wild dogs were great as well. Honestly, anything with wild dogs in it seems like it will be a hit for me. They're so happy and fun, and it's hilarious to watch them get startled, scream, and run into each other while they try to run away. I really liked the strong sense of caring friendship Lock had for the wild dogs and Gwen had for Blayne. Plus, Lock's friend Ric (of the Van Holtz Pack) was great to read about. Watching him turn into a drooling idiot over Lock's old marine buddy was funny.

I really enjoyed getting to see a whole new type of shifter. Laurenston is great at giving her shifters characteristics like the animals they shift into. Lock was no different in that aspect. He was so sweet and cute until startled or angry. Then you better run! Plus, how can you beat an adorable Beta hero who isn't ashamed to admit that he likes to play with his toes?

This book didn't really improve my opinion of Ronnie (from The Mane Event) but it did warm me up toward Sissy (from The Mane Attraction). I skipped over her book because I really disliked her in the past books, but she seems more mature and less flat out mean here so I might backtrack and give her a shot.

If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series then I strongly recommend you not start here. There are so many prior characters in this book that new readers might be confused and not really get some of the jokes.

The only thing that I found perplexing about this book was the lack of mating/marking. What was up with skipping that? I thought that was one of the building blocks of this series.

P.S. I cracked up every time Gwen did that thing with her neck. The reactions were priceless. (less)

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May 06, 2012 Vanyel Kane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The bears have just become my favourite of the shifters. What's more amazing, is the fact that funny girl Shelly Laurenston manages to have a sweet down to earth male lead for once. He's cute, thoughtful and is not an asshole to Gwen. He can kick ass when he needs to but he is not an alpha-I'm-going-to-piss-on-you-because-I-can type.

Best parts of this story

Roller derby

Touching toes.

I was cheering on those girls like I was cheering for a favourite football team. Loved it. The toes I will let you...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Gwen is busy fighting the fires her drunk mom sets at Jessie's wedding that when she meets Lock she doesnt even get his name. A few months later she goes on vacation with some of the wild dogs and the shaws when of course she finds herself in trouble. Her friend Blayne gets attacked and Gwen comes to the rescue, until run into the bear Lock, literally. Lock and Blayne have to trick the paranoid Gwen to go to the hospital and while there her brother runs off Lock. Blayne convinces Gwen to stay in...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica, paranormal, romance

Fourth in the paranormal-romance Pride series based in New York City. Pride is all about the interactions between shifters and their clans, packs, family units of any kind. We started with lions, progressed to wolves, added in wild dogs—African wild dogs, no less, and now we gots bears. As Gwen puts it, a honey bun of a grizzly bear.

The Story
One brief encounter after another slowly raises the mutual interest of Lock MacRyrie in Gwen O'Neill. Handling an argument between two wolves at Jessie Ann...more

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Nov 22, 2010 Bobs (Reader Unbound) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, author-laurenston-shelly, romance-sooo-cute, series-pride, so-much-fun, the-funniest-books-ever

The Mane Squeeze is the forth installation the Pride series and it once again demonstrates the amazing talent of Miss Laurenston. I laughed so damn much that I had to constantly remind myself to breath and the fact that my sister was staring straight in me with the " There is no way we are connected, they probably switched the babies in the hospital " look didn't help !
When you are a half breed, the daughter of Roxy( this woman is completely wild and I'm not sure that it is in the good way) an...more The Mane Squeeze is the forth installation the Pride series and it once again demonstrates the amazing talent of Miss Laurenston. I laughed so damn much that I had to constantly remind myself to breath and the fact that my sister was staring straight in me with the " There is no way we are connected, they probably switched the babies in the hospital " look didn't help !
When you are a half breed, the daughter of Roxy( this woman is completely wild and I'm not sure that it is in the good way) and you have a couple of big brothers that have the IQ of an undeveloped chicken your life is an constant struggle. And when the man of your dreams leaves after he kicks your brother's ass only to come back to help you save your a bit too enthusiastic best friend that got attacked - which was totally undeserved : I mean a girl is minding her own business, trying to catch a squirrel - things are bound to get dirty. Gwen is the perfect example of Shelly's hero - the woman is strong, independent, vulgar and absolutely unstable.
Lock is like the cutest damn thing in the whole world ! With his love for honey-covered salmon and the way he plays with his toes when he is stressed was just so *gasp*.. This guy is taking adorable to a new level *sun*
Gwen’s nose twitched, the smell of antiseptic nearly causing her to gag. Then she heard those telltale sounds—a high-pitched beeping, steadily going up; the tear of plastic on hygienically maintained bandages and equipment; and the gruff orders of medical personnel.

Her eyes opened and an older coyote female smiled down at her. “Hello, Miss O’Neill. Everything is okay. I’m Dr. Davis and you’re going to be just fi—ack!”

She heard the nurses and other doctors yelling, but all she could focus on was how this murderer, this coyote savage was about to kill her! About to cut her open and remove her organs!

Die, doctor! Die!

Strong hands tried to pry her off the coyote’s throat but she’d never let her go.

“No one’s killing me and taking my organs!” she screamed.

“Gwenie! Look, Gwenie! Look what I have!”

Recognizing Blayne’s voice and knowing the wolfdog loved her and would save her from having her vital organs sold on the black market, Gwen glanced over.

“Look at the sparkly, Gwenie! Don’t you wanna touch the sparkly?”

Of course she did! Gwen released whatever she had in her hand and reached for the sparkly, shiny thing Blayne held. Gwen loved sparkly, shiny things. They were sooooo pretttttyyyyyyyyyyyyy… (less)

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Mar 25, 2013 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this relationship driven novel. It had all the hallmarks of the perfect book for me. It had a sexy 7 foot tall, shape shifting gentle grizzly who adores honey, playing with his toes and eventually a sexy Tigon named Gwen from Philly. It also has one of the funniest and most erotic sex scenes I've read in a long time.
Be sure to pay strict attention for what this sexy beast can do with his lips.

This book has the perfect blend of serious and sexy male and irreverent, sarcastic and sexy fema...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Kerry sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shifter-werewolf, romance

This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm

The synopsis
Growing up on the tough Philly streets, Gwen O'Neill has learned how to fend for herself. But what is she supposed to do with a nice, suburban Jersey boy in the form of a massive Grizzly shifter? Especially one with a rather unhealthy fetish for honey, moose, and . . . uh . . . well, her. Yet despite his menacing ursine growl and four-inch claws, Gwen finds Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie cute and really sweet. He actually watches out for her,...more

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Jan 30, 2011 ALPHAreader rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

‘The Mane Squeeze’ is the fourth book in Shelly Laurenston’s ‘Pride’ series.

Gwen O’Neill is a ligon (tiger/lion hybrid) – she can turn her head 180°, go ‘house cat’ on her enemies and generally take care of herself when anti-hybrid bullies want a piece. What Gwen hasn’t quite mastered is her smothering family. Her promiscuous and hot-to-trot mother, ‘Roxy’ O’ Neill. Her half-brother, Mitchell Shaw and the half-brother of her half-brother, Brendan Shaw. All of these people who make up her ‘pride’...more

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Jan 07, 2010 Kaleigha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

O.K. I am on a Shelly Laurenston mini-marathon. They are quick, fun, easy reads, and very enjoyable. Sexy, with a bit of humor. This one is not bad, by any means, but it isn't my favorite. I liked the characters, but it was just a bit too...chaotic, for me.

Lock is adorable...well, as adorable as a 6'11" and three quarters grizzly shifter can be. Sweet natured, thoughtful, and kind of shy (unless you startle him, or just generally piss him off), Lock wants nothing more than peace and quiet. After...more O.K. I am on a Shelly Laurenston mini-marathon. They are quick, fun, easy reads, and very enjoyable. Sexy, with a bit of humor. This one is not bad, by any means, but it isn't my favorite. I liked the characters, but it was just a bit too...chaotic, for me.

Lock is adorable...well, as adorable as a 6'11" and three quarters grizzly shifter can be. Sweet natured, thoughtful, and kind of shy (unless you startle him, or just generally piss him off), Lock wants nothing more than peace and quiet. After years spent hunting his own kind in the Marine corp, he is getting his life on track. But when Gwen O'Neill crashes into his life, things start to change. Even though he knows that she just isn't the female for him, he can't stop thinking about her.

Gwen has decided to move to New York with her best friend, Blayne. They are taking over Blayne's father's plumbing business, and starting new lives away from their Philly pack...and Gwen's mom. Too bad that her very, very overprotective Lion shifter brothers Mitch and Brendon call New York home. As Gwen battles to get her brothers to back off and butt out, she starts to get very interested in her new Grizzly friend. And even as she tries to juggle her new business, her well-meaning but crazy best friend, her and her family, an old enemy from her mother's past makes her move...and Gwen is the target.

As a word of warning, this is not the book to start the series with. There are so many previous characters that show up in this one that it can get hard to keep track of even if you have read all of the other books. Shelly Laurenston throws everything into this one but the kitchen sink. There are so many plots, schemes, back stories and tangents that sometimes the story of Lock and Gwen gets lost in the craziness. The introduction of Ric and Blayne, and the development of Dee's character, were great. You just know that their stories are coming soon, and they should be more than a bit interesting.

One thing that sort of didn't work for me was that a lot of the characters from the previous books just didn't come off the same way here. Brendon and Mitch are basically two goofballs, Jess is almost crazy, Ronnie Lee is evil...etc. I know it was for comic relief, but they just didn't quite seem like the characters I had come to know. A minor nitpick, but it did take me out of the story a bit. All in all, not bad, but not a favorite. But I wouldn't mind either a Ric, or a Lock, of my own...(less)

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Sep 16, 2011 Wai rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'll put this right at the start and state that this is first Pride book, in fact, the first Shelly Laurenston / G.A. Aiken that I didn't enjoy as much as the others in her series.

It wasn't down to the lack of action, because there was. Nor was it down to the lack of hot scenes because there were plenty. The amount of laugh out loud scenes I've come to expect were in full abundance, too.

No, the only reason is because of the behaviour of one or two characters who have already had their books; Ron...more I'll put this right at the start and state that this is first Pride book, in fact, the first Shelly Laurenston / G.A. Aiken that I didn't enjoy as much as the others in her series.

It wasn't down to the lack of action, because there was. Nor was it down to the lack of hot scenes because there were plenty. The amount of laugh out loud scenes I've come to expect were in full abundance, too.

No, the only reason is because of the behaviour of one or two characters who have already had their books; Ronnie Lee Reed and Mitch Shaw. When Ronnie practically had her head bitten off (er...in a figurative sense. Clarifcation is definitely required with these shifter books), I felt for her. However, what Ronnie does to Gwen O'Neill, the heroine in this book is just plain nasty and mean.

As for Mitch Shaw, Gwen's older half brother, whilst I get the protective older sibling act, he turns out to be a whiny brat. Although, having Lock, the hero of the piece 'play' with him is one of the previously mentioned laugh out loud scenes.

There. That's the negativity out of the way.

We met Gwen O'Neill, a tigon shifter hybrid briefly in the previous book but Lock, a bear shifter is completely new. In fact, I think the whole concept of bear shifters is new to this series and Shelly Laurenston has done a superb job in translating the ways of a bear into man-format. Right down to the obsession with honey and salmon.

Obviously, whilst may be obvious to everyone else that they are to be with each other. it falls to Blayne Thorpe, Gwen's hilarious best friend and wolfdog hybrid to launch Project Codename Bearcat to get them together with the help of Jess's wild dog pack and an Insider.

It's always great to see Jess and so far, out of this entire Pride series, she's my favourite and gets a fair amount of page time herself in this book but that's justified given her and Lock's history.

As stated, they were plenty of action sequences including the most vicious roller derby match that I've ever heard of. There is also an introduction of a story arc involving shifter fights that looks to play out through the next book(s).

As for hilarity, the wild dog Hallowe'en party deserves special mention if only for the reaction that Lock's costume causes. Although, Gwen's drape shredding and neck twisting antics also rank high up there.

In fact, aside from the two characters this book would be on a par with the rest of the series. As it is, only 4.5 instead of the 5 that Shelly's books normally get from me.(less)

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Apr 02, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks-i-own, pnr, sports-related, my-favorites, x-read-in-2012

I am DEFINATLY reading these books out of order :)
After reading book 7 and 5 - I wanted to read about Gwen's story :) LOVE her and Blayne together :) They're just so cute - reminds me of when I was in High school, all the jumping and screaming - well without all the violence and claws and all that :) But the "know you're my best friend so whatever happens, happens" type attitude.

This book starts off with Lock, the awesome Grizzly, is at his good friend Jess's wedding (still haven't read her st...more

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May 21, 2012 Amazon80 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't believe i have waited this long to read these books. Granted Laurenston is not the best storyteller but she is funny as hell. The characters she creates are people I would actually want to hangout with. At the top of the list is Lock. That bear is the cutest and sexiest of the men in this series so far (Sorry Mitch. You've been bumped to #2). Lock was adorable and Gwen grew on me. I hate when Laurenston creates female characters that are mean and spiteful just because they can be. Being...more

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Nov 03, 2009 Smokinhotbooks K.C. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As my college English professor once told me, it’s harder to make people laugh than cry. This was after he gave me a C, but that is another post. This book made me laugh-out- loud. I had happy tears coming down my face. This also could have been due to my antibiotics, as I more than once wanted to swing in circles and shout, “weeee”. This book picks-up after Mane Attraction, (Sissy Mae and Mitch Shaw’s story), where we were introduced to Gwen, who is Mitch’s younger sister and she also happens t...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Let me just start by saying that I almost never like to read series out of order and my experience with this just reinforces that decision. Somebody remind me of that next time I try to start a series by jumping in in the middle.

So, yes, this was the first book in the series I read (I was looking for something mindlessly amusing since my non-fiction reading has been teh suck of late), but I almost didn't make it past the first couple chapters because the family squabbling was driving me batty! M...more

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May 24, 2011 Jan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, z-2011, paranormal-romance

I totally have a thing for giant heroes. I'm 6ft myself, and I always find it silly that American books describe men of 6ft tall, when in my POV (and more or less in my country) that's about average. So when there's a truly tall hero around, I'm already halfway to swooning meltdown.

Added to that, Lock is a 6ft11 grizzly shifter, who fantasizes about salmon covered in honey, and loves to play with his toes. So I was kinda sold on the hero. I quite liked Gwenie as well in the previous book, even t...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Alexandria Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sexy-time, fiction, romance, paranormal, kindle

I really like this series but this one seemed to be lacking something the others had. Not to say it was't good because it was.

I LOVED Lock, the big grizzly. He was so unlike the other men in this series, who are stubborn and thick-headed. Lock actually used his smarts and was very caring and gentle at times, even though he was a mammoth. I enjoyed reading about him a lot.

That said I wish there was more to him! There was another side story that I wasn't really catching onto but I think it was t...more

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Nov 08, 2009 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: keepers

Good read. The hero's a 7 foot shifter [who we discover looks EXCELLENT in a kilt:] and just happens to turn into a grizzly bear. The heroine's a mere 5' 8" [practically a munchkin in the shifter world:] mixed-breed who just happens to be Mitch O'Neill/Shaw's little sister.

The author delivers her customary hot scenes intermixed with laugh-out-loud humor. Mix together plots [both nefarious and well intended:], shifter prejudices and politics, over-protective brothers [and their mates:], and girl...more

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Mar 05, 2010 Anita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, five-star-favorites, laugh-out-loud-funny, paranormal-romance

Book 4 in the hilarious paranormal romance series "Pride". This one brings together Mitch's half-sister Gwen with a bear shifter named Lock. Gwen is a tigron - half tiger, half lion, and not fully accepted in the shifter world. Her best friend Blayne (half wolf, half dog) and she meet Lock when attached by a stranger wolf pack while on vacation. Lock falls for Gwen right away, but doesn't see her again for a few months, after Gwen and Blayne have taken over Blayne's dad's plumbing business. Unbe...more

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May 29, 2010 Elise-all things bright and shiny rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-lendables, lots-of-sex, paranormal

While I enjoyed this book simply because I like bear shifters and this story gives a better view into the prejudices against mixed breeds, there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end. Also, the heroine is such a scaredy cat (no pun intended). I never get the feeling that she could pretend or defend a grape. Lock on the other hand, is totally hot and I have decided in shifter world, I want a bear. Also, I know that the way it ended with DeAnne was suppose to really make me want to read th...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Jodie Riverina Romantics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: on-kindle

3.75 STARS

I want to cry!! This is the first book that I have read from Shelly Laurenston that hasn't had me dancing around with my pompoms chanting for people to "READ, READ, READ"

If you have read my previous reviews you will know that I absolutely ADORE Shelly Laurenston and unquestionably still do, but this is the first book that hasn't completely hit the mark for me.
I found it different from the other Pack & Pride novels as the main male character - Lock was more of a sweet, goofball an...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Juuli rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, 5-stars, paranormal-romance, humorous, shapeshifters-werewolves, minu-raamatud-2, shelly-laurenston, soldier-mercenary-war-veteran, lemmikud

Sügavalt ohkama võttis. Mulle meeldis juba raamatu kaanel olev mees. See pilk, mis võtab põlved nõrgaks. Raamat oli veel parem. Põlvi nõrgaks ei võtnud, aga lugesin poole ööni. Lock ja Gwen.

Nii nunnud koos. Ja eraldi. Lock - vau. Tõeline mõmmik, eriti see oma varvastega mängimine, mis mind alati naerma ajas.
Ja kõrvaltegelased olid selles raamatus parimad. Mith küll käitus nagu viimane idioot, aga tegu oli ju ikka ta väikese õega. Ja Blayne. Ma ei suuda ära oodata, millal tema raamauga lõpuni...more

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May 20, 2011 Jayded rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

love love love Lock. Such a sweetie. I want one!

Almost a year later and I still melt over him playing with his toes. My cousin thought I was nuts until she finally read it herself.

Did I mention I love Lok?

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Jun 02, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-5-stars, beta-heroes, spitfire-heroines, hero-in-pursuit, hero-in-love-first, romance, paranormal-romance, paranormal, shapeshifters, owned, norman-viking-hero-or-heroine, protective-heroes, jealous-heroes, funny-romance

Loved this one: I thought Lock was such an adorable hero! I love his toe thing:-D and his honey obsession! The mix of goofy and protective beast was great! Gwen was fun, but Lock really carried the book:-D 4.5*

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Mar 05, 2010 Sharon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: erotica-paranormal

Oh Lock....how I love thee. He is SUCH a hottie and completely adorable at the same time. He is basically without flaws throughout the book, and that is rare for heroes. But it will just make you love him more. Gwen is fun and tough and sassy - so two great lead characters. The love story is beautifully told and the sex scenes are steaming hot. The first one is awesome. Well worth the wait of all those pages. This is my favorite love story of the series so far!

The only thing that prevented me fr...more

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May 09, 2013 Mem rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: laurenston-shelly, paranormal, mel-cat

Gwen O'Neill is a hybrid, lion/tiger, she has family but doesn't belong to a pack and has learned how to take care of herself.
A run in with a wolf pack in a park, brings her friend Blayne and Gwen to the attention of a Grizzly shifter Lachlan "Lock" MacRyrie. He rescues them and gets Gwen to a clinic for medical attention.
Watching out for her family and friends she misses the fact that she is being stalked by a dangerous enemy, who hates hybrids. Lock knows she needs a protector and is ready for...more

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About Shelly Laurenston

Originally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A.'s dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her...more

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Quotes from The Mane Squeeze

“Sissy Mae Smith...stumbled into the room loaded down with even more bags. "You pack like a woman," she snarled when she finally dropped the luggage to the floor. "How can one man have so much conditioner?"

His mouth filled with French toast, Mitch pointed at his hair and snarled, "Tawny mane! Do you think this shit stays this beautiful on its own? It needs care and love! Which is more than I'm getting from you!” — 162 people liked it

“Gwen stopped putting her money in the bag. "You're giving your father a picture of a door for his birthday?" And she'd thought Mitch marking up pages in her copy of Vogue and telling her, "This is what I'd get you for your birthday if I had money" had been cheap.” — 43 people liked it

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The Mane Squeeze (Pride #4)

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