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Cascadia Wolves #6
Unconditional
“You need to know this thing between us isn't over."
Michelle Slattery is no stranger to human cruelty. She's a cop, after all, never mind a witch herself. But when her best friend disappears and all signs point to the same mages who have been killing witches across the country, she's in over her head. There's only one place to turn for the kind of tracking help she needs…
The werewolves.
Josh Neelan didn't expect to ever see a witch at Pacific Pack headquarters. She's no ordinary witch in need, either—Michelle was his first love. The one he left behind when he turned a decade ago. That their attraction flares instantly after all this time can mean only one impossible thing: she's his mate.
As danger looms and the case intensifies, Josh's need to follow the fates and claim Michelle as his mate grows…his man battling his wolf to keep them safe. And Michelle must decide just how far she'll go to find her forever.
This book is approximately 64,000 words
257 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2013
109 people are currently reading
1090 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
111 books4,996 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 9, 2017
5 Twice Bitten Stars
This was a little more different from the other books.
I didn’t realize that you could hold off on the mating once you found your bond mate. In other books it was almost as though they have to have each other within an hour or they would just end up rutting anywhere. Yet Josh and Michelle had that connection but Josh was able to hold off even you protection so they wouldn’t be mated right away.
I thought that was really different but unique too. I think Michelle knew deep down that she was his mate but she was going through so much when they meet up again after so many years.
I am a little confused the way this book ends it was as if there could be more to the series yet it looks like the series is over. Hmm..
The narration over all was just okay for me. And that’s fine. I just kind of wished it was Dual or even done in a Male narrators voice.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
This was a little more different from the other books.
I didn’t realize that you could hold off on the mating once you found your bond mate. In other books it was almost as though they have to have each other within an hour or they would just end up rutting anywhere. Yet Josh and Michelle had that connection but Josh was able to hold off even you protection so they wouldn’t be mated right away.
I thought that was really different but unique too. I think Michelle knew deep down that she was his mate but she was going through so much when they meet up again after so many years.
I am a little confused the way this book ends it was as if there could be more to the series yet it looks like the series is over. Hmm..
The narration over all was just okay for me. And that’s fine. I just kind of wished it was Dual or even done in a Male narrators voice.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
August 21, 2017
The Cascadia Wolves series has been one I’ve enjoyed with a few of the books even making it to my comfort read list. Since the original publisher is no longer around, they are being re-released through Carina Press. This is not a series I recommend reading out of order and this goes doubly so for Twice Bitten, which is the last book in the series. Cascadia is also connected to a couple other series, so an overall story arc actually continues on past Twice Bitten, but our couple does get their HEA. For a suggested reading order, Lauren Dane has one on her website at http://www.laurendane.com/blog/2017/0...
Michelle, a police officer who also happens to be a witch, discovers her best friend Allie, who’s also a witch, is missing. Knowing the fate of other missing witches, Michelle was frantic to find Allie. The search leads her to Portland where she seeks help from the wolves of the Pacific Pack. To her surprise, her high school sweetheart is an enforcer for the pack. Michelle is dealing not only with the search but also problems with her job. The last thing she needed was her feelings for Josh to resurface and then jump into overdrive.
I really liked both Michelle and Josh. Michelle was scared to death for her friend and was constantly bombarded with new things, new people, and new attacks from the mages but she kept it together and stayed focused. She was smart with how she conducted her search making well thought-out decisions. Josh was 100% about letting her do her job and supporting her without completely taking over. He knew she was his mate but also knew that was something that needed to be put on the back burner. He put her needs in front of his which, for me, is the definition of a true alpha book boyfriend.
There was lots of suspense and action to keep things interesting. My only complaint is I wanted more backstory from both of them. There was a shared history between the two that was really just touched on and not fleshed out. Other than being told she was devastated when he left and that her Mom was awful it was never expanded upon. We also just got a short synopsis of his family ties, which were less than they should have been. I felt like I was missing out which in turn, dimmed my enjoyment just a tad.
Now that I’ve finished rereading my way through the Cascadia Wolves, I find myself trying to remember what happened with the overall story. I think I’ll be rereading both the De La Vega Cats and the Bound By Magick series next to catch back up on that. I do remember those cats were freaking hot so this will not be a hardship.
Rating: 4 I heart Josh Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Michelle, a police officer who also happens to be a witch, discovers her best friend Allie, who’s also a witch, is missing. Knowing the fate of other missing witches, Michelle was frantic to find Allie. The search leads her to Portland where she seeks help from the wolves of the Pacific Pack. To her surprise, her high school sweetheart is an enforcer for the pack. Michelle is dealing not only with the search but also problems with her job. The last thing she needed was her feelings for Josh to resurface and then jump into overdrive.
I really liked both Michelle and Josh. Michelle was scared to death for her friend and was constantly bombarded with new things, new people, and new attacks from the mages but she kept it together and stayed focused. She was smart with how she conducted her search making well thought-out decisions. Josh was 100% about letting her do her job and supporting her without completely taking over. He knew she was his mate but also knew that was something that needed to be put on the back burner. He put her needs in front of his which, for me, is the definition of a true alpha book boyfriend.
There was lots of suspense and action to keep things interesting. My only complaint is I wanted more backstory from both of them. There was a shared history between the two that was really just touched on and not fleshed out. Other than being told she was devastated when he left and that her Mom was awful it was never expanded upon. We also just got a short synopsis of his family ties, which were less than they should have been. I felt like I was missing out which in turn, dimmed my enjoyment just a tad.
Now that I’ve finished rereading my way through the Cascadia Wolves, I find myself trying to remember what happened with the overall story. I think I’ll be rereading both the De La Vega Cats and the Bound By Magick series next to catch back up on that. I do remember those cats were freaking hot so this will not be a hardship.
Rating: 4 I heart Josh Stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 16, 2013
I would think that for a majority of this series would find it hard to just pick this up, read it and remember the characters and who was who!....It has been 5 years in between this and the previous book and over 2 years since I had read said previous story and I struggled with some of the characters as trying to remember who was head of what clans and the hierarchy etc...If you just concentrated on Michelle & Josh then it is a enjoyable read but because I couldn't remember some of the characters and their stories I was a bit disappointed.....Perhaps in hindsight I should have read the whole series again before diving into this one.
February 20, 2018
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover matches the series’ new look!
This is the sixth book in the series! It is for adults only due to the steamy scenes. I recommend reading the series in order because the sum of the parts in more together than individually.
This book starts with action from the beginning. I really like Michelle and her fortitude to be a cop especially with a boss who is a bigot of paranormals. Michelle is a trooper and put through more than anyone should go through in a week. I don’t want to spoil anything, so that’s all you get about that. Josh is part of the Pacific Pack, and the two of them have a past because they were high school sweethearts until he disappeared, and now he finds out she is his mate. He has some fences to mend, and this mystery to solve. Lots of trouble and action for these two and their friends.
Lauren put together an awesome book that has tons of action, mystery, danger, and romance. I couldn’t put this book down!
I highly recommend to any shifter fans who wants an action-packed romance and who doesn’t mind the anchor bond! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover matches the series’ new look!
This is the sixth book in the series! It is for adults only due to the steamy scenes. I recommend reading the series in order because the sum of the parts in more together than individually.
This book starts with action from the beginning. I really like Michelle and her fortitude to be a cop especially with a boss who is a bigot of paranormals. Michelle is a trooper and put through more than anyone should go through in a week. I don’t want to spoil anything, so that’s all you get about that. Josh is part of the Pacific Pack, and the two of them have a past because they were high school sweethearts until he disappeared, and now he finds out she is his mate. He has some fences to mend, and this mystery to solve. Lots of trouble and action for these two and their friends.
Lauren put together an awesome book that has tons of action, mystery, danger, and romance. I couldn’t put this book down!
I highly recommend to any shifter fans who wants an action-packed romance and who doesn’t mind the anchor bond! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
September 7, 2017
I cannot get enough of this Cascadia Wolves series! And I loved the romance between Josh and Michelle. It's so much more than a second chance romance--they both have secrets that they've kept and kept them from each other! I loved the intermixing of lore--werewolf, witch and jaguar shifter. Loved how the pack rallied behind Josh and Michelle's mating. Loved how the other witches welcomed Michelle and gave her the friendship and support she's so desperately needed in her life. I cannot wait for Jack's story in the spin off series! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
August 21, 2017
The Cascadia Wolves series has been one I’ve enjoyed with a few of the books even making it to my comfort read list. Since the original publisher is no longer around, they are being re-released through Carina Press. This is not a series I recommend reading out of order and this goes doubly so for Twice Bitten, which is the last book in the series. Cascadia is also connected to a couple other series, so an overall story arc actually continues on past Twice Bitten, but our couple does get their HEA. For a suggested reading order, Lauren Dane has one on her website at http://www.laurendane.com/blog/2017/0...
Michelle, a police officer who also happens to be a witch, discovers her best friend Allie, who’s also a witch, is missing. Knowing the fate of other missing witches, Michelle was frantic to find Allie. The search leads her to Portland where she seeks help from the wolves of the Pacific Pack. To her surprise, her high school sweetheart is an enforcer for the pack. Michelle is dealing not only with the search but also problems with her job. The last thing she needed was her feelings for Josh to resurface and then jump into overdrive.
I really liked both Michelle and Josh. Michelle was scared to death for her friend and was constantly bombarded with new things, new people, and new attacks from the mages but she kept it together and stayed focused. She was smart with how she conducted her search making well thought-out decisions. Josh was 100% about letting her do her job and supporting her without completely taking over. He knew she was his mate but also knew that was something that needed to be put on the back burner. He put her needs in front of his which, for me, is the definition of a true alpha book boyfriend.
There was lots of suspense and action to keep things interesting. My only complaint is I wanted more backstory from both of them. There was a shared history between the two that was really just touched on and not fleshed out. Other than being told she was devastated when he left and that her Mom was awful it was never expanded upon. We also just got a short synopsis of his family ties, which were less than they should have been. I felt like I was missing out which in turn, dimmed my enjoyment just a tad.
Now that I’ve finished rereading my way through the Cascadia Wolves, I find myself trying to remember what happened with the overall story. I think I’ll be rereading both the De La Vega Cats and the Bound By Magick series next to catch back up on that. I do remember those cats were freaking hot so this will not be a hardship.
Rating: 4 I heart Josh Stars
Michelle, a police officer who also happens to be a witch, discovers her best friend Allie, who’s also a witch, is missing. Knowing the fate of other missing witches, Michelle was frantic to find Allie. The search leads her to Portland where she seeks help from the wolves of the Pacific Pack. To her surprise, her high school sweetheart is an enforcer for the pack. Michelle is dealing not only with the search but also problems with her job. The last thing she needed was her feelings for Josh to resurface and then jump into overdrive.
I really liked both Michelle and Josh. Michelle was scared to death for her friend and was constantly bombarded with new things, new people, and new attacks from the mages but she kept it together and stayed focused. She was smart with how she conducted her search making well thought-out decisions. Josh was 100% about letting her do her job and supporting her without completely taking over. He knew she was his mate but also knew that was something that needed to be put on the back burner. He put her needs in front of his which, for me, is the definition of a true alpha book boyfriend.
There was lots of suspense and action to keep things interesting. My only complaint is I wanted more backstory from both of them. There was a shared history between the two that was really just touched on and not fleshed out. Other than being told she was devastated when he left and that her Mom was awful it was never expanded upon. We also just got a short synopsis of his family ties, which were less than they should have been. I felt like I was missing out which in turn, dimmed my enjoyment just a tad.
Now that I’ve finished rereading my way through the Cascadia Wolves, I find myself trying to remember what happened with the overall story. I think I’ll be rereading both the De La Vega Cats and the Bound By Magick series next to catch back up on that. I do remember those cats were freaking hot so this will not be a hardship.
Rating: 4 I heart Josh Stars
May 24, 2020
Happy sigh, review to come this week :).
April 1, 2017
A dozen years ago Pacific pack enforcer Josh Neelan was turned and didn't know how to cope so he left Roseburg and Michelle Slattery without a word. Before Josh left, Michelle planned to tell him how she felt and that she was a witch. Now a police officer with a personal stake in a missing person's case, Michellle has to ask the pack to help track down the victim while resisting Josh's charms.
Michelle refuses Josh's offer to let the pack handle it but learns Mages are suspected of being behind a rash of kidnappings and deaths of witches and weres across the continent. With Michelle calm about the otherness of the wolf lifestyle, she and Josh found time to mate as the mystery of the kidnappings and murders deepened.
Since the Cascadia pack ruling family mated off, this outing spins to its allies and connected pack, Pacifica by introducing a new threat. Josh does well in the spotlight and his lady choice, Michelle is strong and independent without being irritating. Cameos from Cascadia Wolves and (presumably) De La Vega fan favorites and new characters fanned the all hands on deck urgency of the read.
Rating:4stars
Michelle refuses Josh's offer to let the pack handle it but learns Mages are suspected of being behind a rash of kidnappings and deaths of witches and weres across the continent. With Michelle calm about the otherness of the wolf lifestyle, she and Josh found time to mate as the mystery of the kidnappings and murders deepened.
Since the Cascadia pack ruling family mated off, this outing spins to its allies and connected pack, Pacifica by introducing a new threat. Josh does well in the spotlight and his lady choice, Michelle is strong and independent without being irritating. Cameos from Cascadia Wolves and (presumably) De La Vega fan favorites and new characters fanned the all hands on deck urgency of the read.
Rating:4stars
August 21, 2017
I HATE it when authors start renaming and renumbering an established series. It ruins my library.
This has been tagged as #5, #6, and even #7. It's Twice Bitten now but at one time is was supposedly Standoff, or was it Unconditional? No way to know for sure and my library is now hosed because of it.
I'm thinking of deleting all things Dane.
This has been tagged as #5, #6, and even #7. It's Twice Bitten now but at one time is was supposedly Standoff, or was it Unconditional? No way to know for sure and my library is now hosed because of it.
I'm thinking of deleting all things Dane.
August 22, 2017
Although I enjoy the story line, I feel somewhat lost by not having read the other books in the series. Previous parts of other stories were mentioned with just enough info to get me through but still felt like I was missing on important feelings I would be having if I had read the other books in the series. That said I did like Michelle and Josh's past meets present story. Although if you read any of these books you know there is bonding which happens quickly, Josh try to give Michelle time to get use to what was happening between them. There was plenty of action and some suspense to keep me reading on. 3.5 stars
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September 1, 2017Miniseries: Cascadia Wolves
August 7, 2013
Lauren Dane is one of my absolute favorite authors and her paranormal romances are some of my favorite stories. Unconditional is a great example of why I love her and feel she’s great in the genre. If you’re new to Ms. Dane I do not recommend starting with this story because she not only incorporates characters from earlier stories but she also weaves storylines from other series. If you’re not a long time reader you’re going to get confused. If you are a long time reader like me, I loved how she pulled in so many characters and storylines. And even as an avid reader, I did get a little confused but after a little brushing up I was in the zone! Michelle is a cop but has finally come against the hardest case in her career, her best friend is missing. Because they are both witches Michelle can feel the otherworldly aspects to this abduction and turns to the werewolves of Cascadia Pack for some help. Little does she know but her high school sweetheart, Josh, is the Enforcer, and he’s eager to not only assist Michelle in finding her best friend but to act on the spark that he feels burning between them. With Michelle’s emotions running wild, now doesn’t feel like the right time to start anything but neither of them can deny the connection. I thought there was a very good balance between storyline and relationship development. It felt like it fit very well in with the world that Ms. Dane has built. And one of my favorite parts of this series is the extra smexy times that are added. Those are done very well. Another great read in the Cascadia Wolves series but left me hanging just enough to lead in to the next book in the series.
May 4, 2018
Well it started off as a good plot and story idea but the further I read into it the more this story read like, I don't know, amateur-ish. The flow of this story seems choppy and somewhat not constructed very well. There were too many things that just didn't seem rational in here. Even though this story is fictional, paranormal, fantasy, there are always some "given" elements that bring us to see them as possible, even as they really are far-fetched in reality. Here in this story, those elements didn't fit in. They were off. Example would be a character who is a Rambo type person, wouldn't take four pages written of him cowering in tears behind his girlfriend, all because his plant had died. It just doesn't fit.
There are some places where the story changed from one scene to the next but they were too short and not written well. Take for instance; when they left to start tracking, they went from the house, to the store, to chasing in the forest, to bringing the guy back to the store, and then questioning the suspect all in a less than 10 sentence paragraph. It did not flow well. Very compacted together and it was hard to keep up the pace of it.
She's a cop and tracking her friend but the association with her ex seemed to dominate the story. Yes, I know this is that type of story but instead of blending together they went against the grain with each other. For the amount I paid for this story, I could have found five better stories for free.
Personally, I advise against investing in this story. I didn't make it to chapter 5 before chucking this one. If anything this book would only be good if it was free.
There are some places where the story changed from one scene to the next but they were too short and not written well. Take for instance; when they left to start tracking, they went from the house, to the store, to chasing in the forest, to bringing the guy back to the store, and then questioning the suspect all in a less than 10 sentence paragraph. It did not flow well. Very compacted together and it was hard to keep up the pace of it.
She's a cop and tracking her friend but the association with her ex seemed to dominate the story. Yes, I know this is that type of story but instead of blending together they went against the grain with each other. For the amount I paid for this story, I could have found five better stories for free.
Personally, I advise against investing in this story. I didn't make it to chapter 5 before chucking this one. If anything this book would only be good if it was free.
August 9, 2013
I really like how the author is bring together her different series that are set in this same world. What I didn't like is how abruptly this one stopped. It makes me thinks that things are going to be picked up in one of the other books, but it left me reeling in this book.
One of the good things about this book was all the cooperation between all the characters. I loved how everyone, no matter wolf or witch, welcomed Michelle with open arms, loved that they all were willing to teach her whatever she needed to help find her friend and figure out who was behind things.
With this series it seems like the tri bond causes lots of issues. So I was glad that this book didn't do that. Josh was able to explain things in a good way. I also loved how they picked for their anchor bond. In fact I loved him so much I wish that they would be a permanent trio.
One of the good things about this book was all the cooperation between all the characters. I loved how everyone, no matter wolf or witch, welcomed Michelle with open arms, loved that they all were willing to teach her whatever she needed to help find her friend and figure out who was behind things.
With this series it seems like the tri bond causes lots of issues. So I was glad that this book didn't do that. Josh was able to explain things in a good way. I also loved how they picked for their anchor bond. In fact I loved him so much I wish that they would be a permanent trio.
October 7, 2014
This is book 7 in the Cascadia Wolves series. What can I say? I'm hooked. I love the world this series is in. I love how her other paranormal series tie into this world and have over lapping characters. This story is about Michelle and Josh. She was his high school sweetheart and is now a cop, a human cop. He was a football player and is now an enforcer. This was a very good story. She is a witch who needs a home. And friends. Her best friend was found ritualistically murdered. Her Magick was drained and she was mutilated a must read in this series to find out who or what the big bad will be.
September 1, 2017
Michelle was a cop but also a witch but her co-workers nor her boss knew that. One night her best friend Allie who she had known since third grade. Allie’s mother Kathy called and Michelle to tell her Allie was missing. Allie’s apartment had been broken into and there was Mage energy in the apartment as Kathy was also a witch. The witch in Clan Owen had taught the witches Michelle knew some defensive magiiks against the mages who had been attacking witches across the country. Michelle had to think and like a cop, she had to push aside the fear and worry for her best friends and focus on the facts. Worry wouldn't find Allie , skill would. Some witches from Clan Owen had offered a class on how to read different magikal energies and Michelle had jumped at the chance to learn. Allie had been terrified whatever the magik had done. Allie had been missing at least four hours. Wiches hadn’t come out to humans yet like some other supernaturals had. Clan Owen was so overwhelmed with their own disappearances that they sent Michelle to the Others who happen to be werewolves who would be able to to track Allie’s scent much better than a witch. Then Michelle went to the werewolves headquarters and heard a voice from her past . It was Josh who had been her first love and broke her heart. Josh took Michelle back to his office and michelle told him why she was there and he said that this was very dangerous but of course he would help. Then he proceeded to tell Michelle why he had never returned to her so long ago, he had been bitten and the alpha of the wolf who had bitten Josh came to help him assimilate to a whole new life. It had taken Josh a year to handle his wolf. Josh had to leave everything and everyone behind. It had been twelve years since Michelle had seen Josh. Josh told Michelle he was the Enforcer there. Josh also said the Mages were a way bigger problem then she knew and Michelle said she wasn’t going back and Josh commented she could always read his mind. Josh had loved Josh deeply when he was a laid back football player and she was a cheerleader. But that person was gone here was a man. Josh told Michelle he could smell her arousal. But Michelle told Josh she had control of her parts. Josh Josh then told her Mages had been working with turned witches in an increasingly organized fashion and witches were being taken and found dead totally drained a couple days later and now they were also taking weres. They also believe the Mages are working with human anti hate groups. Michelle wanted Josh and knew she wanted him but Michelle had to find Allie before anything else could happen or be explored. Josh tells Michelle she is his mate but he wished he had longer to get her used to the idea and give her time for everything to sink in.
This was a great story as usual for Lauren Dane. I just love her paranormal books and have never read one I didn’t absolutely love and this one was no different. I love how Michelle came to understand why Josh never came back when she was sixteen even if it broke her heart. I also loved how Michelle decided to leave her old life behind and have a whole new life and world. I loved Josh and Michelle together, they so worked. I liked how the witches went to the weres for help and the weres did all they could. I loved the plot and pace of this story. Nothing I could find wrong with this story. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
This was a great story as usual for Lauren Dane. I just love her paranormal books and have never read one I didn’t absolutely love and this one was no different. I love how Michelle came to understand why Josh never came back when she was sixteen even if it broke her heart. I also loved how Michelle decided to leave her old life behind and have a whole new life and world. I loved Josh and Michelle together, they so worked. I liked how the witches went to the weres for help and the weres did all they could. I loved the plot and pace of this story. Nothing I could find wrong with this story. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this story and I highly recommend.
October 14, 2017
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
Note: Original version published as Unconditional (Cascadia Wolves #6), but this has been updated.
This is a paranormal romance heavy on the explicit romance with elements of menage (sort of), so you need to know that going in. The relationship and lovemaking is a primary focus of the book throughout, overshadowing the other story several times, and yet ultimately, it’s all interwoven both into the characters’ lives and the culture of Others (mostly werewolves).
I found the writing a little rough at times while the extensive explanations in the dialogue made this feel like a first book introducing the world. I was surprised to discover it was originally a sixth book, except there were mentions that felt like they would have been other books in this series.
That said, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and the overall world. Despite what I said above about the explanations, they also offered a fascinating glimpse into the transition between the Others being hidden and just the shifters becoming out in society, as well as how that transition had not resulted in across-the-board acceptance. Little details about both the integration with “normal” human culture and the revelations of the shifter culture were well thought out and nicely crafted.
Since Michelle, the female lead, is a witch but not integrated into a witch society, she offers both an insider and outsider view of the Others and Other culture. Josh, who’d cut and run when they were in a relationship as teens, becomes her guide through the Others as she learns he left not because of her, but because he’d been turned by a rogue werewolf and couldn’t control the wolf.
They’re both dominant people in their lives, her a cop and him leading the enforcers for a major pack. This leads to some authority conflicts between them, but creates a beautiful dance between instinct and acceptance as Michelle comes to recognize something Josh knew from the moment he saw her again ten years later–they are supposed to be mates for life.
The kidnapping that brings them together offers many surprises, not all of them pleasant. It’s clearly secondary to the relationship, but rather than being a lack of balance as I originally thought, it’s a bridge to a far greater problem that will stretch across many books I suspect.
Bottom line, this is not a perfect book, as you might have guessed from my comments above, but it has the key elements necessary to engage me and offered a decent amount of fascinating, intriguing pieces. I loved the cultural elements, had some issues with the writing, and found characters I wanted to know more about. The first and third outweigh the second by a strong measure, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next. It did have a little more sex than I was expecting, and I know that will turn off some readers, but never did those elements break the story, or the complexity of the growing connection between Michelle and Josh, something as much entangled in their magicks as in their emotions.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Note: Original version published as Unconditional (Cascadia Wolves #6), but this has been updated.
This is a paranormal romance heavy on the explicit romance with elements of menage (sort of), so you need to know that going in. The relationship and lovemaking is a primary focus of the book throughout, overshadowing the other story several times, and yet ultimately, it’s all interwoven both into the characters’ lives and the culture of Others (mostly werewolves).
I found the writing a little rough at times while the extensive explanations in the dialogue made this feel like a first book introducing the world. I was surprised to discover it was originally a sixth book, except there were mentions that felt like they would have been other books in this series.
That said, I really enjoyed the story, the characters, and the overall world. Despite what I said above about the explanations, they also offered a fascinating glimpse into the transition between the Others being hidden and just the shifters becoming out in society, as well as how that transition had not resulted in across-the-board acceptance. Little details about both the integration with “normal” human culture and the revelations of the shifter culture were well thought out and nicely crafted.
Since Michelle, the female lead, is a witch but not integrated into a witch society, she offers both an insider and outsider view of the Others and Other culture. Josh, who’d cut and run when they were in a relationship as teens, becomes her guide through the Others as she learns he left not because of her, but because he’d been turned by a rogue werewolf and couldn’t control the wolf.
They’re both dominant people in their lives, her a cop and him leading the enforcers for a major pack. This leads to some authority conflicts between them, but creates a beautiful dance between instinct and acceptance as Michelle comes to recognize something Josh knew from the moment he saw her again ten years later–they are supposed to be mates for life.
The kidnapping that brings them together offers many surprises, not all of them pleasant. It’s clearly secondary to the relationship, but rather than being a lack of balance as I originally thought, it’s a bridge to a far greater problem that will stretch across many books I suspect.
Bottom line, this is not a perfect book, as you might have guessed from my comments above, but it has the key elements necessary to engage me and offered a decent amount of fascinating, intriguing pieces. I loved the cultural elements, had some issues with the writing, and found characters I wanted to know more about. The first and third outweigh the second by a strong measure, and I’m curious to see where the series goes next. It did have a little more sex than I was expecting, and I know that will turn off some readers, but never did those elements break the story, or the complexity of the growing connection between Michelle and Josh, something as much entangled in their magicks as in their emotions.
P.S. I received this Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 24, 2017
Why you should read it: For fans of Lauren Dane’s Cascadia Wolves series, get excited because the couple features a wolf and a witch! Also, the main characters have a past (high school sweethearts until … they get torn away from each other!), which makes them finding each other again so, so good and sweet. As someone who married my own high school sweetheart, this was an especially good romance for me. The drama and action of the plot will keep you on your toes, and can I just say I’m excited to see how Tanya Eby narrates these two? I would recommend newbies start with Enforcer and move on from there. This will be so much more enjoyable if you read it in order.
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN
Jessie: What did you like best writing about high school sweethearts who have now met again years later?
Lauren Dane
Lauren: I really love second-chance-at-love/reunion stories! I love that you can leap into some intensity on page one because they knew one another before, had something and then it broke apart. I love all the emotional opportunities it gives me as a writer to explore love from another perspective at a different point in time. It’s fun and sexy, too.
Jessie: What was the best scene to write for these two?
Lauren: Oh goodness. I loved the action scenes and I don’t just mean the sexytimes! I loved writing a chase scene, where Michelle is being a cop and Josh is being an Enforcer and they’re both in their element and working together even as Josh, a very dominant wolf, has to give her the room to be as amazing and powerful as she can be, too.
Jessie: Who has been your favorite couple in the Cascadia world?
Lauren: Oh, this is so hard! I think it goes back to the first one I wrote — Nina and Lex. It’s been so fun to write them as their relationship has grown and as the years have gone by. If I’m writing any book in the series, Nina always wants to barge in somehow! She’s a lot like Polly Chase to me in that she’s just a character that has been totally three-dimensional to me from the first. And I love how confused and frustrated she makes Lex. Their scenes always come so easy to me!
Jessie: Can you tell us who the next couple is?
HEAD OVER TO THE HEA BLOG TO SEE MORE ANSWERS :)
http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...
INTERVIEW WITH LAUREN
Jessie: What did you like best writing about high school sweethearts who have now met again years later?
Lauren Dane
Lauren: I really love second-chance-at-love/reunion stories! I love that you can leap into some intensity on page one because they knew one another before, had something and then it broke apart. I love all the emotional opportunities it gives me as a writer to explore love from another perspective at a different point in time. It’s fun and sexy, too.
Jessie: What was the best scene to write for these two?
Lauren: Oh goodness. I loved the action scenes and I don’t just mean the sexytimes! I loved writing a chase scene, where Michelle is being a cop and Josh is being an Enforcer and they’re both in their element and working together even as Josh, a very dominant wolf, has to give her the room to be as amazing and powerful as she can be, too.
Jessie: Who has been your favorite couple in the Cascadia world?
Lauren: Oh, this is so hard! I think it goes back to the first one I wrote — Nina and Lex. It’s been so fun to write them as their relationship has grown and as the years have gone by. If I’m writing any book in the series, Nina always wants to barge in somehow! She’s a lot like Polly Chase to me in that she’s just a character that has been totally three-dimensional to me from the first. And I love how confused and frustrated she makes Lex. Their scenes always come so easy to me!
Jessie: Can you tell us who the next couple is?
HEAD OVER TO THE HEA BLOG TO SEE MORE ANSWERS :)
http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/20...
June 25, 2017
3.5-4 stars.
I have mixed feeling on this book. A part of me loves it solely because Lauren Dane stamps her story's well with great storylines, fascinatingly entertaining characters and lots of twist and turns to keep you hooked. This story is no different in that aspect.
I love the whole second chance romance. For a cynic like me it give us hope that it can happen! (Even if it's just in a book).
Josh and Michelle are high school sweethearts and eachothers firsts which I though was pretty cute. I really loved their personalities together. Although their both alpha's they didn't clash as much as I originally thought. They had great chemistry and good banter. I enjoyed both characters.
I love the pack dynamics and how close they all are, They for sure add a lot of entertainment to the story.
I don't know why but I just didn't connect to the story like I have the previous ones in the series. I found parts to drag unnecessarily and me wanting to skim pages to get to the juicy bits. Like I said I can't say exactly what it was just something didn't click fully for me.
However I'll say again it's a really good book and the bits I liked I loved. It's definitely worth a read it's just not my favourite of the series.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed feeling on this book. A part of me loves it solely because Lauren Dane stamps her story's well with great storylines, fascinatingly entertaining characters and lots of twist and turns to keep you hooked. This story is no different in that aspect.
I love the whole second chance romance. For a cynic like me it give us hope that it can happen! (Even if it's just in a book).
Josh and Michelle are high school sweethearts and eachothers firsts which I though was pretty cute. I really loved their personalities together. Although their both alpha's they didn't clash as much as I originally thought. They had great chemistry and good banter. I enjoyed both characters.
I love the pack dynamics and how close they all are, They for sure add a lot of entertainment to the story.
I don't know why but I just didn't connect to the story like I have the previous ones in the series. I found parts to drag unnecessarily and me wanting to skim pages to get to the juicy bits. Like I said I can't say exactly what it was just something didn't click fully for me.
However I'll say again it's a really good book and the bits I liked I loved. It's definitely worth a read it's just not my favourite of the series.
I kindly received this ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2017
This story can probably be read alone, but it was a good addition to the already existing series. I am pretty sure I’m missing a spinoff set between the previous book and this one, but I treated it as a “fast forward” addition to the timeline without issue.
Michelle is a tough as nails cop who also happens to be a witch. It’s a difficult secret to keep, but she’s got a few friends who share the same secret and that makes it easier. One such friend ends up going suddenly missing, which wouldn’t be so ominous except for the current abduction of supernaturals by mages. When her normal routes of assistance begin to dry up, she gets pointed towards the wolves for help. One such wolf, Josh, just so happens to be her long lost high school boyfriend.
Josh was forced to abandon his life when he was bitten by a shifter. He didn’t even end up saying goodbye to Michelle, which made her sudden appearance in his life all that more difficult. Add the fact that she’s his mate and doesn’t really know anything about their world, and he was definitely in for an uphill battle. While we don’t get a conclusion to the mage storyline, we definitely get a nice, neat HEA for these two. With all the hard work and sizzling chemistry, it was hard to anticipate anything but that. There were some twists and turns along the way, but it was totally worth the trip.
Michelle is a tough as nails cop who also happens to be a witch. It’s a difficult secret to keep, but she’s got a few friends who share the same secret and that makes it easier. One such friend ends up going suddenly missing, which wouldn’t be so ominous except for the current abduction of supernaturals by mages. When her normal routes of assistance begin to dry up, she gets pointed towards the wolves for help. One such wolf, Josh, just so happens to be her long lost high school boyfriend.
Josh was forced to abandon his life when he was bitten by a shifter. He didn’t even end up saying goodbye to Michelle, which made her sudden appearance in his life all that more difficult. Add the fact that she’s his mate and doesn’t really know anything about their world, and he was definitely in for an uphill battle. While we don’t get a conclusion to the mage storyline, we definitely get a nice, neat HEA for these two. With all the hard work and sizzling chemistry, it was hard to anticipate anything but that. There were some twists and turns along the way, but it was totally worth the trip.
August 30, 2017
Twice Bitten by Lauren Dane was an interesting paranormal romance. Michelle knows all about the paranormal, she's a witch who desperately needs help when her best friend and fellow witch is missing. It brings her to Josh, the boy who broke her heart who's also the wolf who is her fated mate. They've both changed, and will need each other when they try and work through the newest threat.
So this was a different type of paranormal than I'm used to. The witches aren't really in contact with each other, and there's a concept called an anchor mate which I hadn't heard about before, but the wolves still work in a pack. These two have a lot to work out, and you can still feel the old hurts they are trying to work through. This is all with the backdrop of a larger threat that isn't really resolved in this book. They learn some things, but it seems to be more of a longer arc across the series. I'm definitely interested in reading the other books, and will be looking into the rest of the series and the interesting characters I read about.
So this was a different type of paranormal than I'm used to. The witches aren't really in contact with each other, and there's a concept called an anchor mate which I hadn't heard about before, but the wolves still work in a pack. These two have a lot to work out, and you can still feel the old hurts they are trying to work through. This is all with the backdrop of a larger threat that isn't really resolved in this book. They learn some things, but it seems to be more of a longer arc across the series. I'm definitely interested in reading the other books, and will be looking into the rest of the series and the interesting characters I read about.
February 24, 2019
I was gifted this novel for review from Netgalley.
This is about a witch cop whose best friend goes missing in some magical way so she enlists the help of the local werewolves to find her. Come to find out that the enforcer for the pack was her first love. From there the romance and detective work ensues. I had a much better experience with this story then her last but I unfortunately still only gave it 3 stars. I really liked the story line and I loved the close relationships between the witches and werewolves because I don't find that very often in the paranormal that I read. Some of the issues that I had was that I feel like the romance was taking priority over her friend missing, which really bothered me. I understand that you have to still further the romance while the story progresses but something about it didn't sit quite right with me. I also feel like the climax of the story wasn't fully flushed out to it's complete potential. Overall I still enjoyed the writing of this one and the main plot line so I would be willing to give more of her books a shot.
This is about a witch cop whose best friend goes missing in some magical way so she enlists the help of the local werewolves to find her. Come to find out that the enforcer for the pack was her first love. From there the romance and detective work ensues. I had a much better experience with this story then her last but I unfortunately still only gave it 3 stars. I really liked the story line and I loved the close relationships between the witches and werewolves because I don't find that very often in the paranormal that I read. Some of the issues that I had was that I feel like the romance was taking priority over her friend missing, which really bothered me. I understand that you have to still further the romance while the story progresses but something about it didn't sit quite right with me. I also feel like the climax of the story wasn't fully flushed out to it's complete potential. Overall I still enjoyed the writing of this one and the main plot line so I would be willing to give more of her books a shot.
August 27, 2017
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Im a little confused on some parts, but loved that Josh found his high school sweetheart again. Michelle is a bad ass witch with the right amount of attitude and vulnerability to make her sassy and lovable.
While I've read all of the preceding books, there are some parts that give you the impression that you're missing a book ahead of this one. There's talk about the witch oven and some of their leaders that I don't recall reading before. There's also some talk of missing wolves and witches and so far there has been no mention of either. This info could be in the de la vegan books, but I'm not sure.
Anywho..you ca still follow this book and enjoy all of the twists and turns of how Josh and his sexy witch come together, kick a little add, and manage to have some serious sexy time on the middle of all the chaos
Great read. I love my wolves...and now, the witches.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Im a little confused on some parts, but loved that Josh found his high school sweetheart again. Michelle is a bad ass witch with the right amount of attitude and vulnerability to make her sassy and lovable.
While I've read all of the preceding books, there are some parts that give you the impression that you're missing a book ahead of this one. There's talk about the witch oven and some of their leaders that I don't recall reading before. There's also some talk of missing wolves and witches and so far there has been no mention of either. This info could be in the de la vegan books, but I'm not sure.
Anywho..you ca still follow this book and enjoy all of the twists and turns of how Josh and his sexy witch come together, kick a little add, and manage to have some serious sexy time on the middle of all the chaos
Great read. I love my wolves...and now, the witches.
June 16, 2018
Familiar characters and a new spin…
I can’t get enough of the Cascadia Wolves! Shifters and humans are loving and living together as well as uniting to fight a common enemy. There are familiar, much loved characters, in this new story but there’s a new spin as well. Witches and mages are joining the mix and with the good comes the bad….
Michelle is frantic as she searches for her missing best friend. She is a cop and a witch but she needs help – and fast – if she is going to find Allie before it’s too late. Josh is a shifter and ready to help this beautiful woman who just happens to be his mate…
This is a fast-paced, emotional story that didn’t take its foot off the adrenaline pedal for one minute. The thread of tension and anxiety didn’t let up even as love still found a way. Michelle and Josh were magic themselves as their chemistry burned and sizzled as they worked frantically side by side. So many emotions and Lauren Dane helped me feel each one! ~Diane, 4 stars
I can’t get enough of the Cascadia Wolves! Shifters and humans are loving and living together as well as uniting to fight a common enemy. There are familiar, much loved characters, in this new story but there’s a new spin as well. Witches and mages are joining the mix and with the good comes the bad….
Michelle is frantic as she searches for her missing best friend. She is a cop and a witch but she needs help – and fast – if she is going to find Allie before it’s too late. Josh is a shifter and ready to help this beautiful woman who just happens to be his mate…
This is a fast-paced, emotional story that didn’t take its foot off the adrenaline pedal for one minute. The thread of tension and anxiety didn’t let up even as love still found a way. Michelle and Josh were magic themselves as their chemistry burned and sizzled as they worked frantically side by side. So many emotions and Lauren Dane helped me feel each one! ~Diane, 4 stars
August 10, 2017
Take my advice and never read when you're drained. I read this story twice. I almost gave it a poor review, because I thought it was the story line that made me fall asleep. Turns out that my mind and body was just tired. And Twice Bitten turned out to be a pretty good book.
Twice Bitten is book #7 in the Cascadia Wolves series. It was originally published under the name “Unconditional” in August 2013.
Witches are being taken and killed for their magic. It becomes personal for one cop when Michelle Slattery's friend is taken, it will be up to her and a man from her past to find her before it’s too late.
Twice Bitten is a second chance at love tale. With action and drama found on every each page. Twice Bitten isn’t one of those titles you can pick up and just follow the storyline. You must read each book in the series to following the plot.
Twice Bitten is book #7 in the Cascadia Wolves series. It was originally published under the name “Unconditional” in August 2013.
Witches are being taken and killed for their magic. It becomes personal for one cop when Michelle Slattery's friend is taken, it will be up to her and a man from her past to find her before it’s too late.
Twice Bitten is a second chance at love tale. With action and drama found on every each page. Twice Bitten isn’t one of those titles you can pick up and just follow the storyline. You must read each book in the series to following the plot.
September 24, 2017
Michelle Slattery is a cop that was asked to help find her missing best friend. As she is also a witch and realizes that her friend's disappearance could be linked to the other witches disappearing, she is seeking the help of the werewolves.
Michelle didn't expect to see Josh Neelan at the Pacific Pack headquarters. She had last seen Josh ten years ago when he abruptly left. Josh had been turned and didn't know what to do.
When danger looms, Josh needs to follow the fates and claim Michelle as his mate. Can they rely on his wolf to help keep them safe? How far will they both go to get their HEA?
This is the first book in this series that I have read. I am hooked. There is nothing like a Lauren Dane shifter novel! I loved the characters and the suspenseful plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary book provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
Michelle didn't expect to see Josh Neelan at the Pacific Pack headquarters. She had last seen Josh ten years ago when he abruptly left. Josh had been turned and didn't know what to do.
When danger looms, Josh needs to follow the fates and claim Michelle as his mate. Can they rely on his wolf to help keep them safe? How far will they both go to get their HEA?
This is the first book in this series that I have read. I am hooked. There is nothing like a Lauren Dane shifter novel! I loved the characters and the suspenseful plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary book provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!
July 26, 2019
STOP - DO NOT READ UNTIL ...
I was confused by the storline and life stages of regular characters. After I finished, I discovered that Dane had started 2 more series, which predates this chronologically. This is from her website:
The overall timelines goes like this:
Reluctant Mate(Cascadia prequel)
Pack Enforcer (CW)
Wolves’ Triad (CW)
Wolf Unbound (CW)
Alpha’s Challenge (CW)
Bonded Pair (CW)
Trinity (a crossover that has some Cascadia but starts the de La Vega series)
Revelation (dLV)
Heart of Darkness (Bound By Magick – again, this is just a timeline, you don’t have to read the cats to understand the witches, etc)
Chaos Burning (BBM)
Beneath the Skin (dLV)
Unconditional (CW)
Going Under (BBM)
Wild Darkness (BBM)
I was confused by the storline and life stages of regular characters. After I finished, I discovered that Dane had started 2 more series, which predates this chronologically. This is from her website:
The overall timelines goes like this:
Reluctant Mate(Cascadia prequel)
Pack Enforcer (CW)
Wolves’ Triad (CW)
Wolf Unbound (CW)
Alpha’s Challenge (CW)
Bonded Pair (CW)
Trinity (a crossover that has some Cascadia but starts the de La Vega series)
Revelation (dLV)
Heart of Darkness (Bound By Magick – again, this is just a timeline, you don’t have to read the cats to understand the witches, etc)
Chaos Burning (BBM)
Beneath the Skin (dLV)
Unconditional (CW)
Going Under (BBM)
Wild Darkness (BBM)
August 19, 2017
4.5 stars - Lauren Dane is so good. Her characters are tangible and crisp. The dialogue is so natural and fluid and the characters' relationships have an authenticity that few authors can achieve.
Twice Bitten is a second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes. Experiencing Michelle and Josh fall all over again was very gratifying and the fact the Michelle is such a bad a** chick is refreshing.
I enjoyed this one and this series continues to be one where I anticipate each new offering.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Twice Bitten is a second chance romance, one of my favorite tropes. Experiencing Michelle and Josh fall all over again was very gratifying and the fact the Michelle is such a bad a** chick is refreshing.
I enjoyed this one and this series continues to be one where I anticipate each new offering.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I am a sucker for shifters. And a witch that can handle her own, love it!
Even though this is part of a series and there is a higher story arc, this book was a complete story. It's done as a serial should be, each part being whole while still blending in to the rest. You still want more of the big picture, but the little picture is enough to tide you over.
I came into this series with this book. I am pretty sure I have just kissed getting a decent night's sleep again until I am done with the rest, before and after, this offering.
Reviewed by Jenn of the GothicMoms Review Team
Even though this is part of a series and there is a higher story arc, this book was a complete story. It's done as a serial should be, each part being whole while still blending in to the rest. You still want more of the big picture, but the little picture is enough to tide you over.
I came into this series with this book. I am pretty sure I have just kissed getting a decent night's sleep again until I am done with the rest, before and after, this offering.
Reviewed by Jenn of the GothicMoms Review Team
February 15, 2022
Nobody likes a playboy for a mate. All the romance evaporated after finding out he’d chased as many women as he could and screwed them even after knowing his mate as teens. Ruins it all. How perfect the story would’ve been if he’d been in love with her all along and pining for her. Maybe going out on dates but finding them lacking and definitely not touching another woman. Or a multitude of them like he did.
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