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Taming the Wolf #1
Werewolf Dreams
Ava Paskell is not your normal young woman. She's twice as strong as girls her age and she has a problem controlling her emotions. When her dad insists they spend the summer together in a small, strange Canadian town, she knows her life is about to change. But one of the biggest life changing moments is meeting Cyrus Carlston. The powerful bond they share from the very beginning scares her as much as it thrills her. As her life is put in danger and she gets closer an closer to the truth, one thing is clear, Ava's dreams are about to become her reality.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2013
142 people are currently reading
2125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 10, 2015
So I read this about a year ago when I was going through a Kindle freebie marathon phase, not being terribly picky about what I read, and this ended up landing me with more than my fair share of YA paranormal romances--which was probably a major contributing factor toward me getting a library card again (after being too cheap to do so for several years, b/c $75/year when you don't live in the city boundaries) and swearing off PNR for a while.
Anyway: this book. I feel like I owe it more than the one-line review that I gave it last year. So here's the deal: If you're Team Jacob all the way, and wish all those pesky vampires would go away and let you enjoy some wolf-kissin', you could do worse than this book. Like, for example, Prince of Wolves. That's definitely worse. This book was self-pubbed so there are the typical issues with sketchy grammar and punctuation, and writing that tends to the gushy and superficial side of the spectrum. Still, if romance feelz are what you're going for, but you want to keep things clean and . . . um, wolfy . . . here you go.
Anyway: this book. I feel like I owe it more than the one-line review that I gave it last year. So here's the deal: If you're Team Jacob all the way, and wish all those pesky vampires would go away and let you enjoy some wolf-kissin', you could do worse than this book. Like, for example, Prince of Wolves. That's definitely worse. This book was self-pubbed so there are the typical issues with sketchy grammar and punctuation, and writing that tends to the gushy and superficial side of the spectrum. Still, if romance feelz are what you're going for, but you want to keep things clean and . . . um, wolfy . . . here you go.
January 21, 2016
I was in the mood for a good werewolf story and instead of wading through all the garbage out there I decided to re-read this series again. I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around.
The book starts with Ava going with her father to Paskell, Canada to investigate some mysterious deaths in his home town. I thought Ava was a likable heroine, she goes to work with her dad for the summer before college so she can learn more about her family history, something her dad has been pretty quiet about up until now. When she arrives she meets hunky Cyrus and they have, of course, an instant connection. One thing with werewolf stories I’m always able to buy into the whole insta-love thing (something I normally hate), maybe because it’s explained better with wolf lore and in this case Ava at least tries to avoid it and addresses the fact that they hardly know each other.
I liked the overall story and it kept me entertained. Paskell is a little old fashioned and a lot of the older werewolves have some backwards ideas on how to treat women and they don't like that Ava wants to change things. She makes some enemies along the way and there are some in town that would rather be rid of her. I enjoyed the romance, Cyrus and Ava had great chemistry and I thought their relationship was believable. I'm happy to have found a fun new werewolf series that is packed with fun werewolf lore, adventure and clean romance.
Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild, werewolf fighting
Similar Reads:
Moon Spell
Moonlight
The book starts with Ava going with her father to Paskell, Canada to investigate some mysterious deaths in his home town. I thought Ava was a likable heroine, she goes to work with her dad for the summer before college so she can learn more about her family history, something her dad has been pretty quiet about up until now. When she arrives she meets hunky Cyrus and they have, of course, an instant connection. One thing with werewolf stories I’m always able to buy into the whole insta-love thing (something I normally hate), maybe because it’s explained better with wolf lore and in this case Ava at least tries to avoid it and addresses the fact that they hardly know each other.
I liked the overall story and it kept me entertained. Paskell is a little old fashioned and a lot of the older werewolves have some backwards ideas on how to treat women and they don't like that Ava wants to change things. She makes some enemies along the way and there are some in town that would rather be rid of her. I enjoyed the romance, Cyrus and Ava had great chemistry and I thought their relationship was believable. I'm happy to have found a fun new werewolf series that is packed with fun werewolf lore, adventure and clean romance.
Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild, werewolf fighting
Similar Reads:
Moon Spell
Moonlight
January 11, 2023
Growing up Ava had no clue that she was a werewolf. Her father, Harry, had always taught her that she needed to control her emotions.. that nothing could ever get to her. He would always hint around that he had something important to tell her and then would chicken out before saying anything. The summer before her freshman year in college they travel up to Harry's home town of Paskell to investigate a few murders that happened in the area and to spend one last summer together before things change. And change they do!
Enter in Cyrus. Holy hotness Batman! Ava felt an instant connection with Cyrus but she had no clue why. But of course things can never be easy! Harry is NOT happy about anything Ava and Cyrus. Cyrus has an admirer who thinks that he belongs to her and threatens Ava which ticks off Harry AND Cyrus! Ava's grandfather, Titus, is an evil misogynist who wants control over everyone. And there are bullies who are trying to take after Titus. Throw in the fact that Ava finally finds out that she is a werewolf... is in a town FULL of werewolves... mysterious murders... Alpha males running around everywhere... romance... in my opinion... you have the perfect book!!
Ava and Cyrus quickly became one of my favorite couples! I know some people don't care for that instant love thing but it honestly doesn't bother me when it comes to paranormal books. No clue why.. it just doesn't! But Ava did try to fight it a little bit. There were times I just shook my head and wanted to say... what's wrong with you chica?! How can you fight it when it's Cyrus?! *dreamy sigh* I loved their banter and I loved seeing them start to get to know each other.
All in all a fun start to a fun series!! Yes... I've read it before and I know what happens but I'm still excited to read the rest of Taming the Wolf series again!! Stay tuned for the rest of my reviews!! ;)
Enter in Cyrus. Holy hotness Batman! Ava felt an instant connection with Cyrus but she had no clue why. But of course things can never be easy! Harry is NOT happy about anything Ava and Cyrus. Cyrus has an admirer who thinks that he belongs to her and threatens Ava which ticks off Harry AND Cyrus! Ava's grandfather, Titus, is an evil misogynist who wants control over everyone. And there are bullies who are trying to take after Titus. Throw in the fact that Ava finally finds out that she is a werewolf... is in a town FULL of werewolves... mysterious murders... Alpha males running around everywhere... romance... in my opinion... you have the perfect book!!
Ava and Cyrus quickly became one of my favorite couples! I know some people don't care for that instant love thing but it honestly doesn't bother me when it comes to paranormal books. No clue why.. it just doesn't! But Ava did try to fight it a little bit. There were times I just shook my head and wanted to say... what's wrong with you chica?! How can you fight it when it's Cyrus?! *dreamy sigh* I loved their banter and I loved seeing them start to get to know each other.
All in all a fun start to a fun series!! Yes... I've read it before and I know what happens but I'm still excited to read the rest of Taming the Wolf series again!! Stay tuned for the rest of my reviews!! ;)
April 15, 2015
4.5 stars
First of all, I have a fear of werewolves. Werewolf stories, werewolf movies, werewolf books...they freak me out. :) (All thanks to an older brother who shared a scary story when I was much too young...the rascal.:)lol Having said that, I was not overly excited about reading this book...and that's an understatement. I love the author though and so I wanted to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!! Actually, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to dive into book two! It definitely has action, a bit of "scare", and mystery...but I was pulled in before I knew it and had a hard time stepping away from the story. I loved some of the characters and I can't wait to follow their journey. The hero and heroine definitely had about the fastest courtship of any book I've read for a long time, but because of their"circumstances" and the way the author has created their world, it works! ...and I loved it.
First of all, I have a fear of werewolves. Werewolf stories, werewolf movies, werewolf books...they freak me out. :) (All thanks to an older brother who shared a scary story when I was much too young...the rascal.:)lol Having said that, I was not overly excited about reading this book...and that's an understatement. I love the author though and so I wanted to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!! Actually, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to dive into book two! It definitely has action, a bit of "scare", and mystery...but I was pulled in before I knew it and had a hard time stepping away from the story. I loved some of the characters and I can't wait to follow their journey. The hero and heroine definitely had about the fastest courtship of any book I've read for a long time, but because of their"circumstances" and the way the author has created their world, it works! ...and I loved it.
December 19, 2013
*claps like an idiot* this was soooo goooooood just sooooo goood (but in reality i am going to smack a 4.5 stars on it - I have a reason so... :P )
Song Choice: "All I Want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar, "Belated Promise Ring" by Iron&Wine yeah. that is all for now because its 2 am ... huh i need to stop doing reviews at 2 am
First Thoughts:
Me: Brain why did we take so long to read this?
Brain: Because you be cray
Me: Wouldn't that make you cray?
Brain: I suppose
Me: I don't think we have an answer to our question still.
Brain: *shrugs*
So in other words what has been taking you cats so long read this book! I will admit though I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE (in case you didn't get that HUGE) enthusiast of werewolves. Seriously. I love them I really do. It's hard lately it seems to find a werewolf book that isn't all about the woman's breeding months - sorry *shrugs* My point is: this was a fun, entertaining, slightly maddening, fast paced, totally kickass read. Do I recommend it? Hell yes I do.
Thoughts on Plot: I thought this was a very interesting, new take with werewolves - not so much with how they change or anything like that, it had to be more with society. I have read the super pack-y like books (love them) i have read the not so pack-y books (loved them as well) and so in other words i am well versed in werewolves ;) this was interesting, it was a very backwards community where the woman are second-rate and have no choices, no opinions, nada. But don't worry, don't worry a revolution is on its way! Really this book moved so fast that i didn't realize where i was in the book until i had to stop for work, or going to the bathroom - i mean really who NEEDS to eat? Anyways it was really light-hearted at parts, where you could just sit back and enjoy the show, or there were really romantic parts that made me swoon like no one's business - seriously Cyrus is up there with top BB (book boyfriends). Anyways and there was action, while it might have been pretty freaking easy to find out who the real "master-mind" evil of the book was - I think that was sort of the point, I didn't even really care about finding out before the characters or it was revealed to us. I was too into the story. The writing really did just capture you and for me it was like watching an episode of my favorite show. Sosososososo goood. Though I know this is part of a series, it read almost as a stand alone.
Oh the drop! Okay so the for the reason i dropped it down to a .5 i just felt there were some parts i thought personally could have been expanded on and i wouldn't have been upset about that all, just at times it felt we were moving maybe just a little too quickly. but that is all, really it was fantastic
Characters:
Ava: Our five foot, eight blonde, sweet, athletic, sassy-pants, smart-ass, knows how to stand up for herself kickass heroine. I really loved her, she was a little bit of everything, that kickass warrior who can take care of herself, that never ending spirit, that sassy, smart ass girl who can keep her mind around a guy and make him look like a fool - because it needs to happen every so often, and of course, that sweet feminine side that really needs to be there as well. She was a very well rounded character who didn't let her emotions completely rule her, she liked to take a step back think things through then decide. I really enjoyed her. I thought she was awesome.
Cyrus: Did I mention this man will steal your heart? Seriously he isn't that brooding, you-belong-to-me now hear me roar kind of guy, he was fun, sweet, and obviously cared about Ava, but more than that he was passionate. He wanted to make a difference, he was well-educated, and just over all again a very well rounded character that i truly did enjoy.
Now the ending: Like i mentioned before this felt like it could be read as a stand-alone. It really really does, at least for me. I really like this author's style though so I will stick with her, and see what craziness Ava and Cyrus will have to deal with in the next books <3
For more awesome Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Song Choice: "All I Want Is You" by Barry Louis Polisar, "Belated Promise Ring" by Iron&Wine yeah. that is all for now because its 2 am ... huh i need to stop doing reviews at 2 am
First Thoughts:
Me: Brain why did we take so long to read this?
Brain: Because you be cray
Me: Wouldn't that make you cray?
Brain: I suppose
Me: I don't think we have an answer to our question still.
Brain: *shrugs*
So in other words what has been taking you cats so long read this book! I will admit though I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE HUGE (in case you didn't get that HUGE) enthusiast of werewolves. Seriously. I love them I really do. It's hard lately it seems to find a werewolf book that isn't all about the woman's breeding months - sorry *shrugs* My point is: this was a fun, entertaining, slightly maddening, fast paced, totally kickass read. Do I recommend it? Hell yes I do.
Thoughts on Plot: I thought this was a very interesting, new take with werewolves - not so much with how they change or anything like that, it had to be more with society. I have read the super pack-y like books (love them) i have read the not so pack-y books (loved them as well) and so in other words i am well versed in werewolves ;) this was interesting, it was a very backwards community where the woman are second-rate and have no choices, no opinions, nada. But don't worry, don't worry a revolution is on its way! Really this book moved so fast that i didn't realize where i was in the book until i had to stop for work, or going to the bathroom - i mean really who NEEDS to eat? Anyways it was really light-hearted at parts, where you could just sit back and enjoy the show, or there were really romantic parts that made me swoon like no one's business - seriously Cyrus is up there with top BB (book boyfriends). Anyways and there was action, while it might have been pretty freaking easy to find out who the real "master-mind" evil of the book was - I think that was sort of the point, I didn't even really care about finding out before the characters or it was revealed to us. I was too into the story. The writing really did just capture you and for me it was like watching an episode of my favorite show. Sosososososo goood. Though I know this is part of a series, it read almost as a stand alone.
Oh the drop! Okay so the for the reason i dropped it down to a .5 i just felt there were some parts i thought personally could have been expanded on and i wouldn't have been upset about that all, just at times it felt we were moving maybe just a little too quickly. but that is all, really it was fantastic
Characters:
Ava: Our five foot, eight blonde, sweet, athletic, sassy-pants, smart-ass, knows how to stand up for herself kickass heroine. I really loved her, she was a little bit of everything, that kickass warrior who can take care of herself, that never ending spirit, that sassy, smart ass girl who can keep her mind around a guy and make him look like a fool - because it needs to happen every so often, and of course, that sweet feminine side that really needs to be there as well. She was a very well rounded character who didn't let her emotions completely rule her, she liked to take a step back think things through then decide. I really enjoyed her. I thought she was awesome.
Cyrus: Did I mention this man will steal your heart? Seriously he isn't that brooding, you-belong-to-me now hear me roar kind of guy, he was fun, sweet, and obviously cared about Ava, but more than that he was passionate. He wanted to make a difference, he was well-educated, and just over all again a very well rounded character that i truly did enjoy.
Now the ending: Like i mentioned before this felt like it could be read as a stand-alone. It really really does, at least for me. I really like this author's style though so I will stick with her, and see what craziness Ava and Cyrus will have to deal with in the next books <3
For more awesome Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
March 6, 2014
The characters in this book felt a little two dimensional.
There was no emotion in this book whatsoever.
The plot was their to suit the characters needs, the problem? They didn't have any needs.
At no point in this book did the characters need to do something. or try and do something.
The story goes like:-
Boy:You're pretty.
Girl:Thanks.
Boy:Oh, you're a werewolf btw.
Girl:Oh. Okay. No problem, you guys are a little sexist y'know.
Boy:Yep, which is why I'm gonna kill the bad leader.
Girl:Oh, he's my Grandfather, no worries.
Boy:He threatened you. Imma kill him.
Daddy: No kid, I got this.
Girl:Oh, okay Dad. Hope you don't die.
Girl:You got stabbed? I love you.
Boy:We are gonna get married and have babies soon.
Girl:Oh, okay then.
Annnnd. That's it. The end. Oh wait, there's been another three books written...
Not exactly riveting material I'm afraid.
There was no emotion in this book whatsoever.
The plot was their to suit the characters needs, the problem? They didn't have any needs.
At no point in this book did the characters need to do something. or try and do something.
The story goes like:-
Boy:You're pretty.
Girl:Thanks.
Boy:Oh, you're a werewolf btw.
Girl:Oh. Okay. No problem, you guys are a little sexist y'know.
Boy:Yep, which is why I'm gonna kill the bad leader.
Girl:Oh, he's my Grandfather, no worries.
Boy:He threatened you. Imma kill him.
Daddy: No kid, I got this.
Girl:Oh, okay Dad. Hope you don't die.
Girl:You got stabbed? I love you.
Boy:We are gonna get married and have babies soon.
Girl:Oh, okay then.
Annnnd. That's it. The end. Oh wait, there's been another three books written...
Not exactly riveting material I'm afraid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2014
May I just say, I think that this book is fabulous! It is a clean werewolf romance with some suspense and unexpected villains and heroes. There are no curse words in this book either. The world building in this novel was incredible. The Northern town that was inhabited only by werewolves was very cool. The people lived so normally, yet so differently. The interactions between the werewolves was interesting. As one would think, the town acted as one large pack. This book also had a fairly happy ending.
July 5, 2014
Werewolf Dreams
Katie Lee O'Guinn does a fabulous job mesmerizing you with the characters and the quaint little town of Paskell. Nothing is as it appears because the town residents are werewolfs. If you love paranormal books this is a great one for young adults and adults alike. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Katie Lee O'Guinn does a fabulous job mesmerizing you with the characters and the quaint little town of Paskell. Nothing is as it appears because the town residents are werewolfs. If you love paranormal books this is a great one for young adults and adults alike. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
April 15, 2020
What A Great Book !!!
I have discovered another favorite author... I really loved this book. It has everything that makes a good paranormal romance. There is mystery, romance, but not in your face sexual content. It's about a family that has been separated for years and the drama that drove them apart. I went ahead and bought the whole series and I am so glad that I did. I don't have to wait to read the next book.
I have discovered another favorite author... I really loved this book. It has everything that makes a good paranormal romance. There is mystery, romance, but not in your face sexual content. It's about a family that has been separated for years and the drama that drove them apart. I went ahead and bought the whole series and I am so glad that I did. I don't have to wait to read the next book.
January 11, 2023
I couldn’t put it down!
I honestly couldn’t put this book down, and loved every minute of it. The action and suspense kept me hooked, the story had me wondering what would happen next, and the sweet romance was so swoony, yet still clean. A friend introduced me recently to this author’s paranormal series, and while this is my first book to read by her it most definitely won’t be my last!!!
I honestly couldn’t put this book down, and loved every minute of it. The action and suspense kept me hooked, the story had me wondering what would happen next, and the sweet romance was so swoony, yet still clean. A friend introduced me recently to this author’s paranormal series, and while this is my first book to read by her it most definitely won’t be my last!!!
November 11, 2013
This book was pretty good. I didn't care for the mushy ending...I felt like it just moved WAY too fast!! But the story was pretty good. I do have to say that if this book wasn't recommended to me from someone I trusted I wouldn't have read it because of the cover. It looks like the book would be a little risque but there wasn't anything at all!
December 11, 2016
Barely finished. I skimmed the last half of this book tbh.
I wanted sooo badly to like this book. I wanted at least an OK werewolf book. This was not it.
Mostly, i had two major problems that made this book a one star for me: the biggest was the writing, which usually makes or breaks a book for me. It wasn't bad enough to be a dnf (barely) but it was close. And then it was the hero. He was a total fucking weirdo. I think the author was going for mysterious and attentive when in reality it came off creepy and stalkerish.
First; the writing took a while to get used to and left a lot to be desired. The style was chopping and robotic, lacking any flow. It just felt very forced. The pacing was extremely rushed even for a shorter novel at around 118 pages on my Kindle and there was a lot more telling as opposed to showing. A lot of the characters TOLD you they were angry, TOLD you they were turned on, etc but the writing just didn't let me buy it. I had to take a lot of things at face value.
There also wasn't that much being described. I still don't know what most of the characters leven ook like (the hero was only said to be "handsome", no real description of his body or face was given. The heroine said his body was "strength and power" but... that doesn't really say much? Like do you mean in a lean sort of way like a swimmer or a gymnast? Or in a body builder sort of way like a linebacker? She wondered if he was an athlete which didn't narrow it down AT ALL. And not once was someone's face described. The color of their hair? Yes. What they were wearing? Yes. But what their face actually LOOKED LIKE? no.)
Everything was left up to the reader which made me disconnect from the characters more than anything else. I felt like they weren't really people and more cut out figures with drawn on faces. There was no SUBSTANCE to any of it, not the characters or the setting or the story and that was largely due to the sub par writing.
And finally; the hero was a total fucking creep. And I say that in as tame a manner as I can.
He constantly pushes into the heroine's personal space. She'll say things like "no" (and MEAN it not just being hesitant to his advances or playing coy) or "leave me alone" (while ALSO being creeped out and a bit afraid of his presence or needing time alone) and he just refuses to leave until HE feels like it.
He watches her constantly throughout the book and it goes so far as to creep out the heroine and make her uncomfortable the first couple of chapters. A lot of scenes at the beginning were less "mysteriously romantic" and more "Jesus fucking Christ, run girl, HE'S GOING TO KIDNAP YOU AND MAKE YOU WEAR HIS MOTHER'S CLOTHES". I know the author wanted to establish a "connection" between them early on but when the heroine is only vague attracted to him (in the sense that any person would be attracted to someone handsome) and the "intense connection" is completely one sided, it's less romantic and more really fucking creepy.
This wasn't helped that they haven't even known each other more than a couple hours. Not even a DAY has passed and this fucker is serenading her with "forever" and "we're meant to be" all the while the heroine is mostly just uncomfortable with odd instances of attraction. I'm a veteran of the romance genre and so days of knowing a character followed by "true love" isn't a new thing to me. It's expected. But what WAS new was the fact that the heroine wasn't fully on board and was even a bit weirded out by it (and rightly so).
There were a number of times that the heroine acted rationally and like any sane adult would (even being only 18) and the hero would do something creepy like breathe down her neck while she's turned around or follow her from a distance or say shady things that had her like "uhhh... could you please chill and give me space?".
Example:
(couple of characters in, the hero has known the heroine for less than 12 hrs).
So for some context, the heroine has just met her grandfather for the first time in her life and her, her father, and her grandfather leave to have some privacy in another room. The hero fucking FOLLOWS THEM and refuses to leave even though they clearly said they wanted some FAMILY TIME and he says this:
“I’ll be keeping an eye on Ava while she’s a guest in our home. I’ll be staying,”
Uhhhh what? What are you "keeping an eye out" for her when she's with her father and grandfather? She's not going to be attacked by anyone and just cause she's a guest and it's HIS home doesn't mean he has a right to be this invasive.
They just want some time alone and this fucking stranger is acting like he has a RIGHT to be there even though he has no ties to any of them. Ok, SURE, let's reach and argue that his dad is a friend of the heroine's dad. Even if that IS the case, they clearly don't want him there and it's CLEARLY a family moment and yet he refuses to leave. Why? Cause he's fucking creepy and can't let the heroine out of his sights for a few MINUTES so she can be with her FAMILY.
And yet I'm supposed to find this romantic? Mysterious? Appealing?
Nah-uh. I wanted her to tell the hero to shove it up his ass and run far away (which she actually tired to do once or twice if i remember correctly).
And before I rap up this review; the heroine was perfect.
Not in the "this is what all heroine's should strive to be in romance novels" sort of perfect but in the "everything she says or does, down to her farts, is 'perfect'" sort of perfect. Her very existence had people fawning over her. She took Karate and self defense classes, she was a top student, she was gorgeous and nice and loved by all, and she's done every sport imaginable. Every time an obstacle came her way she had SOME background or personality trait that allowed her to overcome it with ease. She's pretty much fucking flawless.
And this pissed me off. She didn't seem to have a single negative thing about her and everyone (other than the female's vying for the hero's attention or straight up jealous of the heroine in general) loved her to the point of nausea.
Honestly, I'm sick and tired of perfect heroines. I want someone flawed not a Barbie trying out her hand at being a werewolf all the while saving the poor and being an astronaut in her down time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2018
Okay
This was a good read with a solid storyline. However, the whirlwind romance was too cliche and I didnt like the way mates were chosen. Ava the female MC is a halfbreed werewolf and Cyrus the male MC. It is a clean read. Ava although 18 years is clueless with boys as her father has kept her isolated for good reason. Cyrus has chosen her to be his mate but she is a feisty character, so we are lead to believe that he has a challenge on his hands but it isnt long before Ava caves. Throughout the story Ava acts very young for her years and is immature to the point where she is annoying. I actually did enjoy the story but not sure I can cope reading the rest of the books with her irritating character. Shes a very desireable MC and all the wolfs are in want.... Just not my kind of thing but I cant deny enjoying the story.
This was a good read with a solid storyline. However, the whirlwind romance was too cliche and I didnt like the way mates were chosen. Ava the female MC is a halfbreed werewolf and Cyrus the male MC. It is a clean read. Ava although 18 years is clueless with boys as her father has kept her isolated for good reason. Cyrus has chosen her to be his mate but she is a feisty character, so we are lead to believe that he has a challenge on his hands but it isnt long before Ava caves. Throughout the story Ava acts very young for her years and is immature to the point where she is annoying. I actually did enjoy the story but not sure I can cope reading the rest of the books with her irritating character. Shes a very desireable MC and all the wolfs are in want.... Just not my kind of thing but I cant deny enjoying the story.
March 6, 2019
👍
This was a fun story! I thought there was too much plot and not enough character, but still enjoyed it. So much drama was happening but because I didn’t really feel like the main characters had any reason to be in love I just didn’t really buy into it. Not sure if I’ll read the next.
But this is a very, VERY clean read, no mention of sex or really even attraction, so there’s that! And like I said it was interesting!
This was a fun story! I thought there was too much plot and not enough character, but still enjoyed it. So much drama was happening but because I didn’t really feel like the main characters had any reason to be in love I just didn’t really buy into it. Not sure if I’ll read the next.
But this is a very, VERY clean read, no mention of sex or really even attraction, so there’s that! And like I said it was interesting!
September 22, 2019
Great Read
It is a well written story with great characters.
She had no idea that she is a wolf shifter and the community is not very welcoming for the most part. One young man is very friendly and makes it clear he wants her.
There is a lot of action in the story and some nasty villains that are easy to hate.
I liked the ending and think the next book in the series looks very good too.
It is a well written story with great characters.
She had no idea that she is a wolf shifter and the community is not very welcoming for the most part. One young man is very friendly and makes it clear he wants her.
There is a lot of action in the story and some nasty villains that are easy to hate.
I liked the ending and think the next book in the series looks very good too.
November 13, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed this book and all the amazing characters portrayed in it. I also enjoyed the storyline. Looking forward to reading what’s next,Thank you .
I enjoyed this book and all the amazing characters portrayed in it. I also enjoyed the storyline. Looking forward to reading what’s next,Thank you .
May 7, 2021
Great read
Ava and her dad Harry are spending the summer in the town Harry grew up in. Ava meets Cyrus and is instantly attracted to him.
Ava and her dad Harry are spending the summer in the town Harry grew up in. Ava meets Cyrus and is instantly attracted to him.
Read
February 2, 2022At least 4 stars
February 25, 2024
Cute story
This is a cute story that reminds me of a young YA story. The plot was simple in its execution. The characters were sweet. This is a good clean story.
This is a cute story that reminds me of a young YA story. The plot was simple in its execution. The characters were sweet. This is a good clean story.
August 23, 2021
DNF @ 22%
March 14, 2017
2,5 Stars
cute but a little boring
cute but a little boring
June 7, 2017
This is a fun, quick read. O'Guinn managed to give werewolves a fresh and frightening take. In fact, the elements of peril are disturbing enough that I think they're going to haunt me a bit.
March 16, 2014
From http://bathtubreader.blogspot.com
I got this book for free on my Kindle app on my phone. I'm not a big ereader. The only way I can read these types of books is on my phone or my laptop. Every now and then I'll download one of the free books though for my phone because it's easier than carrying around a heavy book in my purse - which I still do sometimes...
Anyway, this is one of many downloads that got for free and started but is one of very few I actually got past the first three pages of - and I mean VERY few.
The writing isn't amazing, it goes between being a bit blunt and heavy handed to totally skipping over sections of potential tension or excitement. I'm not sure how long the story is because I read it on my phone, but it's a short read.
Despite some of the writing flaws, the characters are interesting and the story keeps is strong enough to keep you going. Ava is an interesting character. She discovers she's a werewolf and handles is really well. Guinn's attempt to balance how a teenager might really deal with the news and how Ava needed to handle it so the story could continue, was good. Part of me loved it because it's nice when a character doesn't go AWOL and do stupid stuff that you know they are doing because it drives the plot but you just want to scream at them. It reads like an author's early book - you can see the skill and potential but this isn't great just yet.
I really liked Ava and Cyrus. Sure, they fell in faster than a Disney movie and Guinn tries to use werewolf biology to explain it, it's still done well enough that I didn't get too annoyed by it all. Cyrus is a guy that heart goes out to because he tries so hard. Yes, he's the cool, handsome hero, but there is a very sweet, youthful vulnerability to him that made me love him. Ava's affection for him grows and, while it moves to fast, it's fairly realistic for a girl and her first love. I know I fell for my first love faster than Aurora for the singing prince.
There are three more books in this series and I was tempted to buy them because, as I've said, this is a fun, fast little read. When I looked at the GoodReads reviews though I changed my mind. The reviewers loved the next books but they mention that a love triangle develops and Cyrus messes up and drama, drama, drama. I don't like the idea that Cyrus breaks Ava's heart and they break up - uck. Then again, if the characters are still with me in a few months when I hit a the dry spell I always hit around mid-April then again in August (you know that time, when you can't decide what to read and you don't want to read anything you know or own but you want to read...it's a little hormonal I think) I might check these out again.
I got this book for free on my Kindle app on my phone. I'm not a big ereader. The only way I can read these types of books is on my phone or my laptop. Every now and then I'll download one of the free books though for my phone because it's easier than carrying around a heavy book in my purse - which I still do sometimes...
Anyway, this is one of many downloads that got for free and started but is one of very few I actually got past the first three pages of - and I mean VERY few.
The writing isn't amazing, it goes between being a bit blunt and heavy handed to totally skipping over sections of potential tension or excitement. I'm not sure how long the story is because I read it on my phone, but it's a short read.
Despite some of the writing flaws, the characters are interesting and the story keeps is strong enough to keep you going. Ava is an interesting character. She discovers she's a werewolf and handles is really well. Guinn's attempt to balance how a teenager might really deal with the news and how Ava needed to handle it so the story could continue, was good. Part of me loved it because it's nice when a character doesn't go AWOL and do stupid stuff that you know they are doing because it drives the plot but you just want to scream at them. It reads like an author's early book - you can see the skill and potential but this isn't great just yet.
I really liked Ava and Cyrus. Sure, they fell in faster than a Disney movie and Guinn tries to use werewolf biology to explain it, it's still done well enough that I didn't get too annoyed by it all. Cyrus is a guy that heart goes out to because he tries so hard. Yes, he's the cool, handsome hero, but there is a very sweet, youthful vulnerability to him that made me love him. Ava's affection for him grows and, while it moves to fast, it's fairly realistic for a girl and her first love. I know I fell for my first love faster than Aurora for the singing prince.
There are three more books in this series and I was tempted to buy them because, as I've said, this is a fun, fast little read. When I looked at the GoodReads reviews though I changed my mind. The reviewers loved the next books but they mention that a love triangle develops and Cyrus messes up and drama, drama, drama. I don't like the idea that Cyrus breaks Ava's heart and they break up - uck. Then again, if the characters are still with me in a few months when I hit a the dry spell I always hit around mid-April then again in August (you know that time, when you can't decide what to read and you don't want to read anything you know or own but you want to read...it's a little hormonal I think) I might check these out again.
April 25, 2014
I've been reading so many middle of the road stories lately that it almost put me in a funk. Thankfully, "Werewolf Dreams" was very interesting and helped me out of the rut.
Ava Paskell has just graduated high school. Instead of going to California with her friend her father has requested she spend her last summer prior to college with him investigating a. crime scene. What girl wouldn't jump at that chance. Ha! When they arrive at the sleepy little Canadian town, Ava's father promises to reveal some secrets about her heritage he has long held. But imagine her surprise when she discovers her father grew up in this town and she meets the grandfather and Aunt she never knew existed.
Soon it becomes abundantly clear why Ava's father left this backward little town. Women are treated as objects and brow beaten into compliance. Yet, when Ava meets Cyrus she finds herself attracted to him like she has never known before. So, why do people keep talking about mates and why are others trying to kill her? It seems is really is time for daddy dearest to clue Ava in on her heritage.
There is plenty of action in this short but sweet story. The characters were entertaining and the world building was quite interesting. I enjoyed the character of Ava and the antagonists as well. However, I must make the comment that the cover make me think of a more mature/ adult book versus YA. Unless, book two is planning to cross over into an adult read. This is a no Brainerd people. It is a good read and currently being offered for free on Amazon.com.
Ava Paskell has just graduated high school. Instead of going to California with her friend her father has requested she spend her last summer prior to college with him investigating a. crime scene. What girl wouldn't jump at that chance. Ha! When they arrive at the sleepy little Canadian town, Ava's father promises to reveal some secrets about her heritage he has long held. But imagine her surprise when she discovers her father grew up in this town and she meets the grandfather and Aunt she never knew existed.
Soon it becomes abundantly clear why Ava's father left this backward little town. Women are treated as objects and brow beaten into compliance. Yet, when Ava meets Cyrus she finds herself attracted to him like she has never known before. So, why do people keep talking about mates and why are others trying to kill her? It seems is really is time for daddy dearest to clue Ava in on her heritage.
There is plenty of action in this short but sweet story. The characters were entertaining and the world building was quite interesting. I enjoyed the character of Ava and the antagonists as well. However, I must make the comment that the cover make me think of a more mature/ adult book versus YA. Unless, book two is planning to cross over into an adult read. This is a no Brainerd people. It is a good read and currently being offered for free on Amazon.com.
February 9, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I like the way the author mixed the archaic views with the new generation and the struggles they face to bring them into this century. The whole hybrid thing brought a bit of an eww factor and I found myself glad not a lot of details were put into how they were created. Yet it was easy to understand from the short description given how they could be twisted and evil.
The love story was cute. A quick attraction is not unusual in the paranormal world in general, but the author held off on any overwhelming need to bring it to the obvious culmination. I liked the way Cyrus handled her need to move slowly. There was no overbearing Alpha male dominance thing going on.
Just a side note, I noticed some reviewers disliked the romance and honestly I’m surprised at their reasons. The idea that a reader would have an issue with a fast paced, love at first sight type romance leaves me wondering why they bothered with a shifter book in the first place. The premise of a soul mate in this genre isn’t a new concept. If anything the idea of not having a mate would be an unusual event.
In my opinion this was a sweet YA/Coming of age type read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to my own girls.
The love story was cute. A quick attraction is not unusual in the paranormal world in general, but the author held off on any overwhelming need to bring it to the obvious culmination. I liked the way Cyrus handled her need to move slowly. There was no overbearing Alpha male dominance thing going on.
Just a side note, I noticed some reviewers disliked the romance and honestly I’m surprised at their reasons. The idea that a reader would have an issue with a fast paced, love at first sight type romance leaves me wondering why they bothered with a shifter book in the first place. The premise of a soul mate in this genre isn’t a new concept. If anything the idea of not having a mate would be an unusual event.
In my opinion this was a sweet YA/Coming of age type read that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to my own girls.
December 29, 2013
Ava is half werewolf who has been raised single handedly by her father. She has led quite a sheltered life with no boyfriends and doesn't know about her ancestry. Rather than allowing her to spend the summer with her best friend in California, her father Harry insists that they return to the small Canadian town where he grew up in before she goes away to college. She loves her father dearly but Peskall has to be the most boring and backward town she has ever been to. Her father also plans to tell her the secret that everyone else seems to know but her...
On her first day there, Ava meets Cyrus, the son of her father's best friend. There's a connection between them that she can't explain. On their first night, Cyrus' father Tobias throws Harry a welcome home party and she meets family members that she never knew existed. Despite the fact that her grandfather is archaic and chauvinistic, everyones' talk of taking a mate leaves her feeling lost and very confused.
There are werewolf politics to negotiate whilst she also explores her feelings toward Cyrus but will she go against her father's wishes and take him as a mate?
On her first day there, Ava meets Cyrus, the son of her father's best friend. There's a connection between them that she can't explain. On their first night, Cyrus' father Tobias throws Harry a welcome home party and she meets family members that she never knew existed. Despite the fact that her grandfather is archaic and chauvinistic, everyones' talk of taking a mate leaves her feeling lost and very confused.
There are werewolf politics to negotiate whilst she also explores her feelings toward Cyrus but will she go against her father's wishes and take him as a mate?
October 4, 2013
It was love at first sight with Cyrus, "I see a summer filled with excitement and nights filled with mystery and romance." There were times I thought he was a little weird and I'm sure Ava did to, "you're so pretty," he said softly, reaching out to touch a strand of golden hair." And God bless Ava the girl has spunk, "look, I don't associate let alone have conversations with players like you. You're relayed your message now toddle back to Zoe." But Cyrus doesn't give up without a fight and fight does that boy do, "if you change, then you're a suitable mate. You are smaller but that doesn't matter to me. I like that you're so feminine. I'm very attracted to you Ava," he said bluntly, pulling her back towards him." Through out the book she shows she has what it takes to be beside Cyrus, "Cyrus, I am so mad at you right now, that as soon as you win this challenge you and I are going to have a very long talk about communication."
October 28, 2013
This is was a really good read. It was fairly quick to read - maybe I just got sucked into.
I liked that it didn't just start off with her knowing she was a werewolf. Ava's dad had kept her away trying to give her a normal life. Then an old friend calls in a favor and this being the last summer before she goes off to college. This is the time to let Ava learn about herself and her heritage. They get mixed feelings from the locals. Ava being a half-bred isn't instantly welcomed. Of course it doesn't help that a couple of the guys are fighting over her already. Her dad is a bit overly preotective and bans all mating of any kind. There is also the hybrid killings go on that have everyone on edge and them seem to have an interest in Ava too.
Will Ava find out about her inner wolf? her mate? in time to save herself from the hybrids?
Ava and her dad coming to town will be a new breath into a old system that needs to destroyed.
I liked that it didn't just start off with her knowing she was a werewolf. Ava's dad had kept her away trying to give her a normal life. Then an old friend calls in a favor and this being the last summer before she goes off to college. This is the time to let Ava learn about herself and her heritage. They get mixed feelings from the locals. Ava being a half-bred isn't instantly welcomed. Of course it doesn't help that a couple of the guys are fighting over her already. Her dad is a bit overly preotective and bans all mating of any kind. There is also the hybrid killings go on that have everyone on edge and them seem to have an interest in Ava too.
Will Ava find out about her inner wolf? her mate? in time to save herself from the hybrids?
Ava and her dad coming to town will be a new breath into a old system that needs to destroyed.
May 26, 2014
Could have been a nice and interesting story, the idea was there but there was so much missing! It is such a shame.
The reactions of the characters in situations is way over the top, it might have been believable if the author would have taken more time to develop the characters and the dialogue.
The time line is completely to short, it all happens in like a few days. And which very over protective parent leaves their kid in a town he himself escaped from 20 years ago and returned to investigate when 7 families where murdered a few months after the fact? And said over protective parent leaves his daughter in the house of parents who use a sedative to calm a kid - who just found out she is to be mated (at just 18) for life after meeting the guy for 2 days and panics after her father walks out during a poorly written dramatic scene- and then leaves said kid alone in the house while killers room around?
Pfff…..
The reactions of the characters in situations is way over the top, it might have been believable if the author would have taken more time to develop the characters and the dialogue.
The time line is completely to short, it all happens in like a few days. And which very over protective parent leaves their kid in a town he himself escaped from 20 years ago and returned to investigate when 7 families where murdered a few months after the fact? And said over protective parent leaves his daughter in the house of parents who use a sedative to calm a kid - who just found out she is to be mated (at just 18) for life after meeting the guy for 2 days and panics after her father walks out during a poorly written dramatic scene- and then leaves said kid alone in the house while killers room around?
Pfff…..
March 4, 2014
In this werewolf tale, Paskell is a town where the weres are ruled in a male dominant society and females have almost no rights. Ava's father left the town in his youth because of the archaic way things were run, and he didn't want her having any part of it, so he kept her heritage from her until a series of murders has him coming back to help. Ava quickly finds herself in the thick of werewolf society, and the object of many wolves' interest as they pursue her for a mate. Ava is a quirky girl, easy to like and strong enough not to let this backwards society get her down. Cyrus is worthy of her, with his determination and modern thinking. I would read more from this author.
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