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Werewolf Marines #1
Laura's Wolf
Roy Farrell is convinced that he has no future.
Roy never wanted to be anything but a Marine. But on his last tour of duty, he was bitten by a werewolf. Next thing he knew, he was locked up in a secret underground laboratory. Despite the agony caused by his newly enhanced senses, he managed to escape his captors. Unable to return to the Marines, his entire life shattered, he hid out in the woods of Yosemite.
Laura Kaplan is desperate to escape her past.
Reformed con artist Laura was acclaimed as a hero for her courage during a bank robbery gone violently wrong. Overcome with guilt over the people she couldn't save, she fled the city to seek solace in a lonely cabin in Yosemite. But she can't run forever from the dark secrets of her past.
Can two broken people heal each other?
After Roy is badly wounded saving Laura from a mysterious enemy, they take refuge together in her snowed-in cabin. Forced to depend on each other for their very survival, they must come together to save their lives, face their fears, and find their hearts.
Roy never wanted to be anything but a Marine. But on his last tour of duty, he was bitten by a werewolf. Next thing he knew, he was locked up in a secret underground laboratory. Despite the agony caused by his newly enhanced senses, he managed to escape his captors. Unable to return to the Marines, his entire life shattered, he hid out in the woods of Yosemite.
Laura Kaplan is desperate to escape her past.
Reformed con artist Laura was acclaimed as a hero for her courage during a bank robbery gone violently wrong. Overcome with guilt over the people she couldn't save, she fled the city to seek solace in a lonely cabin in Yosemite. But she can't run forever from the dark secrets of her past.
Can two broken people heal each other?
After Roy is badly wounded saving Laura from a mysterious enemy, they take refuge together in her snowed-in cabin. Forced to depend on each other for their very survival, they must come together to save their lives, face their fears, and find their hearts.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2014
296 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Lia Silver
5 books64 followersThe author works as a therapist, specializing in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “Lia Silver” is a pen name. She also writes for teenagers under the name of Rachel Manija Brown.
When she isn’t working, reading, or writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, horseback riding, martial arts, and cuddling her cats.
If you'd like to be alerted when a new book comes out, copy this to get on Lia Silver's mailing list: http://eepurl.com/Yfvtz
If you would like to read my books in a non-Kindle format, please email Lia at liasilvershifter@yahoo.com.
When she isn’t working, reading, or writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, horseback riding, martial arts, and cuddling her cats.
If you'd like to be alerted when a new book comes out, copy this to get on Lia Silver's mailing list: http://eepurl.com/Yfvtz
If you would like to read my books in a non-Kindle format, please email Lia at liasilvershifter@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
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April 11, 2014Lia Silver is a friend's pen name, so no rating, as per my friend-rating-policy.
Some day I'll have to write a -- thing - somewhere, about what I do and don't like in straight romance romance, so when I say vague things like "more romancey than my preference" it'll mean something. This day isn't that one though, and I'll just have to leave the romance part at more romance than I usually like. That said, though, the book has a lot more going for it than the romance, and I definitely enjoyed it despite the fact that it isn't really my generic cup of tea. I was very fond of both characters, who were nice, and the ending - while not at all a simple HEA - was deeply satisfying. They deserved what they got, and I was delighted that it was each other and more. I also liked the details of werewolf lore, which were just fun. Obviously the mental health problems Laura, Roy and then had were handled very well.
I'm looking forward to reading about the not-too-secondary character in the next book, especially as I mean, come on - Werewolf Marines? I'm there.
Some day I'll have to write a -- thing - somewhere, about what I do and don't like in straight romance romance, so when I say vague things like "more romancey than my preference" it'll mean something. This day isn't that one though, and I'll just have to leave the romance part at more romance than I usually like. That said, though, the book has a lot more going for it than the romance, and I definitely enjoyed it despite the fact that it isn't really my generic cup of tea. I was very fond of both characters, who were nice, and the ending - while not at all a simple HEA - was deeply satisfying. They deserved what they got, and I was delighted that it was each other and more. I also liked the details of werewolf lore, which were just fun. Obviously the mental health problems Laura, Roy and then had were handled very well.
I'm looking forward to reading about the not-too-secondary character in the next book, especially as I mean, come on - Werewolf Marines? I'm there.
Read
March 10, 2014That was quite a wild ride, especially the first three quarters. The final quarter is weighted more strongly toward character resolution, with an emphasis on PTSD, its effects, and how to deal with it, as well as steamy romance.
I really like the direction the werewolf trope is taken, and look forward to more with this set of characters. It's a perfect setup for sequels that promise to take the story further, instead of repeating the same plot.
I really like the direction the werewolf trope is taken, and look forward to more with this set of characters. It's a perfect setup for sequels that promise to take the story further, instead of repeating the same plot.
June 5, 2014
(This review duplicates what's on LJ)
Laura’s Wolf makes me think I should take up reading more romances—but maybe I should just take up reading more Lia Silver. I hear she’s at work on a sequel to Laura’s Wolf, which is excellent news, because these characters are **wonderful**, and I could read about them all day.
I never thought of myself as a potential romance fan, much less a paranormal romance fan, but I loved this story about a werewolf marine. If I say “werewolf marine,” you’re probably either already sold on the notion or else rolling your eyes. If you’re already sold, boy do you have a treat in store, because this takes that concept and fleshes it out, makes it so real that you can not only see and hear it, but taste, touch and smell—especially smell—it. You can live it. And if you’re rolling your eyes, well, consider giving it a try anyway. The two main characters, Roy (the werewolf marine) and Laura (a con artist gone straight), are wonderful, loveable, complicated people. They’re both hurting, but they’re capable of goofing around, too. Here’s a scene from when they first meet:
And a little later on, there’s this:
Light, believable humor shared by real people. I mentioned they’re both hurting: Roy has been serving in Afghanistan, and Laura found herself in the midst of a terrifying event at her last job. Silver deftly balances scenes as different as battles, lovemaking, and friendly banter. She brings you to the brink of tears—and then Roy or Laura will say something funny and tender, and you’re laughing again.
And it’s not just Roy and Laura: it’s the other characters as well. Even characters who appear for no more than a paragraph linger in the mind, because they’re so vividly presented.
I was surprised by just how much I liked the werewolf/supernatural aspect, too. The special powers that go along with being a werewolf were smoothly introduced and fun to discover, and the descriptions of the joys of being a wolf were pure bliss. A nice artifact of wolf-dom when werewolves return to human form is scent names—thinking of people in terms of their unique scent.
There’s an exciting central conflict involving a wicked antagonist, but what interested me just as much was Silver’s exploration of a second, interior antagonist: PTSD. Not, I hasten to add, in a long-faced, public-service-announcement fashion (though she does include information on PTSD and useful resources at the end of the book), but as an integral and devastating part of the characters’ lives. In terms of the story’s structure, you could say all this happened in a long dénouement, but it felt nothing like that: it felt like a third act, a perfect internal battle, complementing the external battle that’s already been won.
I loved the story and highly recommend it.
Laura’s Wolf makes me think I should take up reading more romances—but maybe I should just take up reading more Lia Silver. I hear she’s at work on a sequel to Laura’s Wolf, which is excellent news, because these characters are **wonderful**, and I could read about them all day.
I never thought of myself as a potential romance fan, much less a paranormal romance fan, but I loved this story about a werewolf marine. If I say “werewolf marine,” you’re probably either already sold on the notion or else rolling your eyes. If you’re already sold, boy do you have a treat in store, because this takes that concept and fleshes it out, makes it so real that you can not only see and hear it, but taste, touch and smell—especially smell—it. You can live it. And if you’re rolling your eyes, well, consider giving it a try anyway. The two main characters, Roy (the werewolf marine) and Laura (a con artist gone straight), are wonderful, loveable, complicated people. They’re both hurting, but they’re capable of goofing around, too. Here’s a scene from when they first meet:
“The power’s on. I was wounded in Afghanistan. Electric lights hurt my eyes now.”
All three statements were true, at least. He hoped she wouldn’t ask for more details.
To his relief, she only asked, “Which branch of service?”
“Marines.”
“Semper fi?”
“Oorah,” Roy said automatically.
“What was that?”
“It means ‘yes, sir,’ or ‘good job,’ or “go for it.’ Or ‘someone just said our motto.’”
And a little later on, there’s this:
A dark flush stained Laura’s cheeks. “Now you’re Captain America. Aren’t you going to judge me?”
“Nah. I grew up in a rough neighborhood. Lots of my friends did worse.”
Laura sat there biting her lip, looking exactly as miserable as she had when she started. She’d worried that he’d judge her, he hadn’t judged her, and yet…
“What are you not telling me?” Roy inquired.
“You’re going to hate me,” she said again. “I— I kind of want to extend the moment while you don’t hate me yet, even though now that you know it’s coming, you already probably… pre-hate me.”
“Laura, this is nuts. Just tell me. It can’t possibly be as bad you think.”
Light, believable humor shared by real people. I mentioned they’re both hurting: Roy has been serving in Afghanistan, and Laura found herself in the midst of a terrifying event at her last job. Silver deftly balances scenes as different as battles, lovemaking, and friendly banter. She brings you to the brink of tears—and then Roy or Laura will say something funny and tender, and you’re laughing again.
And it’s not just Roy and Laura: it’s the other characters as well. Even characters who appear for no more than a paragraph linger in the mind, because they’re so vividly presented.
I was surprised by just how much I liked the werewolf/supernatural aspect, too. The special powers that go along with being a werewolf were smoothly introduced and fun to discover, and the descriptions of the joys of being a wolf were pure bliss. A nice artifact of wolf-dom when werewolves return to human form is scent names—thinking of people in terms of their unique scent.
There’s an exciting central conflict involving a wicked antagonist, but what interested me just as much was Silver’s exploration of a second, interior antagonist: PTSD. Not, I hasten to add, in a long-faced, public-service-announcement fashion (though she does include information on PTSD and useful resources at the end of the book), but as an integral and devastating part of the characters’ lives. In terms of the story’s structure, you could say all this happened in a long dénouement, but it felt nothing like that: it felt like a third act, a perfect internal battle, complementing the external battle that’s already been won.
I loved the story and highly recommend it.
November 24, 2025
Laura's Wolf was an unexpected paranormal romance reading gem with deep insight into PTSD.
Silver delivers a strong message on the effects of PTSD while providing a highly steamy werewolf tale. Our lead couple, Roy and Laura, both have had tragedies in their pasts, but together they re-emerge into life, love, family and most of all friendship.
The story had a very endearing quality. All the positive characters in this story had an inner kindness to help one another, be there for each other and give freely of themselves for the good of the many...even when they were suffering themselves.
It was obvious that Silver had insight into PTSD, and much research has gone into the symptoms of each individual character who is suffering. I found the extensive details did slow the story, but it showed that even the greatest of men and/or women can suffer. It humanised the characters and engaged us in their plight of survival and recovery from their traumas.
Laura's Wolf was a surprisingly deep, heartfelt story with a paranormal twist. There was a perfect balance of action, soul and steamy romance.
I look forward to DJ's story and would like to get to know his family/pack more. I highly recommend you give this debut story by Lia Silver a go. I look forward to following her future imagination.
I received this copy of Laura's Wolf from Lia Silver in exchange for an honest review. This book was published on March 5, 2014.
Silver delivers a strong message on the effects of PTSD while providing a highly steamy werewolf tale. Our lead couple, Roy and Laura, both have had tragedies in their pasts, but together they re-emerge into life, love, family and most of all friendship.
The story had a very endearing quality. All the positive characters in this story had an inner kindness to help one another, be there for each other and give freely of themselves for the good of the many...even when they were suffering themselves.
It was obvious that Silver had insight into PTSD, and much research has gone into the symptoms of each individual character who is suffering. I found the extensive details did slow the story, but it showed that even the greatest of men and/or women can suffer. It humanised the characters and engaged us in their plight of survival and recovery from their traumas.
Laura's Wolf was a surprisingly deep, heartfelt story with a paranormal twist. There was a perfect balance of action, soul and steamy romance.
I look forward to DJ's story and would like to get to know his family/pack more. I highly recommend you give this debut story by Lia Silver a go. I look forward to following her future imagination.
I received this copy of Laura's Wolf from Lia Silver in exchange for an honest review. This book was published on March 5, 2014.
October 7, 2019
This story is about PTSD, apparently written by an expert in this field, so we got great depth, but for me it detracted from the story and the romance got completely lost. The story is all ALL about PTSD, and their relationship was a small part of how they managed their PTSD. The H and h, their histories became boring as the only agenda was their issues. I didn't believe in their love, she was little more than his crutch. Great start that was morphed into disappointing by 50%.
March 27, 2014
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. It has a ripping pace and excellent action and characters I liked even if they felt a little... overburdened... occasionally. Roy and Laura both have some pretty severe emotional scars and those scars are earned in their compelling backstories. Come to think of it, every other character had scars of their own, as well, though that makes it seem like the book was manipulative when it really wasn't. This background damage overwhelmed the story sometimes, even though it worked (as perfectly valid characterization). And it completely overtook the last quarter or so.
So the book felt a bit "issuey" centered around PTSD. Don't let that stop you from a great read, however. I liked the worldbuilding and the werewolves and the relationships. And again, the pacing was fantastic and kept me involved even during that long wind-down at the end. Of particular note is that Lia Silver managed a story with a heavy dependence on backstory without bogging the pacing down or including huge expository dumps—no mean feat, that. Silver has definitely landed on my radar and I look forward to more in her world.
A note about Steamy: A relatively high steam content, though more due to length of explicit scenes than frequency.
So the book felt a bit "issuey" centered around PTSD. Don't let that stop you from a great read, however. I liked the worldbuilding and the werewolves and the relationships. And again, the pacing was fantastic and kept me involved even during that long wind-down at the end. Of particular note is that Lia Silver managed a story with a heavy dependence on backstory without bogging the pacing down or including huge expository dumps—no mean feat, that. Silver has definitely landed on my radar and I look forward to more in her world.
A note about Steamy: A relatively high steam content, though more due to length of explicit scenes than frequency.
October 5, 2014
I liked this a lot. I really appreciated that even though it was a fast romance, the characters worked hard on their relationship. It . . . was probably still too fast, but it made me believe that they could make it work long term.
And I really liked how the PSTD stuff was worked in. I don't think I've ever seen a mental illness portrayed in quite this way, with the physical effects of tiredness and not eating and the toll that takes on you and it really resonated with me.
And the werewolf mythology was a little different and well thought out and I'm looking forward to reading more!
And I really liked how the PSTD stuff was worked in. I don't think I've ever seen a mental illness portrayed in quite this way, with the physical effects of tiredness and not eating and the toll that takes on you and it really resonated with me.
And the werewolf mythology was a little different and well thought out and I'm looking forward to reading more!
July 7, 2014
Reviewed by Tina for Bex 'n' Books
3.5 - 4 stars
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This story has potential to have great storyline, but some of this book contained just a little too much detail. It starts off with lots of action and keeps going all through the book.
I love that Roy is a marine that gets turned into a werewolf. Laura is a ex con artist who turned away from her conning ways to being involved with something horrifying at her job, which has her feeling guilty. She heads to the mountains to getaway and meets Roy.
Running away from one problem just might have her running into another one. Both Laura and Roy suffer from their pasts and they have to cope the the trauma from it. In the end, both have their past coming to find them and finding out this is what keep me reading this story to the end. Along the way they find they have others to help them get through all trouble that happen to them.
If you like lots of action and werewolves, this is a good story to read.
3.5 - 4 stars
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This story has potential to have great storyline, but some of this book contained just a little too much detail. It starts off with lots of action and keeps going all through the book.
I love that Roy is a marine that gets turned into a werewolf. Laura is a ex con artist who turned away from her conning ways to being involved with something horrifying at her job, which has her feeling guilty. She heads to the mountains to getaway and meets Roy.
Running away from one problem just might have her running into another one. Both Laura and Roy suffer from their pasts and they have to cope the the trauma from it. In the end, both have their past coming to find them and finding out this is what keep me reading this story to the end. Along the way they find they have others to help them get through all trouble that happen to them.
If you like lots of action and werewolves, this is a good story to read.
July 21, 2017
This book just doesn't know what it wants to be, plain and simple.
This book is genre-bending in the worst way possible, taking elements from three different genres. That didn't have to be a problem in and of itself, but each genre detracts from the others, rather than adding to them.
Urban fantasy
I know that paranormal romance is an established sub-genre, but the urban fantasy elements are so far removed from the romance elements that it makes sense to evaluate them separately. As an urban fantasy story, this is atrociously-paced, with characters that feel ill-fitted for the story. The plot stops multiple times - sometimes for as much as 10% of the book - to focus on the romance elements, in ways that don't advance the story at all. It's also perhaps the most anti-climactic story I've ever read, with the conflict abruptly resolved around two thirds of the way into the novel. The worldbuilding is also extremely bland, with very little being added to the standard werewolf mythos. Not only that, but it feels incomplete - Silver does a terrible job of suggesting a larger world around these characters, making the story feel very small and isolated.
Romance about overcoming trauma
Of all the genres this book dabbles in, this is the one that comes closest to working. Laura and Roy are both very well-developed characters, and their romance is genuinely endearing. Silver is a therapist who specializes in patients with PTSD, and it shows - the elements of overcoming trauma felt very real to me. Unfortunately, the plot is terribly suited to displaying this romance. None of the story elements felt thematically relevant to this romance, so that the climax and the other dramatic peaks didn't feel like revelatory moments for the characters. Almost all of the character development and progression happens in the breaks from the plot, rather than in the plot itself, making me wonder why Silver decided to make this a story about werewolves at all.
Erotica
Alright, full disclosure: This is the first erotic book I've ever read, and I've never had any interest in reading one. In fact, I didn't even know that this book was erotic until the first sex scene started. I didn't find the erotic elements particularly arousing, but I didn't really expect to either, so my opinion isn't of much use here. What I do want to talk about, however, is the fact that this otherwise-serious story is interrupted by a number of lengthy sex scenes. Some of them do serve a purpose in progressing the character arcs, but the scenes go on long after the point has been made. From a narrative perspective, it just feels like a distraction from the plot and the romance - as if they didn't distract from each other enough. And I feel like the presence of these sex scenes really limits the appeal of this novel. The story could've had a fairly universal appeal - there's nothing gender or sexual orientation-specific about werewolves, or overcoming trauma. But the sex scenes are going to turn off anyone who isn't interested in reading about hetero sex from the woman's perspective - I imagine most men, lesbians, and asexual people will be turned away by that, even though there's no particular reason this novel shouldn't appeal to them.
I really do hate to criticize this book so much, because the story of Roy and Laura overcoming their trauma through their romance did have the potential to be a genuinely good romance novel. Silver definitely had the ability to write that story, and although her prose isn't great (particularly toward the beginning of the novel), it's decent enough to tell the story. But the urban fantasy and erotic elements totally ruined it. At the same time as I read this book, I also read Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, which is another paranormal romance about overcoming trauma. The discrepancy between the two novels was vast - even though Meadows' prose isn't nearly as good as Silver's, Meadows constructs a far better plot with far more interesting worldbuilding, where the dramatic peaks are actually relevant to the romance and the character arc. The plot and the romance add to each other, rather than serving as a distraction. If you're interested in a romance novel about overcoming trauma (and you're not too turned off by the prospect of reading a young adult novel), I recommend Incarnate over this book, easily.
This book is genre-bending in the worst way possible, taking elements from three different genres. That didn't have to be a problem in and of itself, but each genre detracts from the others, rather than adding to them.
Urban fantasy
I know that paranormal romance is an established sub-genre, but the urban fantasy elements are so far removed from the romance elements that it makes sense to evaluate them separately. As an urban fantasy story, this is atrociously-paced, with characters that feel ill-fitted for the story. The plot stops multiple times - sometimes for as much as 10% of the book - to focus on the romance elements, in ways that don't advance the story at all. It's also perhaps the most anti-climactic story I've ever read, with the conflict abruptly resolved around two thirds of the way into the novel. The worldbuilding is also extremely bland, with very little being added to the standard werewolf mythos. Not only that, but it feels incomplete - Silver does a terrible job of suggesting a larger world around these characters, making the story feel very small and isolated.
Romance about overcoming trauma
Of all the genres this book dabbles in, this is the one that comes closest to working. Laura and Roy are both very well-developed characters, and their romance is genuinely endearing. Silver is a therapist who specializes in patients with PTSD, and it shows - the elements of overcoming trauma felt very real to me. Unfortunately, the plot is terribly suited to displaying this romance. None of the story elements felt thematically relevant to this romance, so that the climax and the other dramatic peaks didn't feel like revelatory moments for the characters. Almost all of the character development and progression happens in the breaks from the plot, rather than in the plot itself, making me wonder why Silver decided to make this a story about werewolves at all.
Erotica
Alright, full disclosure: This is the first erotic book I've ever read, and I've never had any interest in reading one. In fact, I didn't even know that this book was erotic until the first sex scene started. I didn't find the erotic elements particularly arousing, but I didn't really expect to either, so my opinion isn't of much use here. What I do want to talk about, however, is the fact that this otherwise-serious story is interrupted by a number of lengthy sex scenes. Some of them do serve a purpose in progressing the character arcs, but the scenes go on long after the point has been made. From a narrative perspective, it just feels like a distraction from the plot and the romance - as if they didn't distract from each other enough. And I feel like the presence of these sex scenes really limits the appeal of this novel. The story could've had a fairly universal appeal - there's nothing gender or sexual orientation-specific about werewolves, or overcoming trauma. But the sex scenes are going to turn off anyone who isn't interested in reading about hetero sex from the woman's perspective - I imagine most men, lesbians, and asexual people will be turned away by that, even though there's no particular reason this novel shouldn't appeal to them.
I really do hate to criticize this book so much, because the story of Roy and Laura overcoming their trauma through their romance did have the potential to be a genuinely good romance novel. Silver definitely had the ability to write that story, and although her prose isn't great (particularly toward the beginning of the novel), it's decent enough to tell the story. But the urban fantasy and erotic elements totally ruined it. At the same time as I read this book, I also read Incarnate by Jodi Meadows, which is another paranormal romance about overcoming trauma. The discrepancy between the two novels was vast - even though Meadows' prose isn't nearly as good as Silver's, Meadows constructs a far better plot with far more interesting worldbuilding, where the dramatic peaks are actually relevant to the romance and the character arc. The plot and the romance add to each other, rather than serving as a distraction. If you're interested in a romance novel about overcoming trauma (and you're not too turned off by the prospect of reading a young adult novel), I recommend Incarnate over this book, easily.
November 4, 2014
A contemporary romance about a war veteran werewolf on the run who ends up taking shelter in a cabin owned by a ex con artist who has her own demons and secrets. This was a whole bunch of things I've been looking for for ages, especially in romance novels. Informed and sastisfying treatment of disability! (PTSD and magical-but-believable physical Werewolf Issues, both treated like actual disabilities not just convenent angst) BOTH partners a mixture of screwed up and nurturing! Fluffy romantic (mild) femdom! Fat female protagonist! Female werewolves being just as common as and equivalent to male ones! Paranormal romance with no gender essentailism about women being natural victims and men natural predators! Background mogai characters! Two lonely people find solace in each other...and then find even more solace in some close friends! And it was fairly thrilling and a nice romance. Not the MOST thrilling, romantic, or sexy book I've ever read, and a bit heavy handed with the therapy talk in parts (the author is a PTSD therapist and it shows. Mostly in a good way) but it made me pretty happy. A bit heteronormative in parts. Reminded me a bit of the Liaden books in both good an bad ways.
August 5, 2016
I got this as a free read, and to be honest, wasn't really expecting much more than a quick, fluffy, paranormal read. I was so surprised to find a very well-written, well-edited, compelling read that went far beyond the typical tropes in this genre. I do wish that there was a different cover for this title, because I think it gave me the wrong impression, and really doesn't convey the strength of the book.
I won't give a synopsis, because the blurb pretty much does it. What it doesn't mention is the insight the author shows into PTSD sufferers, what their loved ones have to go through, and how thoughtfully the author treats this sensitive subject matter.
I loved this book. The H and h were fully fleshed out, their personalities believable and appealing, even as they demonstrated numerous times that they were not without flaws. There were moments of frustration, hope, despair, and I found myself utterly enthralled with their story.
Pick this book up and read it now! It's satisfying to the paranormal/shifter romance fan while having depth enough to take it beyond reader expectations. I will be thinking about this book for a while.
I won't give a synopsis, because the blurb pretty much does it. What it doesn't mention is the insight the author shows into PTSD sufferers, what their loved ones have to go through, and how thoughtfully the author treats this sensitive subject matter.
I loved this book. The H and h were fully fleshed out, their personalities believable and appealing, even as they demonstrated numerous times that they were not without flaws. There were moments of frustration, hope, despair, and I found myself utterly enthralled with their story.
Pick this book up and read it now! It's satisfying to the paranormal/shifter romance fan while having depth enough to take it beyond reader expectations. I will be thinking about this book for a while.
July 18, 2014
I read the book in ... June, I think, but my review mojo isn't back yet, so I didn't write a review. I'll just quote myself from a recommend bit I did for the book ^^.
"Laura's Wolf is a well written paranormal romance and suspense with a hero and heroine who both deal believably with PTSD for various reasons (the author is a therapist in her real life) and I thought the integration of werewolves and other powers (actually reminded me a bit of the X-Men in some ways) into the US, specifically California, was really captivatingly written.
As were the characters: I LOVED the fact that the heroine was the emotionally distant one here and the hero, even though a Marine, the socially adept one who had to work hard to get the heroine to trust him."
"Laura's Wolf is a well written paranormal romance and suspense with a hero and heroine who both deal believably with PTSD for various reasons (the author is a therapist in her real life) and I thought the integration of werewolves and other powers (actually reminded me a bit of the X-Men in some ways) into the US, specifically California, was really captivatingly written.
As were the characters: I LOVED the fact that the heroine was the emotionally distant one here and the hero, even though a Marine, the socially adept one who had to work hard to get the heroine to trust him."
March 12, 2014
I'm torn between giving this book 4 and 5 stars, so I'm giving it 4.5 and rounding up. The only reason I'd be tempted to go lower is because there were a few spots where the book dragged --- I think it could easily have been 50 or 100 pages shorter and been a better book.
That said, the characters were good and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the world-building. Plus, I've noticed a rash of books lately about soldiers with PTSD, and this book really nails the topic, unlike the other books which seem like the author maybe read an article or two on the subject and then figured they could write about it. I wasn't surprised at all to read the author's note at the end and learn that she is a therapist specializing in PTSD.
That said, the characters were good and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the world-building. Plus, I've noticed a rash of books lately about soldiers with PTSD, and this book really nails the topic, unlike the other books which seem like the author maybe read an article or two on the subject and then figured they could write about it. I wasn't surprised at all to read the author's note at the end and learn that she is a therapist specializing in PTSD.
July 12, 2014
Recommended by Sherwood Smith and Estara. I wasn't blown away by Laura's Wolf but it's an interesting read. I liked both Laura, the ex-con artist, and Roy, the veteran Marine. I thought they were a good match. There's a lot of action in the book but a huge chunk of it also focuses on PTSD and how it affected Laura and Roy and their relationship. I would have liked for the book to have included more worldbuilding when it comes to the werewolf lore, like more history about werewolves in this world and how they came to be. Maybe the next book will have more about that? I'm curious about it because of I want to know more about Roy's Filipino American best friend DJ and his family.
March 29, 2014
I would say expectations have marred this book reading, but I am not sure it's completely true. Sure, I thought this was going to be a PNR, while it's a cont military romance, and the paranormal is un-existing. (Fantasy is something more than saying werewolves exist.)
But my problem with this story is that is fully centred on post traumatic stress disorder, and doesn't move from here. All characters suffer from it, all, and all their problems are related to it. Saying I was bored is mild. I can't deny it has some good moments, but the feeling this is a therapeutic book is so strong that you wonder who was written for.
But my problem with this story is that is fully centred on post traumatic stress disorder, and doesn't move from here. All characters suffer from it, all, and all their problems are related to it. Saying I was bored is mild. I can't deny it has some good moments, but the feeling this is a therapeutic book is so strong that you wonder who was written for.
June 27, 2016
3.5 stars
I liked all the different elements of the story, but think it could have used some trimming overall -- the pacing seemed super slow at times.
I think my favorite part was watching how the hero slowly learned to deal with the PTSD and toxic masculinity that was killing him by pieces. If you're looking for a growly alphahole hero, this will probably disappoint, but I actually really enjoyed watching him heal; he seemed like an actual person, not a cardboard prop.
Also, there were some (very) light femdom aspects of his relationship with the heroine that made this story more interesting than the run of the mill PNR.
I liked all the different elements of the story, but think it could have used some trimming overall -- the pacing seemed super slow at times.
I think my favorite part was watching how the hero slowly learned to deal with the PTSD and toxic masculinity that was killing him by pieces. If you're looking for a growly alphahole hero, this will probably disappoint, but I actually really enjoyed watching him heal; he seemed like an actual person, not a cardboard prop.
Also, there were some (very) light femdom aspects of his relationship with the heroine that made this story more interesting than the run of the mill PNR.
February 7, 2017
Enjoyable werewolf romance with a fairly original take on werewolves that still stays true to reader expectations. Well written, with one of the best fictional depictions of PTSD I've seen, a heroine and hero who match each other in both badassery and vulnerability.
The femdom interludes are enjoyable for this kinky reader, but light enough that most vanilla readers won't find them a turn off (no toys, S&M or latex, just a man who likes being told what to do to please his partner and woman who likes telling him.)
The femdom interludes are enjoyable for this kinky reader, but light enough that most vanilla readers won't find them a turn off (no toys, S&M or latex, just a man who likes being told what to do to please his partner and woman who likes telling him.)
March 10, 2014
Not perhaps the sort of thing I normally read, but really enjoyed it, possibly because a) very well-written with great characters and b) it was subverting what I understand to be various genre cliches - e.g. troo love and great sex don't actually magically resolve the main characters' problems but still go on, even if they are coping with them better and healing is happening. Similarly, defeating the bad guy isn't the end of the story.
March 8, 2017
I've found a new shifter-romance author worth re-reading
This book features two damaged characters dealing realistically with traumatic events in their pasts even as they're forced to engage in more in the present. The central relationship involves getting to know each other deeply, though it comes in several phases of honesty, since they are a former con artist all too used to lying about who she is, despite feeling shame/embarrassment about that only recently ended lifestyle, and a tough Marine fugitive, reluctant to admit even to himself how bad his situation is from physical and emotional effects both new (werewolf-related) and pre-existing (combat-related). The author is a therapist whose specialty is PTSD, and if you are unwilling to read a novel which realistically explores a wide range of symptoms, and coping/healing methods, choose another story.
Laura has never had anyone but her loving but unreliable con-man father (whose presence in this book is just a note saying, "Sorry I couldn't be at my cabin with you, but I had to leave to avoid some trouble") with whom she could be herself. Her guilt over what happened during a bank robbery is only made worse by how everyone, not knowing the full truth, had nothing but praise for her courage. Roy is a brand-new werewolf, cut off from everyone he knew and cared about (including the born-wolf best friend who made him, in extremis), and longing desperately and instinctively for packmates — not just because he can't remember the explanation and advice DJ gave him while he was in and out of consciousness before the medevac helicopter arrived. Ms. Silver made the interesting choice to give each werewolf an individualized additional power of various sorts and strengths, and for much of the book it's not clear (lacking anyone to compare himself to) just what Roy's is, or why he can't stand modern technology such as electric lights or .
The book is told mainly in limited-third-person PoV, labeled chapters alternating between the two leads, except for two first-person accounts labeled "Roy's Story" and "Laura's Story", when each reaches the point of revelation. It worked well, for me.
I like the fact that even though Roy is a trained and experienced fighter, with some "macho" issues trying to live up to his self-image, that didn't make him have less respect for civilian Laura's own abilities, courage, and right to make her own decisions. I'm not sure Laura's self-image issues ("fat girl" during her formative years, vs. "voluptuous" in Roy's eyes) were really necessary, given all the rest they had to deal with, but it is good that not every romance heroine nowadays has to be built like a fashion model.
I have to give a slight spoiler to mention that the action conflict involves a werewolf baddie. At first, I found the idea of Laura's separately encountering two werewolves, despite their rarity and secrecy, a coincidence requiring suspension of disbelief. However, upon consideration of the precognitive hunches affecting decisions made on both sides, I call it God working in mysterious ways to bring people together with the ones they needed to meet.
That scary bad guy leads to other werewolves, good and bad, who've been under his control. They have an appealing variety of personalities and powers. After the main action climax, the survivors (including Roy and Laura) are shown coming together, becoming the support and acceptance they all need to make it through. If all you want in a shifter romance is suspenseful action (check) and passion (check, handled with both tenderness and humor), you may find this denouement too long, but in a way, it's the emotional climax, when Roy's "holding on" finally breaks. For me, what distinguishes a story I really like from a mere passing entertainment is the characters and emotion, and I found this book quite satisfying.
Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2)
The editing/proofreading is very good at the sentence level. I think I only marked two things in red in the whole book, and I'm one who rarely overlooks spelling, grammar, or vocabulary errors. (I have several more passages highlighted for positives reasons or future reference.) When I do a re-read sometime, though (and I will!), I have to try to remember to keep track of Laura's purse: I THOUGHT it had been left behind at the bad guy's property (that's why they didn't have her phone) and not yet recovered when, back at the cabin, she gets something out of it.
Now, I'm eager to go on to DJ's 2-part romance. I gather Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2) takes place concurrent (off-scene) with LW, then Partner (Echo's Wolf, #2) follows it. ETA: CORRECTION: Now that I've read Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2), it's clear that DJ's appearance near the end of LW is from somewhere during Partner (Echo's Wolf, #2).
This book features two damaged characters dealing realistically with traumatic events in their pasts even as they're forced to engage in more in the present. The central relationship involves getting to know each other deeply, though it comes in several phases of honesty, since they are a former con artist all too used to lying about who she is, despite feeling shame/embarrassment about that only recently ended lifestyle, and a tough Marine fugitive, reluctant to admit even to himself how bad his situation is from physical and emotional effects both new (werewolf-related) and pre-existing (combat-related). The author is a therapist whose specialty is PTSD, and if you are unwilling to read a novel which realistically explores a wide range of symptoms, and coping/healing methods, choose another story.
Laura has never had anyone but her loving but unreliable con-man father (whose presence in this book is just a note saying, "Sorry I couldn't be at my cabin with you, but I had to leave to avoid some trouble") with whom she could be herself. Her guilt over what happened during a bank robbery is only made worse by how everyone, not knowing the full truth, had nothing but praise for her courage. Roy is a brand-new werewolf, cut off from everyone he knew and cared about (including the born-wolf best friend who made him, in extremis), and longing desperately and instinctively for packmates — not just because he can't remember the explanation and advice DJ gave him while he was in and out of consciousness before the medevac helicopter arrived. Ms. Silver made the interesting choice to give each werewolf an individualized additional power of various sorts and strengths, and for much of the book it's not clear (lacking anyone to compare himself to) just what Roy's is, or why he can't stand modern technology such as electric lights or .
The book is told mainly in limited-third-person PoV, labeled chapters alternating between the two leads, except for two first-person accounts labeled "Roy's Story" and "Laura's Story", when each reaches the point of revelation. It worked well, for me.
I like the fact that even though Roy is a trained and experienced fighter, with some "macho" issues trying to live up to his self-image, that didn't make him have less respect for civilian Laura's own abilities, courage, and right to make her own decisions. I'm not sure Laura's self-image issues ("fat girl" during her formative years, vs. "voluptuous" in Roy's eyes) were really necessary, given all the rest they had to deal with, but it is good that not every romance heroine nowadays has to be built like a fashion model.
I have to give a slight spoiler to mention that the action conflict involves a werewolf baddie. At first, I found the idea of Laura's separately encountering two werewolves, despite their rarity and secrecy, a coincidence requiring suspension of disbelief. However, upon consideration of the precognitive hunches affecting decisions made on both sides, I call it God working in mysterious ways to bring people together with the ones they needed to meet.
That scary bad guy leads to other werewolves, good and bad, who've been under his control. They have an appealing variety of personalities and powers. After the main action climax, the survivors (including Roy and Laura) are shown coming together, becoming the support and acceptance they all need to make it through. If all you want in a shifter romance is suspenseful action (check) and passion (check, handled with both tenderness and humor), you may find this denouement too long, but in a way, it's the emotional climax, when Roy's "holding on" finally breaks. For me, what distinguishes a story I really like from a mere passing entertainment is the characters and emotion, and I found this book quite satisfying.
Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2)
The editing/proofreading is very good at the sentence level. I think I only marked two things in red in the whole book, and I'm one who rarely overlooks spelling, grammar, or vocabulary errors. (I have several more passages highlighted for positives reasons or future reference.) When I do a re-read sometime, though (and I will!), I have to try to remember to keep track of Laura's purse: I THOUGHT it had been left behind at the bad guy's property (that's why they didn't have her phone) and not yet recovered when, back at the cabin, she gets something out of it.
Now, I'm eager to go on to DJ's 2-part romance. I gather Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2) takes place concurrent (off-scene) with LW, then Partner (Echo's Wolf, #2) follows it. ETA: CORRECTION: Now that I've read Prisoner (Werewolf Marines, #2), it's clear that DJ's appearance near the end of LW is from somewhere during Partner (Echo's Wolf, #2).
May 13, 2018
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
While Laura’s Wolf is an intriguing shifter romance, it also opened my eyes a bit more to the daily suffering and dealing that people with PTSD have to face every single day. And, truth is, you do not have to be a soldier to experience PTSD. The characters in this story all deal, in one way or another, with the results of trauma which simply brings home the fact that not everyone will experience the same symptoms of PTSD, but everyone who faces this does go through a very real experience that is unimaginable to the rest of us. This has been around since the beginning of recorded history, simply known by other names. I’ll admit that, at times, Laura’s Wolf is difficult to read – not because of the story, which is amazing, but because we are brought right into nightmares that just reading about has an affect on the reader. Kudos to Lia Silver (who is a real life therapist) for bringing us a realistic story in details that make each character even more believable as we walk, if not in their shoes, but alongside of them in this story.
Roy and Laura’s romance is intense – there really is no other descriptive word that works for this story. I was fully engaged in their journey to discover what, for them, will eventually be a happy ending. The secondary characters come alive with distinct personalities – and even the bad guys are so easily imagined from their descriptions and actions. There are vile people in the world, and this villain is almost beyond evil. I am looking forward to the rest of this series as now I need to know more, and hopefully, get glimpses of Roy and Laura as they continue their journey together. Laura’s Wolf isn’t always an emotionally easy story to read, yet it is one that will draw you into this world and not let go until the final page. If you enjoy shifter romance, mystery or suspense, then you’d enjoy this story. I’d recommend it to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who can dive into a realistic story, enjoys believable characters even at their weakest, and wants a truly captivating reading experience.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
While Laura’s Wolf is an intriguing shifter romance, it also opened my eyes a bit more to the daily suffering and dealing that people with PTSD have to face every single day. And, truth is, you do not have to be a soldier to experience PTSD. The characters in this story all deal, in one way or another, with the results of trauma which simply brings home the fact that not everyone will experience the same symptoms of PTSD, but everyone who faces this does go through a very real experience that is unimaginable to the rest of us. This has been around since the beginning of recorded history, simply known by other names. I’ll admit that, at times, Laura’s Wolf is difficult to read – not because of the story, which is amazing, but because we are brought right into nightmares that just reading about has an affect on the reader. Kudos to Lia Silver (who is a real life therapist) for bringing us a realistic story in details that make each character even more believable as we walk, if not in their shoes, but alongside of them in this story.
Roy and Laura’s romance is intense – there really is no other descriptive word that works for this story. I was fully engaged in their journey to discover what, for them, will eventually be a happy ending. The secondary characters come alive with distinct personalities – and even the bad guys are so easily imagined from their descriptions and actions. There are vile people in the world, and this villain is almost beyond evil. I am looking forward to the rest of this series as now I need to know more, and hopefully, get glimpses of Roy and Laura as they continue their journey together. Laura’s Wolf isn’t always an emotionally easy story to read, yet it is one that will draw you into this world and not let go until the final page. If you enjoy shifter romance, mystery or suspense, then you’d enjoy this story. I’d recommend it to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who can dive into a realistic story, enjoys believable characters even at their weakest, and wants a truly captivating reading experience.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 19, 2020
Looks like I found a new author to follow
Laura's Wolf: Werewolf Marines book 1
By Lia Silver
Kindle unlimited purchase
When we met Roy, he is in a hospital recuperating from his injuries from when his helicopter had been shot down in Afghanistan.
Laura is not what she seems on the outside she has all kinds of things going on with her, she is like an onion and I enjoyed getting to know her character. The way she was there for Roy from the minute you met him touched my heart.
Please take the time to read: Afterword: About PTSD. I can tell LS had extreme knowledge of PTSD and what a person with it would go through on a day-to-day basis. I feel for Roy and what any person goes through with PTSD if it be for whatever reason they have it. I suffer from PTSD but is nothing compared to what Roy goes through. So if you think this might trigger yours I recommend you skip this book but if you're like Roy and like to push yourself don't pass this up its up great book and it shows you that YOU/myself can get through to the other side. This was a great book/start to a series going to be difficult going "up" from here. Looks like I found a new author to follow.
Laura's Wolf: Werewolf Marines book 1
By Lia Silver
Kindle unlimited purchase
When we met Roy, he is in a hospital recuperating from his injuries from when his helicopter had been shot down in Afghanistan.
Laura is not what she seems on the outside she has all kinds of things going on with her, she is like an onion and I enjoyed getting to know her character. The way she was there for Roy from the minute you met him touched my heart.
Please take the time to read: Afterword: About PTSD. I can tell LS had extreme knowledge of PTSD and what a person with it would go through on a day-to-day basis. I feel for Roy and what any person goes through with PTSD if it be for whatever reason they have it. I suffer from PTSD but is nothing compared to what Roy goes through. So if you think this might trigger yours I recommend you skip this book but if you're like Roy and like to push yourself don't pass this up its up great book and it shows you that YOU/myself can get through to the other side. This was a great book/start to a series going to be difficult going "up" from here. Looks like I found a new author to follow.
November 26, 2023
While this is billed as a shifter romance, and it definitely has a strong romantic thread, that thread feels more like the B-plot to me. It's much more a story of two people healing at least some way from their individual traumas and creating a found family around them.
The romance thread is pretty much resolved at about a third of the way through the book, and by the time you get to the end of the book, the HEA feels like it's more about the pack than it is about the two lead characters.
It's also worth noting that while this is *technically* the same kind of shifter romance as Ms Silver writes under the Zoe Chant pen name, the vibe of this book is very different. It deals with some much darker stuff, which I suspect is informed by her work as a trauma therapist, and the realities of trauma recovery intrude far more than they do in the Zoe Chant books.
That said, it was a good read, and I'm looking forward to the next two in the series.
The romance thread is pretty much resolved at about a third of the way through the book, and by the time you get to the end of the book, the HEA feels like it's more about the pack than it is about the two lead characters.
It's also worth noting that while this is *technically* the same kind of shifter romance as Ms Silver writes under the Zoe Chant pen name, the vibe of this book is very different. It deals with some much darker stuff, which I suspect is informed by her work as a trauma therapist, and the realities of trauma recovery intrude far more than they do in the Zoe Chant books.
That said, it was a good read, and I'm looking forward to the next two in the series.
November 11, 2020
What's more alpha then a werewolf who's a Marine??!! Roy is an alpha severely bent if not broken by horrors of combat. Laura is a con artist by and since birth scarred by a violent incident and basically alone in the world. When Roy saves her, she learns his furry secret. Determined to return the favor she tries to help but unbeknownst to her, her past isn't done with her. Roy has to battle his demons to save her and along the way creates his own pack with Laura as his mate. Roy's teammate DJ who saved him, forever changing him - helps the pack find its way and his story is next.
December 16, 2022
Roy and laura
A interesting storyline it's focused on PTSD at the end of book I was getting frustrated with Roy there is no I found my mate we get married have pups kind of end of story but he does learn to cope at the end the pack is PTSD pack but they have each other.I would of like a more positive ending.
Next book is about his friend DJ who is a born wolf, he turned Roy to save his life they both got taken and both escape but not together so I'm guessing we time jump back to Afghan when DJ turns Roy and gets separated so we find out what happened to DJ
A interesting storyline it's focused on PTSD at the end of book I was getting frustrated with Roy there is no I found my mate we get married have pups kind of end of story but he does learn to cope at the end the pack is PTSD pack but they have each other.I would of like a more positive ending.
Next book is about his friend DJ who is a born wolf, he turned Roy to save his life they both got taken and both escape but not together so I'm guessing we time jump back to Afghan when DJ turns Roy and gets separated so we find out what happened to DJ
January 19, 2018
Great read.
Knowledge of military issues made this interesting. It is hard to find good stories of real situations. PTSD is a major problem for our military. I love paranormal stories and this one is very well written. I love the characters, they have depth and personality. The beginning was a little confusing as I thought the medical facility was doing tests on Roy because of him being a werewolf vs. having PTSD. I am off to the next book.
Knowledge of military issues made this interesting. It is hard to find good stories of real situations. PTSD is a major problem for our military. I love paranormal stories and this one is very well written. I love the characters, they have depth and personality. The beginning was a little confusing as I thought the medical facility was doing tests on Roy because of him being a werewolf vs. having PTSD. I am off to the next book.
August 24, 2021
Disappointed
I grabbed this book after finding the author writing under another pen name. Loved her other series. This book was a complete disappointment and I had to force myself to finish it. The story dragged and I found myself skimming over sections of the book....I get it they all have PTSD, but it just dragged on and over and over. Will not even attempt book 2 in the series.
I grabbed this book after finding the author writing under another pen name. Loved her other series. This book was a complete disappointment and I had to force myself to finish it. The story dragged and I found myself skimming over sections of the book....I get it they all have PTSD, but it just dragged on and over and over. Will not even attempt book 2 in the series.
September 25, 2021
3 1/2 stars ( I round up ) I enjoyed the story it lost half a star bc at times it felt like the author was writing more information than I wanted to know. It went just a tad to far into I'll fix you and you fix me psychological text book, also she left her purse with her car but it's back at the cabin and she's getting medicine out of it for Roy. It's little things that can make a reader go what? wait ? I still liked the story even if 20% could have been left on the cutting floor.
April 2, 2023
Hurting people find help
I loved how the author described the struggles and pain of PTSD. The idea of grounding seems to be helpful. Roy and Laura are very clear characters. Their thoughts, emotions, hurts and pain is something anyone can relate to. This story stirred me to look through the books listed at the end of Laura's Wolf. It stirred my mind and emotions to think of what if.
I loved how the author described the struggles and pain of PTSD. The idea of grounding seems to be helpful. Roy and Laura are very clear characters. Their thoughts, emotions, hurts and pain is something anyone can relate to. This story stirred me to look through the books listed at the end of Laura's Wolf. It stirred my mind and emotions to think of what if.
April 2, 2018
4,5 stars
Loved the book, a well-written story with strong characters and the reality of PTSD, of how problems don't start or are solved because we turned into something else but the need to reinvent our lives and find satisfaction. A great way to start a series
Loved the book, a well-written story with strong characters and the reality of PTSD, of how problems don't start or are solved because we turned into something else but the need to reinvent our lives and find satisfaction. A great way to start a series
July 14, 2019
2.5 stars. Started well but just seemed to veer off the course I was looking for. Apart from reminding me of another series which I love, this just didn’t deliver.
Though the dealing with PTSD was well done, it ended up overshadowing the werewolf marine story I was looking for.
Though the dealing with PTSD was well done, it ended up overshadowing the werewolf marine story I was looking for.
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