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BIG-Secrets of Mountain Men #1
Mountain Calling
An alternative cover edition can be found here
She’s a city girl with a secret, on the hunt for a way to make her dreams come true. He’s a big, growly mountain man with plans, and secrets, of his own.Rhea’s a woman on a mission.She wants to make a difference in the world. Shine a light on the injustices that happen right under our noses using the lens of her camera. When the opportunity to work with an internet celebrity takes her to the tiny mountain town of Greenlea, she’s sure the most difficult part will be keeping her calm around the bratty millionaire who hired her. But once she crosses paths with their grumpy, bearded and sexily rugged tour guide, it becomes clear her problems are only beginning.
****
Hagen is focused on one thing and one thing only.Building his family’s businesses. Bringing jobs and money to their tiny corner of the Appalachian mountains. It’s money the people around him need. Money that could feed families and change lives. That’s why he agreed to let a camera crew in. To attract the tourist traffic he needs. But a fire-haired camerawoman with a backbone of steel threatens his plans. His future. His sanity. Rhea is the one thing he never wanted to see in Greenlea. She might also be the one thing he never wants to let go.
*Mountain Calling was previously published as Hagen, book 1 in the BIG series.*
She’s a city girl with a secret, on the hunt for a way to make her dreams come true. He’s a big, growly mountain man with plans, and secrets, of his own.Rhea’s a woman on a mission.She wants to make a difference in the world. Shine a light on the injustices that happen right under our noses using the lens of her camera. When the opportunity to work with an internet celebrity takes her to the tiny mountain town of Greenlea, she’s sure the most difficult part will be keeping her calm around the bratty millionaire who hired her. But once she crosses paths with their grumpy, bearded and sexily rugged tour guide, it becomes clear her problems are only beginning.
****
Hagen is focused on one thing and one thing only.Building his family’s businesses. Bringing jobs and money to their tiny corner of the Appalachian mountains. It’s money the people around him need. Money that could feed families and change lives. That’s why he agreed to let a camera crew in. To attract the tourist traffic he needs. But a fire-haired camerawoman with a backbone of steel threatens his plans. His future. His sanity. Rhea is the one thing he never wanted to see in Greenlea. She might also be the one thing he never wants to let go.
*Mountain Calling was previously published as Hagen, book 1 in the BIG series.*
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2018
1349 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
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June 5, 2018
5 Stars
Hagen is the first book in the Big series by Janice M. Whiteaker. What a fun and original story this turned out to be. It is a paranormal romance with Bigfoot playing a leading role! It was funny, emotional, and very steamy.
Rhea is a 28-year-old camera operator who has travelled all the way to the Appalachian Mountains for a job that she hopes will be the big break she has been dreaming of. She meets up with the director and the rest of the crew at the bed and breakfast that they will be using as their headquarters during filming. They are making a documentary about Bigfoot, which means hiking into the forested mountain to try and capture their prey on film. This project will require them to camp out overnight as well. They have hired a local to guide them into the wilderness and to help keep them safe. When Rhea first lays eyes on the guide she knew immediately he had the power to break her. There is definitely something different about him that intrigues her, and she is determined to work out what it is.
Hagen feels cursed and thinks fate has robbed him of the chance of a normal life. This has left him a little bitter and lonely. Now he is going to be stuck in the woods babysitting a bunch of city slickers with plans on capturing convincing footage of Bigfoot's existence. Not if he has anything to do with it. But having Rhea in close proximity for the whole time, as well as a meddling mother and an old prophecy to contend with- does he really stand a change at remaining indifferent and standoffish? What happens when BOTH their secrets are revealed?
This is my first paranormal story with Bigfoot and I can honestly say it was fantastic. I really enjoyed getting to know Hagen and Rhea and following their journey. Now I can’t wait to dive into book two.
Thank you, Ms. Whiteaker!
Hagen is the first book in the Big series by Janice M. Whiteaker. What a fun and original story this turned out to be. It is a paranormal romance with Bigfoot playing a leading role! It was funny, emotional, and very steamy.
Rhea is a 28-year-old camera operator who has travelled all the way to the Appalachian Mountains for a job that she hopes will be the big break she has been dreaming of. She meets up with the director and the rest of the crew at the bed and breakfast that they will be using as their headquarters during filming. They are making a documentary about Bigfoot, which means hiking into the forested mountain to try and capture their prey on film. This project will require them to camp out overnight as well. They have hired a local to guide them into the wilderness and to help keep them safe. When Rhea first lays eyes on the guide she knew immediately he had the power to break her. There is definitely something different about him that intrigues her, and she is determined to work out what it is.
Hagen feels cursed and thinks fate has robbed him of the chance of a normal life. This has left him a little bitter and lonely. Now he is going to be stuck in the woods babysitting a bunch of city slickers with plans on capturing convincing footage of Bigfoot's existence. Not if he has anything to do with it. But having Rhea in close proximity for the whole time, as well as a meddling mother and an old prophecy to contend with- does he really stand a change at remaining indifferent and standoffish? What happens when BOTH their secrets are revealed?
This is my first paranormal story with Bigfoot and I can honestly say it was fantastic. I really enjoyed getting to know Hagen and Rhea and following their journey. Now I can’t wait to dive into book two.
Thank you, Ms. Whiteaker!
August 30, 2023
3 stars
This review is a reaction review, please see other reviews and/or the book description for a book content summary.
Because this matters to me a lot when I'm reading reviews and trying to deduce the quality of indie published romances—the writing of this book was VERY good. Awesome blend of dialogue, descriptions, etc. and written very well in the technical sense.
I would definitely try out other books by this author.
My issue was the actual plot and romance elements. They didn't work for me, personally, and I found myself too bored for most of the story. Without going into spoiler territory, I think this was due to the fact that the "mystery" of the male love interest's family wasn't meant to be a mystery to us as readers, but it clearly was to our main female character... Makes for dull reading as we all wait for the FMC to catch the heck up to the story.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
This review is a reaction review, please see other reviews and/or the book description for a book content summary.
Because this matters to me a lot when I'm reading reviews and trying to deduce the quality of indie published romances—the writing of this book was VERY good. Awesome blend of dialogue, descriptions, etc. and written very well in the technical sense.
I would definitely try out other books by this author.
My issue was the actual plot and romance elements. They didn't work for me, personally, and I found myself too bored for most of the story. Without going into spoiler territory, I think this was due to the fact that the "mystery" of the male love interest's family wasn't meant to be a mystery to us as readers, but it clearly was to our main female character... Makes for dull reading as we all wait for the FMC to catch the heck up to the story.
Blog | Instagram | Libro.fm Audiobooks
June 4, 2018
Hagen- Janice M. Whiteaker
5-star review
Hagen by Janice M. Whiteaker is the first book in her Big series and what a great start it is! This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, the storyline flowed so well that I was able to read it in one sitting as I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Hagen is a paranormal romance book unlike anything I’ve ever read which certainly added to my reading experience. This story had the perfect blend of drama and humour which made it easy to connect with these characters. All of the beautiful and clear details made it easy to picture everything playing out in my mind. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next paranormal read!
5-star review
Hagen by Janice M. Whiteaker is the first book in her Big series and what a great start it is! This is my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, the storyline flowed so well that I was able to read it in one sitting as I just couldn’t seem to put it down. Hagen is a paranormal romance book unlike anything I’ve ever read which certainly added to my reading experience. This story had the perfect blend of drama and humour which made it easy to connect with these characters. All of the beautiful and clear details made it easy to picture everything playing out in my mind. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next paranormal read!
June 6, 2018
First book of this paranormal romance series, BIG, and what a good start. Enough to make you come back for more.
Rhea, as a camera operator, joins a famous youtuber and his crew in the middle of nowhere to find the famous Bigfoot. Little did she know that her life will change forever with this "discovery". Hagen is the main character of the story with a secret his family is keeping for more than 100 years. He sees himself like a cursed man and just survives one day after the other when the fiery redhead comes into his life to give it meaning.
Interesting characters with the special skills or without and the story is so believable that flows and takes you into a mythical world that you wish to be a part of.
Rhea, as a camera operator, joins a famous youtuber and his crew in the middle of nowhere to find the famous Bigfoot. Little did she know that her life will change forever with this "discovery". Hagen is the main character of the story with a secret his family is keeping for more than 100 years. He sees himself like a cursed man and just survives one day after the other when the fiery redhead comes into his life to give it meaning.
Interesting characters with the special skills or without and the story is so believable that flows and takes you into a mythical world that you wish to be a part of.
June 13, 2018
Hagen by Janice Whiteker is a paranormal romance story. This is the first story I have read by this author and I will continue to read her stories. She has an awesome eye for detail. Her characters are fully developed, and you will be on a roller coaster ride with the characters. Janice writes her characters in such a way that there is a connection and you feel what the character is feeling. Hagen feels like there is a curse that has taken away his "normal" life. This leaves him bitter and alone. Rhea is traveling and is trying to make a name for herself. She is trying to get real evidence that Bigfoot is real and to catch him on film. Will Rhea find out who is "Bigfoot"? Will there be a relationship between Rhea and Hagen?
May 22, 2018
Hagen (Big Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker is the first book in her Big series. This is a paranormal romance that will keep you engaged until the last page. This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed how she was able to pull me in right from the beginning. She made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. Her writing style is easy flowing and engaging. Her characters are both relatable and lovable. They took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions along with the twists and turns that left me sitting on the edge of my seat. This story is about a man who feels that he has been cursed by the beast that he is. He pretends that it doesn't really matter to him when deep down it does as it has taken his happiness. Then she comes into his life. She has a sensitivity that stops her from getting close to people. It has effected her life to the point she has lost some jobs and relationships. Now she finds herself at his door step. Her job is to hunt a beast that doesn't exist and honestly she doesn't care about her job either. What they find are each other and never care about breaking rules. He makes her want to break her rules and she makes him want something he shouldn't have. Will they break each other? One has walls to be torn down and the other wants to be the one to tear them down. I loved both of these characters. They have such chemistry together that I just wanted them to be together. They both have insecurities that need to be tore down and built back up again. They believe that they are no good for each other but you will have to read this book in order to see what happens to them. Paranormal romance with shifters are one of my favorite types of books and this one didn't let me down. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens with two people who think they are not what the other needs but the attraction is so much bigger.
May 31, 2018
Hagen (Big Book 1)
By: Janice M. Whiteaker
5 out of 5 stars
The story Hagen (Big Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker is a paranormal romance book. This is a wonderful story that I loved reading. I loved the characters of Hagen and Rhea. Hagen is a man that has resigned himself to being alone. He believes himself to be cursed and that he will not experience happiness with anyone. That is until he meets Rhea. Rhea is a woman that has not had success in relationships. She is ‘sensitive’ and even her own family doesn’t fully understand her. Then she meets Hagen and begins to experience feelings that are deeper than she ever has before. Rhea is also someone that wants to make a difference in the lives of those that need help. These two find themselves together as Rhea is hunting a beast whose existence is in dispute. The pull that they feel towards each other is strong. Will Rhea find the beast that she is searching for? Will Hagen and Rhea take a chance on their feelings and find their happiness together? Will they get an HEA? When this couple is together you can feel the heat and electricity between them. Paranormal romance is a genre that I love and this story that is a wonderful example of why. It is a story that I found myself getting lost in. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters in the story and there are times when the interactions between everyone was quite humorous. This is a story that hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put down until I had read the final page. It is the first story that I have read by the author and it will not be the last.
By: Janice M. Whiteaker
5 out of 5 stars
The story Hagen (Big Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker is a paranormal romance book. This is a wonderful story that I loved reading. I loved the characters of Hagen and Rhea. Hagen is a man that has resigned himself to being alone. He believes himself to be cursed and that he will not experience happiness with anyone. That is until he meets Rhea. Rhea is a woman that has not had success in relationships. She is ‘sensitive’ and even her own family doesn’t fully understand her. Then she meets Hagen and begins to experience feelings that are deeper than she ever has before. Rhea is also someone that wants to make a difference in the lives of those that need help. These two find themselves together as Rhea is hunting a beast whose existence is in dispute. The pull that they feel towards each other is strong. Will Rhea find the beast that she is searching for? Will Hagen and Rhea take a chance on their feelings and find their happiness together? Will they get an HEA? When this couple is together you can feel the heat and electricity between them. Paranormal romance is a genre that I love and this story that is a wonderful example of why. It is a story that I found myself getting lost in. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters in the story and there are times when the interactions between everyone was quite humorous. This is a story that hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to put down until I had read the final page. It is the first story that I have read by the author and it will not be the last.
June 3, 2018
a great read about he truth not being what you expect. Rhea is a camera photographer trying to make a living unveiling truths to the world. when her boss asks her to go to the Appalachian mountains to find and film the mythological Bigfoot she is skeptical at first. traveling into the forest to find the myth, strange events statt to happen and Rhea and her friends begin to wonder if the myth is true
a great read. well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn't put down. well developed characters like Rhea standing up for herself with a caring nature underneath or Hagen struggling to control his inner nature while still being a kind person. I loved the sense of family and tradition in Hagens family with a combination of different tempers. their starnge nature captivates the reader to keep reading to discover their true nature with a sense of the unnatural often found in fantasy. this with the sense of adventure for Rhea and her friends was a great combination for a compelling story. a great mix of realism with science and cameras and fantasy elements with creatures and curses and visions which was beautifully written.
I also adored the visual detail used throughout the novel like the inside of the B&B and the lions or Hagens colourful house. I also loved the visual detail of the forest with trees and springs as if you were there in nature with its sense of fantasy in a small isolated town. I also adored the sense that there is more to the myth than what we know. overall, a brilliant read and I would give it five stars.
a great read. well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn't put down. well developed characters like Rhea standing up for herself with a caring nature underneath or Hagen struggling to control his inner nature while still being a kind person. I loved the sense of family and tradition in Hagens family with a combination of different tempers. their starnge nature captivates the reader to keep reading to discover their true nature with a sense of the unnatural often found in fantasy. this with the sense of adventure for Rhea and her friends was a great combination for a compelling story. a great mix of realism with science and cameras and fantasy elements with creatures and curses and visions which was beautifully written.
I also adored the visual detail used throughout the novel like the inside of the B&B and the lions or Hagens colourful house. I also loved the visual detail of the forest with trees and springs as if you were there in nature with its sense of fantasy in a small isolated town. I also adored the sense that there is more to the myth than what we know. overall, a brilliant read and I would give it five stars.
May 25, 2018
Hagen (Big #1) by Janice M. Whiteaker is the first book in her big series. This was a great story to start off the series. I have never read anything by this author, but I can assure you it won't be the last. I LOVE books about shape shifters especially when they are fighting against themselves about what they are. In the small town where Hagen and his family lives, the tales of Bigfoot or legendary. People fall from every corner of the world to hunt this mythical creature. Hagen and his family are the creature they hunt. Thinks of it as a curse while his brother embraces it a lot more. Rhea is a cameraman and darn good at her job. She takes a job with a reality producer hoping that this job will help her get her message at about sad situations right at home. She doesn't really care about hunting the Beast because something is pulling her towards Hagen. This book had me from the very first page and took me on a roller coaster ride. I loved how the feeling is off the pages. The story made me want to go and hunt Bigfoot. The characters were like able and sometimes over-the-top, that's what made them so great. You couldn't help but root for Hagen and Rhea. This is a book that you will start it and not want to put down and read for the next one as soon as it's over. This author did a phenomenal job of pulling you to the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series
February 3, 2019
Hagen is a must read
Absolutely loved this series.The female and male lead will pull you into their story and its magic. Rhea and Hagen make a beautiful couple with chemistry flowing from the pages the first time they meet. Secondary characters are just as strong as the H /h...This story was so good.. I would have to say the h Rhea is definitely the hero of this story. Hagen is all alpha in and out of the bedroom scenes. I fell for him and his struggles with his Beast. Author gives us mystery with some paranormal along with humor and sexy time between the sheets.
Great storyline, first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read more.
Absolutely loved this series.The female and male lead will pull you into their story and its magic. Rhea and Hagen make a beautiful couple with chemistry flowing from the pages the first time they meet. Secondary characters are just as strong as the H /h...This story was so good.. I would have to say the h Rhea is definitely the hero of this story. Hagen is all alpha in and out of the bedroom scenes. I fell for him and his struggles with his Beast. Author gives us mystery with some paranormal along with humor and sexy time between the sheets.
Great storyline, first book I have read from this author and I can't wait to read more.
June 6, 2018
Hagen is the first book in the Big series and I loved it. It's so different from everything else I've been reading. This book can be easily read from beginning to end in one sitting. It will literally suck you into its world and not let you go. The flow is flawless and the writing are flawless. I love paranormal books because these worlds are so creative and different than our own that I love the escape it gives you. This is no different! Each aspect of the book was pictured perfect in my head and I can't wait for more!
September 6, 2024
For the first 60ish% of this book I was actually sort of enjoying this. The setting up was working for me, but then it all sort of fell apart. During the last 40% things started to feel too rushed, and unclear. I kept feeling having to reread parts because it just wasn’t flowing or I felt like I was missing information.
June 1, 2018
I wasn’t sure I’d like a shifter book, but based on her other books, which I like, I gave it a shot.
What a great story!! Probably my favorite of hers so far, and I finished last night, just in time to download the second book which released today! So glad the series is a rapid release!
What a great story!! Probably my favorite of hers so far, and I finished last night, just in time to download the second book which released today! So glad the series is a rapid release!
June 7, 2018
What a great PNR! Never read a story about Bigfoot before so I was a little wary. But it engaged from the start! Very vivid details, and great plot with a steady pace! Also loved the romantic tension between the leads. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
April 25, 2021
I like a grumpy hero and a competent heroine but I just couldn’t really love this book.
January 17, 2024
How did I accidentally read a Bigfoot romance?
January 6, 2022
originally book one of BIG 🦶 SERIES, …HAGEN
I loved the original book, it’s exactly the same as I remember, reading 2 years ago. Now under the new title. however I think I remember a dark spiritual presence, or maybe that is in books 2 -6? the new “big” series has now become a connected spin off. I honestly feel author should have kept original title. Secrets of mountain men .. could mean anything at all, ..BIG 🦶 FOOT talks you exactly what to expect from this series! It’s a paranormal Roman .. not a murder mystery or a regular troupe. so .. about this book.
Hagen and his family have a “BIG” secret a big foot secret. Their tiny town is becoming a ghost town. Not enough work, jobs and everyone is either leaving or scraping hard to eek out a living. So Hagen & family let secrets out that the town of Greenlea, West Virginia may be home to the elusive Bigfoot hiding out in the Appalachian mountain ranges particularly the blue ridge section of their section of home. So when Bigfoot hunters come looking for proof they give them subtle tiny taste of hints that it does reside to bring in tourist.
So Rhea & bbf Stewart convince Chauncey a wealthy man desperate for fame attention and more money than sense. Come out to share their Bigfoot hunting with Chauncey’s 15 million followers. Things don’t go quite as planned because Gail Hagen’s mother thinks that Rhea and her thick mane of flame hair, just might be a culmination of a prophecy that could free Hagen from a curse.
Hagen wants nothing to do with his mother’s prophecy conspiracy’s. And attempts to stay far away from Rhea as possible. However destiny will always have its own way.
In series to come Hagen his brother Jerick & uncle Magni will be faced with their inner monsters and face off with their deepest fears (themselves) and the women who love them. They will meet others like them along they way who also endure their own cursed monsters within.
I loved the original book, it’s exactly the same as I remember, reading 2 years ago. Now under the new title. however I think I remember a dark spiritual presence, or maybe that is in books 2 -6? the new “big” series has now become a connected spin off. I honestly feel author should have kept original title. Secrets of mountain men .. could mean anything at all, ..BIG 🦶 FOOT talks you exactly what to expect from this series! It’s a paranormal Roman .. not a murder mystery or a regular troupe. so .. about this book.
Hagen and his family have a “BIG” secret a big foot secret. Their tiny town is becoming a ghost town. Not enough work, jobs and everyone is either leaving or scraping hard to eek out a living. So Hagen & family let secrets out that the town of Greenlea, West Virginia may be home to the elusive Bigfoot hiding out in the Appalachian mountain ranges particularly the blue ridge section of their section of home. So when Bigfoot hunters come looking for proof they give them subtle tiny taste of hints that it does reside to bring in tourist.
So Rhea & bbf Stewart convince Chauncey a wealthy man desperate for fame attention and more money than sense. Come out to share their Bigfoot hunting with Chauncey’s 15 million followers. Things don’t go quite as planned because Gail Hagen’s mother thinks that Rhea and her thick mane of flame hair, just might be a culmination of a prophecy that could free Hagen from a curse.
Hagen wants nothing to do with his mother’s prophecy conspiracy’s. And attempts to stay far away from Rhea as possible. However destiny will always have its own way.
In series to come Hagen his brother Jerick & uncle Magni will be faced with their inner monsters and face off with their deepest fears (themselves) and the women who love them. They will meet others like them along they way who also endure their own cursed monsters within.
December 2, 2025
An interesting read
When I fall in love with an author, I try to read their entire catalog for more enjoyment and to support their creativity.
But honestly I'm not really a fan of PNR and shifter stories, so I hesitated to begin this series, as it has to do with extraordinary people and their 'gifts', and Bigfoot.
Well, I really should've read these before now! I tore through this one in no time, and really appreciated the storyline! The emotions of these characters is easy to relate to, and enjoy. The chemistry and connection between Hagen and Rhea is steamy and addictive. I love how their HEA journey spins around both of them accepting who they are, and how much they need to be connected to eachother.
Soo excited for the next part of the storyline, and recommend this author's catalog of work.
When I fall in love with an author, I try to read their entire catalog for more enjoyment and to support their creativity.
But honestly I'm not really a fan of PNR and shifter stories, so I hesitated to begin this series, as it has to do with extraordinary people and their 'gifts', and Bigfoot.
Well, I really should've read these before now! I tore through this one in no time, and really appreciated the storyline! The emotions of these characters is easy to relate to, and enjoy. The chemistry and connection between Hagen and Rhea is steamy and addictive. I love how their HEA journey spins around both of them accepting who they are, and how much they need to be connected to eachother.
Soo excited for the next part of the storyline, and recommend this author's catalog of work.
November 4, 2024
To start with I am glad they changed the cover of this book on Kindle or I wouldnt have started reading it.
It's a quick read nothing super great or super bad. I wish there was a little more chemistry and a little less of the repeated trips to the woods but alas I can have everything
It's a quick read nothing super great or super bad. I wish there was a little more chemistry and a little less of the repeated trips to the woods but alas I can have everything
August 29, 2024
I'm all for acceptance, but the heroine really shouldn't have been this okay with her hook up turning into a mythical creature she didn't believe in.
September 17, 2024
There’s nothing I hate more than main characters that don’t talk to each other.
June 13, 2018
Hagen is the first book in Janice M. Whiteaker’s new series called Big. It is the first book I have read by this writer and I am absolutely enchanted and I will be reading more of her work! This is a paranormal romance story that takes inspiration from the Bigfoot legend and Viking history – what a cool fusion!
The story takes place in the Appalachian Mountains where the camera operator Rhea has come to so that she can make a documentary about Bigfoot with an Internet celebrity. But Rhea has a secret that she has shared apart from her family (who do not understand it and ignore it) with her best friend only … In the mountains she meets Hagen!!! who feels that he is cursed and that the fate has robbed him of a normal life (who wants a normal life anyway!!!) … when they meet Rhea realizes immediately that Hagen is the one man who has the power to break her and the more time she spends with him (he is the guide taking the crew out to the wilderness), the more she gets intrigued and the more she wants to figure him out … and it is the same for Hagen … and then, there is a prophecy … a major one, that Hagen does not want to believe in and tries to ignore but nothing is simple in this world that the writer has masterfully created for us!
A part from Hagen and Rhea there is a number of other great characters and I know already now that quite a few of them are going to get their own stories and I cannot wait to read them! Please keep going Ms Whiteaker, we will never get enough of your magical stories!
The story takes place in the Appalachian Mountains where the camera operator Rhea has come to so that she can make a documentary about Bigfoot with an Internet celebrity. But Rhea has a secret that she has shared apart from her family (who do not understand it and ignore it) with her best friend only … In the mountains she meets Hagen!!! who feels that he is cursed and that the fate has robbed him of a normal life (who wants a normal life anyway!!!) … when they meet Rhea realizes immediately that Hagen is the one man who has the power to break her and the more time she spends with him (he is the guide taking the crew out to the wilderness), the more she gets intrigued and the more she wants to figure him out … and it is the same for Hagen … and then, there is a prophecy … a major one, that Hagen does not want to believe in and tries to ignore but nothing is simple in this world that the writer has masterfully created for us!
A part from Hagen and Rhea there is a number of other great characters and I know already now that quite a few of them are going to get their own stories and I cannot wait to read them! Please keep going Ms Whiteaker, we will never get enough of your magical stories!
January 6, 2020
Started out great
This story was fantastic in the beginning. An empath, her gifts rejected by her medical family, seeking justification of her non-medical career. A man who sees his particular Viking heritage as a community blessing yet personal curse. Brought together by a popular YouTuber who wants footage of Bigfoot. Plus she has a gay best friend and he had a pesky little brother! Great interactions there. I would've liked to have seen some memories from both of them to explain their motivations. Show me her struggles as a child, a youth, a med student, a camera operator. What experiences made him hate being a Bigfoot so much he did what he did at 18yo, but Jerrik doesn't have the same qualms? Where's Dad? The history with Gail, Christine, and Magni seems significant, but we're left with questions. Not even why Christine had a vision about Hagen in the first place.
After halfway or so in the book, the couple starts a sexual relationship, and they have to address these issues. Rhea's gifts morph (still don't understand why or what into) and she's magically healed (lifetime of issues resolved in a month or two??). Hagen goes through hell because he doesn't ask if she's bothered by something he did, just assumes she is? And what about her career? Does she no longer want to affect lives through film?
Sex: mutual masturbation, sex
Language: 56 F words, 23 Lord's name in vain, 64 S words
Violence: fights, gunshot
Cliffhanger: no
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: probably
This story was fantastic in the beginning. An empath, her gifts rejected by her medical family, seeking justification of her non-medical career. A man who sees his particular Viking heritage as a community blessing yet personal curse. Brought together by a popular YouTuber who wants footage of Bigfoot. Plus she has a gay best friend and he had a pesky little brother! Great interactions there. I would've liked to have seen some memories from both of them to explain their motivations. Show me her struggles as a child, a youth, a med student, a camera operator. What experiences made him hate being a Bigfoot so much he did what he did at 18yo, but Jerrik doesn't have the same qualms? Where's Dad? The history with Gail, Christine, and Magni seems significant, but we're left with questions. Not even why Christine had a vision about Hagen in the first place.
After halfway or so in the book, the couple starts a sexual relationship, and they have to address these issues. Rhea's gifts morph (still don't understand why or what into) and she's magically healed (lifetime of issues resolved in a month or two??). Hagen goes through hell because he doesn't ask if she's bothered by something he did, just assumes she is? And what about her career? Does she no longer want to affect lives through film?
Sex: mutual masturbation, sex
Language: 56 F words, 23 Lord's name in vain, 64 S words
Violence: fights, gunshot
Cliffhanger: no
Do I need to read books before this one: no
Would I read more of the series: probably
February 1, 2021
This is another Kindle Unlimited romance I found after reading Deep Woods. It's very very different from that book, though. Not sure why the kindle app sent me to this one. Don't misunderstand, I definitely enjoyed this book too.
I think the best way to describe this book is small town paranormal romance. There are psychics and shapeshifting in this book. I'm not sure how else to classify it.
Rhea is such a great no nonsense sort of character. She's got these powerful abilities that she keeps as controlled as she can. Even so she feels everything the people around her feel. After her friend drags her into the wilds of West Virginia, she meets Hagen. From the moment they meet she feels his emotions even stronger than anyone else she's ever known. I loved how she saw from the start how he was a quiet reserved sort of man, and liked that about him right from the start. I don't feel like either of the main characters were perfect. In fact they both had things they had to overcome to be together. I also really liked how they each had their own motivations and goals. Even once they were in love they had to deal with what they wanted and whether it was more important than being together.
I really liked the setting of the secluded small town too. It really helped give this feeling of being isolated from the world at large, but in a good way. I know that probably isn't making any sense, but it worked for me with this story.
I think the best way to describe this book is small town paranormal romance. There are psychics and shapeshifting in this book. I'm not sure how else to classify it.
Rhea is such a great no nonsense sort of character. She's got these powerful abilities that she keeps as controlled as she can. Even so she feels everything the people around her feel. After her friend drags her into the wilds of West Virginia, she meets Hagen. From the moment they meet she feels his emotions even stronger than anyone else she's ever known. I loved how she saw from the start how he was a quiet reserved sort of man, and liked that about him right from the start. I don't feel like either of the main characters were perfect. In fact they both had things they had to overcome to be together. I also really liked how they each had their own motivations and goals. Even once they were in love they had to deal with what they wanted and whether it was more important than being together.
I really liked the setting of the secluded small town too. It really helped give this feeling of being isolated from the world at large, but in a good way. I know that probably isn't making any sense, but it worked for me with this story.
June 12, 2018
Hagen (Big Book 1)
By Janice M. Whiteaker
5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book!! I’ve read quite a few paranormal romance stories now and I have to say this is probably one of the best. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book, the blurb intrigued me and I loved the front cover – I was not disappointed at all! It actually had everything I love in a book, it made me laugh, it made me swoon, it was sexy and it had amazing characters!
I’ve not read anything by this author before but I definitely will be again. I loved her writing style, the book was so easy to read and I found that I was completely sucked in to the story from the very first chapter. The characters that she had developed were well thought out and I just loved them all. Her descriptive language enabled to imagine exactly where the story was taking place and what was happening.
I loved Rhea, I thought she was such a great female lead. She made me laugh so many times; it felt like I was reading about a friend. I loved her relationship with her friends. The one moment that I really loved in this book was that first meeting between Rhea and Hagen, I could just feel something between them, and something that I had a feeling was going to be good!
I loved reading Rhea and Hagen’s story and I cannot wait for the next book!
By Janice M. Whiteaker
5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book!! I’ve read quite a few paranormal romance stories now and I have to say this is probably one of the best. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going into this book, the blurb intrigued me and I loved the front cover – I was not disappointed at all! It actually had everything I love in a book, it made me laugh, it made me swoon, it was sexy and it had amazing characters!
I’ve not read anything by this author before but I definitely will be again. I loved her writing style, the book was so easy to read and I found that I was completely sucked in to the story from the very first chapter. The characters that she had developed were well thought out and I just loved them all. Her descriptive language enabled to imagine exactly where the story was taking place and what was happening.
I loved Rhea, I thought she was such a great female lead. She made me laugh so many times; it felt like I was reading about a friend. I loved her relationship with her friends. The one moment that I really loved in this book was that first meeting between Rhea and Hagen, I could just feel something between them, and something that I had a feeling was going to be good!
I loved reading Rhea and Hagen’s story and I cannot wait for the next book!
June 12, 2018
Hagen (Big Book 1) by Janice M. Whiteaker
5 Stars
My first book by this author and I loved it!! Completely different than anything I've ever read being that it takes something I grew up always hearing about and mixing that with some special capabilities and some broken people that just don't believe they will ever have that happy ever after and so much more, you get a story that makes you believe anything is possible!
When I first looked at the page count I thought oh my this is going to take me a couple days to read and I actually read it in about 5 hours with very few breaks because I couldn't put it down. The writing style was right up my alley and the flow was perfect. I loved Hagen and Rhea and all of the secondary characters that made up the whole of this story, and I want to visit Greenlea, West Virginia, and I want to stay in Gails B&B. I just simply loved everything about this story.
I went immediately to this authors page to see when Book 2 would be out and Oh My it is Magni’s book and it centers around him and Christine and I can not wait to dig into that one and I'm hoping that somewhere along the way Jerrik will get his own story as well.
This was an awesome start to a new series and I will be back for all of the rest of the Big books and will also check out everything else this author has available.
Loved It!!
5 Stars
My first book by this author and I loved it!! Completely different than anything I've ever read being that it takes something I grew up always hearing about and mixing that with some special capabilities and some broken people that just don't believe they will ever have that happy ever after and so much more, you get a story that makes you believe anything is possible!
When I first looked at the page count I thought oh my this is going to take me a couple days to read and I actually read it in about 5 hours with very few breaks because I couldn't put it down. The writing style was right up my alley and the flow was perfect. I loved Hagen and Rhea and all of the secondary characters that made up the whole of this story, and I want to visit Greenlea, West Virginia, and I want to stay in Gails B&B. I just simply loved everything about this story.
I went immediately to this authors page to see when Book 2 would be out and Oh My it is Magni’s book and it centers around him and Christine and I can not wait to dig into that one and I'm hoping that somewhere along the way Jerrik will get his own story as well.
This was an awesome start to a new series and I will be back for all of the rest of the Big books and will also check out everything else this author has available.
Loved It!!
June 7, 2018
I have to say that I was completely taken by surprise when I read Hagen by Janice M. Whiteaker. This book has just the right amount of paranormal that I like reading.
We get to meet Rhea – who seems to be a professional photographer and is working with her best friend Stewart and his love interest Chauncey to "discover" the myth that is Bigfoot. In the process, she comes across Hagen, who lives in the small town in the Appalachian Mountains.
What happens once those two (Rhea and Hagen) meet is nothing less than extraordinary. I loved every aspect of this book. From the character development, to the storyline and the way in which it grasped my attention and didn't let go. I was completely enthralled and couldn't stop reading, until I was able to get to the end.
I seriously can't wait to get my hands on the next book and learn more about the characters and all that they have to offer and trust me – it's quite a lot. I loved how sexy and brooding the story and its characters felt. I loved that Rhea was a strong female, who made her voice heard no matter what – even when there were alpha males all around her. She was such a refreshing view in this story. I definitely think that this was a 5 Star Book. Everything about the book pleased me as a reader.
We get to meet Rhea – who seems to be a professional photographer and is working with her best friend Stewart and his love interest Chauncey to "discover" the myth that is Bigfoot. In the process, she comes across Hagen, who lives in the small town in the Appalachian Mountains.
What happens once those two (Rhea and Hagen) meet is nothing less than extraordinary. I loved every aspect of this book. From the character development, to the storyline and the way in which it grasped my attention and didn't let go. I was completely enthralled and couldn't stop reading, until I was able to get to the end.
I seriously can't wait to get my hands on the next book and learn more about the characters and all that they have to offer and trust me – it's quite a lot. I loved how sexy and brooding the story and its characters felt. I loved that Rhea was a strong female, who made her voice heard no matter what – even when there were alpha males all around her. She was such a refreshing view in this story. I definitely think that this was a 5 Star Book. Everything about the book pleased me as a reader.
June 12, 2018
5 Star
Hagen(Big Book 1) by Janice Whiteaker is the first book in her Big Series.This is my first book by this author and most certainly will not be my last. This is a paranormal romance that will grab you from the start and keep you till the end. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading. Get ready for a emotional rollercoaster ride with a few twists and turns. This story is about Hagen and he thinks he's been cursed by the beast that he is.He likes to act like its no biggie buth the truth is its taken his happiness. Rhea comes into the picture and he can't shake it.She has a sensitivity that keeps her from getting close to people. Its been so bad shes lost friendship and even jobs. She's there to hunt a beast that doesn't even exist and she finds herself not caring. What happens when they find each other?Hagen makes her want to break the rules while she makes him want something he shouldn't have .Find out what happens with these two. I highly recommend reading this Book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Hagen(Big Book 1) by Janice Whiteaker is the first book in her Big Series.This is my first book by this author and most certainly will not be my last. This is a paranormal romance that will grab you from the start and keep you till the end. I had a hard time putting it down once I started reading. Get ready for a emotional rollercoaster ride with a few twists and turns. This story is about Hagen and he thinks he's been cursed by the beast that he is.He likes to act like its no biggie buth the truth is its taken his happiness. Rhea comes into the picture and he can't shake it.She has a sensitivity that keeps her from getting close to people. Its been so bad shes lost friendship and even jobs. She's there to hunt a beast that doesn't even exist and she finds herself not caring. What happens when they find each other?Hagen makes her want to break the rules while she makes him want something he shouldn't have .Find out what happens with these two. I highly recommend reading this Book. I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 14, 2018
Hagen (Big Book 1)
By Janice M. Whiteaker
Hagen is book one in the Big book series. Janice M. Whiteaker is/was an unknown author for me, and as such I had not idea what to expect from her work. But I have to say it was a very nice read. I didn’t find this book was slow in places, although that is my personal opinion. If you enjoy books that cover paranormal romance then Hagen is the book you should be reading, if you don’t get pulled into the story I would want to know why. In Hagen we meet up with Rhea and of course Hagen. Poor Hagen thinks he will never find love and happiness then along comes Rhea, Rhea herself has had nothing but bad luck when in relationships. Rhea and Hagan take us on what I would say is a wonderful journey. As you would guess this book has paranormal romance and some twists and turns that will have you eager to get to the next page or chapter to see what is happening. So, come along on Rhea and Hagen’s journey and enjoy the book. Thank you, for a great read Janice.
By Janice M. Whiteaker
Hagen is book one in the Big book series. Janice M. Whiteaker is/was an unknown author for me, and as such I had not idea what to expect from her work. But I have to say it was a very nice read. I didn’t find this book was slow in places, although that is my personal opinion. If you enjoy books that cover paranormal romance then Hagen is the book you should be reading, if you don’t get pulled into the story I would want to know why. In Hagen we meet up with Rhea and of course Hagen. Poor Hagen thinks he will never find love and happiness then along comes Rhea, Rhea herself has had nothing but bad luck when in relationships. Rhea and Hagan take us on what I would say is a wonderful journey. As you would guess this book has paranormal romance and some twists and turns that will have you eager to get to the next page or chapter to see what is happening. So, come along on Rhea and Hagen’s journey and enjoy the book. Thank you, for a great read Janice.
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