Lost Howl

Shifting Crossroads #19

by Zenina Masters

Amira was raised by humans and has lived her life knowing she is different. When she is found on her birthday, she is offered a chance to join with one of the shifter families that run in her bloodline. She learns her history and plans her future.

Lorr wants an independent woman, so when he sees the wolf on the dance floor, he makes his move and she makes hers.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Novella, Erotic Romance

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Zenina Masters was born in Canada and lives in Canada. She has a regular job and does nothing particularly exciting with her life. She enjoys fishing, silence and the ability to pick and choose friends she can trust. Life is too short to watch your back all the time.

Her writing life is a teeny bit of escapism, she would probably chicken out if confronted by three naked men and looks forward to one day finding out.

Email: zenina@zeninamasters.com

Zenina also writes as Viola Grace.

Reviews

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shifter raised by humans can be a liability.

Amira is a wolf raised by humans and will marry a human if her body would just cooperate. Left to die when her parents were killed in front of her, Amira holds no love for shifters. The humans who found, adopted and loved her are the only family she needs. When a milestone birthday arrives, a shifter representation finds her and attempts to bring her back into the shifter fold. Amira is not going to go so easily. A life spent in hiding makes it hard for Amira to adjust to the openness of shifters.

Ms. Masters does a lovely job in setting up the conflict. Amira's parents are not blameless yet their star-crossed lover situation generates sympathy. It's a nice twist in how the actions of the lovers on the run are rationalized. Is it something I could condone? Not exactly, yet I can't say I'd be against why and how Amira's parents came together. This blurring of lines is what makes me enjoy a story.

Another reason why this novella is more moving for me is because of a tragic event in Amira's childhood. It makes her a stronger person. It also makes her a person the reader stands behind. Her straightforward banter when she finds her mate is priceless. It's a good thing her mate is a goat shifter, because he can be just as stubborn as Amira. While Amira grew up with just her adoptive mother and sister, Lorr is surrounded by a large family. This is a good thing since Lorr's family is strong enough to help protect Amira as her mother's family doesn't agree with her choice in mate.

Ms. Masters writes a compact story. Each one in this series is a variation of an enchanting theme. I've thoroughly enjoyed every variation and wonder where this will all end. This concept of creating stories loosely aligned based upon one location is inspired and keeps a reader coming back for more. It's also Ms. Masters' writing voice that appeals to a reader. My favourite line in the story is when Lorr professes his love to Amira.

"He [Lorr] turned and gave her a hard and fast kiss. "Have I told you lately that I love you?"

She grinned. "Yes, but it was during a blow job this morning." (pg. 40)

This paranormal romance is recommended for readers looking for a sweet escapist read.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amira was orphaned as a child and raised in the human world. Her adoptive mother and sister have always known what she was so when a representative of the shifters shows up at their door they encourage her to go learn about the people of her birth. It is so much more than she ever expected. When given the chance to go to the Crossroads she decides to accept. Lorr has wanted to go to the Crossroads for a while but his family kept stopping him. Now the timing is right apparently so off he goes. Sparks fly on the dance floor but even as they get closer to happily ever after the wolf pack still wants to get their claws into Amira.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a while since I picked up this series, decided to play catch-up. I liked this but the story could have been a bit stronger. There were holes here and there that needed patching.

I liked Amira and her spunky attitude. The interactions with her human family were great and helped show who she was quickly. Meeting the shifters gives you the rest of her family's story. I am still not sure why she can not recall her pre-accident life. She was 7-ish, so something should have stuck.

Lorr is a yummy bold fella who knows when to let his lady have her independence and when to protect her honor. It was interesting seeing them connect. They had a nice dynamic.

This is a mixed narrative, so you get to see each character's POV throughout the story. Love this because you are better able to understand their motivations.

This is one of the steamiest books in the series, so far!! Usually you get one hot and heavy mating scene. This story delivers a few, smexy detail but brief compared to other erotic reads. Still, plenty of heat to warm you up while reading!

At this point I am invested in the series, I just wish it would pick a clear direction. I thought we were going more into the shifter council agents and the stuff with the fae? This did not progress the general plot along, it was a good read but not what I expected.

[Julie scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Howl (Shifting Crossroads Book 19)

Lost Howl (Shifting Crossroads Book 19)

I love these books I look every month hopping for a new one to be there and I am Gerry happy when there is ... I can't wait for the next one to be here I hope it's real soon...

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 11/1/15

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short, as always, but otherwise not a bad addition to the series.