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Elemental Shifter #1
A Shift in the Water
Cade Bowman leads a small werewolf pack in Bellingham, Washington. Or he did, before a fire elemental intent on revenge traps him as his wolf. His pack gone, held prisoner by the elemental's charms, he knows death is coming for him.
Mara Taylor is dying. A mysterious blood disorder is taking her life and her doctors can't seem to stop it. Only her daily swims offer her any relief. Resigned to her fate, she heads to Orcas Island for one last swim.
When Cade's wolf finds Mara, he knows instinctively that she's the key to freeing him from the fire elemental's charm. She's more than that. She's his.
Can Mara free Cade his wolf and save her own life in the process? And if she does, can they survive when they learn the identity of the fire elemental hunting them both?
Mara Taylor is dying. A mysterious blood disorder is taking her life and her doctors can't seem to stop it. Only her daily swims offer her any relief. Resigned to her fate, she heads to Orcas Island for one last swim.
When Cade's wolf finds Mara, he knows instinctively that she's the key to freeing him from the fire elemental's charm. She's more than that. She's his.
Can Mara free Cade his wolf and save her own life in the process? And if she does, can they survive when they learn the identity of the fire elemental hunting them both?
426 pages, ebook
First published September 23, 2014
654 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Patricia D. Eddy
82 books880 followersPatricia D. Eddy is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes romance for the beautifully broken.
Fueled by coffee, wine, and Doctor Who episodes on repeat, she brings damaged heroes and heroines together to find their happy ever afters in many different worlds. From military to paranormal to BDSM, her characters are unstoppable forces colliding with such heat, sparks always fly.
Add Patricia's latest releases to your TBR list now!
and
Patricia makes her home in Seattle with her husband and very spoiled cats, and when she’s not writing, she loves working on home improvement projects, especially if they involve power tools.
Her Away From Keyboard series will always be her first love, because that’s where she realized the characters in her head were telling their own stories—and she was just writing them down.
You can find Patricia all over the web:
Website: https://patriciadeddy.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/patriciadeddyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciadeddy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciadeddy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-D.-Ed...
Sign up for Patricia's newsletter to receive a free romantic suspense short story! https://patriciadeddy.com/mailinglist
Fueled by coffee, wine, and Doctor Who episodes on repeat, she brings damaged heroes and heroines together to find their happy ever afters in many different worlds. From military to paranormal to BDSM, her characters are unstoppable forces colliding with such heat, sparks always fly.
Add Patricia's latest releases to your TBR list now!
and
Patricia makes her home in Seattle with her husband and very spoiled cats, and when she’s not writing, she loves working on home improvement projects, especially if they involve power tools.
Her Away From Keyboard series will always be her first love, because that’s where she realized the characters in her head were telling their own stories—and she was just writing them down.
You can find Patricia all over the web:
Website: https://patriciadeddy.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/patriciadeddyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/patriciadeddy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/patriciadeddy
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/patri...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Patricia-D.-Ed...
Sign up for Patricia's newsletter to receive a free romantic suspense short story! https://patriciadeddy.com/mailinglist
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
August 17, 2025
*3.5* This one had an intriguing setup with a trapped alpha wolf, a dying heroine, and a vengeful elemental. The plot is solid and the world-building had promise, but it felt like something was missing.
Topes
Fated mates
Wolf shifter straight romance
Trapped in animal form
Terminal illness heroine
Magical healing through mate bond
Elemental magic
Small pack dynamics
Remote island setting
Family sucks
PRN
HEA
I think it was a good start to a series, and I’ll certainly read more from this author.
Topes
Fated mates
Wolf shifter straight romance
Trapped in animal form
Terminal illness heroine
Magical healing through mate bond
Elemental magic
Small pack dynamics
Remote island setting
Family sucks
PRN
HEA
I think it was a good start to a series, and I’ll certainly read more from this author.
December 23, 2023
4.25 stars, but I’m rounding up because the safety was TOP notch. I am very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book - it’s hard to find a good paranormal romance! I really wasn’t expecting such an engaging and deep story.
This story starts when the hero is captured and tortured by a fire elemental (basically a fire mage). The evil lady is seeking to avenge the death of her mother (who died because of the hero’s father) by killing the hero and his pack. At the same time, the heroine is dealing with a sudden terminal diagnosis with no known cause. Her body is attacking itself and her doctor is unable to find a cause. When the hero manages to escape his captivity, he stumbles upon the heroine - and both are near death. From that point on, they work together to help each other and eventually get a sweet HFN ending.
This author did a great job of creating a story where the MCs really grow together and overcome many obstacles without the normal commitment issues, lack of communication, etc. The best thing is that even though the hero’s wolf recognizes the heroine as his mate, this isn’t really an instant love story. The time line is fast, but the author does do a great job of developing their relationship. Both MCs are strong - the heroine especially so. I absolutely loved that neither of them was fully responsible for saving the other - they worked together to fight against their enemy.
My only complaint is that I would have liked an epilogue further into the future… but maybe the next books in the series will provide that. I am so excited to keep reading! I definitely recommend this!!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for recommending this author!
Safe
No virgins
Both celibate for years ( hero for 6, heroine for 3, iirc)
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
Triggers: on page torture, physical disfigurement (burn scars), death, loss of parents (in past), terminal illness (FMC is diagnosed with an unknown terminal condition right from the start of the story, but starts to improve about half way through)
This story starts when the hero is captured and tortured by a fire elemental (basically a fire mage). The evil lady is seeking to avenge the death of her mother (who died because of the hero’s father) by killing the hero and his pack. At the same time, the heroine is dealing with a sudden terminal diagnosis with no known cause. Her body is attacking itself and her doctor is unable to find a cause. When the hero manages to escape his captivity, he stumbles upon the heroine - and both are near death. From that point on, they work together to help each other and eventually get a sweet HFN ending.
This author did a great job of creating a story where the MCs really grow together and overcome many obstacles without the normal commitment issues, lack of communication, etc. The best thing is that even though the hero’s wolf recognizes the heroine as his mate, this isn’t really an instant love story. The time line is fast, but the author does do a great job of developing their relationship. Both MCs are strong - the heroine especially so. I absolutely loved that neither of them was fully responsible for saving the other - they worked together to fight against their enemy.
My only complaint is that I would have liked an epilogue further into the future… but maybe the next books in the series will provide that. I am so excited to keep reading! I definitely recommend this!!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for recommending this author!
Safe
No virgins
Both celibate for years ( hero for 6, heroine for 3, iirc)
No OM/OW drama or scenes
No cheating
Triggers: on page torture, physical disfigurement (burn scars), death, loss of parents (in past), terminal illness (FMC is diagnosed with an unknown terminal condition right from the start of the story, but starts to improve about half way through)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2015
Great start to series
This was a creative paranormal read. Here are the things I liked most of all:
*It didn’t have that insta-love feel to it - the relationship between the hero and heroine seemed to have developed over time
*It was offered as a freebie
* The storyline was executed well
* A super sweet, loyal hero (who had gone through pure hell)
Overall, if you are a fan of paranormal reads - it had a lot of unique aspects to it, which is rare in this genre. Ill definitely check out the next book in this series.
This was a creative paranormal read. Here are the things I liked most of all:
*It didn’t have that insta-love feel to it - the relationship between the hero and heroine seemed to have developed over time
*It was offered as a freebie
* The storyline was executed well
* A super sweet, loyal hero (who had gone through pure hell)
Overall, if you are a fan of paranormal reads - it had a lot of unique aspects to it, which is rare in this genre. Ill definitely check out the next book in this series.
May 8, 2017
Mara Taylor is dying from a rare blood disorder, the only time she has a semblance of feeling better is when she is in the water. When she comes across a dying wolf, something about the animal has her wanting to save it. The odd thing about her new found friendship with the wolf is she is feeling better and she cannot explain why.
Cade Bowman is the alpha of his pack when he is attacked, kidnapped and only escapes barely surviving. He can't recall his past but is slowly regaining memories with the help of Mara. It isn't until he shifts back to man that he realizes Mara is his mate but he wont act on it because it would put her in harm. However Cade and Mara are entangled for more reasons than they even can begin to understand.
This was intriguing story that had several twists that kept me guessing. I will say I think it dragged in a few spots but liked the overall concept of this book. I liked Mara a lot, she is a tough cookie and definitely tugged on my heart strings. Cade was a different type of shifter and I enjoyed the twists on this. Great read.
Cade Bowman is the alpha of his pack when he is attacked, kidnapped and only escapes barely surviving. He can't recall his past but is slowly regaining memories with the help of Mara. It isn't until he shifts back to man that he realizes Mara is his mate but he wont act on it because it would put her in harm. However Cade and Mara are entangled for more reasons than they even can begin to understand.
This was intriguing story that had several twists that kept me guessing. I will say I think it dragged in a few spots but liked the overall concept of this book. I liked Mara a lot, she is a tough cookie and definitely tugged on my heart strings. Cade was a different type of shifter and I enjoyed the twists on this. Great read.
May 13, 2024
Cheesiest cover ever, but I gave it a try since I wanted to read a shifter book and it had pretty good ratings. Also, I thought I read that it doesn’t have an explicit sex scene (notwithstanding the sus cover), but I doubt that’s true with the way things are going.
Overall, very meh. I quit at 60% because
- Feels pretty insta-love. I feel no chemistry at all. They are totally into each other, and the romance is boring.
- Frequent f-words
- Occasional raunchy language
- Mediocre writing
- The 2 main characters are meh
- The plot isn’t engaging enough to make up for the lack of chemistry
However, I do like that the MMC says he doesn’t do casual sex. He is only willing to sleep with her if they are totally committed, and that’s cool.
I also like that the author isn’t breezing over how serious the MMC was hurt and how long it would take to recover. That’s being handled well.
Overall, very meh. I quit at 60% because
- Feels pretty insta-love. I feel no chemistry at all. They are totally into each other, and the romance is boring.
- Frequent f-words
- Occasional raunchy language
- Mediocre writing
- The 2 main characters are meh
- The plot isn’t engaging enough to make up for the lack of chemistry
However, I do like that the MMC says he doesn’t do casual sex. He is only willing to sleep with her if they are totally committed, and that’s cool.
I also like that the author isn’t breezing over how serious the MMC was hurt and how long it would take to recover. That’s being handled well.
Want to read
March 23, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/23/2021)! 🎁
March 4, 2020
3.5/5 ⭐
This one was a little tough for me to get into but I think that's becuase I have hit a bit of a reading slump. Once I got about halfway into it though I was hooked. I really enjoy Patricia D. Eddy's writing and I liked all the characters so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
“If I don’t kiss you right now, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life.”
This one was a little tough for me to get into but I think that's becuase I have hit a bit of a reading slump. Once I got about halfway into it though I was hooked. I really enjoy Patricia D. Eddy's writing and I liked all the characters so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
“If I don’t kiss you right now, I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life.”
June 6, 2017
This is the first book I read by this author. I couldn't put it down. I loved the story and the characters. I have already bought the next book in the series. I just love finding new authors to read:)
August 5, 2019
DNF
Naaah.
It wasn't bad, but it didn't pull me in at all.
I think the story needs more charm, because the characters felt flat to me.
I Need more.
Naaah.
It wasn't bad, but it didn't pull me in at all.
I think the story needs more charm, because the characters felt flat to me.
I Need more.
November 17, 2015
I would have given this book four stars, but there are three major plot letdowns at the end of the book that left me really annoyed.
The heroine, Mara (from the Spanish word for ocean (mar)?) was exceptional. Usually, one of the MCs is better than the other, but not in this book. The sections of the story that focus on Mara: learning she has an unknown illness to learning it's getting worse to finding out she only has a few months to live to the last few weeks of her expected lifespan, are very well written. Mara is a deep character and I was invested in her until near the end of the book. I liked her relationship with Cade both as a wolf and as a man.
Once I got over his name, Cade was a well rounded character as well. Cade (or Kade) is the most overworked alpha-type name at the moment and its use pulls me out of a story for a sec because my first thought is "not again". Other poor choices in romance books include Slade, Sawyer, Zane, and Cash. Anyway, Cade went through a lot and you go through it with him. I loved how he transitioned from a wolf on the brink of death to a man with full command of mind and body. Cade's transition made sense and was well written.
The pack characters were fine, although not sketched out that well. The baddies were terrible. Even Katerina's character was tissue paper thin. If she was there when her mom was killed and saw Cade's dad try to save her mom, then what was Katerina's deal? I felt like I needed to know more about why she was so crazy. There were three main characters who moved the story along and I found the huge inequity in character building detracted from an otherwise good book.
The three letdowns were:
1) When Mara found out she was an elemental.
2) The mating thing.
3) The final battle.
The heroine, Mara (from the Spanish word for ocean (mar)?) was exceptional. Usually, one of the MCs is better than the other, but not in this book. The sections of the story that focus on Mara: learning she has an unknown illness to learning it's getting worse to finding out she only has a few months to live to the last few weeks of her expected lifespan, are very well written. Mara is a deep character and I was invested in her until near the end of the book. I liked her relationship with Cade both as a wolf and as a man.
Once I got over his name, Cade was a well rounded character as well. Cade (or Kade) is the most overworked alpha-type name at the moment and its use pulls me out of a story for a sec because my first thought is "not again". Other poor choices in romance books include Slade, Sawyer, Zane, and Cash. Anyway, Cade went through a lot and you go through it with him. I loved how he transitioned from a wolf on the brink of death to a man with full command of mind and body. Cade's transition made sense and was well written.
The pack characters were fine, although not sketched out that well. The baddies were terrible. Even Katerina's character was tissue paper thin. If she was there when her mom was killed and saw Cade's dad try to save her mom, then what was Katerina's deal? I felt like I needed to know more about why she was so crazy. There were three main characters who moved the story along and I found the huge inequity in character building detracted from an otherwise good book.
The three letdowns were:
1) When Mara found out she was an elemental.
2) The mating thing.
3) The final battle.
September 21, 2014
Warning - there is a very, very mild spoiler in this review!
So, I finished A Shift in the Water. And I can't stop thinking about it. It's one of those books that stays with you... for a while. It's one of those books that develops the characters so thoroughly that, if you were on the streets of Seattle, and happened to pass an attractive man with shaggy hair and a beard and a bit of a wolfish quality about him, you might be tempted to introduce yourself and say, "I read your story."
I liked it. I have a thing for paranormal, specifically shifters. I happen to think they are the alpha-ist of the alpha males in the genre - or any genre. Patricia Eddy took her shifter alpha hero one step further and made him a compassionate, *sensitive* alpha hero. And it worked. It really did.
And Mara, the heroine in this whole thing, well, she was pretty cool too. All slight and fragile and yet completely badass. I liked it.
It's a great story. Lots of action, and plenty of buildup and a little background too. The author gave us bits and pieces of the werewolves and elementals' lives as she told the story, instead of in one big dump in the beginning, which can be a turn off. She did it in such a way that you craved more. "Wait - why did they do that? Why did they act that way? Why?" -- which keeps you reading, which is a good thing, because you will reach a point where you will not be able to put this book down -- you have been warned.
Just one note, in the beginning of the book, Mara does not know anything about the existence of werewolves or elementals, and she does an excellent job of convincing her reader that she believes they do not exist. Yet, the morning she wakes up with a man in her bed - who once was a wolf -- it takes a blink of an eye for her to alter her thinking and decide, oh, okay, werewolves do exist after all. Considering how adamant she was in the beginning, I expected a little more angst when she was faced with that what she once believed did not exist.
That aside, I look forward to the second book in the series. I have fallen in love with this pack of shifters, and I want to keep reading their stories, so bring them!
So, I finished A Shift in the Water. And I can't stop thinking about it. It's one of those books that stays with you... for a while. It's one of those books that develops the characters so thoroughly that, if you were on the streets of Seattle, and happened to pass an attractive man with shaggy hair and a beard and a bit of a wolfish quality about him, you might be tempted to introduce yourself and say, "I read your story."
I liked it. I have a thing for paranormal, specifically shifters. I happen to think they are the alpha-ist of the alpha males in the genre - or any genre. Patricia Eddy took her shifter alpha hero one step further and made him a compassionate, *sensitive* alpha hero. And it worked. It really did.
And Mara, the heroine in this whole thing, well, she was pretty cool too. All slight and fragile and yet completely badass. I liked it.
It's a great story. Lots of action, and plenty of buildup and a little background too. The author gave us bits and pieces of the werewolves and elementals' lives as she told the story, instead of in one big dump in the beginning, which can be a turn off. She did it in such a way that you craved more. "Wait - why did they do that? Why did they act that way? Why?" -- which keeps you reading, which is a good thing, because you will reach a point where you will not be able to put this book down -- you have been warned.
Just one note, in the beginning of the book, Mara does not know anything about the existence of werewolves or elementals, and she does an excellent job of convincing her reader that she believes they do not exist. Yet, the morning she wakes up with a man in her bed - who once was a wolf -- it takes a blink of an eye for her to alter her thinking and decide, oh, okay, werewolves do exist after all. Considering how adamant she was in the beginning, I expected a little more angst when she was faced with that what she once believed did not exist.
That aside, I look forward to the second book in the series. I have fallen in love with this pack of shifters, and I want to keep reading their stories, so bring them!
February 15, 2016
I fell in love this book the characters are amazingly well written. It's a full length novella not your quick run of the mill shifter romance. I love books with a complete story to them. :0)
The story line is fabulous sucks you in and swallows you up. You have no choice but to submerge yourself in this book and read it from cover to cover. Everything is described so well you can see it in your mind playing out it would make a hell of a good movie.
The sex scene was not explicit and the violence wasn't as bad as some books I've read but anyone fearing fire might see it as bad.
It only took me 3 days to read this book because I had to work 10 and 15 hour days otherwise I'd have read it in a day. They wont let me read at work. ggrrrrrrr LoL It's a really great book I highly recommend it to all shifter lovers.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Blurb about the book:::
Cade Bowman lost his humanity to a fire elemental intent on revenge. Trapped as his wolf, his pack gone, he paces his cage day and night, powerless against his tormentor's charms. When a mistake gives him the chance to flee, he has one hope of escaping her. Hide out in a car headed off Orcas Island.
Visiting her favorite beach for one last swim, Mara Taylor knows she'll die soon. The mysterious blood disorder ending her life resists treatment, and she's tired of fighting. But when she discovers an injured, emaciated wolf in her car, she finds something to live for. This animal needs her, and she'll nurse him back to health before the end.
When the two start to heal each other, Cade realizes that Mara isn't just the key to freeing him from the fire elemental's charms. She's his.
Can Mara free Cade from his wolf and save her own life in the process? And if she does, can they survive when they learn the identity of the fire elemental hunting them both?
Fall in love with this action packed shifter romance by Patricia D. Eddy and look for the sexy sequel A Shift in the Air, on sale now.
The story line is fabulous sucks you in and swallows you up. You have no choice but to submerge yourself in this book and read it from cover to cover. Everything is described so well you can see it in your mind playing out it would make a hell of a good movie.
The sex scene was not explicit and the violence wasn't as bad as some books I've read but anyone fearing fire might see it as bad.
It only took me 3 days to read this book because I had to work 10 and 15 hour days otherwise I'd have read it in a day. They wont let me read at work. ggrrrrrrr LoL It's a really great book I highly recommend it to all shifter lovers.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Blurb about the book:::
Cade Bowman lost his humanity to a fire elemental intent on revenge. Trapped as his wolf, his pack gone, he paces his cage day and night, powerless against his tormentor's charms. When a mistake gives him the chance to flee, he has one hope of escaping her. Hide out in a car headed off Orcas Island.
Visiting her favorite beach for one last swim, Mara Taylor knows she'll die soon. The mysterious blood disorder ending her life resists treatment, and she's tired of fighting. But when she discovers an injured, emaciated wolf in her car, she finds something to live for. This animal needs her, and she'll nurse him back to health before the end.
When the two start to heal each other, Cade realizes that Mara isn't just the key to freeing him from the fire elemental's charms. She's his.
Can Mara free Cade from his wolf and save her own life in the process? And if she does, can they survive when they learn the identity of the fire elemental hunting them both?
Fall in love with this action packed shifter romance by Patricia D. Eddy and look for the sexy sequel A Shift in the Air, on sale now.
September 23, 2014
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
A man trapped and dying in a wolf's body, a woman dying of a rare blood disease. Fickle fate intertwines what’s left of their lives. Can they save each other, and will they be able to defeat the evil that is hunting them both?
Cade is the alpha werewolf hero, but this alpha is not annoying and over confident. He has his own demons and self doubts. After a fire elemental takes everything he loves away, Cade has lost all hope and you feel his pain and hopelessness.
Mara is strong and accepts that she is dying, but she doesn’t lose her compassion. Mara makes you believe in her own heroism. In spite of her health, she takes in a dying wolf. She nurses and protects the wild beast to the end. Even though Mara only has a small inkling of the paranormal in the world, there is something about her that makes you believe maybe there is more to her. In fact, when she’s presented with actual proof of the paranormal, she is able to take it in stride and stay true to herself, only adding to her enviable strength.
Cade and Mara, both, follow very believable personal journeys coming to terms with what their lives have become. It’s enjoyable to watch their relationship slowly and easily grow no matter the obstacles.
Ms. Eddy did an excellent job of drawing you in from the beginning. She leaves you questioning what will happen and keeps you turning the pages. She makes you a believer in the paranormal. I’m looking forward to her next book in this series. I have an idea of who Book 2 should be about, fingers crossed! *wink*
A man trapped and dying in a wolf's body, a woman dying of a rare blood disease. Fickle fate intertwines what’s left of their lives. Can they save each other, and will they be able to defeat the evil that is hunting them both?
Cade is the alpha werewolf hero, but this alpha is not annoying and over confident. He has his own demons and self doubts. After a fire elemental takes everything he loves away, Cade has lost all hope and you feel his pain and hopelessness.
Mara is strong and accepts that she is dying, but she doesn’t lose her compassion. Mara makes you believe in her own heroism. In spite of her health, she takes in a dying wolf. She nurses and protects the wild beast to the end. Even though Mara only has a small inkling of the paranormal in the world, there is something about her that makes you believe maybe there is more to her. In fact, when she’s presented with actual proof of the paranormal, she is able to take it in stride and stay true to herself, only adding to her enviable strength.
Cade and Mara, both, follow very believable personal journeys coming to terms with what their lives have become. It’s enjoyable to watch their relationship slowly and easily grow no matter the obstacles.
Ms. Eddy did an excellent job of drawing you in from the beginning. She leaves you questioning what will happen and keeps you turning the pages. She makes you a believer in the paranormal. I’m looking forward to her next book in this series. I have an idea of who Book 2 should be about, fingers crossed! *wink*
February 4, 2015
I loved this book. The synopsis pulled me in but the story was quite a bit different than I had imagined. I should confess that I am a huge "revenge junkie" and this one sets up a huge need for revenge.
The romance was like pulling teeth for a long time but things settled down a bit, you get several jerks in this story (many just due to being overprotective) but most come around eventually but you have to remember that everyone in this story has been severely traumatized in some fashion which made our alpha probably the weakest alpha of any werewolf story in a very long time but getting everybody back to something like normal is part of this story.
Cade and Mara were a hard sell for each other and both were busy trying to literally save each other for a goodly part of the beginning chapters of this novel a time I found very enjoyable and a reading pleasure.
The psychopath fire elemental might have been overdone a bit but you will have no problem hating her and wishing her dead which I am sure was the author's purpose in writing her so evil.
There were a few small inconsistencies and a couple of things you could see coming but the bottom line is that I loved the story and while I might have given it 4 Stars normally I rounded it up to 5 simply because I enjoyed the overall story immensely so grab this one and sit back and have a great time reading.
The romance was like pulling teeth for a long time but things settled down a bit, you get several jerks in this story (many just due to being overprotective) but most come around eventually but you have to remember that everyone in this story has been severely traumatized in some fashion which made our alpha probably the weakest alpha of any werewolf story in a very long time but getting everybody back to something like normal is part of this story.
Cade and Mara were a hard sell for each other and both were busy trying to literally save each other for a goodly part of the beginning chapters of this novel a time I found very enjoyable and a reading pleasure.
The psychopath fire elemental might have been overdone a bit but you will have no problem hating her and wishing her dead which I am sure was the author's purpose in writing her so evil.
There were a few small inconsistencies and a couple of things you could see coming but the bottom line is that I loved the story and while I might have given it 4 Stars normally I rounded it up to 5 simply because I enjoyed the overall story immensely so grab this one and sit back and have a great time reading.
February 16, 2015
I've had a really long streak of DNF's and really crappy books that I barely managed to finish. So much so that it has really messed with my reading challenge and put me behind on my way towards my goal. Anyway…
When we first meet Cade, a lot of awful stuff happens to him, and my heart was bleeding for him. There was no way for me to put this book down until I knew for sure he would be all right. This book is intense right off the bat. When we meet Mara, she doesn't have long to live due to a mysterious illness. I guessed early on what her issues were and what her cure would be. Reading on was just a matter of having my guesses confirmed.
Even though it was predictable, what made it such an enjoyable read, was the author’s writing and her story telling skills. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it, and when I was reading it, putting it down for whatever reason was close to impossible. I loved this book, I loved the plot, I loved the characters, and I’m eager to see the second book in the series published.
When we first meet Cade, a lot of awful stuff happens to him, and my heart was bleeding for him. There was no way for me to put this book down until I knew for sure he would be all right. This book is intense right off the bat. When we meet Mara, she doesn't have long to live due to a mysterious illness. I guessed early on what her issues were and what her cure would be. Reading on was just a matter of having my guesses confirmed.
Even though it was predictable, what made it such an enjoyable read, was the author’s writing and her story telling skills. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about it, and when I was reading it, putting it down for whatever reason was close to impossible. I loved this book, I loved the plot, I loved the characters, and I’m eager to see the second book in the series published.
September 29, 2014
I loved this book! That said, I actually cried during the first half. It was difficult to read about Mara as she struggled with her illness. Reading about death looming is always difficult and the author did a great job of capturing all of the emotions that come with sickness. Finding love so close to death seemed like a cruel thing, but the genre gave me hope. I would recommend this to anyone who likes paranormal romances with some seriously steamy scenes. Cade has that hot but broken man thing going for him and Mara is the strong stubborn type. Great characters! My one small critique is that the time lapses are a little awkward in a couple spots. The issue was minor and I would still give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
February 11, 2015
I had a lot of fun reading this book. I'm a historical romance junkie, have read one or two paranormal romances, but this was my first werewolf story. I think I may be hooked! The characters were likable and believable, and the story was interesting and fast-paced. An added bonus was that the story takes place in the Seattle area - which happens to be home for me. How fun to read about a tale taking place right in my back yard! I look forward to jumping into the next in this series, A Shift In The Air!
September 1, 2014
I was given a copy of this in exchange for a honest review. I loved it. I haven't read that many paranormal romance novels, but this was great. I loved Mara and her strong personality. She was caring and sweet. Cade was a handsome and endearing alpha male. The story is great. I loved the family bond and the relationship between Cade & Mara. Five stars.
August 27, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised. Mara is dying. She has a blood disorder that no one can figure out and is transfusion dependent. The only time she feels better is when she is in the water.
Cade is a born werewolf. He father made an enemy who murdered him and is not after Cade. Katerina captures him and traps him in his wolf form. He is held prisoner, tortured, and slowly starved to death.
Cade is able to escape and finds Mara. Being around Cade's wolf, Mara feels better. Mara helps heal both the wolf and the man. I liked both Cade and Mara. What I especially liked was Cade is not a typical alpha. I thought they fit very well. Their attraction and love gradually builds, no insta-love here. That was also a plus.
Mara's chosen family and Cade's pack are supportive and add to the interplay between the 2 main characters.
One of Katerina's coven, Bella, might actually be someone else. (Liam's love jumped off a cliff and her body was never found, she was an air elemental like Bella).
Cade is a born werewolf. He father made an enemy who murdered him and is not after Cade. Katerina captures him and traps him in his wolf form. He is held prisoner, tortured, and slowly starved to death.
Cade is able to escape and finds Mara. Being around Cade's wolf, Mara feels better. Mara helps heal both the wolf and the man. I liked both Cade and Mara. What I especially liked was Cade is not a typical alpha. I thought they fit very well. Their attraction and love gradually builds, no insta-love here. That was also a plus.
Mara's chosen family and Cade's pack are supportive and add to the interplay between the 2 main characters.
One of Katerina's coven, Bella, might actually be someone else. (Liam's love jumped off a cliff and her body was never found, she was an air elemental like Bella).
October 4, 2020
I really enjoyed the set up for this one - Mara is dying of some mysterious disease and is told she has only months to live. Cade, an alpha werewolf, is captured by a fire elemental and is tortured in his wolf form for over seven months before he escapes, finding safety with Mara. Both find healing with one another, and it’s weeks before Cade transforms from wolf to man again, and it was sweet how Mara took care of Cade as he slowly recovered. Mara’s and Cade’s friends were very suspicious and even hateful towards their respective friend’s new love, which I found a bit much sometimes, even though they all came around in the end. The book ran a little too long in my opinion but overall I liked this story. 3.5 stars.
April 10, 2021
I’m DNFing this one at 60% just because I’m not really a fan of the characters and giving it 2.75 ⭐️ And I can see where this is heading. I could probably write the last 30%. This is a huge slow burn romance. With a mildly possessive alpha. It was well written. The plot was good. I liked the elementals twist in this. I’m just struggling because Mara and Cade are just.... so underwhelming. For me. I am not even mildly whelmed.
July 2, 2019
What a wonderful start this book is to the Elemental Shifter series. I absolutely adore the idea of elementals and shifters being mates. Cade and Mara were a wonderful pair to start off with and I am really excited to start book two.
September 11, 2014
Mara is dying. An illness no one can explain is causing her body to attack its own blood supply. On the way home from a bucket-list trip to a favorite retreat on Puget Sound, she picks up a stowaway: a badly-abused wolf. What Mara doesn’t know is, the wolf is a man. Former Alpha of a werewolf pack, Cade has been trapped in his animal form by a vengeful Fire Elemental. In caring for the wolf, Mara quickly discovers that being close to him makes her feel better and lessens the progress of her illness. In protecting Mara, Cade begins to find his way back to being the man he once was.
A Shift in the Water is a lovely Paranormal with more than a touch of Romance, combining the ever-popular werewolf trope with Elemental mythology and magic. Chock full of engaging characters, with an intriguing plot, it’s an absorbing read I had a hard time putting down. If you think you’ve read everything there is to read about werewolves, think again, because Patricia Eddy adds a good many new tints to the common shades of wolf-grey. The members of her pack are real people with real lives outside of howling at the moon. I really loved her treatment of the Elementals, as well. This is a type of magical being I haven’t seen much of in Paranormal fiction, and I appreciated the depth with which Eddy explored their different powers and relationships with the world.
Another thing I liked very much was Eddy’s grasp of the “animal mind,” the way Cade sees the world, thinks, and communicates when in his wolf form. But the thing that struck me most was her superb depiction of living with a chronic illness and coming to terms with end-of-life issues: the ups and downs, the fear, frustration, anger and loneliness that it’s so hard to communicate and share with others, even the ones you love. I felt Mara’s pain and gradual acceptance, and I understood her qualms about reaching out to the possibility that she might recover, after all.
I would have liked more build-up to the initial crisis and more insight into the wolfpack lore. The first chapter seemed a bit rushed. I had some questions about the way it all worked and I think some more detail would have made Cade’s early situation more poignant. Also, secondary characters often were introduced by name only and only fleshed out in later scenes. It confused me some when new names appeared and I didn’t have anything to attach them to. Everyone became three-dimensional eventually, but a bit more attention to character in the early parts of the book would have helped.
A Shift in the Water stands alone, but it also leaves plenty of space for sequels, which is good, because I want to read more about these characters. A treat for anyone who enjoys the Paranormal genre. Four and a half out of five stars.
A Shift in the Water is a lovely Paranormal with more than a touch of Romance, combining the ever-popular werewolf trope with Elemental mythology and magic. Chock full of engaging characters, with an intriguing plot, it’s an absorbing read I had a hard time putting down. If you think you’ve read everything there is to read about werewolves, think again, because Patricia Eddy adds a good many new tints to the common shades of wolf-grey. The members of her pack are real people with real lives outside of howling at the moon. I really loved her treatment of the Elementals, as well. This is a type of magical being I haven’t seen much of in Paranormal fiction, and I appreciated the depth with which Eddy explored their different powers and relationships with the world.
Another thing I liked very much was Eddy’s grasp of the “animal mind,” the way Cade sees the world, thinks, and communicates when in his wolf form. But the thing that struck me most was her superb depiction of living with a chronic illness and coming to terms with end-of-life issues: the ups and downs, the fear, frustration, anger and loneliness that it’s so hard to communicate and share with others, even the ones you love. I felt Mara’s pain and gradual acceptance, and I understood her qualms about reaching out to the possibility that she might recover, after all.
I would have liked more build-up to the initial crisis and more insight into the wolfpack lore. The first chapter seemed a bit rushed. I had some questions about the way it all worked and I think some more detail would have made Cade’s early situation more poignant. Also, secondary characters often were introduced by name only and only fleshed out in later scenes. It confused me some when new names appeared and I didn’t have anything to attach them to. Everyone became three-dimensional eventually, but a bit more attention to character in the early parts of the book would have helped.
A Shift in the Water stands alone, but it also leaves plenty of space for sequels, which is good, because I want to read more about these characters. A treat for anyone who enjoys the Paranormal genre. Four and a half out of five stars.
September 14, 2014
Patricia Eddy has proven again and again what a remarkable storyteller she is. A Shift In The Water is no exception!
As always, the characters are relatable, likeable and well-rounded. The events, while some part of your brain screams “The world doesn’t work that way!”, will have you believing magic really does exist in the world. Or at least wishing it did.
This tale of destined love will make you long for a world where werewolves and elementals live and love. Where magic charms control the elements—earth, fire, wind and water—and love is a destiny none may avoid.
Mara is dying of an illness no one can figure out or seem to cure for very long…Cade is trapped in his wolf form by a vengeful fire elemental…both are resigned to dying, alone and without finding their one true love.
But Fate has a different plan for them and she plots to bring them together in the most unlikely circumstances and nudge them onto the right path to not only save both of their lives, but show them that love truly can conquer all.
Magic, protective family and friends…all obstacles that would stop most humans. But can someone who is more than human overcome these obstacles to find their happily-ever-after?
Read A Shift In The Water to find the answer. And maybe a few magical new friends....
As always, the characters are relatable, likeable and well-rounded. The events, while some part of your brain screams “The world doesn’t work that way!”, will have you believing magic really does exist in the world. Or at least wishing it did.
This tale of destined love will make you long for a world where werewolves and elementals live and love. Where magic charms control the elements—earth, fire, wind and water—and love is a destiny none may avoid.
Mara is dying of an illness no one can figure out or seem to cure for very long…Cade is trapped in his wolf form by a vengeful fire elemental…both are resigned to dying, alone and without finding their one true love.
But Fate has a different plan for them and she plots to bring them together in the most unlikely circumstances and nudge them onto the right path to not only save both of their lives, but show them that love truly can conquer all.
Magic, protective family and friends…all obstacles that would stop most humans. But can someone who is more than human overcome these obstacles to find their happily-ever-after?
Read A Shift In The Water to find the answer. And maybe a few magical new friends....
September 4, 2014
What a wonderful book! I was given an ARC for an honest review and honestly, I gave up sleep to avoid putting it down.
We meet Cade, the alpha leader of a werewolf pack who suffers torture at the hands of a psychotic Elemental named Katerina. Elementals are a new type of paranormal beings born with the ability to manipulate fire, water, earth and air. Out for revenge against Cade's family line, she attempts to kill Cade's entire pack and vows to torture him, by trapping him in wolf form before finally killing him as well.
We also meet Mara, a sweet exuberant woman who is suffering from a rate blood disorder and given only months to live. She thrives in water and ends up coming across a starved, burned and close to death wolf. Taking pity on him, she attempts to nurse him back to health, even though she herself is dying.
I love the wolf and how the author brings him to life, letting his human qualities shine through. Mara's courage and strength are inspiring. This is a wonderful story full or courage, sacrifice, strength & love with wonderful paranormal lore and brand new beings. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
We meet Cade, the alpha leader of a werewolf pack who suffers torture at the hands of a psychotic Elemental named Katerina. Elementals are a new type of paranormal beings born with the ability to manipulate fire, water, earth and air. Out for revenge against Cade's family line, she attempts to kill Cade's entire pack and vows to torture him, by trapping him in wolf form before finally killing him as well.
We also meet Mara, a sweet exuberant woman who is suffering from a rate blood disorder and given only months to live. She thrives in water and ends up coming across a starved, burned and close to death wolf. Taking pity on him, she attempts to nurse him back to health, even though she herself is dying.
I love the wolf and how the author brings him to life, letting his human qualities shine through. Mara's courage and strength are inspiring. This is a wonderful story full or courage, sacrifice, strength & love with wonderful paranormal lore and brand new beings. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.
September 25, 2014
Mara has accepted that she was dying she was still hopeful she would do something meaningful with her before she dies. She wanted to live her life to the fullest so she went to Orcas for one last visit. She decided to have one last swim before she left after she got out of the water and changed she went back in to the hotel to get a cup of coffee before she left. This is when she really began to live her life.
Cade has been trapped in his wol's body for a long time and he's on the brink of dying when he exscaped from Katerina. He was running for his life he didn't want to die I that prison she made he wanted to be free. He comes across a car and he caught a whiff of Mara's scent and thought mate so he decided he was going to stow away in her truck to get away. This is an amazing story how fate brought 2 people together while both of them were on the verge of dying and they saved each other.
Cade has been trapped in his wol's body for a long time and he's on the brink of dying when he exscaped from Katerina. He was running for his life he didn't want to die I that prison she made he wanted to be free. He comes across a car and he caught a whiff of Mara's scent and thought mate so he decided he was going to stow away in her truck to get away. This is an amazing story how fate brought 2 people together while both of them were on the verge of dying and they saved each other.
July 20, 2015
Loved this novel. Loved, loved, loved. It's been a long time since a romance novel had me racing home from work to read what happened next, and really, werewolves are NOT my usual thing. As a romance, I knew Cade and Mara had to find a way to come together, but I could not figure out how, or what would happen next.
Disclaimer: I am acquainted with the author through some online groups we both participate in, but I do NOT give this kind of rating or review to every writer I know.
The opening was a little "busy" with a lot of characters, a lot of names, but shortly I was hooked, and it sped along, in multiple POV including the "bad woman." The world-building - contemporary but with werewolves and elementals - was well-done, the characters were complex, the problems not easily solved, and the sexual tension was high. Did I mention I loved this?
Disclaimer: I am acquainted with the author through some online groups we both participate in, but I do NOT give this kind of rating or review to every writer I know.
The opening was a little "busy" with a lot of characters, a lot of names, but shortly I was hooked, and it sped along, in multiple POV including the "bad woman." The world-building - contemporary but with werewolves and elementals - was well-done, the characters were complex, the problems not easily solved, and the sexual tension was high. Did I mention I loved this?
September 23, 2014
First, three things you should know. 1- I received this as an ARC in return for an honest review. 2- I know the author and kinda love her a bit. 3- I don't generally read shifter books. I've been burnt out on them for a while.
So with those three things in mind....I freaking Loved This Book!!!!
Everything about the story and the characters pulled me in. Dragged me in, is more like it.The action was paced fast enough to keep me intrigued and the baddie was insane, which is just how I like a baddie to be. I really appreciated the relationship build up between Cade and Mara.
Also, I was really impressed with how the author handled Cade's transformation. What he went through and how he handled it was a new theme for me in regards to the shifter ideas.
Overall I am really stoked that I was allowed the chance to read this story and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
So with those three things in mind....I freaking Loved This Book!!!!
Everything about the story and the characters pulled me in. Dragged me in, is more like it.The action was paced fast enough to keep me intrigued and the baddie was insane, which is just how I like a baddie to be. I really appreciated the relationship build up between Cade and Mara.
Also, I was really impressed with how the author handled Cade's transformation. What he went through and how he handled it was a new theme for me in regards to the shifter ideas.
Overall I am really stoked that I was allowed the chance to read this story and am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
September 22, 2014
I loved the story of Cade and Mara. Cade is a Wolf Shifter and Mara is a Water Elemental. When they meet they are both dying and they each save one another because of the instant bond they feel to one another, but there are obstacles they must overcome to be together. One of the biggest obstacles is just staying alive, because there is a Fire Elemental that wants Cade dead and doesn't care who she hurts to accomplish that goal.
This story was really well written. It drew me in from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. The secondary characters were really well written also. I can't wait to find out more about the secondary characters from this book as they each hopefully get their own book.
It is a great start to a new series. This is a definite must read.
This story was really well written. It drew me in from the beginning and didn't let go until the end. The secondary characters were really well written also. I can't wait to find out more about the secondary characters from this book as they each hopefully get their own book.
It is a great start to a new series. This is a definite must read.
September 21, 2014
First, we meet Cade, who is taken by an evil woman and her henchmen all because of something he didn't have any part of. Trapped in wolf form, he finally escapes and hitches a ride with a woman.
This woman,Mara, receiving the news that she has a very mysterious illness that is slowly killing her suddenly finds love and faces down a sister she only met once and disliked in order to save her new love, just as she feels the end is near.
This book is a fantastic read and a must buy for any paranormal reader! It has wolves, and elemental witches and a story-line that will keep you riveted to the pages until you are done!
I was given an ARC of this book to read and review.
This woman,Mara, receiving the news that she has a very mysterious illness that is slowly killing her suddenly finds love and faces down a sister she only met once and disliked in order to save her new love, just as she feels the end is near.
This book is a fantastic read and a must buy for any paranormal reader! It has wolves, and elemental witches and a story-line that will keep you riveted to the pages until you are done!
I was given an ARC of this book to read and review.
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