Every 20 years, the Shadow Pack arrives in the small desert community of Bleed City, Nevada. To honor the pact made 150 years ago with the werewolves, the town offers up their eldest daughters for the Choosing--a ceremony where the shifters pick their virgin brides.
Like most werewolf packs, the Shadows need human females for mating and breeding so they can replenish their werewolf bloodlines. Arabelle Winton considers the entire process somewhat barbaric, but as the oldest female in her family, she must take her place among the other women. What she doesn't expect is to catch the interest of Alpha Greyson Burke.
Yes, Grey can have her body any way he wants... but Belle will never give her heart to a werewolf.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Michele Bardsley writes humorous paranormal romances and funny paranormal mysteries. Michele likes to write, read, crochet hats, drink wine, and eat chocolate!
Arabelle had other dreams than becoming a werewolfs young bride like leaving her small town behind and doing something that matters. She had to cast aside her dreams though to uphold her towns bargain and protect her family. For Arabelle, her family and friends are what matter most, so sacrificing her freedom isn't an option. In terms of character, Arabelle is a pretty straight-shooter with a brain and moral fiber. There are times when she tries to play the whole "blushing virgin" thing but it doesn't work. Her reactions for the most part are pretty tame and she just seems nonsensical. I liked her as the main heroine. She wasn't wishy washy but at times felt too perfect for my tastes.
Grey is the young alpha in charge of protecting his pack and the entire town of Bleed City. I didnt feel like there was a whole lot of character development on him. He just kinda existed as the kinky alpha. So, I could take him or leave him, no strong opinions there.
I read the entire series as a "novel" its like 132 pages, so quick read. I got a cohesive story that was very quick and kept my attention. The story pretty much revolves around Arabelle becoming part of Greys pack. You get to meet a few members, there's some betrayals, strengthening of relationships an learning ones place in this novel. Everything happens in the span of like a week, so the timeline just moves very fast. Overall, I liked it and would read more from this author in the future. I am curious about some of the pack members that appear to get their own novels, so I'll be checking those out soon.
quality to have in an alpha, "he rubbed the front of his jeans and sighed. “Not until we are mated." When it come to his woman he's quite generous, actually I notice he quite generous for his pack as well, "he bared his teeth. “I will buy you anything you want. I will dress you in clothes worthy of my mate. But now, I want you naked." I liked this book I'm hoping Colt gets a book as well I loved him too.
I really love this collection of all different types of shifters and not just kinds like wolves and bears but also areas like Earth Pack, Shadow Pack and Bleed Pack. We are even introduced to a new form of shifter that is thought to be extinct. Many stories that are very hot and very good. And of course what every great author does is leave us wanting more and of course Michele Bardsley does that with a taste of Kearney Dragons coming out very soon I Hope!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The drama and characters within the story were incredible. I wished it could have been longer. I would have liked to know what happened to some of he other characters and how the main characters got along further into their relationship.
I generally like Michele Bardsley's books but this set had typos and stories that ended abruptly. I will purchase from her again but this isn't her best work.
This book was given to me by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a series of werewolf serials put into one book. There is a different werewolf pack starring in each book – though you will hear all the pack names woven in and out of the stories, since each pack is aware of the others.
I really liked this series and I think this set is the way to read it. Once I figured out that each story was actually a set of super short series combined to make it one read, I decided that I had lucked out discovering them this way. I think having to read one separately, or while waiting for others to be published would have driven me nuts. I am glad I got to read them in their entirety all at once!
I really enjoyed this take on the werewolf world and the little things that made it unique for me. I liked how each pack was very different in their culture. The only thing they have in common is there werewolf/shape-shifting abilities.
My one problem with this story was the editing. There are some very easy to spot and fix mistakes. One of the bigger ones is that in two separate stories the author calls a main character the wrong name, several times. This confused the heck out of me. I was like “Who is Rhiannon?” “Who is this Nic?” And it caused me to go back and reread – thinking I missed something crucial.
Other than that I was totally immersed in this world and I am going to start her dragon series, next.
Belle and Greyson. This is a serial that when put together still only equals a novella. It's not awesome but I quite enjoyed it. This is in some distant future where small towns are surrounded by werewolf packs. In exchange for their protection, every 20 years there is a 'Choosing' where the towns older daughters are given to the pack as mates. I don't want to give too much away, because I found the unveiling of the different layers of the plot was a big part of the fun. Anyhoo, Bella manages to catch the attention of the Alpha, Grey, but then finds herself accused of murder and jailed by the pack enforcer, who happens to be an old flame of Grey's. Things just get crazier and crazier and I kinda wished there had been a bit time given to the plot because sometimes things seemed to happen out of nowhere. Bella was a good character but not enough time is given to Grey. At first he comes across as very Alpha and borderline scary, but that side of his character pretty much disappears after the mating. I kinda missed it. I think if the plot had been fleshed out a bit better and Grey's character had more depth, I would have easily given this one a 4 or 5.
Not a bad read. I picked this up because it was inexpensive and by an author's whose Wizards of Nevermore series I really loved. As I wait for book 3 in that series, I thought I would try one of her other series. I enjoyed the novel overall though it is a light and quick read. This was first published as a serial but I read it once it was published as the whole novel. I will say that it would benefit from some editing or proofing as there were a few errors going through that caught my eye (or required me figuring out what the typo was to correct in my mind). That being said, I liked the overall novel. Though I felt the struggle between them was not as strong as implied by the book blurb. Somewhat barbaric practices that resulted in instant love on both their parts was a bit of an overreach, I did enjoy the mutiny plot and the race to stop it. The mythology is interesting and I'm intrigued by the implications that there are various shifter packs and their rules are different. I think I might check out other stories in this world.
Overall, this was an intriguing series. I enjoyed parts 1-3 more than the second half. I liked the world building that happened in the beginning and would have liked to have seen more. I most admit, once the main conflict and bad guys were revealed I became a little confused about what was happening and why. Too many alliance changes and keeping track with sketchy motives. The ending also seemed a little rushed, I would have liked to see more details. I would recommend reading all the parts together, especially because they are short. However, this is the first story I've read by the author and will definitely continue reading more of her works.
Arabelle Winston is an independent person, wanting to become an RN, but her life takes a different course, when her sister dies. Belle is left holding up the responsibility of her family, as now the oldest daughter to marry one of the werewolf in the Shadow Pack. Watch her deal with learning she will be a mate, how to be a mate, and about loyalty to her mate and new pack. Great series.
The stories were good. A few needed good editing. There were too many stories to individually review them but this set was well worth the price. The set is also provides good samples for authors I plan to check out. Looking forward to reading more from these authors.
Love this set of stories. Each story left me wanting to no more about the packs and they are intertwined with each other. I love how strong and resourceful the leading ladies are in each story. I see that there are more to the dragon shifters and I cannot wait to read them. Oh, these are yummy, hot romances to curl your toes
I enjoyed everyone of these books. I got so excited reading them and wished it didn't have to end. All the stories were wonderful and i can't wait to read more.
Each story is filled with issues and intrigue. There is also very steamy love scenes. There is danger and happily ever after. I really enjoyed this boxed set. I couldn't put it down. Now it is time for a nap before I move on to the next book.