Three years ago Lyle made a mistake that cost him his freedom, and almost his life. Now, sick to death of watching his father love the man that Lyle wanted, Lyle accepts an offer to leave Wolf, WY behind and see what life in Washington, D.C. can do for him instead.
When Lyle comes across a seductive, attractive stranger with a fascinating yet terrifying view of humanity, he's more than intrigued. It doesn't take Lyle long to realize that Arius isn't just playing games, though, and when Lyle runs across a secret in Arius' lair he has no choice but to flee, even knowing his actions will enrage Arius.
On the run, with only a psychic's second sight and his own instinct to help him, Lyle has nowhere to go but home. The only question is, will they have him when he shows up.
Henley was born with a full-blown passion for run-on sentences, a zealous indulgence in all words descriptive, and the endearing tendency to overuse punctuation. Since the early years Henley has been an enthusiastic writer, from the first few I-love-my-dog stories to the current leap into erotica.
A self-professed Google genius, Henley lives for the hours spent digging through the Internet for ‘research purposes’ which, more often than not, lead seven thousand miles away from first intentions but bring Henley to new discoveries and ideas that, once seeded, grow like weeds.
3.5 HEARTS--A.F. Henley returns with the wolfy O'Connell family in the book #2 of the Wolf series, Wolf, en Garde. This is a series you must read in order, I wouldn't suggest as a standalone. I really enjoyed the ideas in book #1, Wolf, WY and jumped at the chance to read book #2. I'll admit I skipped over the most of the blurb in my haste and didn't see the one type of paranormal that isn't my fave...psychics.
Thankfully, the psychic stuff was late to the game and not as heavy. Plus, this psychic was cool in a way. This story had more things going for it than Wolf, WY: more Arius, more paranormal background vs. real world delving, more sex and more Lyle!
This is Lyle's book and starts three years after book #1 ends. Book #1 had a clear winner in the lopsided love triangle that wasn't, Lyle pining for his father's lover. His lust was a beautiful monster in that book. I lived for each moment he tracked Randy down. But since the story ends with a HEA...why Lyle is still stuck in the same mindset 3 years later at 21 years old without evolving, seemed a little odd for me. I know Wolf as a town is small but he didn't get his objection of affection and he can get very intense. No one came to blows and just let it simmer for all those years?
I thought Lyle would have got over it or somehow they'd have to put a major kibosh on the situation.
Wolf, en Garde starts with a visit to Washington D.C. and with Randy's parents. Randy's folks and the tensed O'Connell family make for an interesting bunch since all paranormal activity has to be kept a secret from humans. Lyle meets the charismatic Arius and gets swept off his feet in a whirlwind lust affair that provided one of the hottest moments in this book.
"Come here, wolf. Fuck me like you've dreamed of fucking that flutterfly of your father's."
Lyle is still tormented emotionally and stays in Washington D.C. under this guise of unleashing the wolf side he never fully got to embrace at home. But things aren't as they seem, double crossing characters are afoot. There are secrets, the paranormal agency snooping around and one scent that drives Lyle wild. If you're a reader who prefers the main character only having sex with the main lead, this isn't the book for you. Lyle finds his lead in an unusual circumstance.
Lyle starts to mature...some towards the end. The lying and subterfuge kind of proved he's definitely 21 and apt to make mistakes. Because he makes a good number of them in this book. But I liked him and his family in both books. Randy's family...the author has a way of writing characters that play both sides of the fence and that seem like jerks really well (ex. Vaughan, Randy's mom) But they also can be off putting to read about.
The story goes from country boy in a city to exploring his paranormal limits to road trip. I wasn't seeing that coming. In fact this story would take different routes to get to a central point. Call it quirky, or a different writing style. For example, Lyle meets someone new and he doesn't ask questions about who they or or really introduces himself until way later, just takes a stranger into his life when he's supposed to wary.
This story is readable, has decent action and a little intrigue. It's told mostly from Lyle's POV, so some plot points are clear. Maybe it adds to the intrigue but I got a little peeved at not getting enough answers.
While I enjoyed the story, there were parts that weren't as strong.
The meandering way it took to get to the point - the story would explain and detail the setting, the thoughts, everything...sometimes it worked. Sometimes it read redundant. This is a product of the writer's style. It's quirky and sometimes it read like pantsy plot because I found myself questioning what did it add to the overall story.
The Ending - it felt too abrupt. I see it's leading for another book in the series but the story was leading to a big battle and it was over so quickly and not satisfying at all. I would have rated this story a little higher but the climax was barely a blip in the long novel, leaving more unanswered questions like why the psychic, how did they get involved? I can see the villain's master plan, but it was too muddled in areas for me.
Overall, I like the paranormal ideas in this series but I hope the third book will have some major answers or I can easily see myself giving up on this series.
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
A.F. Henley brings us an action and mystery packed goodie with book two in the Wolf Series, Wolf, en Garde starts out strong and doesn't slow down! This is Lyle's story as we watch him test boundaries, break rules, and learn things about himself and those around him. Lyle is a great MC and he keeps you totally entertained from beginning to end!
In Wolf, WY Lyle was just coming into his wolf powers and was also struggling with asserting or attempting to assert dominance over his Dad and Alpha, Vaughn. It's been three years since that first book ended and Lyle is now 21 and more settled as a wolf and as a young man.
This book starts with Lyle and his family going on a vacation to Washington D.C. to visit Randy's parents. Lyle is ecstatic to get out of the country, to explore the city, to meet some guys. Once in D.C. It doesn't take long for Lyle to find trouble in the city, trouble in the form of an attractive immortal, by the name of Arias. This is the same Vampire that Randy met when he left Wolf briefly in book one. Coincidence? You will have to decide. Whether or not Arias sought out Lyle, once they are together they let loose and have some fun. All is well for the first few times they hang out until Arias starts talking about things that really make Lyle uncomfortable. Then the author throws another huge twist at us right about this point, and Lyle quickly realizes that once again he should have listened to his dad and never associated with vampires. Too late now!! Now he has to figure out how to deal with everything that has been uncovered, trust me - it's a lot! Our author is really creative!!
On a visit to Arias' underground lair he gets the shock of his life when he finds someone locked in a room. Now with the decision to rescue and steal from Arias or leave and live with himself for leaving someone behind, there really is no choice...and Lyle meets Rafe. Why did Arias have him locked in a room? Lyle doesn't know why right away, but he does know that he is drawn to this man as his fathers words run through his mind "When you meet the right person I can't even explain the connection and feelings you'll have." Now all that matters is saving Rafe and getting back to Wolf, WY - because Lyle knows Arias is going to be hot!
I don't want to say much more because this book just needs to be enjoyed and I don't want to ruin it for anyone.
Just to voice my opinion here is why I didn't rate the book a solid 5 star: -The characters - they needed a little bit more depth, especially the supporting ones that were a huge part of the plot. We also don't learn a lot about Rafe yet he is our MC Twu Wuv -The ending - seriously, that's it? I mean.. Throw us a bone please. I like a little meat on my ends. -Vaughn & Randy - so, I know this isn't "their" book but given how their book felt cut short too..I wish the author had give us maybe a chapter at the beginning showing us what went on between the two over the three years in between books. A look at their HEA. Yes I want it all ... I am greedy!
However, I did enjoy the book, the plot - great. The characters - great. The heat and chemistry between the characters - scorchin' and the villain was pretty perfect too! So overall 4.5 Stars for Wolf, en Garde and I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!
❥❥**´¨) ¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club and Gay Book Reviews
This is a follow up story that I didn't want to miss. The previous story had two strong alpha werewolves vying for the same suitor. It was more complicated because they were father and son. Vaughn won Randy's affections which left Lyle out in the cold. Lyle was young and had a rawness to him. I was interested to see what would come next for the one who was rejected and how it would be having to see Randy with his dad.
As one can tell, this is a book that follows another continuing the story thread began earlier so doesn't make for a good standalone or out of order.
It is three years after the events of Wolf, WY and Lyle is back with his family after a time of 'rehabilitation' with the Committee that oversees paranormal affairs and keeps his kind from being noticed by the humans. Losing Randy to his own father and being angry and feeling betrayed, Lyle did what he had to do to convince the Committee that their indoctrination and teachings took with him even though he was barely giving them lip service because he didn't want to be put down.
Lyle is no longer a teen, but the emotions and motives that drove him to pursue a man who didn't want him and chose Lyle's father are still there. Now the family is off for a vacation back east to visit with Randy's family. Randy's mother is a tough as nails and hard woman judge who is disappointed in her own son and his dad is an easy going man who is the peacemaker. Lyle is stuck watching his father, Vaughn and Randy together and he wants some time away from it all.
Randy's pushy strong-willed mother gives Lyle the opportunity even as Randy's canny father Henry seems to see right through to Lyle's secrets. Lyle manipulates Vaughn to give him some independence and space once they are in DC and it is then that he encounters the vampire, Arius. Arius tempts Lyle and convinces him to get around his dad and stick around DC on his own so Arius can show him the freedom of not living under his dad's or the Committee's rules. Randy's mom has her own motives, but she, too, supports Lyle in detaching from his family and sticking around. Vaughn taught Lyle that vampires are evil and have their own agenda, but Lyle is enamored with Arius and hides the connection while loving the idea of being his own man and living without stifling rules. But then Lyle's eyes are opened when he gets a real look at what Arius is up to. Lyle is in deep trouble and the only one he can turn to for help is his father. Only, will Vaughn believe him and support him after all Lyle put his dad through? And then there is that other surprise in the man Lyle rescued who attracts Lyle's wolf's attention. Does he have it in him to step up and be the hero?
Alright, so this one picked matters up with Lyle as a twenty-one year old who has the arrogance and strength without the wisdom. He discounts his dad and he is jealous of what his dad has with Randy. So the story is a coming of age piece as Lyle has to learn the hard way. He was a jerk when the story started, but his humbling moment came. I enjoyed seeing it happen and that Lyle responded to his mistakes in a good way.
There is intrigue in this one that had me eager to find out what was going on. Lyle has insight, but he doesn't trust it so he sees the hints, but doesn't put it all together until it's almost too late. I loved this added element that wasn't present in the first story.
Also, there are some really good villains in this one. They are shades of gray sorts. I liked that their motives and feelings were handled as well as the main players.
This is Lyle's story and he has the narration of it, but it is two-pronged. It is his connection and restoration to his family that takes the forefront, but there is also a romance for him when he is in a good place in his life to appreciate and experience it. I will say that the romance is under-developed somewhat as is Lyle's romance partner, but not so much that I didn't like it or couldn't get vested in them.
The story had a grand finish that was action-packed and edgy. I enjoyed the rock and hard place situation that Lyle was in. One story thread was left dangling so I have hopes that there is more to come with this series.
All in all, this follow up sequel was strong and satisfying. I was intrigued by Lyle in book one and was glad that he got the spotlight in book two. As I noted before with the first book, the writing and background are unique and refreshing for this sub-genre. I can easily recommend it to those who enjoy m/m paranormal romance.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the previous book, featuring Lyle's father, Vaughn, and Randy. The rift between Lyle and his father began there, when Lyle's coming of age and becoming more and more dominant made him constantly challenge his father, including by aggressively coming on to Randy. It was all quite heartbreaking to read... Vaughn is such a caring, protective father...being pushed into a dominance fight by his son was really hard for him, as was being forced to choose between Lyle and Randy. The epilogue was all kinds of optimistic, though, so I didn't expect the level of animosity between Lyle and Vaughn at the start of this book. Three years passed since Randy and Vaughn's happy reunion and Lyle's feelings about it are still the same. He despises his father, thinking himself stronger than him. He's still attracted to Randy and resentful of him for choosing Vaughn, and he's bitter as all hell about his life. The rehab he went through to reign his wolf side in and stop challenging his father only made Lyle learn to hide his feelings better. But he's angry all the time and feeling trapped in Wolf.
I must add I didn't like Vaughn's attitude towards Lyle at all. He treated his son like a kid, smothering him, and generally being an overbearing, controlling jerk. I felt really sorry for Lyle - being 21 and under his father's control was suffocating him.
Coming for a brief vacation to DC to visit Randy's parents shows Lyle just how much he's missing out on living in the mountain wilderness. The big city life fascinates him - he's not repulsed by the noise and crowds at all, relishing the new experiences. Here, he meets an intriguing creature - vampire Arius. Lyle sneaks out at nights, wandering the streets with Arius, listening to his philosophical ramblings... Arius is all about anarchy and the supremacy of supernatural races over humans. He's like no one Lyle ever met, and Lyle's captivated by him.
I feel sort of disappointed that Arius wasn't the main love interest in this book. He was such a dashing character, a bit feral, and sexy as hell. **sighs** Too bad he turns out to be a baddie...at least, he got Lyle to stop being so fixated on Randy, instead making him think hard of his destiny and what he wanted from life.
As for Rafe - I had difficulties connecting with him. He doesn't make an appearance till 60% of the story - which is, seriously??? - and even after he comes into Lyle's life, it's all about their instant connection, and it's all very rushed. I'm disappointed the romance part of the book wasn't up to par. And Lyle & Rafe's further plans weren't revealed...I do hope Lyle goes back to the city.
The rest of the book was really, really good, so I'm not grumbling too much. Looking forward to more books in this series!
**ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.**
This had very different feel than the first book but I liked it a lot. This book picks up three years down the road and Lyle has been away from home much of that time due to his aggressive behavior towards his dad and his partner. I went into this expecting that we would see a new, apologetic Lyle. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Lyle had not really changed. It felt so much truer to his personality. And, I was surprised to find that he still wants Randy and thinks he should be his. The entire family ends up in Washington D.C on a vacation to see Randy's parents. Lyle is doing his Lyle thing when a surprising encounter changes everything. I admit I totally didn't see the plot twist coming but man I loved it.
This story is a bit more fast paced and more paranormal world based than the first one. The haunting tone that was in the first one was not here (which isn't bad. just different). Lot's of action in the last 30% or so. It ended with a HFN and a what seems to be an exciting start to more stories in this series. I don't think this would work well as a stand alone. You should read the first book before this (but it's great so that shouldn't be a problem).
*ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
Last night I finished book 1, this morning I woke up, I made myself a blanket fort and sent the boys packing for the day so I could read book 2. I have just emerged from said fort and boy i did really loved this next installment in the series.
I must thank my girl Karen for recommending this to me, I enjoyed both books to no end and highly recommend them.
We have received an ARC of Wolf en Garde and I am really looking forward reviewing it on our blog. watch this space.
Wooo, things are heating up in this one. You definitely need to read these in order. Also, if you can’t deal with gore, this might not be for you. However, I’m loving this series. And with the way it ended, I’m wondering if there’s a book 3 out there somewhere. Guess I need to find out ;) . Lyle is home from his ‘time away’. He’s still a little bitter over the whole thing, even after three years, and still has no trouble needling Randy in ways he shouldn’t. But when they make the trip to see Randy’s parents in DC, things begin to change for Lyle. He thinks for the better, until his dreams and his instincts are telling him, he has to go back to Arius’s lair and find out what is in that room. And what he finds, shocks him to the core. Arius is holding someone prisoner and the people in on it with him, sends shocks of betrayal all through him. He never imagined he’s be having to fight for his life and someone’s else again, but he is. And he’s vowed to protect this sweet man. But he knows he can’t do it without help, so they run for home to Wolf. But after all is said and done, Lyle is terrified what Randy’s reaction to everything will be? And if Randy is upset, will his father even welcome him back home? Man, this had a twist I TOTALLY did not see coming. I’m still reeling from it. I knew something was a little off with this person, but I was not expecting what happened. With Arius though, I had a feeling he was setting Lyle up for something. He was just a little too friendly at times and a little too off in others. And when Lyle knew something was wrong in his lair, that just confirmed what a psycho Arius really is. But I have to admit, I totally feel sorry for Lyle in this book. If you read book 1, you know he’s had a hard time. If you haven’t you need to go read it first. And in this book, it seems like no matter what he does, it’s always wrong. It always seems to be about his father and Randy now and who cares about Lyle. His father’s firstborn. He was torn. So, I don’t blame him a bit when he falls for Arius’s charms at first. And his words. He wanted to feel like he was important. Like someone needed or wanted him. It just was sad that Arius was for all the wrong reasons. It also doesn’t help when you have to really do some growing up in a matter of days. It sends you into overdrive and makes you question a lot. And it’s humbling. Because Lyle had to take a good long look at his life and the relationship with his father and Randy and reevaluate everything he thought. And some of the things he found were not pretty. But that’s what happens when you grow up. But I am super proud of Lyle, because he took his lumps like a man. He reacted like a man and used his brain. He used his powers the way they were meant, and finally became the person he was meant to be. That doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have room to grow or that he doesn’t have a lot of it to still do, but it’s a one day at a time thing, and considering how fast he had to grow up in a flash, he did really damn good. It’s a good book and a good series. I recommend.
Oh my goodness, what an action packed sequel this was! I was initially unsure if I wanted to read Lyle’s story, given that his uber-hormonal actions almost spelled the end for Vaughn and Randy in Book 1, but he certainly redeemed himself. This was a thrill from start to finish, always keeping you slightly off-balance so you didn’t know exactly which way the story was going to go. Between mysterious strangers with deadly secrets and family members who weren’t what they seemed, the surprises kept coming and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Lyle has grown up a little since his introduction in Wolf, WY. He’s not the out-of-control teenager he once was. But even at 21, his sheltered life and his ever prowling wolf side means he’s still a little emotionally immature, short-tempered and slightly bitter that his father has found happiness with Randy, the man who he has crushed on for a few years. It’s not until a planned visit to Washington D.C. to visit Randy’s parents does Lyle finally have a taste of freedom from Vaughn’s vigilant eye and is allowed to explore the city on his own. There he meets an outspoken, enigmatic vampire named Arias who both frightens and attracts Lyle. Arias seems worldly and fascinating to Lyle and he is initially keen to follow Arias’ advice to separate himself from his father and embrace his inner predator. But Arias has more than a few secrets that, if revealed, could not only cost Lyle his life but also the lives of his entire family. When Lyle rescues Rafe, a young psychic who has been imprisoned by Arias, he finds himself having to flee the city and head back home to the one person who has always had his back. But before he gets there, he’ll have to learn to rely on his own strength and cunning to save not only himself, but the young man he has promised to protect.
I love it when an author makes me love a character I disliked in a previous book. I was kind of hating on Lyle right up until about halfway in when his character finally dropped the sulking schoolboy act and began to think logically and clearly about Arias and what he was hiding. But when he rescued Rafe, I was well and truly reformed. And what about that mysterious Rafe? What an intriguing character he turned out to be. What does he know? What has he seen? What will be his purpose when Arias sets out to fulfill his promise to bring down a world of hurt on Lyle, Vaughn and everyone they know and love? So many questions!
What I loved about this book was it’s high energy and it’s twists and turns. It kept me turning the pages of my Kindle well past my bedtime just to see how it would all turn out. The ending felt like it wrapped up a little too suddenly, but it didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal/shifter type stories – I’m sure you’ll love the joyride as much as I did.
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
I finished this book with some mixed feelings, and I’m going to be bluntly honest about them. I picked up this book because I’d read and enjoyed the first one. I was a little iffy on reading this one because I didn’t particularly care for Lyle in the first book. And when this book started, well, I wasn’t feeling much like toward any of the characters. Lyle was a petulant brat, Randy came off as patronizing, Lyle’s father seemed resigned and irritating. Even Randy’s mother, when she appeared, just rubbed me the wrong way and really bordered on evil (which made sense later).
And while the characters weren’t endearing themselves to me, the plot wasn’t appealing too much either. The pace dragged to a crawl at times, the action almost stalling out. I wished that some scenes had been condensed or even skipped all together. While I enjoyed seeing Lyle enjoying time with the family, it didn’t do much to further the plot for me. When Arius was pontificating about his world view, the information was important but the scenes dragged. It was tough for me to fall into the story. So things got off to a rocky start for me, and I had to convince myself to push through.
A lot more 'wolfy' that he first book, and should be aka 'the redemption of Lyle' . Lyle in book 1 was an idiot, and starts this not much better..I thought this built up the feeling of menace created towards the end of Wolf WY really well, the first 45% here was tense and totally Lyle's growing up time. After Lyle finds Rafe the pacing ramps up, and the last 30% of the book is adrenaline pumpingly good, and really set the scene (I hope) for more wolfy action. It was great to see Randy, Vaughan, Isaac and Hannah again and I loved the family that all of them (including Lyle) have become. My only complaint is that I would have liked to know more about Rafe..but maybe the next book ?
This book had a lot of potential with the plot. The author could have taken it in many different directions and it would have still been a great story. Now like the first book on the series Wolf, WY it left me with a lot of questions.
I found the chemistry between the characters lacking; she introduced the other half of the main couple very late in the story; with no time to see them interact.
The story developed quickly but everything was revealed in perfect order and was well written.
AF Henley definitely steps up the pace in this thrilling sequel of the Wolf series. Out came a story that is rich of action, twists and turns, treachery, and yet very character driven and thoughtful. A perfect combination!
After released from his stay with the GDBCG at the end of Wolf, WY for attacking Randy Connor, Lyle’s relationship with his father’s partner is still very tense. Lyle once had a huge crush on Randy which Randy did not return. Outwardly Lyle seems just cold towards Randy but inwardly his despise for that man runs so deeply that it made me instantly nervous. ”This can not end well“ was my first thought.
In this situation the O’Connel family and Randy visit Randy’s parents in Washington D.C. A perfect choice of for a setting by AF Henley because the city is shrouded in dark and mysterious secrets.
Lyle’s relationship with his father Vaughn is also overshadowed as Lyle considers his father weak for not living up to his full potential being a wolf, an existence that Lyle enjoys but feels being held back by his father. Lyle’s judgement for his father’s reasons is clouded as he is embittered for having lost the power struggle over Randy.
Randy’s mother Mary encourages Lyle to stay at Washington instead of returning to Wolf, WY.
And then there is Arius, that enigmatic stranger that tells Lyle to start thinking for himself and to do what he thinks is right for him. He should be the alpha and join Arius for they are too special to be held back by mere normals.
And Lyle starts to listen even though Arius’ ideas about the future are deeply disturbing and terrible. Soon he is caught between a rock and a hard place.
Then an opportunity shows up and for the first time Lyle has to truly has to make a decision that defines what kind of man he will be. Setting in motion a chain of events and finding out that he has been betrayed in more than one way, he is on the run with a man at his side that he never met before and heads back to Wolf.
With Hell following in tow.
AF Henley delivers a novel that is captivating and thrilling! I could not stop reading and had to go on to see what is on the next page! Moments of action change with great character moments. We see a wonderful development in Lyle’s character as he grows. What fascinates me most about this novel is how everyone’s motives are interwoven with the others. Everyones actions, behaviour, personality, dreams, and needs are an intrinsically part of the whole. It is perfectly thought out and nothing is being constructed just for the purpose of just being in the story. Another positive aspect here is that Arius is not just your typically guy who is bad just for the sake of being bad. He has a plan and that plan is based on thoughts that he had developed in a long time. Granted, his ideas and his plans are truly evil. But playing the devil’s advocate here, once one read about them and truly think about them, one can not help but see that he is not insane. Or is he? One thing Arius is: a very gifted manipulator!
With Wolf, en Garde, AF Henley shows that m/m story telling can be of high quality and fascinating and can be much more than just boy meets boy.
I am already so looking forward to the next book in the Wolf series and to all the other novels Henley is going to write! :D
Wolf, en Garde is book two of the Wolf series. It focuses on Vaughn’s son Lyle, whom we didn’t really get to know well in Wolf, WY. In book one he was vying for dominance against his dad and thought he was in love with Randy. Three years later, it feels as if no time has passed. Lyle is still hung up on Randy and resents him. He hasn’t furthered his life at all.
While on vacation, Lyle meets up with Arius, a vampire we first saw in book one. It really confused me because the blurb isn’t clear on whom Lyle’s love interest is, but I didn’t feel a connection between Arius and Lyle.
Things quickly progress and I wasn’t sure who to trust. We get a lot more wolf in this book, and the transformation is grisly. The settings are mostly dank and dark which give a somber mood to the whole thing; add in betrayal and intrigue make for a spooky, intense book.
While love survives in the end, it takes a while to get there. This is as much a coming of age for Lyle as a Paranormal Romance. I did enjoy it as it is not your typical shifter romance, which is a nice change. Although there are hints of fated mates, it is not a insta-lust or love book.
I suggest giving both book one and two a chance. I’ll be sure to read book three when it is out.
I loved Wolf, en Garde, the second installment to AF Henley's Wolf series. In this second book, we see a different Lyle. In here Lyle is older, a bit more rebellious and manipulative, a wolf wanting to fly the coop and see more of the world and hopefully find his own place in the sun. The desire was so strong he pounced at the chance the moment an opportunity presented itself in spite of his instincts and misgivings. As a result, Lyle had made several unsavory choices, things he wouldn't have done had he been thinking clearly.
Fortunately Lyle turned around fast enough and the next thing he knew he was running back home. And he was not alone.
The second half of the book is action-packed and when the end comes, we see a more mature Lyle.
Wolf, en Garde's focus is really Lyle. Sure, we see more of everyone but this time it's his story. I must admit I would love to see how Lyle's and Rafe's story would progress. How serious is their relationship? How they will settle the matter with Arius. How Vaughn and Randy are doing relationship wise. Will they get married? How is Henry going to settle at Wolf? Will he like it there enough to stay and would he find out about the O'Connells's secret?
I have a lot of questions and I can't wait to read the next installment. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I bought this book the first time it was advertised, got it a few hours before it was officially released, and took a whole month before I actually read it. xD
Was very much looking forward to this, and was not disappointed.
Unlike the first book, which I absorbed in almost no time at all, the beginning was a bit hard for me to get into. But that's not unusual. Books rarely catch me out of the gate. Also unlike the original, there was a lot more background plot going on. It was exciting to read and follow.
Lyle's character development was very interesting to follow. And the expansion of the Wolf, W.Y. world was quite fascinating. The romance scenes and lust scenes were hot. (The book makes a habit of describing the difference xD ) The supporting characters were very well fleshed out, their personalities and responses to everything that happened was spot on and well done.
There were some either misplaced words or missing words that ruined the flow for me. But it wasn't often, and it wasn't a big deal. Just saying, some better editing could have been done.
I greatly look forward to how the series ends, this has been an interesting and wild ride. Mixing common mythical creatures and more realistic expectations is always interesting. And the author has built an excellent world doing just that.
The pacing in this one was much slower than the first and it dragged for the first half. Lyle did eventually redeem himself and the story finishes very open ended suggesting their will be more to come.
Lyle gets in trouble in DC and "steals" from a vampire, running back to Wolf to the protection of his father and the rest of the wolves in Wolf.
Lyle is such a trouble maker, but he also seems to have not fully grown from the incident in the first book. Throughout this book you finally see him growing and learning from his past mistakes.
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
I enjoyed this story and was glad to see Lyle get the chance to have his own life. Though in the end the story didn’t seem as settled and I felt like I was still missing something.
Lyle is still struggling with his father and Randy’s relationship and quickly accepts the opportunity to have the freedom he desire, though he quickly finds out that he can’t trust those around him completely, I was glad that he was able to go and look for Rafe when he knew there was something wrong, even if he didn’t know who or what he was looking for.
This story was mostly Lyle trying to and gaining his freedom but then realizing it isn’t quite what he wanted either. I hated that this was also at the expense of Randy’s mother, though she brought it upon herself, I can’t believe that Randy’s father Henry stayed with such a manipulative person. I am glad that Lyle found what he thought Randy was and was able to realize he was wrong before.
Once again I really like the cover art and it shows the perfect setting for the story.
A well written, well plotted, werewolf story – what a pleasant surprise this novel was. Before I read Wolf en Garde I bought and read Wolf WY, the opener for this series. I really liked the writing and enjoyed the romance and love story.
Although much of this novel is set in Washington DC, the family home in Wolf, Wyoming still features largely in the climax of this novel. Three years ago, Lyle, a young new werewolf shifter, made a mistake by challenging his father’s dominance, and by trying to steal his father’s new partner Randy. This cost Lyle his freedom, and almost his life, as he had to be ‘taught’ to behave by the mysterious Committee that governs werewolves and their behaviour.
Now reunited with his family, Lyle is sick to death of watching his father love the man that he had wanted. So, while on a family trip to D.C. to see Randy’s wealthy family, Lyle accepts an offer to leave Wolf, WY behind and see what life in Washington, D.C. can do for him instead. Before his family returns to Wolf, Lyle takes several night runs as a wolf, against his father’s explicit orders. During his first run, Lyle comes across a seductive, attractive stranger, Arius, with a fascinating yet terrifying view of humanity. Lyle knows this is against all he’s been taught, which makes him even more intrigued.
Arius manages to hold such sway over Lyle so easily because the latter is acting out against parental authority and rebelling. He has this amazing power, and yet his father and a committee’s rules and regulations restrict him. Additionally, Lyle considers himself in love, and yet Randy, the object of his affections, chooses his father over him. The humiliation is too much for Lyle’s youthful view of himself.
My main complaint about this novel would be that the scene setting and motivational exposition goes on too long. I was a quarter of the way through the book and I still had no idea where it was going, and I had an intense dislike for Lyle. However, after a very hot sex scene, and several nights of Arius expounding on his fascist ideals, he eventually realises that Arius isn't just playing games. When Lyle runs across a secret in Arius' lair it changes Lyle and his life radically and leaves him no choice but to flee, even knowing his actions will enrage Arius.
On the run, with only a psychic's second sight and his own instinct to help him, Lyle has nowhere to go but home - to Wolf. Behind him, he leaves Randy’s parents and a situation that will bring sadness and danger to not only his family, but Randy’s as well. I have to mention here that rarely have I disliked a character as much as I disliked Randy’s mother.
Apart from my concerns regarding the first part of the novel, I really liked this take on the werewolf and paranormal myths. I haven't expounded too much on the backstory regarding the committee and Arius' hatred of humans because this novel progresses that story very little. Anything new the reader can glean comes from dialogue and half-heard conversations. I hope there is more to come in this series because the author has set up an intriguing world to explore.
There is a strong romantic element in the story, but it is difficult to go into it without introducing spoilers that might ruin a new reader’s enjoyment. The romance...
Oh my GOSH…this one was so different from the first book. This author friggin AMAZES me!! It’s uncanny how you can take essentially the same elements from book 1 of a series and make another book so completely different and fresh. I was engrossed throughout the entirety of the story. I kept feeling like it was going one way but that particular way was cold and unsatisfying. Then, WHAM…complete turn of events and we get the warm fluttery feelings, butterflies, and real passionate lust. Ahhhhh….this book was incredible.
Lyle is still pretty angry. He still harbors great resentment towards his dad and he believes himself to still have feelings towards Randy. In a new city Lyle meets a man that fascinates and disturbs him. Conflicted and in lust Lyle finds himself in over his head.
Circumstances arise that have Lyle fleeing his new city and back in the comforting arms of his father, Vaughn. There’s a new love, true love and hope in Lyle’s future but first he has to settle the danger he was running from.
There were so many interesting facets to the story and even though my review is quite vague I hope I capture how fascinating this author is at story telling.
I did feel the story was a little slow at the beginning, simply due to needing to set up for what was to come. The information we got was definitely a necessity. But once it got going it was a nonstop thrill ride full of danger, mystery, magic, passion, lust, and love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was so unique and incredibly clever. This is not a standalone, however. I think if someone started with book 2, they’d be incredibly lost. So get book 1 and enjoy….
Absolutely recommend.
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Oh my gosh, this book. I love it when an author only gets better through a series, and these books are an excellent example of this. My review of the first book in the series, Wolf, WY, was that it was a 4 out of 5, a pretty good book indeed. This one? 5 out of 5, and with good reason. All the issues and concerns that I had by the end of the first book were addressed to my satisfaction in the first few chapters of this one, making Wolf, WY that much more of a satisfying story.
Wolf, en Garde takes up the story of Lyle, a werewolf fighting his way through a difficult time in his life. As he goes off to the big city he finds excitement and some very nasty surprises. I love the fact that although Lyle goes from an initially annoying and petulant character to a sympathetic one by the end of the book, you can always see where he is coming from and what is motivating him.
The plot twists here are great fun, with shifting alliances and shadowy hints of people knowing more than they should. Even better, Henley takes the cozy setting of Wolf, Wyoming from the first book and expands it out bit by bit with some excellent world building, showing where werewolves (and other beings) fit in modern society and suggesting even greater manipulating forces that the characters still don't know about. The slow reveal makes for a great read, though. After a slow buildup, the last part of the book is a hell of a ride!
This book obviously leads directly into the next in the series, Wolf, in League. I will be starting in on that immediately! I definitely recommend the whole series.
I have to say that I honestly likes this book better then the first. There is just something special about Lyle that I liked in the first book and now that the second book is primarily about him and I was able to get to know his character better, he is still my favorite.
I think that as far as Lyle is concerned, he has always felt inferior to his father the alpha of their pack. I think that he did not feel that he measured up to his father and his fathers expectations and so he was always questioning himself. That made it extremely difficult to not make the wrong choices in his life. And some of those choices including getting mixed up with a crazy vampire that played him and almost cost him everything.
But I believe that Lyle has to take all these paths to lead him to the path that was right. It led him to his future and to the one he was destined to be with all along. I also believe that if he has not taken the oath that he had he would not have realized his self worth and that he is his fathers son so therefore he is strong and capable and worthy. I also believe that by him taking the hard oath he learned some valuable lessons along the way and in return taught his father and family some also.
Very good book and I know that this is not the end. I for one cannot wait to read the next book in thee series to see how everything turns out.
Was given this book for free by inked rainbow reads for an honest review
This is book two, and even though this starts three years after book one, I would suggest to read in order. All the same players are involved even the big bad vamp, from D.C.
We start in the airport, all the family is on the way to visit Randy’s family in D.C. Lyle is back from his training, camp, attitude adjustment, whatever you want to call it. Problem is on the outside he seems to be better at controlling his feelings, but on the inside we find that he’s still dealing with the fact that the one person he has always wanted picked someone else.
As the family reunite Lyle finds himself a different outlet for this anger, problem is, that outlet happens to be the vampire that we were introduced to in book one. Not the friendliest of guys.
This books has so many layers, I’ve no idea how this author made them all come together, but they did and it worked brilliantly. Lyle, the Vamps, the mother, Randy, the friends. wow!
As Lyle runs amuck around D.C. Randy and the family play house, until we can no longer hide the secrets and all hell breaks lose.
Luckily, when it hits the fan, family that plays together, stays together and win the battle for another day. I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review by Crystals Many reviewers
Wolf, en Garde by A.F. Henley is the second book in the Wolf series. This one is the story of Lyle. We met him in the first book as an emerging Alpha in his father's pack. This one he has grown up a little still has some issues but he is slowly coming into his own. I liked his progression. I feel as though the author has met some pretty angsty teens and seen them grow up enough to become men. Lyle has moved to Washington D.C. He is a bit stuck on Randy still and really needs to get over the mate he will never have. He goes looking for love in all the wrong places at first. Rafe turns out to be a man that Lyle saves. But can Lyle let go of the trouble he is in to see what Rafe could be to him. This second book is very complicated to me. I like a straight forward storyline this one has twists and turns that will keep you guessing. I did like the introduction of vampires and what they mean to this world. I feel there is tons going on, and it is a must read in the series. I cannot wait for more. I really am in love with The Wolf series and cannot wait for more books to come out in it.
3.5 Stars. I enjoyed the coming of age aspects of this book and I enjoyed the intrigue. However, I never really felt like I got to know the love interest and the romance was very superficial. I also wasn't quite sure why Lyle was still consumed with jealously over Vaughn and Randy after three years. It seemed a bit weird to me.