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Truckee Wolves #1
Toxic
There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It’s the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he’s ever scented in his life. That’s a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can’t live with it, and Briony can’t live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the dumpster near Briony’s clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he’s ever scented in his life. That’s a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can’t live with it, and Briony can’t live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the dumpster near Briony’s clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
58 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Belinda McBride
65 books403 followersBelinda is an award-winning, top selling author of erotic romance, speculative fiction and LGBTQ romance. She lives in far Northern California with her family and a pack of Siberian Huskies.
A graduate of CSU Chico, she managed to attend the notorious party school without once getting drunk, arrested or appearing in a "Girls Gone Wild" video. Her main focus of study was classical and archival history, cultural anthropology and
theatre arts.
A graduate of CSU Chico, she managed to attend the notorious party school without once getting drunk, arrested or appearing in a "Girls Gone Wild" video. Her main focus of study was classical and archival history, cultural anthropology and
theatre arts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 15, 2013
**** Sex and Chocolate****
Ranger Rico has the hots for the local vet Briony. She's extra curvy and smells deliciously of chocolare. He would love to taste her, but his werewolf pack has warned him not to mate with humans. Sex with human females is alright, but Rico knows if he ever gets a taste, he will only want more of Briony.
Briony
Briony is a special woman. She has the abnormal ability to sooth animals with her touch and her calming spirit. It also effects wolves and shifters. Briony has been crazy for Ranger Rico since meeting him. But she's got an extra secret love for chocolate. Well chocolate is toxic to canines so when Rico's wolf gets into Bree's chocolate stash, things get out of control!!
Ranger Rico
Rico and Briony's book felt like the beginning of a series, and their love story was sacrificed to world building and the introduction of secondary characters. More time was dedicated to members of Rico's Pack, than was spent with Bree and Rico. We met the sexy as hell, pack alpha, Chase. He is a complex man, filled with supernatural alpha powers. I fell in love with his beta, Sage, who is more animal than human. I would love to read about these men finding love. There are also met a few timid female pack members that were rescued from abuse so severe, that they prefer to remain in wolf form.
This would make a wonderful beginning to a series, but as a stand alone, it fell short. And this is only due to to amount of time given to the secondary characters. The secondary characters were complex and vivid. I hope that Belinda McBride develops the Truckee Wolves into a series. I would definitely read more about this pack.
3.5 Stars!!
ARC received from Netgalley
Ranger Rico has the hots for the local vet Briony. She's extra curvy and smells deliciously of chocolare. He would love to taste her, but his werewolf pack has warned him not to mate with humans. Sex with human females is alright, but Rico knows if he ever gets a taste, he will only want more of Briony.
Briony
Briony is a special woman. She has the abnormal ability to sooth animals with her touch and her calming spirit. It also effects wolves and shifters. Briony has been crazy for Ranger Rico since meeting him. But she's got an extra secret love for chocolate. Well chocolate is toxic to canines so when Rico's wolf gets into Bree's chocolate stash, things get out of control!!
Ranger Rico
Rico and Briony's book felt like the beginning of a series, and their love story was sacrificed to world building and the introduction of secondary characters. More time was dedicated to members of Rico's Pack, than was spent with Bree and Rico. We met the sexy as hell, pack alpha, Chase. He is a complex man, filled with supernatural alpha powers. I fell in love with his beta, Sage, who is more animal than human. I would love to read about these men finding love. There are also met a few timid female pack members that were rescued from abuse so severe, that they prefer to remain in wolf form.
This would make a wonderful beginning to a series, but as a stand alone, it fell short. And this is only due to to amount of time given to the secondary characters. The secondary characters were complex and vivid. I hope that Belinda McBride develops the Truckee Wolves into a series. I would definitely read more about this pack.
3.5 Stars!!
ARC received from Netgalley
June 11, 2013
The blurb for this book gave me such a good laugh (and a WTF moment) that I just had to read it. Call me crazy -- no seriously. It's fine, I don't mind.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for a black woman on the cover, in spite of a truly wacko summary. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book blew my mind on many levels.
I read it in an evening and I'm almost at a loss to describe it. This was ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.
I feel like Stefan from the SNL skit when I tell you this book has everything: werewolves, trannies, a secret nefarious organization testing on people with special powers, romance, violence, cute puppies, oh, and chocolate. Plenty of chocolate. The story wanted very badly to be something it wasn't, sort of like a kid dressing up in her mom's clothes and jewelry. It wanted to be something akin to Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, but not enough time is spent on each of the many plot lines, and there are so many different story threads being woven that the author just couldn't keep up with them. Scenes felt abrupt and moved so quickly, chunks of time went MIA, characters weren't really developed, they were just described.
However, there were actually moments of very clear and quite lovely storytelling (which is why I can't quite give it a 1). Unfortunately, those moments were marred with exposition and infodump on a level I've never quite seen before. This purports to be the first book of a series, however, so much back story was crammed in with characters you never even meet that it felt like a recap of two or three books that didn't actually come before it. There is a prologue which hints at danger that doesn't actually pan out; a shady organization with eyes everywhere that doesn't actually ever show up; an instalove relationship, the build-up of which we never see - we just get a declaration of love and an immediate lifetime committment. No one really falls in love. Toss in a badass mom, a sensitive psychic, a rage-filled werewolf, some extra-light BDSM and a whole lot more and you have quite a tale indeed. My mouth was kind of hanging open at certain parts of this is wonderment. Which is why, while I cannot recommend this book to anyone, I perversely want to read the next in the series. Or is that just the cray-cray talking?
Maybe I'm just a sucker for a black woman on the cover, in spite of a truly wacko summary. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book blew my mind on many levels.
I read it in an evening and I'm almost at a loss to describe it. This was ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.
I feel like Stefan from the SNL skit when I tell you this book has everything: werewolves, trannies, a secret nefarious organization testing on people with special powers, romance, violence, cute puppies, oh, and chocolate. Plenty of chocolate. The story wanted very badly to be something it wasn't, sort of like a kid dressing up in her mom's clothes and jewelry. It wanted to be something akin to Nalini Singh's Psy-Changeling series, but not enough time is spent on each of the many plot lines, and there are so many different story threads being woven that the author just couldn't keep up with them. Scenes felt abrupt and moved so quickly, chunks of time went MIA, characters weren't really developed, they were just described.
However, there were actually moments of very clear and quite lovely storytelling (which is why I can't quite give it a 1). Unfortunately, those moments were marred with exposition and infodump on a level I've never quite seen before. This purports to be the first book of a series, however, so much back story was crammed in with characters you never even meet that it felt like a recap of two or three books that didn't actually come before it. There is a prologue which hints at danger that doesn't actually pan out; a shady organization with eyes everywhere that doesn't actually ever show up; an instalove relationship, the build-up of which we never see - we just get a declaration of love and an immediate lifetime committment. No one really falls in love. Toss in a badass mom, a sensitive psychic, a rage-filled werewolf, some extra-light BDSM and a whole lot more and you have quite a tale indeed. My mouth was kind of hanging open at certain parts of this is wonderment. Which is why, while I cannot recommend this book to anyone, I perversely want to read the next in the series. Or is that just the cray-cray talking?
October 16, 2014
Belinda McBride – Toxic –Truckee Wolves 01
This an excellent paranormal read with a plot well balanced between action and romance. [Although this is listed as the first of the Truckee Pack books they have appeared in two previous short stories. They have a cameo in Educating Evangeline from Doms of Dark Haven and Hunting Holly from Doms of Dark Haven 2 is centered on three members of the Truckee pack. Chronologically it appears that Toxic takes place between the two short stories.] Some serious world building goes on as we see the pack up close for the first time.
The hero is Rico, a ranger, wildlife biologist, volunteer at the Wildlife Sanctuary, wolf shifter and a member of the Truckee pack. Of course he has issues [who doesn’t?] partly due to being raised by humans with no knowledge of shifters, and partly due to his intense attraction to the heroine, Dr. Briony Theale, a vet who also volunteers at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Biggest issue? He’s obsessed with the little human who smells and tastes like chocolate, and chocolate is very, very bad for dogs…
The heroine is Briony the vet. She lusts after the hunky ranger but knows he’ll never be interested in her. After all, she’s the poster child for ethnic diversity and her chocolate addiction has given her some serious curves. And that’s without including her dangerous family and their even more dangerous secrets. And then he kisses her.
Deciding the first step in pursuing Rick is losing the chocolate she tosses it. Rick [in wolf form] ends up eating the chocolate, triggering a major case of chocolate toxicosis. Briony takes in the obviously ill huge black dog [who really looks like a wolf but everyone knows there aren’t any wolves in California] and cares for him. Rick eventually shifts and takes her and marks her – then runs off into the night still half-crazed and seriously ill. Briony eventually wakes up from what she thinks was a really hot dream to find the marks, but no Rick and no sick dog. Could the shifting thing be real?
Now things get even more complicated, she’s kidnapped and threatened by the pack [they think she had something to do with Rick’s disappearance] and her mother steps in to find her daughter. One woman against an entire pack of wolves? Put your money on mom…
The mom is really what put this story over the top for me. There’s nothing I can say that wouldn’t be a spoiler so I’ll just leave it but I can’t wait to hear more. There are depths to be examined and future possibilities that have been hinted at. Blatant hint to author: hope she gets her own story!
Rico and Briony resolve their story but the author has laid down many threads for possible future stories.
According to the author’s site a related story ‘Cry, Wolf’ is scheduled…
I will definitely continue to pursue this series.
I received this ARC from NetGalley…
This an excellent paranormal read with a plot well balanced between action and romance. [Although this is listed as the first of the Truckee Pack books they have appeared in two previous short stories. They have a cameo in Educating Evangeline from Doms of Dark Haven and Hunting Holly from Doms of Dark Haven 2 is centered on three members of the Truckee pack. Chronologically it appears that Toxic takes place between the two short stories.] Some serious world building goes on as we see the pack up close for the first time.
The hero is Rico, a ranger, wildlife biologist, volunteer at the Wildlife Sanctuary, wolf shifter and a member of the Truckee pack. Of course he has issues [who doesn’t?] partly due to being raised by humans with no knowledge of shifters, and partly due to his intense attraction to the heroine, Dr. Briony Theale, a vet who also volunteers at the Wildlife Sanctuary. Biggest issue? He’s obsessed with the little human who smells and tastes like chocolate, and chocolate is very, very bad for dogs…
The heroine is Briony the vet. She lusts after the hunky ranger but knows he’ll never be interested in her. After all, she’s the poster child for ethnic diversity and her chocolate addiction has given her some serious curves. And that’s without including her dangerous family and their even more dangerous secrets. And then he kisses her.
Deciding the first step in pursuing Rick is losing the chocolate she tosses it. Rick [in wolf form] ends up eating the chocolate, triggering a major case of chocolate toxicosis. Briony takes in the obviously ill huge black dog [who really looks like a wolf but everyone knows there aren’t any wolves in California] and cares for him. Rick eventually shifts and takes her and marks her – then runs off into the night still half-crazed and seriously ill. Briony eventually wakes up from what she thinks was a really hot dream to find the marks, but no Rick and no sick dog. Could the shifting thing be real?
Now things get even more complicated, she’s kidnapped and threatened by the pack [they think she had something to do with Rick’s disappearance] and her mother steps in to find her daughter. One woman against an entire pack of wolves? Put your money on mom…
The mom is really what put this story over the top for me. There’s nothing I can say that wouldn’t be a spoiler so I’ll just leave it but I can’t wait to hear more. There are depths to be examined and future possibilities that have been hinted at. Blatant hint to author: hope she gets her own story!
Rico and Briony resolve their story but the author has laid down many threads for possible future stories.
According to the author’s site a related story ‘Cry, Wolf’ is scheduled…
I will definitely continue to pursue this series.
I received this ARC from NetGalley…
December 9, 2015
From what I gathered here on GR, this is a short story that has been sold by the author (yay!) and made into a novel(la).
This might explain why the book felt at times unpolished, at time incomplete. It mustn't be easy to move from one "size" to an other. There are things to add, to change, maybe to delete.
I can say this novelette (too short to be called a full novel) has potential. It shows us hints of interesting characters and plot. At the moment I can't say they are more than this: hints. But I admit that I wished they would have been more than a sketch...
There's no world-building to talk of, likewise reaction were unrealistic. No surprise or shock at shifters, no rage at being kidnapped on threat of death. As I said sketches with little or no perspective.
Kudos to the author for the unusual mom. I really wished there was more of her.
Rather than a PNR, Toxic would have made a very interesting UF. At the moment is unsure of what it is: it has a bit of all. PNR, UF, Erotica.
As a fellow reader has better said:
Still, there's enough of interesting to keep an eye in this series and see if it improves.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
This might explain why the book felt at times unpolished, at time incomplete. It mustn't be easy to move from one "size" to an other. There are things to add, to change, maybe to delete.
I can say this novelette (too short to be called a full novel) has potential. It shows us hints of interesting characters and plot. At the moment I can't say they are more than this: hints. But I admit that I wished they would have been more than a sketch...
There's no world-building to talk of, likewise reaction were unrealistic. No surprise or shock at shifters, no rage at being kidnapped on threat of death. As I said sketches with little or no perspective.
Kudos to the author for the unusual mom. I really wished there was more of her.
Rather than a PNR, Toxic would have made a very interesting UF. At the moment is unsure of what it is: it has a bit of all. PNR, UF, Erotica.
As a fellow reader has better said:
There is a prologue which hints at danger that doesn't actually pan out; a shady organization with eyes everywhere that doesn't actually ever show up; an instalove relationship, the build-up of which we never see - we just get a declaration of love and an immediate lifetime committment. No one really falls in love. Toss in a badass mom, a sensitive psychic, a rage-filled werewolf, some extra-light BDSM and a whole lot more and you have quite a tale indeed.
Lesley: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Still, there's enough of interesting to keep an eye in this series and see if it improves.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
June 27, 2013
This novella started with a clever concept, and one that I hadn’t encountered in a shifter story before. Being a science geek, I really enjoyed the author’s tie in of theobromine poisoning from chocolate being the one thing that both drew and deterred Roco in his romancing Briony.
Unfortunately, there were only moments of that unique story contained in these pages: long passages of infodump, several characters introduced without a real defined purpose and an overall lack of character development in more than a cursory way that none were particularly empathetic or interesting.
The blurb states that this is a reworked and expanded short story: while that may be true in length, the integral elements that created the world, made characters believable and built the tension into moments that drew me in and wanted a solution were missing, sadly. McBride has some lovely moments of storytelling: the skill is apparent, and the story is unique with characters that are unique in this genre, but the misses in this book were too great for me to be interested in further exploration of this story.
I received an eBook from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Unfortunately, there were only moments of that unique story contained in these pages: long passages of infodump, several characters introduced without a real defined purpose and an overall lack of character development in more than a cursory way that none were particularly empathetic or interesting.
The blurb states that this is a reworked and expanded short story: while that may be true in length, the integral elements that created the world, made characters believable and built the tension into moments that drew me in and wanted a solution were missing, sadly. McBride has some lovely moments of storytelling: the skill is apparent, and the story is unique with characters that are unique in this genre, but the misses in this book were too great for me to be interested in further exploration of this story.
I received an eBook from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Read
December 3, 2012This book is now out of print but due to demand, I'll be expanding it substantially for future re-release. It'll either go to Loose Id or will be self-pubbed. I'll update as soon as I know more. :)
UPDATE: Toxic has been accepted by Loose Id. It will be greatly expanded and revised to a novel length.
Belinda
UPDATE: Toxic has been accepted by Loose Id. It will be greatly expanded and revised to a novel length.
Belinda
February 11, 2015
It's rare that I give 4 stars to a novella, especially when it's PNR. But there was so much that I enjoyed about this revised edition of Toxic, starting w/ the luscious hero (or rather, his wolf) who is so infatuated w/ the chocolatey smell of his mate that he forgets that chocolate is a major no-no for canines. Loved the MCs, loved the various secondary characters (especially Briony's mum!), and definitely loved the romance and the HOT! sexy times.
Even tho it's almost to be expected for a novella, lost a star due to less than substantial world-building, as well as sketchy references to common trope of secret military experiments. (TBT, for me, any references to genetic experiments, super-soldiers, traumatised females and such immediately invite comparisons to Lora Leigh's Breeds series.) Also, I found it distracting to have POVs beyond the MCs in a novella-length story; multiple POVs work better for me in a full-length novel with a more substantial plot.
Given the number of interesting characters introduced in Toxic, there's such potential for more stories in this series! If so, hopefully there will be more backstory re: Abraxas, the shadowy organisation involved in the illicit experiments, and how the various pack members came together. Frankly, I'm hoping that Ms. McBride will be inspired to focus on Sage. Or even Dionne. *grins* Oh, and what's the story w/ Kurt and Ethan?!
NB: Review of 2013 revised edition. This got lost in calibre due to being merged with the original 2009 story put out by Changeling Press. B/c of when I read the original version years ago, I didn't remember enough to notice what was different this time around. I also need to re-read the shorts in the 2 Doms of Dark Haven anthologies so to finally put everything in proper chrono order. :)
* Review copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley.
Even tho it's almost to be expected for a novella, lost a star due to less than substantial world-building, as well as sketchy references to common trope of secret military experiments. (TBT, for me, any references to genetic experiments, super-soldiers, traumatised females and such immediately invite comparisons to Lora Leigh's Breeds series.) Also, I found it distracting to have POVs beyond the MCs in a novella-length story; multiple POVs work better for me in a full-length novel with a more substantial plot.
Given the number of interesting characters introduced in Toxic, there's such potential for more stories in this series! If so, hopefully there will be more backstory re: Abraxas, the shadowy organisation involved in the illicit experiments, and how the various pack members came together. Frankly, I'm hoping that Ms. McBride will be inspired to focus on Sage. Or even Dionne. *grins* Oh, and what's the story w/ Kurt and Ethan?!
NB: Review of 2013 revised edition. This got lost in calibre due to being merged with the original 2009 story put out by Changeling Press. B/c of when I read the original version years ago, I didn't remember enough to notice what was different this time around. I also need to re-read the shorts in the 2 Doms of Dark Haven anthologies so to finally put everything in proper chrono order. :)
* Review copy provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley.
June 1, 2013
Another wonderful tale from the talented Ms. McBride. In Toxic, there are shifters, tampered humans and a mysterious nefarious corporation. This could be a simple tale of soul mates finding each other. Instead, in classic Ms. Bride style, the reader is treated to an interesting world with interesting characters.
Ms. McBride teases us with a little strip show as she stingily tosses us tidbits of this new world she's created. The reader learns a little about Abraxas. This group is after Briony and her brother, Kendall. What happen to these kids? The reader can make a few educated guess, but nothing is confirmed.
Ms. McBride adds in some shifters and great sexual tension. With a damaged pack, it seems Briony's little family will fill in the gaps. This is where Rico, the hunky wildlife ranger comes in. The surprising kinky interludes between Rico and Briony are smoking hot. Ms. McBride is a cock tease as she keeps hinting with more D/s scenes yet stops right before it is realized. She saucily builds up her secondary characters too. This little taste makes the readers hunger for more. It's a lovely set up for the next book in the series. Will it be focused on Briony's mother or brother? Or will the readers be treated to a hawt ménage between Rico's alpha, his beta Sage and Briony's mother? One can only hope.
This tale is a fast read keeping the reader turning page after page. There are more questions than answers at the end of this story. This smexy paranormal romance is recommended for kinky readers.
* Provided by Manic Readers
Ms. McBride teases us with a little strip show as she stingily tosses us tidbits of this new world she's created. The reader learns a little about Abraxas. This group is after Briony and her brother, Kendall. What happen to these kids? The reader can make a few educated guess, but nothing is confirmed.
Ms. McBride adds in some shifters and great sexual tension. With a damaged pack, it seems Briony's little family will fill in the gaps. This is where Rico, the hunky wildlife ranger comes in. The surprising kinky interludes between Rico and Briony are smoking hot. Ms. McBride is a cock tease as she keeps hinting with more D/s scenes yet stops right before it is realized. She saucily builds up her secondary characters too. This little taste makes the readers hunger for more. It's a lovely set up for the next book in the series. Will it be focused on Briony's mother or brother? Or will the readers be treated to a hawt ménage between Rico's alpha, his beta Sage and Briony's mother? One can only hope.
This tale is a fast read keeping the reader turning page after page. There are more questions than answers at the end of this story. This smexy paranormal romance is recommended for kinky readers.
* Provided by Manic Readers
Read
April 20, 2014I really REALLY liked this book. While Briony and Rico's relationship issues were fun and steamy, it was Chase and his utter weariness at trying to heal his pack that tangled me up. Throw in the damage Abraxas did to many of his other wolves and I was a puddly pile of hurt for them.
But this was still Briony and Rico's story, so let's get back to them.
First off, poor Rico. Gorging on chocolate in his wolf form and becoming vilely ill has to be pretty darn awful. Especially when the sexy vet doesn't know you're a man most of the time and has to take your temperature. YIKES! But Rico works through it and is able to introduce Briony to his animal side with a minimum of fuss. Until things go bad and he crashes and burns from his chocolate high, leaving Briony in the hands of his protective pack.
All things considered, Briony does handle the idea of werewolves among them pretty well. This is in part because of her own gifts and the way she was raised. Speaking of which, I totally felt for her mother. That lady gave up everything to protect her children and I totally respect that. Also, points to mama for caging wild Sage (*sniffle* poor Sage.) and making it very clear that she would do ANYTHING to make sure her children were safe.
Frankly, I am completely in love with the characters and the world that's been created here. All of them are a little left of center and they have some very bad people who want to drag them back into the fold. And I want to read all the stories and... and... MOAR PLEASE!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
But this was still Briony and Rico's story, so let's get back to them.
First off, poor Rico. Gorging on chocolate in his wolf form and becoming vilely ill has to be pretty darn awful. Especially when the sexy vet doesn't know you're a man most of the time and has to take your temperature. YIKES! But Rico works through it and is able to introduce Briony to his animal side with a minimum of fuss. Until things go bad and he crashes and burns from his chocolate high, leaving Briony in the hands of his protective pack.
All things considered, Briony does handle the idea of werewolves among them pretty well. This is in part because of her own gifts and the way she was raised. Speaking of which, I totally felt for her mother. That lady gave up everything to protect her children and I totally respect that. Also, points to mama for caging wild Sage (*sniffle* poor Sage.) and making it very clear that she would do ANYTHING to make sure her children were safe.
Frankly, I am completely in love with the characters and the world that's been created here. All of them are a little left of center and they have some very bad people who want to drag them back into the fold. And I want to read all the stories and... and... MOAR PLEASE!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
June 28, 2013
While this book has received mixed reviews, I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read, but it was fun and engaging. This book contained several aspects that I like, including a multicultural cast of characters and a strong female protagonist. Briony, a talented veterinarian with a gift for understanding and influencing emotions of animals, brings us into an action-packed tale when she falls for Rico, a man she does not know at the time is a werewolf. I also love the character of Dionne, Briony's smart and strong protective adoptive mother. This book is filled with werewolf pack dynamics, a plot by a mysterious evil corporation, as well as an acceptance for all in the diversity among the characters that makes us community. I also appreciated that Briony's curves were celebrated in the book. Finally we have curvy protagonist! I am sick of reading books with female lead characters having the thin body of a runway models. A little reality is nice. Finally, a big component of this book is the sexytimes between Briony and Rico. What's nice though, is there is an actual plot beyond the romance. My only gripe is how Briony immediately accepts the werewolf thing without batting an eye. Not exactly a realistic response. Ultimately the author builds enough depth to the characters that there's a lot of potential to continue this series, which hopefully she does.
*Book provided by Loose Id via NetGalley
*Book provided by Loose Id via NetGalley
February 29, 2016
Sometimes I don't know what makes me buy books that I suspect will disappoint me, I just do.
This author has entries in the Doms of Dark Haven anthologies, and those stories introduced some characters that I became interested in reading more about.
This book's H and h were just lukewarm though.
The H is a wolf shifter and the h is something psychic, I never really got what though, animals became calm around her. They have apparently lusted after each other for a while, but we never see that build-up, so it's pretty much insta-love IMO.
There is a threat from a secret, superpowerful organisation that experiments on, I don't really know, psychics and shifters maybe? They never make an appearance in the book, but are referred to throughout the story.
Many plots and stories that are never really explained and scenes that were cut short, I actually had to go back and check if I missed something some times. I can't say that I know the MCs better after finishing the book than after the first chapter, their characters weren't really developed. My interest in the characters that I initially was interested in has sadly increased though. The character that I really got interested in was the h's mother! Some kind of secret agent badass that is also... some kind of transgender person, I liked her.
If the series ever continue I will have to read it I'm afraid, IF those characters play leading roles. So I guess I will continue buying books that I suspect I will be disappointed in.
This author has entries in the Doms of Dark Haven anthologies, and those stories introduced some characters that I became interested in reading more about.
This book's H and h were just lukewarm though.
The H is a wolf shifter and the h is something psychic, I never really got what though, animals became calm around her. They have apparently lusted after each other for a while, but we never see that build-up, so it's pretty much insta-love IMO.
There is a threat from a secret, superpowerful organisation that experiments on, I don't really know, psychics and shifters maybe? They never make an appearance in the book, but are referred to throughout the story.
Many plots and stories that are never really explained and scenes that were cut short, I actually had to go back and check if I missed something some times. I can't say that I know the MCs better after finishing the book than after the first chapter, their characters weren't really developed. My interest in the characters that I initially was interested in has sadly increased though. The character that I really got interested in was the h's mother! Some kind of secret agent badass that is also... some kind of transgender person, I liked her.
If the series ever continue I will have to read it I'm afraid, IF those characters play leading roles. So I guess I will continue buying books that I suspect I will be disappointed in.
September 2, 2013
I liked the idea of this book more than the execution. The short length kept the book from fully developing the characters and the story. It was hard to see the couple as a couple as they hadn't spent more than one night dating before they jumped into bed and were mated.
I think there could have been more done with the couple if the story's focus hadn't shifted from the couple to the entire pack and it's background. Even worse, the circumstances of the pack and Briony's family being enemies with the same group was a little too coincidental.
This story needed more content, more character development and less side stories.
*review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for honest review
I think there could have been more done with the couple if the story's focus hadn't shifted from the couple to the entire pack and it's background. Even worse, the circumstances of the pack and Briony's family being enemies with the same group was a little too coincidental.
This story needed more content, more character development and less side stories.
*review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley for honest review
January 1, 2015
Toxic (Sex and Chocolate) by Belinda McBride, was a short and enjoyable novella. For me a three star read, mainly for length, lack of more info on Abraxas, more back-story and character development. There was no shortage of material in the story that could have been used to expand the books plot, and build more character development, adding to the characters differences, how they came together in the pack,and the mystery of the shadow group named Abraxas. The connection between Rico and Briony was rather instantaneous, and lust filled. Briony accepted that Rico was a wolf without second thought, and with very little surprise, this seemed a bit unrealistic to me, but didn't spoil the overall story for me.
Book provided by NetGalley, Loose Id publisher for an honest review
Book provided by NetGalley, Loose Id publisher for an honest review
March 19, 2014
Briony, a full-figured veterinarian, has a serious love for chocolate and the serious hots for sexy ranger Rico. Ranger Rico is wildly attracted to Briony who, to him, smells as good as chocolate. The problem is Rico is a wolf shifter and chocolate is toxic to canines. Chocolate toxicity becomes a problem that brings our vet and shifter ranger together, but as a result it sets off a whole world of problems for the two of them as well...
Read the full review at:Romance Between the Covers
Read the full review at:Romance Between the Covers
March 13, 2011
Another great one from Belinda McBride!
December 27, 2009
LOVED the characters..her addiction to chocolate is one I can relate to...love how it was incorporated into the story without overkill!
September 2, 2012
Quite enjoyed this book. Would have liked it more if it was a little longer.
Left me wondering about the heroines past. Who was her father? Will we ever find out?
Left me wondering about the heroines past. Who was her father? Will we ever find out?
August 10, 2013
Belinda McBride is one of my favorite authors, I discovered her casually, the plots and characters of her books are always open-minded and is one thing that I love about her, this new series has been a nice surprise. In Truckee Wolves are present beautiful werewolves, but not only that, this book brings to the life of this bunch, but are also among humans with special gifts and a secret organization that pursued both for its experiments.
The plot is well written and enjoyable read, with some episodes really very, very funny.
There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.
Briony and Rico are truly a beautiful couple, a good and explosive match in their chemistry. Thanks to the irony of MS. McBride you can't help but read their story with a smile between your lips.
I also like the Pack of wolves as a whole, its components and their story, a little different from the usual tales about werewolves. Even their Alpha is given a role a little more special than the other psranormal readings, he's the leader, but his job is to take care of others, protect them and succeed in solving all the big problems of werewolves persecuted by Abraxas. He is not only the law of the strongest then.
His beta Sage intrigued me a lot, always at the limit of loss of self-control, feared by everyone for his character, but loyal and a little mad.
What about the mother of Briony ... Her figure is for sure the cherry on the top of the cake in this book, mysterious, tough, thanks to her skills has been able to raise two children, protecting them from the organization that wanted the children for its experiments.
And in the end you discover many things about her and her being special.
Beautiful and amazing this book, I hope in a fast coming out of other books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loose Id LLC for the book
Rating: 4 stars
TITLE: Toxic
AUTHOR: Belinda McBride
SERIES: Truckee Wolves
PUBLISHER: Loose Id LLC
PUBLICATION DATE: aprile 23, 2013
Belinda McBride è una delle mie autrici preferite, scoperta da me per caso, le trame e i personaggi dei suoi libri sono sempre open-mind ed è una cosa che adoro, questa nuova serie è stata una bella sorpresa. In Truckee Wolves sono presenti i suoi bellissimi lupi mutaforma, ma non solo, questo libro ci introduce nella vita di questo branco, ma troviamo tra i protagonisti anche umani dotati di "capacità" speciali e un' organizzazione segreta che perseguita entrambi per compiere i suoi esperimenti.
La trama è ben scritta e la lettura piacevole, con alcuni episodi davvero molto, molto divertenti.
Ci sono tre cose che la Dsa Briony Theale ama: il suo lavoro di veterinaria, una buona barretta di buon cioccolato fondente e Rico il nuovo ranger del che lavora presso il centro Wildlife Rescue. Quando durante una cena occasionale con il misterioso Rico si trasforma inaspettatamente in qualcosa di più intimo, Briony capisce che dopo tutto potrebbe avere una chance con lui, se solo perdesse un po' di peso. È un enorme sacrificio, ma tutto di un botto la donna decide di farla finita col cioccolato.
Rico Montgomery ha perso la testa per Briony Sin dalla prima volta che ha posato il suo sguardo sulla piccola formosa dottoressa. I suoi capelli castani e la sua pelle dal colorito del cacao scatenano in lui un desiderio che riesce a malapena controllare e il suo profumo è quello del cioccolato più dolce che abbia mai percepito in vita sua. Cosa terribile per Rico, perchè per i licantropi come lui il cioccolato è una vera e propria tossina.
Rico non può vivere con esso e Briony non può viverne senza. E quando un certo lupo frugando tra la spazzatura vicino alla clinica trova una busta con del cioccolato, loro due scopriranno quanto l'amore può essere tossico.
Briony e Rico sono veramente una bella coppia, ben assortita ed esplosiva nella loro chimica. Oltre a questo grazie all'ironia di cui è dotata laMcBride non si può fare a meno di leggere la loro storia con un sorriso tra le labbra.
Mi piace anche il branco dei lupi nel suo insieme, i suoi componenti e la loro storia un po' diversa dai soliti branchi di licantropi. Anche alla figura dell'alfa viene dato un ruolo un po' più particolare rispetto alle altre letture paranormal, non è colui che comanda e basta, ma il suo compito è di prendersi cura degli altri, proteggerli e riuscire a risolvere tutti i grossi problemi dei licantropi perseguitati dalla Abraxas. Non è solo la legge del più forte quindi.
Il suo beta Sage mi ha intrigato parecchio, sempre al limite della perdita dell'autocontrollo, tenuto da tutti per il suo carattere infiammabile, ma leale e diretto.
Che dire poi della madre di Briony... La sua figura è un po' la ciliegina sulla torta di questo libro, misteriosa, tosta, grazie alle sue capacità è stata in grado di allevare due figli, proteggendoli dall'organizzazione che li avrebbe voluti utilizzare per i suoi esperimenti.
E nel finale si scoprono molte cose su di lei e il suo essere speciale.
Bello e sorprendente questo libro, spero che presto escano altri libri di questa serie.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Loose Id LLC per il libro
VOTO: 4 stelle
TITOLO: Toxic
AUTRICE: Belinda McBride
SERIE: Truckee Wolves
EDITORE: Loose Id LLC
DATA PUBBLICAZIONE: 23 aprile 2013
The plot is well written and enjoyable read, with some episodes really very, very funny.
There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.
Briony and Rico are truly a beautiful couple, a good and explosive match in their chemistry. Thanks to the irony of MS. McBride you can't help but read their story with a smile between your lips.
I also like the Pack of wolves as a whole, its components and their story, a little different from the usual tales about werewolves. Even their Alpha is given a role a little more special than the other psranormal readings, he's the leader, but his job is to take care of others, protect them and succeed in solving all the big problems of werewolves persecuted by Abraxas. He is not only the law of the strongest then.
His beta Sage intrigued me a lot, always at the limit of loss of self-control, feared by everyone for his character, but loyal and a little mad.
What about the mother of Briony ... Her figure is for sure the cherry on the top of the cake in this book, mysterious, tough, thanks to her skills has been able to raise two children, protecting them from the organization that wanted the children for its experiments.
And in the end you discover many things about her and her being special.
Beautiful and amazing this book, I hope in a fast coming out of other books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loose Id LLC for the book
Rating: 4 stars
TITLE: Toxic
AUTHOR: Belinda McBride
SERIES: Truckee Wolves
PUBLISHER: Loose Id LLC
PUBLICATION DATE: aprile 23, 2013
Belinda McBride è una delle mie autrici preferite, scoperta da me per caso, le trame e i personaggi dei suoi libri sono sempre open-mind ed è una cosa che adoro, questa nuova serie è stata una bella sorpresa. In Truckee Wolves sono presenti i suoi bellissimi lupi mutaforma, ma non solo, questo libro ci introduce nella vita di questo branco, ma troviamo tra i protagonisti anche umani dotati di "capacità" speciali e un' organizzazione segreta che perseguita entrambi per compiere i suoi esperimenti.
La trama è ben scritta e la lettura piacevole, con alcuni episodi davvero molto, molto divertenti.
Ci sono tre cose che la Dsa Briony Theale ama: il suo lavoro di veterinaria, una buona barretta di buon cioccolato fondente e Rico il nuovo ranger del che lavora presso il centro Wildlife Rescue. Quando durante una cena occasionale con il misterioso Rico si trasforma inaspettatamente in qualcosa di più intimo, Briony capisce che dopo tutto potrebbe avere una chance con lui, se solo perdesse un po' di peso. È un enorme sacrificio, ma tutto di un botto la donna decide di farla finita col cioccolato.
Rico Montgomery ha perso la testa per Briony Sin dalla prima volta che ha posato il suo sguardo sulla piccola formosa dottoressa. I suoi capelli castani e la sua pelle dal colorito del cacao scatenano in lui un desiderio che riesce a malapena controllare e il suo profumo è quello del cioccolato più dolce che abbia mai percepito in vita sua. Cosa terribile per Rico, perchè per i licantropi come lui il cioccolato è una vera e propria tossina.
Rico non può vivere con esso e Briony non può viverne senza. E quando un certo lupo frugando tra la spazzatura vicino alla clinica trova una busta con del cioccolato, loro due scopriranno quanto l'amore può essere tossico.
Briony e Rico sono veramente una bella coppia, ben assortita ed esplosiva nella loro chimica. Oltre a questo grazie all'ironia di cui è dotata laMcBride non si può fare a meno di leggere la loro storia con un sorriso tra le labbra.
Mi piace anche il branco dei lupi nel suo insieme, i suoi componenti e la loro storia un po' diversa dai soliti branchi di licantropi. Anche alla figura dell'alfa viene dato un ruolo un po' più particolare rispetto alle altre letture paranormal, non è colui che comanda e basta, ma il suo compito è di prendersi cura degli altri, proteggerli e riuscire a risolvere tutti i grossi problemi dei licantropi perseguitati dalla Abraxas. Non è solo la legge del più forte quindi.
Il suo beta Sage mi ha intrigato parecchio, sempre al limite della perdita dell'autocontrollo, tenuto da tutti per il suo carattere infiammabile, ma leale e diretto.
Che dire poi della madre di Briony... La sua figura è un po' la ciliegina sulla torta di questo libro, misteriosa, tosta, grazie alle sue capacità è stata in grado di allevare due figli, proteggendoli dall'organizzazione che li avrebbe voluti utilizzare per i suoi esperimenti.
E nel finale si scoprono molte cose su di lei e il suo essere speciale.
Bello e sorprendente questo libro, spero che presto escano altri libri di questa serie.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Loose Id LLC per il libro
VOTO: 4 stelle
TITOLO: Toxic
AUTRICE: Belinda McBride
SERIE: Truckee Wolves
EDITORE: Loose Id LLC
DATA PUBBLICAZIONE: 23 aprile 2013
August 10, 2013
Belinda McBride is one of my favorite authors, I discovered her casually, the plots and characters of her books are always open-minded and is one thing that I love about her, this new series has been a nice surprise. In Truckee Wolves are present beautiful werewolves, but not only that, this book brings to the life of this bunch, but are also among humans with special gifts and a secret organization that pursued both for its experiments.
The plot is well written and enjoyable read, with some episodes really very, very funny.
There are three things that Dr. Briony Theale loves. Her job as a veterinarian, a good bar of rich, dark chocolate, and Rico, the new ranger in charge of the Wildlife Rescue center. When a casual dinner with the mysterious Rico turns surprisingly intimate, Briony realizes that she might just have a chance with him after all, if only she could lose a few pounds. It's the ultimate sacrifice, but Briony goes cold turkey, and swears off chocolate forever.
Rico Montgomery fell hard for Briony the first time he set eyes on the curvy little doctor. Her brown hair and cocoa skin trigger cravings that he can barely control, and her fragrance is like the sweetest, richest chocolate he's ever scented in his life. That's a bad thing for Rico, because to a werewolf like him, chocolate is literally a toxin.
Rico can't live with it, and Briony can't live without it. And when a certain wandering wolf finds a bag of chocolate in the Dumpster near Briony's clinic, these two will find just how toxic love can be.
Briony and Rico are truly a beautiful couple, a good and explosive match in their chemistry. Thanks to the irony of MS. McBride you can't help but read their story with a smile between your lips.
I also like the Pack of wolves as a whole, its components and their story, a little different from the usual tales about werewolves. Even their Alpha is given a role a little more special than the other psranormal readings, he's the leader, but his job is to take care of others, protect them and succeed in solving all the big problems of werewolves persecuted by Abraxas. He is not only the law of the strongest then.
His beta Sage intrigued me a lot, always at the limit of loss of self-control, feared by everyone for his character, but loyal and a little mad.
What about the mother of Briony ... Her figure is for sure the cherry on the top of the cake in this book, mysterious, tough, thanks to her skills has been able to raise two children, protecting them from the organization that wanted the children for its experiments.
And in the end you discover many things about her and her being special.
Beautiful and amazing this book, I hope in a fast coming out of other books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Loose Id LLC for the book
Rating: 4 stars
TITLE: Sex and Chocolate: Toxic
AUTHOR: Belinda McBride
SERIES: Truckee Wolf
PUBLISHER: Loose Id LLC
PUBLICATION DATE: aprile 23, 2013
Belinda McBride è una delle mie autrici preferite, scoperta da me per caso, le trame e i personaggi dei suoi libri sono sempre open-mind ed è una cosa che adoro, questa nuova serie è stata una bella sorpresa. In Truckee Wolves sono presenti i suoi bellissimi lupi mutaforma, ma non solo, questo libro ci introduce nella vita di questo branco, ma troviamo tra i protagonisti anche umani dotati di "capacità" speciali e un' organizzazione segreta che perseguita entrambi per compiere i suoi esperimenti.
La trama è ben scritta e la lettura piacevole, con alcuni episodi davvero molto, molto divertenti.
Ci sono tre cose che la Dsa Briony Theale ama: il suo lavoro di veterinaria, una buona barretta di buon cioccolato fondente e Rico il nuovo ranger del che lavora presso il centro Wildlife Rescue. Quando durante una cena occasionale con il misterioso Rico si trasforma inaspettatamente in qualcosa di più intimo, Briony capisce che dopo tutto potrebbe avere una chance con lui, se solo perdesse un po' di peso. È un enorme sacrificio, ma tutto di un botto la donna decide di farla finita col cioccolato.
Rico Montgomery ha perso la testa per Briony Sin dalla prima volta che ha posato il suo sguardo sulla piccola formosa dottoressa. I suoi capelli castani e la sua pelle dal colorito del cacao scatenano in lui un desiderio che riesce a malapena controllare e il suo profumo è quello del cioccolato più dolce che abbia mai percepito in vita sua. Cosa terribile per Rico, perchè per i licantropi come lui il cioccolato è una vera e propria tossina.
Rico non può vivere con esso e Briony non può viverne senza. E quando un certo lupo frugando tra la spazzatura vicino alla clinica trova una busta con del cioccolato, loro due scopriranno quanto l'amore può essere tossico.
Briony e Rico sono veramente una bella coppia, ben assortita ed esplosiva nella loro chimica. Oltre a questo grazie all'ironia di cui è dotata laMcBride non si può fare a meno di leggere la loro storia con un sorriso tra le labbra.
Mi piace anche il branco dei lupi nel suo insieme, i suoi componenti e la loro storia un po' diversa dai soliti branchi di licantropi. Anche alla figura dell'alfa viene dato un ruolo un po' più particolare rispetto alle altre letture paranormal, non è colui che comanda e basta, ma il suo compito è di prendersi cura degli altri, proteggerli e riuscire a risolvere tutti i grossi problemi dei licantropi perseguitati dalla Abraxas. Non è solo la legge del più forte quindi.
Il suo beta Sage mi ha intrigato parecchio, sempre al limite della perdita dell'autocontrollo, tenuto da tutti per il suo carattere infiammabile, ma leale e diretto.
Che dire poi della madre di Briony... La sua figura è un po' la ciliegina sulla torta di questo libro, misteriosa, tosta, grazie alle sue capacità è stata in grado di allevare due figli, proteggendoli dall'organizzazione che li avrebbe voluti utilizzare per i suoi esperimenti.
E nel finale si scoprono molte cose su di lei e il suo essere speciale.
Bello e sorprendente questo libro, spero che presto escano altri libri di questa serie.
Si ringraziano Netgalley e la Loose Id LLC per il libro
VOTO: 4 stelle
TITOLO: Sex and Chocolate: Toxic
AUTRICE: Belinda McBride
SERIE: Truckee Wolf
EDITORE: Loose Id LLC
DATA PUBBLICAZIONE: 23 aprile 2013
January 24, 2024
Dangerous Habit!
This is an interracial, shifter romance novella! It wasn't just about sex and more sex as most shifter books are. Briony and Rico are the main characters who fall in love not knowing who the other is. He's a wolf shifter but I'm not sure who or what she is.
As interesting as the book was, the characters backstories were slim and the plot was underdeveloped. There were too many unanswered questions for me to be satisfied even though there's a Happily For Now! What was Abraxas and how were all the characters connected to it?
This book also introduced characters with no backstories. Still, I would love to read other books with them, especially Sage, Dionne, Chase and Kendall.
This is an interracial, shifter romance novella! It wasn't just about sex and more sex as most shifter books are. Briony and Rico are the main characters who fall in love not knowing who the other is. He's a wolf shifter but I'm not sure who or what she is.
As interesting as the book was, the characters backstories were slim and the plot was underdeveloped. There were too many unanswered questions for me to be satisfied even though there's a Happily For Now! What was Abraxas and how were all the characters connected to it?
This book also introduced characters with no backstories. Still, I would love to read other books with them, especially Sage, Dionne, Chase and Kendall.
September 20, 2021
The physical descriptions of the FMC Briony were a bit much (curvy, loves chocolate, etc) - it was thrown in our face so much throughout the novel. Character development and relationship wise, it was also just okay. There were so many new concepts and characters introduced with a lack of deep development or surprise on part of the main characters. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to root for or hate Chase and Sage throughout the book.
It was a confusing plot but the kinky smut and the world-building were okay and the couple ended up with their HEA.
It was a confusing plot but the kinky smut and the world-building were okay and the couple ended up with their HEA.
January 5, 2023
My favorite book.
I love this book so much I want more so I am waiting for the author to write more. I will waiting for more! I am a fan now. I can't wait , I am excited for more books. Her book is funny but touching. I enjoy reading this book and look forward for more about this pack and different love interest of these wolves. I want Sage to have a book and then Chase. For all happy reading😊!
I love this book so much I want more so I am waiting for the author to write more. I will waiting for more! I am a fan now. I can't wait , I am excited for more books. Her book is funny but touching. I enjoy reading this book and look forward for more about this pack and different love interest of these wolves. I want Sage to have a book and then Chase. For all happy reading😊!
February 2, 2025
Excellent novella, i wish I had known it existed before I read the Truckee Wolves stories in the Cherise Sinclair anthologies. Now I feel the need to find more of her stories, hopefully closer to this style - which I like better than her Arcadia series.
September 28, 2022
3.5 Stars.
March 29, 2024
What a captivating read!
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Execution 🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Storyline ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Execution 🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️🖋️
August 15, 2024
good but
The romance was kinda lacking but I liked the other plots elements. There were way too many points of view it got confusing, especially mid chapter splits
The romance was kinda lacking but I liked the other plots elements. There were way too many points of view it got confusing, especially mid chapter splits
August 22, 2016
“Do you understand what that is?”
“A marriage proposal?”
Shock registered on his face, followed by laughter. “Well, that’s sort of closing the barn door after the horses escaped! I tied you to me permanently, and now you’re talking marriage.”
This definitely have a different feel from what I am used to read, of shifters and supernatual. This book got my attention because it was recommended to me by a friend and from the way she told me I just can't help myself to read it.
Briony Theale loves nothing more than chocolate (kind of like me) but when Rico shows some interest in her Briony gives up her chocolate for a chance with the ranger because she believes herself to be too plump. How can anyone resist such temptation?
Wildlife Ranger Rico Montgomery is a very handsome man. He has had his sights set on Briony since the first time he smelled her. To him she smells sweet and just like chocolate. Unfortunately he can't see a future for them considering he is a werewolf. His wolf doesn't care. He tried to stay away from her even though he craves her like how much he craves chocolate.
When Rico kissed her Briony finally made up her mind and throw away all of her chocolate possession.
When Rico's wolf finds Briony's discarded chocolate he can't get enough and Rico finds himself in need of some care from the beautiful vet.
Briony is a great woman. She is strong, smart and can hold her own. I loved her interaction with the pack. Even when she faces the scariest men in the pack, she does not back down making Briony a great match for Rico. He is just as strong as Briony and is more than willing to fight for her even if that means fighting the pack.
Not only do the main characters tell their story but the secondary characters have things to say as well. I loved Briony's family. They add a great deal to this story and can stand toe to toe with the pack. I enjoyed seeing how the family and the pack handle each other. I cannot wait to see what is in store for them and the pack.
August 1, 2014
Veterinarian Briony has desired Rico since the very first time they met and unknown to her, the feelings are completely mutual. Heated passion and love lingers between them, but never have they crossed the line – until now. Rico, the wildlife ranger, finds himself ill after losing control of his wolf form and engulfing a large amount of chocolate. Only Briony can help him, but by pulling her into his world of shifters, there’s always dangerous risks.
I received this book via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks to Loose Id, LLC!
Whilst there’s nothing particularly new in the romance department, the story offers some entertaining situations and amusing moments. The added humour made me smile, yet I found the plot lacking in several places. Being a fairly short book, I found things were rushed too much. To put it simply; there was little build-up to the climax. There’s nothing like pure sexual tension between characters and the process of development. Rico and Briony were already in love, the only thing standing in the way was the issue Rico was a shifter and belonged to a protective pack. Overall, that problem was too easily solved, in my opinion. Indeed there was some conflict, but nothing was exciting, nothing made me worry about the couple, or my heart ache for them. It was apparent everything would just turn out perfect in the end.
Briony was a likeable woman, her instant acceptance of supernatural creatures not all too far-fetched. When there’s actual telepathy in the world, why limit what to believe in? She was respectfully open minded and strong enough to handle the truth. Rico, on the other hand, I couldn't help feeling undecided about. He didn't really push any buttons, even though I love possessive males. He just seemed flat. Of course, the sex was wild and the slight flare of bondage gave it more bite, but it was nothing too spectacular.
The rest of the characters definitely were interesting, Dionne especially. The mysterious, feisty and ass-kicking woman proved to be a real highlight of the story. I’d like to read more of her as it’s possible she could become a favourite character of mine. Perhaps she and Chase? Now that would be exciting!
The chocolate aspect interested me, as I was always fully aware that theobromine was a poisonous compound to dogs, however reading about the effects and possible dangers literally made me cringe and wish all chocolate away from my house (and my beloved dogs). It’s a scary thought, to think something so delicious could be so deadly.
There were some distracting elements intermingled with the story of Briony and Rico, namely the introduction of the other characters and the information about a government organisation experimenting on children. It was somewhat confusing, but would've been wonderful as a longer novel. I really hope this is the beginning of a series and we find out more about Abraxas.
Overall things needed to be fleshed out more, but it was a light and decent read.
© Red Lace 2013
I received this book via NetGalley for my honest review. Many thanks to Loose Id, LLC!
Whilst there’s nothing particularly new in the romance department, the story offers some entertaining situations and amusing moments. The added humour made me smile, yet I found the plot lacking in several places. Being a fairly short book, I found things were rushed too much. To put it simply; there was little build-up to the climax. There’s nothing like pure sexual tension between characters and the process of development. Rico and Briony were already in love, the only thing standing in the way was the issue Rico was a shifter and belonged to a protective pack. Overall, that problem was too easily solved, in my opinion. Indeed there was some conflict, but nothing was exciting, nothing made me worry about the couple, or my heart ache for them. It was apparent everything would just turn out perfect in the end.
Briony was a likeable woman, her instant acceptance of supernatural creatures not all too far-fetched. When there’s actual telepathy in the world, why limit what to believe in? She was respectfully open minded and strong enough to handle the truth. Rico, on the other hand, I couldn't help feeling undecided about. He didn't really push any buttons, even though I love possessive males. He just seemed flat. Of course, the sex was wild and the slight flare of bondage gave it more bite, but it was nothing too spectacular.
The rest of the characters definitely were interesting, Dionne especially. The mysterious, feisty and ass-kicking woman proved to be a real highlight of the story. I’d like to read more of her as it’s possible she could become a favourite character of mine. Perhaps she and Chase? Now that would be exciting!
The chocolate aspect interested me, as I was always fully aware that theobromine was a poisonous compound to dogs, however reading about the effects and possible dangers literally made me cringe and wish all chocolate away from my house (and my beloved dogs). It’s a scary thought, to think something so delicious could be so deadly.
There were some distracting elements intermingled with the story of Briony and Rico, namely the introduction of the other characters and the information about a government organisation experimenting on children. It was somewhat confusing, but would've been wonderful as a longer novel. I really hope this is the beginning of a series and we find out more about Abraxas.
Overall things needed to be fleshed out more, but it was a light and decent read.
© Red Lace 2013
December 11, 2013
I received a copy of the revised and re-edited version of Truckee Werewolves: Toxic from Netgalley and had forgotten what it was about other than it was a PNR, so I was quite surprised when it started and I found out our main character, Dionne, was a transgender individual. Not a problem for me, I've read a couple of books/series with transgender individuals, but not I think as a lead character. Well, that was in the prologue, and when chapter 1 starts we meet the real heroine of the story, Briony. I was kind of disappointed, but it sounds like Dionne will be a repeating character in the series. It also seemed like the story would have more suspense from what occurs in the prologue, but that dies down into more of a regular PNR to introduce the setting and characters to us. I believe there will be more suspense in future books.
The blurb gives you a good idea of Briony and Rico's story, but leaves out the fact that there is a mysterious organization who has been trying to breed super soldier using werewolves and Rico's pack is primarily formed from werewolves that have escaped and they have PTSD and physical issues. It appears that Briony and her brother Kendall, both of whom has special abilities but aren't weres, were also associated with the organization before their adopted father rescued them and gave them to Dionne to care for after his death.
Toxic, in it's revised form, seems to be the first book in the Truckee Werewolves series. It introduces us to the major players in the pack and incorporates some new members in this book which will give story opportunities for future books. I am definitely looking forward to more about Dionne and Sage and hope that the books focus on the entire pack structure as well as the couple of the book.
The reason I rated the book so highly is that I really enjoyed the characters, while Briony and Rico were fairly stock romance couple (nothing wrong with that), the secondary characters were unique. The intertwining history of the Theales (Briony's family) and the wolves with Abraxos (the evil organization) was intriguing and made me want to know more. The character of Wraith was, well, wraith like. More, more! I also wished the book was longer and that the next book was available because I wasn't satisfied, that definitely means I was into it. The writing really flowed and if there were any typos I was too busy reading to notice.
Coming from Loose ID, I thought this would be an erotic romance. Despite some light BDSM, I'd consider this more of a contemporary heat level PNR.
The blurb gives you a good idea of Briony and Rico's story, but leaves out the fact that there is a mysterious organization who has been trying to breed super soldier using werewolves and Rico's pack is primarily formed from werewolves that have escaped and they have PTSD and physical issues. It appears that Briony and her brother Kendall, both of whom has special abilities but aren't weres, were also associated with the organization before their adopted father rescued them and gave them to Dionne to care for after his death.
Toxic, in it's revised form, seems to be the first book in the Truckee Werewolves series. It introduces us to the major players in the pack and incorporates some new members in this book which will give story opportunities for future books. I am definitely looking forward to more about Dionne and Sage and hope that the books focus on the entire pack structure as well as the couple of the book.
The reason I rated the book so highly is that I really enjoyed the characters, while Briony and Rico were fairly stock romance couple (nothing wrong with that), the secondary characters were unique. The intertwining history of the Theales (Briony's family) and the wolves with Abraxos (the evil organization) was intriguing and made me want to know more. The character of Wraith was, well, wraith like. More, more! I also wished the book was longer and that the next book was available because I wasn't satisfied, that definitely means I was into it. The writing really flowed and if there were any typos I was too busy reading to notice.
Coming from Loose ID, I thought this would be an erotic romance. Despite some light BDSM, I'd consider this more of a contemporary heat level PNR.
October 30, 2013
This is a good if short read featuring werewolves and should appeal to lovers of shifter tales with a sexy edge to them. Definitely a romance but there's a pretty complex storyline running through it. Fans of paranormal tales should give this book a try.
This story centres around vet Bree and her intense fascination with local wildlife flanger Rico. Now Bree is no ordinary woman looking for love no, she's an unusual character with lots going on including her uncanny knack with animals. She's and her younger brother have been kept hidden by her adoptive mother Dionne for many years. Bree remembers little of her earlier life but realises the remarkable gifts that she and her brother possess should remain secret.
Ranger Rico is one sexy werewolf! He's had a mixed time as he's spent many years away from his pack when younger and sometimes feels more at home with humans and there is one human in particular that revs his engine. He's so attracted to the curvy Bree that his inner wolf sees her as his mate! Everything about her calls to him from her curvy body to her sublime smell and her way with animals has his own sitting up and taking notice.
After skirting around each other for months they eventually share a meal together but Rico just can't resist tasting the vet of his dreams, just one kiss he thinks but that won't be enough for man or wolf! Later that night Rico watches over her whilst in his wolf form but when he becomes violently ill Bree has to step in. Who could have thought that a simple case of food poisoning could change so much!
I really enjoyed this tale. It's hopefully part of a series as there is still so much left up in the air. Lots of interesting and diverse background characters that surely deserve their own books. A shadowy world involving government agencies and experimentation is touched on but the reader needs more information. It's an intriguing beginning but I would have liked more. Certainly it's an adult read as the central couple have quite kinky tastes but it's not so dirty that some readers would be put off.
So all in all an interesting beginning to a series. Lots of strong characters , creepy mysterious bad guys and romance. Just hope Ms McBride delivers with the follow up .
This story centres around vet Bree and her intense fascination with local wildlife flanger Rico. Now Bree is no ordinary woman looking for love no, she's an unusual character with lots going on including her uncanny knack with animals. She's and her younger brother have been kept hidden by her adoptive mother Dionne for many years. Bree remembers little of her earlier life but realises the remarkable gifts that she and her brother possess should remain secret.
Ranger Rico is one sexy werewolf! He's had a mixed time as he's spent many years away from his pack when younger and sometimes feels more at home with humans and there is one human in particular that revs his engine. He's so attracted to the curvy Bree that his inner wolf sees her as his mate! Everything about her calls to him from her curvy body to her sublime smell and her way with animals has his own sitting up and taking notice.
After skirting around each other for months they eventually share a meal together but Rico just can't resist tasting the vet of his dreams, just one kiss he thinks but that won't be enough for man or wolf! Later that night Rico watches over her whilst in his wolf form but when he becomes violently ill Bree has to step in. Who could have thought that a simple case of food poisoning could change so much!
I really enjoyed this tale. It's hopefully part of a series as there is still so much left up in the air. Lots of interesting and diverse background characters that surely deserve their own books. A shadowy world involving government agencies and experimentation is touched on but the reader needs more information. It's an intriguing beginning but I would have liked more. Certainly it's an adult read as the central couple have quite kinky tastes but it's not so dirty that some readers would be put off.
So all in all an interesting beginning to a series. Lots of strong characters , creepy mysterious bad guys and romance. Just hope Ms McBride delivers with the follow up .
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