What do you think?
Rate this book
Cascadia Wolves #1
Enforcer
Nina Reyes is a just barely reformed grifter who has left her past and her criminal record behind. That is until her brother shows up on her doorstep with some rogue werewolves out to kill him.Nina gets further drawn into the web of intrigue when Lex Warden, Cascadia Pack's Enforcer, comes to her for help and she ends up needing his protection.There are missing viral agents, the werewolf mafia, death threats, arson and a whole lot of scorching sex and acerbic wit between them.Welcome to the Northwest and Cascadia Pack.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2006
155 people are currently reading
3092 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Dane
112 books5,000 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
January 31, 2021
I had to skim the last 50%.
I wasn't really impressed with the tri-bonding thing, and the way the hero seemed to omit important information. I know this book is highly regarded for lovers of shifter romance but... *sigh* it's just not for me...
Rating: 1/5
I wasn't really impressed with the tri-bonding thing, and the way the hero seemed to omit important information. I know this book is highly regarded for lovers of shifter romance but... *sigh* it's just not for me...
Rating: 1/5
November 4, 2010
Hated it!
I don't think I've ever disliked a couple more and still finished their book. The heroine is self admittedly "snotty" and her being ignorant just for the sake of being ignorant got old pretty quick. The hero was completely powerless/spineless against the heroine's almost constant nastiness, except when he was forcing his sperm and brother on her, of course.
Which reminds me of the biggest reason I didn't like this story--the world building is repulsive. Sperm that causes a woman's DNA to change and form the mate bond without the heroines knowledge or consent and to top it off she's forced to have sex with another man or she'll go insane or die is just...wow. Sure, it's a great way to toss a threesome into your story for no other reason than to sex it up but coerced sex--even if it's by the circumstances the author created and not the characters--is almost always distasteful to me and this wasn't any exception.
But even though this one didn't work for me I'll still be reading the next few books in the series just because I've heard good things about it and I've enjoyed Lauren Dane's writing in the past.
I don't think I've ever disliked a couple more and still finished their book. The heroine is self admittedly "snotty" and her being ignorant just for the sake of being ignorant got old pretty quick. The hero was completely powerless/spineless against the heroine's almost constant nastiness, except when he was forcing his sperm and brother on her, of course.
Which reminds me of the biggest reason I didn't like this story--the world building is repulsive. Sperm that causes a woman's DNA to change and form the mate bond without the heroines knowledge or consent and to top it off she's forced to have sex with another man or she'll go insane or die is just...wow. Sure, it's a great way to toss a threesome into your story for no other reason than to sex it up but coerced sex--even if it's by the circumstances the author created and not the characters--is almost always distasteful to me and this wasn't any exception.
But even though this one didn't work for me I'll still be reading the next few books in the series just because I've heard good things about it and I've enjoyed Lauren Dane's writing in the past.
March 13, 2022
I feel bad for rating this book so low but the use of third person and the confusing plot/dialogue was not for me.
December 28, 2016
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
*ARC*
So, this is the type of review that this book whore hates to write, the bad one. I had such high hopes for Pack Enforcer, I love paranormal romance and I love shifter books but this one was such a disappointment. I wanted to slap Nina the entire book, she was bitter, nasty and judgmental to the point that she was as bad as the wolf she accused of being a bigot. There was not one redeeming quality to her character. Lex, for being the pack enforcer was weak. He allowed Nina to just be a total bitch to not just him but the Alpha as well as others in the pack, and her constant belittling and name calling (which I am all for a good funny sarcastic female but there is a line between being funny and being a mean bitch and she was way on the mean side) was disrespectful to Lex and the others in his pack. I am sorry but being a pack enforcer and second in command equals strength but he just didn’t show that. The plot was weak and just unlikable.
Am I being harsh in this review? Yes I can easily say that I am but I don’t mean any disrespect towards the author or fans of this book. This is my opinion and views and I really wish I would have loved it but sadly as you can tell that did not happen. Sadly this is one that I can’t recommend.
*ARC*
So, this is the type of review that this book whore hates to write, the bad one. I had such high hopes for Pack Enforcer, I love paranormal romance and I love shifter books but this one was such a disappointment. I wanted to slap Nina the entire book, she was bitter, nasty and judgmental to the point that she was as bad as the wolf she accused of being a bigot. There was not one redeeming quality to her character. Lex, for being the pack enforcer was weak. He allowed Nina to just be a total bitch to not just him but the Alpha as well as others in the pack, and her constant belittling and name calling (which I am all for a good funny sarcastic female but there is a line between being funny and being a mean bitch and she was way on the mean side) was disrespectful to Lex and the others in his pack. I am sorry but being a pack enforcer and second in command equals strength but he just didn’t show that. The plot was weak and just unlikable.
Am I being harsh in this review? Yes I can easily say that I am but I don’t mean any disrespect towards the author or fans of this book. This is my opinion and views and I really wish I would have loved it but sadly as you can tell that did not happen. Sadly this is one that I can’t recommend.
December 23, 2009
If you're simply looking for sexual tension leading to mindless smut, this is the book for you.
The writing quality in this book is poor, overall. While the characters seem to have the potential to be interesting, Dane fails to make them so through the tendency to tell the reader about them, instead of showing them to us through context of action and interaction. The info-dumps are, as a result, horrendous and bordering on tripe. Or Mary-Sue/Marty-Stu.
Also, while the concept of werewolves and humans coexisting in the world is intriguing -- despite having been done -- Dane fails to make her world-building aspects engaging. Especially when all of the sudden her female lead must fuck her love interest's brother, because he's the Alpha of the pack and it's not enough that she has a bond with one wolf. She'll go CRAZY if she doesn't have TWO BONDS.
o.O But this bond thing, it's supposed to be unique and she's the One Woman for her love interest.
Excuse me while I go all wonky. *twitch twitch*
It was at this point, prior to an obvious menage/voyeur scenario that I stopped reading. There was no quality in the existing plot development or characters to make me care what happened next.
The writing quality in this book is poor, overall. While the characters seem to have the potential to be interesting, Dane fails to make them so through the tendency to tell the reader about them, instead of showing them to us through context of action and interaction. The info-dumps are, as a result, horrendous and bordering on tripe. Or Mary-Sue/Marty-Stu.
Also, while the concept of werewolves and humans coexisting in the world is intriguing -- despite having been done -- Dane fails to make her world-building aspects engaging. Especially when all of the sudden her female lead must fuck her love interest's brother, because he's the Alpha of the pack and it's not enough that she has a bond with one wolf. She'll go CRAZY if she doesn't have TWO BONDS.
o.O But this bond thing, it's supposed to be unique and she's the One Woman for her love interest.
Excuse me while I go all wonky. *twitch twitch*
It was at this point, prior to an obvious menage/voyeur scenario that I stopped reading. There was no quality in the existing plot development or characters to make me care what happened next.
October 19, 2015
Nina Reyes worked hard to get to where she is today. It took some not quite legit ways to get there but she has been on the straight and narrow since. Her brother though has continued on that fine line, especially once he was bitten by a werewolf. When he ends up in trouble again and seeks Nina's help, she finds herself being watched by the hottest wolf she has ever met.
Lex Warden is the enforcer of the Cascadia Pack, he is feared by all and always gets his way. Until he meets Nina, who looks like a spinster but after a most interesting encounter catches him off guard. Lex knows she is his mate, but if there is a woman who has proceed with caution written all over it, it is Nina.
Tempers flare, chemistry explodes, and a heck of a good time in reading a book ensues. I liked this one a lot, Nina is a firecracker and Lex although mighty, has fallen hard. Excellent read.
Lex Warden is the enforcer of the Cascadia Pack, he is feared by all and always gets his way. Until he meets Nina, who looks like a spinster but after a most interesting encounter catches him off guard. Lex knows she is his mate, but if there is a woman who has proceed with caution written all over it, it is Nina.
Tempers flare, chemistry explodes, and a heck of a good time in reading a book ensues. I liked this one a lot, Nina is a firecracker and Lex although mighty, has fallen hard. Excellent read.
December 13, 2016
ARC received for review
Re-print of Enforcer with new cover and new title. Nothing else has changed.
I first read this three years ago. It was just okay then, and with nothing extra added and nothing being changed....it's still just okay. That whole anchor one time sex with a family member of the male's family is just weird.
Re-print of Enforcer with new cover and new title. Nothing else has changed.
I first read this three years ago. It was just okay then, and with nothing extra added and nothing being changed....it's still just okay. That whole anchor one time sex with a family member of the male's family is just weird.
December 22, 2016
The new cover of this book is grand. Dane is a sexy writer who tells a good story and builds an intersting world.
However, this couple didn't do that much for me and therefore I couldn't settle into the book.
However, this couple didn't do that much for me and therefore I couldn't settle into the book.
January 10, 2011
Enforcer is the first book in Lauren Dane's Cascadia Wolves, a series surrounding the Warden family werewolf pack.
Nina Reyes has lead a tough life...Her parents die when she is a teenager, she gets stuck raising her younger brother, and ends up homeless.. all within a short time span. To survive, Nina turns to crime, more specifically, computer hacking, which she finds she is surprisingly good at. Despite her talent, Nina knows what she does is wrong, and vows to quit just as soon as she has enough money saved for her and her brother to get a fresh start in a new town. Unfortunately, her brother Ryan gets in with the wrong crowd and while at a bar one night, gets bit by a werewolf. Just when Nina thinks she can finally go on with her life, her brother shows up on her doorstep with rogue werewolves out to kill him. Once again, Nina vows to do whatever it takes to protect him.
Lex Warden is the enforcer and also second in command to one of the largest werewolf packs in the country. His reputation precedes him as being the most ruthless enforcer alive, and as such, is treated by fellow pack mates with the utmost respect. Lex suspects that Nina's brother is involved with rogue werewolves, and as his position dictates, sets off to question Ryan. Lex ends up on Nina's doorstep and is immediately taken aback. There is something about Nina that captures Lex's full attention, aside from the gun she so eloquently aims at his man goods. One thing leads to another, and the revelation that Nina is Lex's life mate becomes evident all too soon. Lex makes it his mission to claim Nina, in both body and soul.
I loved this book. Only 164 pages long, a lot smaller than what I normally read, Enforcer had all the elements of a 300 page book, minus the page after page of unnecessary back story and dialogue. For me, Nina is such a likeable character. She is smart, streetwise, sarcastic, and has a comeback for everything. Nina's term of endearment for her mate being Scooby is just one example of her "SmartAssery." Lex is the perfect match for her. He is strong, brave, and mostly stubborn, and combined with Nina's strong will make for some great reading entertainment, including extremely hot bedroom scenes. Did I mention really hot "in between the sheets" scenes? Whoa baby, and one scene in particular involving a bed, Nina, Lex, and a certain someone else left me with my mouth a gaping. One word....TRIBOND! {Hee, hee. You'll have to read to find out who the said third party is!!}This is such a fun book. Fan's of Larisa Ione and Kresley Cole will appreciate this series!
My only complaint with Enforcer is that the ending was too abrupt. I felt there should have been more resolution, especially since the events leading up to the ending were pretty intense. I guess I'll have to read book #2, Reluctant, to see what happens next.
Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Nina Reyes has lead a tough life...Her parents die when she is a teenager, she gets stuck raising her younger brother, and ends up homeless.. all within a short time span. To survive, Nina turns to crime, more specifically, computer hacking, which she finds she is surprisingly good at. Despite her talent, Nina knows what she does is wrong, and vows to quit just as soon as she has enough money saved for her and her brother to get a fresh start in a new town. Unfortunately, her brother Ryan gets in with the wrong crowd and while at a bar one night, gets bit by a werewolf. Just when Nina thinks she can finally go on with her life, her brother shows up on her doorstep with rogue werewolves out to kill him. Once again, Nina vows to do whatever it takes to protect him.
Lex Warden is the enforcer and also second in command to one of the largest werewolf packs in the country. His reputation precedes him as being the most ruthless enforcer alive, and as such, is treated by fellow pack mates with the utmost respect. Lex suspects that Nina's brother is involved with rogue werewolves, and as his position dictates, sets off to question Ryan. Lex ends up on Nina's doorstep and is immediately taken aback. There is something about Nina that captures Lex's full attention, aside from the gun she so eloquently aims at his man goods. One thing leads to another, and the revelation that Nina is Lex's life mate becomes evident all too soon. Lex makes it his mission to claim Nina, in both body and soul.
I loved this book. Only 164 pages long, a lot smaller than what I normally read, Enforcer had all the elements of a 300 page book, minus the page after page of unnecessary back story and dialogue. For me, Nina is such a likeable character. She is smart, streetwise, sarcastic, and has a comeback for everything. Nina's term of endearment for her mate being Scooby is just one example of her "SmartAssery." Lex is the perfect match for her. He is strong, brave, and mostly stubborn, and combined with Nina's strong will make for some great reading entertainment, including extremely hot bedroom scenes. Did I mention really hot "in between the sheets" scenes? Whoa baby, and one scene in particular involving a bed, Nina, Lex, and a certain someone else left me with my mouth a gaping. One word....TRIBOND! {Hee, hee. You'll have to read to find out who the said third party is!!}This is such a fun book. Fan's of Larisa Ione and Kresley Cole will appreciate this series!
My only complaint with Enforcer is that the ending was too abrupt. I felt there should have been more resolution, especially since the events leading up to the ending were pretty intense. I guess I'll have to read book #2, Reluctant, to see what happens next.
Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5
November 26, 2009
Super frustrated, I just wrote a review and dinky me deleted before submitting, which means I'll probably get this all wrong.
I've decided that, overall, there are 3 three basic types of shifter/werewolf erotica stories. 1) focuses on the "mine" mentality, 2) focuses on the share-with-the-pack mentality, and 3) combines both 1) and 2) and then steps further into bestiality. Thankfully this story did not pass 2), but that was still too much for me.
The characters were well developed and interesting, except for the villains. The bad guys were seriously underdeveloped. I would not normaly mention this considering the genre and ebook medium, but scenes were devoted to sole villain dalogue, which to me means that the villians should be better developed.
Also, there is a lot of sex in this book, much more than I would have thought possible for the length. But Dane manages to still pack a punch. I really liked the main characters but I think I will stay away from Dane's paranormal reads for now because I'm sick of erotic shifter stories higher than a 1). But I will try some of Dane's other fiction.
I've decided that, overall, there are 3 three basic types of shifter/werewolf erotica stories. 1) focuses on the "mine" mentality, 2) focuses on the share-with-the-pack mentality, and 3) combines both 1) and 2) and then steps further into bestiality. Thankfully this story did not pass 2), but that was still too much for me.
The characters were well developed and interesting, except for the villains. The bad guys were seriously underdeveloped. I would not normaly mention this considering the genre and ebook medium, but scenes were devoted to sole villain dalogue, which to me means that the villians should be better developed.
Also, there is a lot of sex in this book, much more than I would have thought possible for the length. But Dane manages to still pack a punch. I really liked the main characters but I think I will stay away from Dane's paranormal reads for now because I'm sick of erotic shifter stories higher than a 1). But I will try some of Dane's other fiction.
October 27, 2011
I’m halfway through the story, but I’m not sure if I can finish.
I read pass the part where she just had a ménage with the brothers. I have nothing against ménage scenes. In fact, I am intrigued by the reasoning of why she HAS to have sex with another wolf other than her mate, but everything leading up to it is what bothers me. First… Lex claims her by mating with her (without really telling her that was his intention), puts his super magical cum into her to alter her DNA, then later tells her that she HAS to fuck with another wolf to create a tri-bond so that if anything happens to her true mate, she won’t go crazy or want to die after him because their bond is sooooooo strong that she won’t be able to handle life without him… hence the reason why she HAS to have sex with another wolf so that the other wolf can anchor her.
But what bothers me more than Lex’s shady intention is the heroine’s attitude. In the beginning… it was almost refreshing to have a strong heroine stand up for herself when confronted by a stranger, but it got old fast. Between all the nasty name calling and the constant bitchiness, I just couldn’t bring myself to like her. And it just irritates me whenever Lex or Cade just “throws his head back and laugh” whenever she makes a mean comment (thinking it’s either cute or just proves that she’s their equal - WTF?).
Nothing really impressive about this story, so for now… I’m going to abandon this one. Too much on my “to be read” list that I’m not going to force this one on myself.
I read pass the part where she just had a ménage with the brothers. I have nothing against ménage scenes. In fact, I am intrigued by the reasoning of why she HAS to have sex with another wolf other than her mate, but everything leading up to it is what bothers me. First… Lex claims her by mating with her (without really telling her that was his intention), puts his super magical cum into her to alter her DNA, then later tells her that she HAS to fuck with another wolf to create a tri-bond so that if anything happens to her true mate, she won’t go crazy or want to die after him because their bond is sooooooo strong that she won’t be able to handle life without him… hence the reason why she HAS to have sex with another wolf so that the other wolf can anchor her.
But what bothers me more than Lex’s shady intention is the heroine’s attitude. In the beginning… it was almost refreshing to have a strong heroine stand up for herself when confronted by a stranger, but it got old fast. Between all the nasty name calling and the constant bitchiness, I just couldn’t bring myself to like her. And it just irritates me whenever Lex or Cade just “throws his head back and laugh” whenever she makes a mean comment (thinking it’s either cute or just proves that she’s their equal - WTF?).
Nothing really impressive about this story, so for now… I’m going to abandon this one. Too much on my “to be read” list that I’m not going to force this one on myself.
October 25, 2011
1 and 1/2 stars
The weakest of Ms Dane's book I read. She still goes for a plot and it is interesting enough, but then fails with the characters. The lead woman has a shady past that makes her distrustful, the lead man is second in a pack, an enforcer (aka law man). Interesting right? Lots of potential tension, right?
Nope. None. He lies to her more than once (by omission), let her almost get killed in a pack challenge, not once she reacts as you would expect or as she says she'll do. She kind of shrugs and get an ok, we'll deal attitude. Which might have been right, in a different character. Same with him. Meh.
The villains are barely present. This is werewolf mafia (wow) and what do they do? (I got no idea, you tell me :D)
The tribond, what can I say. It's forced, it's forced on us readers (it really doesn't have much sense except as a titillating menage, if you like them), it's forced on the heroine. All without adding anything to the story.
I'll see if the other books in the series sound better.
The weakest of Ms Dane's book I read. She still goes for a plot and it is interesting enough, but then fails with the characters. The lead woman has a shady past that makes her distrustful, the lead man is second in a pack, an enforcer (aka law man). Interesting right? Lots of potential tension, right?
Nope. None. He lies to her more than once (by omission), let her almost get killed in a pack challenge, not once she reacts as you would expect or as she says she'll do. She kind of shrugs and get an ok, we'll deal attitude. Which might have been right, in a different character. Same with him. Meh.
The villains are barely present. This is werewolf mafia (wow) and what do they do? (I got no idea, you tell me :D)
The tribond, what can I say. It's forced, it's forced on us readers (it really doesn't have much sense except as a titillating menage, if you like them), it's forced on the heroine. All without adding anything to the story.
I'll see if the other books in the series sound better.
April 9, 2017
Huge disappointment. I barely finished this.
April 13, 2017
Review written: January 5, 2017
Star Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Pack Enforcer is a re-release of a previously published book. The Cascadia Wolves series was also my introduction to Lauren Dane. I read excerpts years ago and was intrigued but never picked up the books to read. When I saw this (and Reluctant Mate) on Netgalley I couldn't resist.
First, this is early Lauren Dane. She is a much, much better writer now than this book suggests. But, the development of the strong sisterhoods and the erotic nature of her work are both here. I was less impressed with characterization and character development in Pack Enforcer than in her later books (The Hurley Boys series comes to mind).
I found the plot a bit simple and the issues facing the characters a bit hoky. There was too much fantasy and not enough realism for an urban fantasy/pnr type setting. When the police and arson investigator are involved there is a bit more that needs to happen than they show up whenever they feel like it to talk to law enforcement.
That said, I'm glad to be reading this series and I am hoping that they continue to be re-released. I'm sure I will get to see more of the evolution of Dane's style. That is a journey worth taking.
This review is ©January 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
Pack Enforcer is a re-release of a previously published book. The Cascadia Wolves series was also my introduction to Lauren Dane. I read excerpts years ago and was intrigued but never picked up the books to read. When I saw this (and Reluctant Mate) on Netgalley I couldn't resist.
First, this is early Lauren Dane. She is a much, much better writer now than this book suggests. But, the development of the strong sisterhoods and the erotic nature of her work are both here. I was less impressed with characterization and character development in Pack Enforcer than in her later books (The Hurley Boys series comes to mind).
I found the plot a bit simple and the issues facing the characters a bit hoky. There was too much fantasy and not enough realism for an urban fantasy/pnr type setting. When the police and arson investigator are involved there is a bit more that needs to happen than they show up whenever they feel like it to talk to law enforcement.
That said, I'm glad to be reading this series and I am hoping that they continue to be re-released. I'm sure I will get to see more of the evolution of Dane's style. That is a journey worth taking.
This review is ©January 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
September 3, 2017
4.5 Pack Enforcer Stars
I am glad I read .5 novella it gives a dynamic into the pack and how it’s ran.
I loved this book, Lex is number 2 and pack enforcer and he meets a human Nina who brother was murdered.
And well hot guy meets beautiful girl and the rest they say is history.
Lex is funny and totally smitten. I loved it. Nina doesn’t take anything laying down she is fierce and loyal and ready to fight.
I loved it! I think I said that already but I did.
Narration was ok for me. Sometimes I think the narrator gave Nina a little bit of an immature vibe. But overall it was good.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I am glad I read .5 novella it gives a dynamic into the pack and how it’s ran.
I loved this book, Lex is number 2 and pack enforcer and he meets a human Nina who brother was murdered.
And well hot guy meets beautiful girl and the rest they say is history.
Lex is funny and totally smitten. I loved it. Nina doesn’t take anything laying down she is fierce and loyal and ready to fight.
I loved it! I think I said that already but I did.
Narration was ok for me. Sometimes I think the narrator gave Nina a little bit of an immature vibe. But overall it was good.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
March 17, 2011
I love Lauren Dane!! She has to be one of my fave Authors!!
This was really different and really Cool, i love a great were story and this was one!!
Lex and Nina were fantastic, I really loved how they connect. And throw in a HOT Alpha Brother to get to know well, I cant wait for Cade's story!!
I loved meeting the sisters and some friends:)
Really looking forward to continue this series!!
Lauren You Rock!!!
This was really different and really Cool, i love a great were story and this was one!!
Lex and Nina were fantastic, I really loved how they connect. And throw in a HOT Alpha Brother to get to know well, I cant wait for Cade's story!!
I loved meeting the sisters and some friends:)
Really looking forward to continue this series!!
Lauren You Rock!!!
February 9, 2017
To be truly honest I was in a bit of a reading rut and I was awaiting a few titles I had already signed up to read and review to become available for me to read. So I decided to sit down and think out of what has become my usual reading comfort zone of the dystopian, and the post apocalyptic genres. I went back to an older favourite genre of shifter romance. . .and found this re-released title on Netgalley and chose to read this book.
My thoughts whilst approaching reading this one were quite mixed after seeing the genres readers have classified this book as “erotica” and I do not read that genre. Whilst reading this book, which I would say is an 18+ more adult read due to some steamy scenes I have come to the conclusion that I may perhaps have a different idea on what I would call erotica than other readers. I think of erotica being made up of vast majority of sexual scenes with very little plot line. I would not categorise this book as erotica as it has a strong plot line, great characters that draw you into their lives and dilemmas, and hold you there for the book journey.
The cover features a back view of a muscular male holding what could be a weapon. Then the author’s name appears in the mid section of the cover, with the title smaller directly beneath Lauren Dane. If someone described this placement and sizing of author name and title, I readily admit I would probably scrunch up my nose presuming it would not look aesthetically pleasing but it truly works. I do like both the placement of the title and its font style. The bottom third of the cover has a rolling hills landscape with a forest of trees, which upon reading the book I would conclude is the land which surrounds Cade and Lex Warden’s private home. I love the wolf in the bottom right corner, how it forms part of the landscape, giving the perfect place for the series title, Cascadia Wolves. I certainly prefer this book cover to that of the previous edition of the book. This cover would draw my eye to it on a book store shelf and encourage me to lift it from the shelf to learn more about it, so I’d say the cover does its job very well.
So I’ve already mentioned that some readers seem to classify this book as falling into the erotica genre, personally I do not totally agree with this. Yes it is aimed at adults as it contains descriptive steamy scenes so I’d agree it is an 18+ aimed book. I would also add the genres of fantasy, paranormal, romance with shifters/werewolves. Another point I should add if you are a romance reader/fan this book comes along with the Carina Press Romance Promise! - which says a book “comes with all the romance you are looking for!”
So how does the female human Nina Reyes become embroiled in the Cascadia Wolves problems? Well to explain you need to know more about Nina’s earlier life. Nina has had to be tough since her parents died, when she was just 12 years old. Though distant cousins took her in along with younger brother Gabriel, they were only wanted for the income housing them gave. Nina soon took on the role of mother to Gabriel, trying her best but regularly failing to keep him out of trouble. They run away when it seems the authorities are about to place them into care with a strong possibility of them being parted from each other. Nina does what she has to in order to survive, pay rent and support herself and her younger brother such as stealing, and petty theft. She goes on to finding a more legitimate form of income doing cleaning. With help from her employer she obtains an education and becomes a computer geek/hacker! Though Nina does break the law she does so only long enough to give herself and Gabriel a fresh start elsewhere. Things are ticking long nicely, Nina has her own florists shop but then trouble finds Gabriel once again with him getting into a bar brawl. . . the trouble is he is also bitten and given the lycanthropy virus which mean he is now a werewolf. Nina has mixed feelings on this but accepts her brother as she always has and hopes being part of a “pack” will help him settle down once and for all. Sadly Gabriel is helping pack brother Tommie look into some problems within the pack concerning pack members quite high in the hierarchy. Tommie is shot, Gabriel is on the run with the “evidence” on a laptop and unsurprisingly turns to his beloved sister Nina for help, dragging her into an already dangerous and volatile situation. Though it’s not all bad as she ends up meeting the “most feared wolf in North America”, Lex Warden! Lex totally underestimates Nina, her love and protectiveness towards her brother, as well as mistaking her for the quiet, nerdy, “librarian like” she likes to portray but he soon learns differently. Irrespective of her disguise Lex soon realises she is his mate and quickly becomes over protective when her brother, home and business are targeted by the rogues and those who are woring against the pack from within it.
Nina quickly learns Lex doesn’t take no for an answer and neither does his brother and Cascadia pack Alpha Cade. She is stubbornly independent, and soon shows she is determined to stay that way. Nina also shows that though she is what is considered a weaker human she is not afraid to face death to stand by her love or her brother.
I could seriously ramble on and chatter on and on about this book. Wow this book is brilliant I fell in love almost immediately with the Cascadia Pack. I am eager to read more and am so glad that the series seems so extensive. I am also interested in discovering some of Lauren Dane’s other shifter book series, such as “de la Vega Cats”, “Cherchez Wolf Pack”, and “Diablo Lake”, having said that I did enjoy Lauren Dane’s writing style, so maybe I should branch out and try one of her more contemporary genre book series too.
I have lots of favourite characters within the Cascadia Wolves already, from the main characters to the rogues and the extended Warden family.
Naturally I love the kick butt female character of Nina Reyes, with her long curly hair and hazel eyes she is an independent woman who hides behind a severe hairstyle and fake glasses on a daily basis. When there’s a need to dig around within the pack to find out who is betraying them Nina isn’t afraid to step up and put her own life on the line to discover which of the three suspects is the guilty party. Then there’s the two main hot hunks of the Cascadia Wolves pack, Cade Warden, 40 year old, hazel eyed, still single pack Alpha who commands and receives gret respect from the other pack members. Along with his 6” tall, brown/blonde haired, gorgeous green eyed brother and pack enforcer (Alexander) Lex Warden. Hmmm gorgeous! Er where was I? . . Aah . . . other characters I felt an immediate kinship towards the following female character along with the possibilities of great future plot involvement, with Megan and Tracy both kick butt young woman.
My first thoughts upon finishing this book was. . . .What a great introduction to a fantastic new shifter series for me to work my way through! Then I remembered that this series isn’t actually “new” as such but it seems the first couple of books have been re-tweaked etc. So my next thoughts were:
When can I read the next book? Is the rest of the Cascadia Wolves Series being tweaked and re-released and if so when will they be available to read? To sum up I have to add that this is another brilliant shifter series to add to my list of greats which include Amanda Carlson’s Jessica McClain Series, Kelley Armstrong’s Women Of The Otherworld, Karina Espinosa’s MacKenzie Grey Series, J.A. Belfield’s Holloway Pack, as well as both of Rachel Vincent’s shifter series, Shifters and Wildcats.
My thoughts whilst approaching reading this one were quite mixed after seeing the genres readers have classified this book as “erotica” and I do not read that genre. Whilst reading this book, which I would say is an 18+ more adult read due to some steamy scenes I have come to the conclusion that I may perhaps have a different idea on what I would call erotica than other readers. I think of erotica being made up of vast majority of sexual scenes with very little plot line. I would not categorise this book as erotica as it has a strong plot line, great characters that draw you into their lives and dilemmas, and hold you there for the book journey.
The cover features a back view of a muscular male holding what could be a weapon. Then the author’s name appears in the mid section of the cover, with the title smaller directly beneath Lauren Dane. If someone described this placement and sizing of author name and title, I readily admit I would probably scrunch up my nose presuming it would not look aesthetically pleasing but it truly works. I do like both the placement of the title and its font style. The bottom third of the cover has a rolling hills landscape with a forest of trees, which upon reading the book I would conclude is the land which surrounds Cade and Lex Warden’s private home. I love the wolf in the bottom right corner, how it forms part of the landscape, giving the perfect place for the series title, Cascadia Wolves. I certainly prefer this book cover to that of the previous edition of the book. This cover would draw my eye to it on a book store shelf and encourage me to lift it from the shelf to learn more about it, so I’d say the cover does its job very well.
So I’ve already mentioned that some readers seem to classify this book as falling into the erotica genre, personally I do not totally agree with this. Yes it is aimed at adults as it contains descriptive steamy scenes so I’d agree it is an 18+ aimed book. I would also add the genres of fantasy, paranormal, romance with shifters/werewolves. Another point I should add if you are a romance reader/fan this book comes along with the Carina Press Romance Promise! - which says a book “comes with all the romance you are looking for!”
So how does the female human Nina Reyes become embroiled in the Cascadia Wolves problems? Well to explain you need to know more about Nina’s earlier life. Nina has had to be tough since her parents died, when she was just 12 years old. Though distant cousins took her in along with younger brother Gabriel, they were only wanted for the income housing them gave. Nina soon took on the role of mother to Gabriel, trying her best but regularly failing to keep him out of trouble. They run away when it seems the authorities are about to place them into care with a strong possibility of them being parted from each other. Nina does what she has to in order to survive, pay rent and support herself and her younger brother such as stealing, and petty theft. She goes on to finding a more legitimate form of income doing cleaning. With help from her employer she obtains an education and becomes a computer geek/hacker! Though Nina does break the law she does so only long enough to give herself and Gabriel a fresh start elsewhere. Things are ticking long nicely, Nina has her own florists shop but then trouble finds Gabriel once again with him getting into a bar brawl. . . the trouble is he is also bitten and given the lycanthropy virus which mean he is now a werewolf. Nina has mixed feelings on this but accepts her brother as she always has and hopes being part of a “pack” will help him settle down once and for all. Sadly Gabriel is helping pack brother Tommie look into some problems within the pack concerning pack members quite high in the hierarchy. Tommie is shot, Gabriel is on the run with the “evidence” on a laptop and unsurprisingly turns to his beloved sister Nina for help, dragging her into an already dangerous and volatile situation. Though it’s not all bad as she ends up meeting the “most feared wolf in North America”, Lex Warden! Lex totally underestimates Nina, her love and protectiveness towards her brother, as well as mistaking her for the quiet, nerdy, “librarian like” she likes to portray but he soon learns differently. Irrespective of her disguise Lex soon realises she is his mate and quickly becomes over protective when her brother, home and business are targeted by the rogues and those who are woring against the pack from within it.
Nina quickly learns Lex doesn’t take no for an answer and neither does his brother and Cascadia pack Alpha Cade. She is stubbornly independent, and soon shows she is determined to stay that way. Nina also shows that though she is what is considered a weaker human she is not afraid to face death to stand by her love or her brother.
I could seriously ramble on and chatter on and on about this book. Wow this book is brilliant I fell in love almost immediately with the Cascadia Pack. I am eager to read more and am so glad that the series seems so extensive. I am also interested in discovering some of Lauren Dane’s other shifter book series, such as “de la Vega Cats”, “Cherchez Wolf Pack”, and “Diablo Lake”, having said that I did enjoy Lauren Dane’s writing style, so maybe I should branch out and try one of her more contemporary genre book series too.
I have lots of favourite characters within the Cascadia Wolves already, from the main characters to the rogues and the extended Warden family.
Naturally I love the kick butt female character of Nina Reyes, with her long curly hair and hazel eyes she is an independent woman who hides behind a severe hairstyle and fake glasses on a daily basis. When there’s a need to dig around within the pack to find out who is betraying them Nina isn’t afraid to step up and put her own life on the line to discover which of the three suspects is the guilty party. Then there’s the two main hot hunks of the Cascadia Wolves pack, Cade Warden, 40 year old, hazel eyed, still single pack Alpha who commands and receives gret respect from the other pack members. Along with his 6” tall, brown/blonde haired, gorgeous green eyed brother and pack enforcer (Alexander) Lex Warden. Hmmm gorgeous! Er where was I? . . Aah . . . other characters I felt an immediate kinship towards the following female character along with the possibilities of great future plot involvement, with Megan and Tracy both kick butt young woman.
My first thoughts upon finishing this book was. . . .What a great introduction to a fantastic new shifter series for me to work my way through! Then I remembered that this series isn’t actually “new” as such but it seems the first couple of books have been re-tweaked etc. So my next thoughts were:
When can I read the next book? Is the rest of the Cascadia Wolves Series being tweaked and re-released and if so when will they be available to read? To sum up I have to add that this is another brilliant shifter series to add to my list of greats which include Amanda Carlson’s Jessica McClain Series, Kelley Armstrong’s Women Of The Otherworld, Karina Espinosa’s MacKenzie Grey Series, J.A. Belfield’s Holloway Pack, as well as both of Rachel Vincent’s shifter series, Shifters and Wildcats.
December 8, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Nina Reyes is in big....mountain heaps of trouble when her brother needs to be saved AGAIN!! Ever since Nina was twelve years old, she has had to save her brother time and again. And getting into trouble with the pack he had no choice in being with, means Nina has to pick up the pieces including dealing with dark and dangerous Lex Warden. But when her brother's enemies come after her and destroying everything that she has build, it will be that dangerous Lex Warden that will save her. Lex has all the luck, his mate could be a nice passive wolf....it had to be a human and a fierce stand on her own and be super independent human. He is in a world of fighting and passion and never ending stress with Nina as his mate. But as Lex and Nina work together to bring down the rogues and the one wolf that has betrayed the whole pack, their bond will be tested in ways that Nina couldn't have ever imagined but in the end they both learn the strength of the love they share...
Plot and Story Line
This was my first Lauren Dane book and it certainly won't be my last that is for sure!! I can not believe that this is the first time reading her. And yes I kinda gambled on picking out this book from NG....but I couldn't resist. The cover (I have a weakness for backs), and I knew I had had Dane on my TBR for quite some time so I thought why not and even though there were a couple of things I wasn't a fan of....the writing was SUPERB!!! I was so engrossed in this book I read it all this morning and very quickly too. I would recommend making sure you have plenty of quiet time so there are no distractions.
The story sets off with Nina very pissed at her foolish brother who has run off with her money AGAIN. But Nina is so loyal to him, he is the only family she has. And she keeps Lex on his toes really from beginning to end. Now Lex on the other hand is a alpha male he isn't used to being challenged by some human...even if she is pretty and tempting and his destined mate. These two clash constantly and at times it was quite amusing, but I did feel like it got to be a bit too much. I did get a bit frustrated because it felt like all they did was fight about everything it seemed like. So the angst level of the book made me want to strangle these two because I just wanted to shake some sense into them. My other issue with the story was the whole "tri bond" thing. I am not a menage fan at all, and even though its just one scene its just not something that I am into. And there was a fighting scene, where you just want to just cheer for Nina and what she does and how incredibly brave and creative she is. I loved her personality, very refreshing. She has quite a few facets in her personality. She is a hacker, but also a florist, she can sweet or hot tempered and lash out at the worst of times. Yeah she is different and fun and I LOVED her. She definitely makes Lex work for it. Another aspect I truly liked was the pack dynamics, very interesting. I liked the various dimensions of it, the whole expressions "Needs of the many" comes into play. But Dane handled it quite well and even though it could be heartbreaking, it added depth to the building of the plot. The chemistry between Nina and Lex was powerful and I loved seeing how strong and compatible they are together (when they stop fighting and being ridiculous and work together).
I am very curious about the rest of the series and can't wait to pick these up as they come out.
Side Note: If you have read this series before, the author has redone part of the books and the covers are changing too)
The Cover
I really like it. Personally I am a fan of the black and white set up here. And the whole muscled male back....yeah its my weak point for sure.
Overall View
Pack Enforcer was a delectable and angsty romance that takes you to new heights and sensations....definitely a Win!!
Summary
Nina Reyes is in big....mountain heaps of trouble when her brother needs to be saved AGAIN!! Ever since Nina was twelve years old, she has had to save her brother time and again. And getting into trouble with the pack he had no choice in being with, means Nina has to pick up the pieces including dealing with dark and dangerous Lex Warden. But when her brother's enemies come after her and destroying everything that she has build, it will be that dangerous Lex Warden that will save her. Lex has all the luck, his mate could be a nice passive wolf....it had to be a human and a fierce stand on her own and be super independent human. He is in a world of fighting and passion and never ending stress with Nina as his mate. But as Lex and Nina work together to bring down the rogues and the one wolf that has betrayed the whole pack, their bond will be tested in ways that Nina couldn't have ever imagined but in the end they both learn the strength of the love they share...
Plot and Story Line
This was my first Lauren Dane book and it certainly won't be my last that is for sure!! I can not believe that this is the first time reading her. And yes I kinda gambled on picking out this book from NG....but I couldn't resist. The cover (I have a weakness for backs), and I knew I had had Dane on my TBR for quite some time so I thought why not and even though there were a couple of things I wasn't a fan of....the writing was SUPERB!!! I was so engrossed in this book I read it all this morning and very quickly too. I would recommend making sure you have plenty of quiet time so there are no distractions.
The story sets off with Nina very pissed at her foolish brother who has run off with her money AGAIN. But Nina is so loyal to him, he is the only family she has. And she keeps Lex on his toes really from beginning to end. Now Lex on the other hand is a alpha male he isn't used to being challenged by some human...even if she is pretty and tempting and his destined mate. These two clash constantly and at times it was quite amusing, but I did feel like it got to be a bit too much. I did get a bit frustrated because it felt like all they did was fight about everything it seemed like. So the angst level of the book made me want to strangle these two because I just wanted to shake some sense into them. My other issue with the story was the whole "tri bond" thing. I am not a menage fan at all, and even though its just one scene its just not something that I am into. And there was a fighting scene, where you just want to just cheer for Nina and what she does and how incredibly brave and creative she is. I loved her personality, very refreshing. She has quite a few facets in her personality. She is a hacker, but also a florist, she can sweet or hot tempered and lash out at the worst of times. Yeah she is different and fun and I LOVED her. She definitely makes Lex work for it. Another aspect I truly liked was the pack dynamics, very interesting. I liked the various dimensions of it, the whole expressions "Needs of the many" comes into play. But Dane handled it quite well and even though it could be heartbreaking, it added depth to the building of the plot. The chemistry between Nina and Lex was powerful and I loved seeing how strong and compatible they are together (when they stop fighting and being ridiculous and work together).
You are everything. Body, soul, heart to my body, soul and heart. You're it. We're it.
I am very curious about the rest of the series and can't wait to pick these up as they come out.
Side Note: If you have read this series before, the author has redone part of the books and the covers are changing too)
The Cover
I really like it. Personally I am a fan of the black and white set up here. And the whole muscled male back....yeah its my weak point for sure.
Overall View
Pack Enforcer was a delectable and angsty romance that takes you to new heights and sensations....definitely a Win!!
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="24305"]
Read
July 26, 2020Tri bond my ass
Fuck off with that weird shit
Fuck off with that weird shit
October 23, 2013
2.5 stars
Nina, has had it rough, hiding from her past she finally has something that means something to her, something she worked hard for and owns, but her brother always seems to get in the way. They are the only family each other have left and at the age of twelve, she has taken on the role of Gabriel’s mom, getting him out of trouble was like her part time job. Bitten and turned against his will, Gabriel's new life as a shifter has exposed him to more problems that as a human, wanted dead by rouge wolves he runs to his sister for help, only this time she may not be able to help him. Lex, the Enforcer starts coming by waiting for her brother to show, she may look like a little stuck up librarian but she is not some weak human they think her to be.
Tragedy strikes and Nina is left with no choice but to go with Lex and his brother / alpha Cade to their home. Lex has known all along that Nina is his mate and all these months of watching her from afar has gone on long enough it’s finally time to claim his human, plus it’s the only way to truly protect her. Nina was all in for some wolf-lovin but never in her wildest dreams did she expect the that she’d end up mated, I mean deep down she knows there is this connection between them but logically it doesn’t make any sense.
There's never a dull moment in her new life, struggling to adjust as the Enforcer’s wife, being second in the pack, trying to find out the mystery behind what her brother saw and getting to know the pack and her in-laws. The only thing she knows that’s real is her bond with her husband, but could love exist without trust?
All in all I liked it but not as much as I thought I would. I was confused with some parts of the book, like why did she have to disguise her looks to hide who she was in the beginning, I got her past but something didn’t add up and another thing I totally didn’t get or could of done without was the tri-bond. With Lex being second in command you could tell he was just the Beta even thought they tried to portray him as the big bad wolf. I did however, like that fact that Nina was a sassy chic and the sex scenes were indeed steamy. Oh well, on to the next one :)
Love is not simple, it is not easy. But between them, it simply existed.
Nina, has had it rough, hiding from her past she finally has something that means something to her, something she worked hard for and owns, but her brother always seems to get in the way. They are the only family each other have left and at the age of twelve, she has taken on the role of Gabriel’s mom, getting him out of trouble was like her part time job. Bitten and turned against his will, Gabriel's new life as a shifter has exposed him to more problems that as a human, wanted dead by rouge wolves he runs to his sister for help, only this time she may not be able to help him. Lex, the Enforcer starts coming by waiting for her brother to show, she may look like a little stuck up librarian but she is not some weak human they think her to be.
“First of all, I was running scams when you were at keggers at Kappa Kappa Werewolf. You don’t know much about me but I am way smarter than Gabriel was. I’m a consummate liar. I can street fight with the best of them and I can cheat at cards like nobody’s business. This on top of my computer skills. I may not howl at the moon and have superhuman strength but I can hold my own.”
Tragedy strikes and Nina is left with no choice but to go with Lex and his brother / alpha Cade to their home. Lex has known all along that Nina is his mate and all these months of watching her from afar has gone on long enough it’s finally time to claim his human, plus it’s the only way to truly protect her. Nina was all in for some wolf-lovin but never in her wildest dreams did she expect the that she’d end up mated, I mean deep down she knows there is this connection between them but logically it doesn’t make any sense.
“Great. Magical cum, lucky me.” She sighed and quirked up a smile at him. “So am I a werewolf now?”
There's never a dull moment in her new life, struggling to adjust as the Enforcer’s wife, being second in the pack, trying to find out the mystery behind what her brother saw and getting to know the pack and her in-laws. The only thing she knows that’s real is her bond with her husband, but could love exist without trust?
Love and hope, hurt and anger, disapproval and betrayal, but above all, connection. You are everything. Body, soul, heart to my body, soul and heart. You’re it. We’re it.”
All in all I liked it but not as much as I thought I would. I was confused with some parts of the book, like why did she have to disguise her looks to hide who she was in the beginning, I got her past but something didn’t add up and another thing I totally didn’t get or could of done without was the tri-bond. With Lex being second in command you could tell he was just the Beta even thought they tried to portray him as the big bad wolf. I did however, like that fact that Nina was a sassy chic and the sex scenes were indeed steamy. Oh well, on to the next one :)
February 5, 2018
It's a disappointment to start a series and find that the entire thing is not worthwhile in the first book. Or perhaps it's a time-saver. This book is an unevenly written story trying to tie together too many disparate plot ideas the author wanted to sample: sexploitation, werewolf culture, thriller, and every feature that would make for an interesting main character all rolled into one. The main character is a humdrum mild-mannered florist who is secretly a sex bomb con artist with a nasty attitude, elite hacking skills, and mad combat training. Her love interest is a hard-ass werewolf bodyguard & enforcer with a military background, a civilian architect in his spare time, who simultaneously makes puppy eyes at her and also systematically takes over her life with selfish moves and withheld information-- which leads to her being coerced into taking him as her lover without safe sex, and also *surprise* being genetically bound to him and *surprise* also to his brother who *surprise* also absolutely has to have unprotected sex with her too or she'll become mentally unstable, and also *surprise* he's totally going to coerce her into becoming a werewolf, too, except someone else beats him to the punch with a forced infection. What the ACTUAL FUCK. Meanwhile there are "Rogue" wolves who are a pack seeming to exist only for (dis)organized crime and ALSO a werewolf Mafia and also a plot to infect the human population with the lycanthropy virus, or maybe just to use it as a threat for coercion-- unclear.
Editing: nonexistent. Some chapters seem like the author gave them a finer polish, but there is a lot of poor writing with run-on sentences run amok (and not just for flavor like this review of casual ranting).
Editing: nonexistent. Some chapters seem like the author gave them a finer polish, but there is a lot of poor writing with run-on sentences run amok (and not just for flavor like this review of casual ranting).
November 10, 2014
3.5 RATING- I'm going through a bit of a shifter phase which is unlike me. I read very little pararnomal. Thank goodness several of my friends have been able to steer me towards some of their favorite shifter series. Cascadia Wolves was recommended to me by more than one person. I was a bit perplexed when I tried to download samples for book one and two and could not find them listed at Amazon. This has never happened before. I'm not sure if the author or publisher has pulled them for some reason? Luckily, after some digging I found I actually had book one floating around on my kindle already. I had downloaded it as a freebie at some point. SCORE!
Overall, I liked the book but I didn't love it. I read it right after reading another shifter romance (Were She Belongs) and I think that may have affected my overall rating. I'm not sure if I liked the Were She Belongs writing more than Enforcer (I'm a big Lauren Dane fan) or I just liked the menage aspect of it, but I just didn't like this as well as the Dixie Lynn Dwyer book. If I hadn't read Enforcer so close to the other shifter romance, it likely would have rated higher.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series but disappointed I may have to skip over book two if I can't get my hands on it. Two people in my lending group have it listed as available to borrow so I'm crossing my fingers...
Overall, I liked the book but I didn't love it. I read it right after reading another shifter romance (Were She Belongs) and I think that may have affected my overall rating. I'm not sure if I liked the Were She Belongs writing more than Enforcer (I'm a big Lauren Dane fan) or I just liked the menage aspect of it, but I just didn't like this as well as the Dixie Lynn Dwyer book. If I hadn't read Enforcer so close to the other shifter romance, it likely would have rated higher.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series but disappointed I may have to skip over book two if I can't get my hands on it. Two people in my lending group have it listed as available to borrow so I'm crossing my fingers...
May 17, 2011
This was pretty good. Many times in PNR I'm left feeling dissatisfied over the reaction of the non-paranormals. Dane really took the time to explore that aspect of it. On the one hand it worked. It was good to see that a woman who has nothing but bad feelings toward weres didn't just fall at their feet. On the other hand, I think she may have taken the reality of it a little too far.
Despite that, I enjoyed the story. The pack dynamics were interesting and so was the romance. I generally shy away from the "fated mates" trope, except in shifter books. Then I can accept it.
I did get frustrated with Lex for not being upfront with Nina right from the beginning. He meant to change her entire life, but didn't discuss it with her first? Big no-no. I think Nina let him off the hook a little to easily.
Overall I found this to be a fast, interesting read. I'm anxious to continue with the series.
Despite that, I enjoyed the story. The pack dynamics were interesting and so was the romance. I generally shy away from the "fated mates" trope, except in shifter books. Then I can accept it.
I did get frustrated with Lex for not being upfront with Nina right from the beginning. He meant to change her entire life, but didn't discuss it with her first? Big no-no. I think Nina let him off the hook a little to easily.
Overall I found this to be a fast, interesting read. I'm anxious to continue with the series.
February 23, 2020
Full disclosure:The "fated mate" trope is not my favorite. It can be done in a way that doesn't irritate me and in a way I like. This is not that book.
What not to do:
1. Not tell the full truth. Nina consented to sex. That's it. Not a mating bond. Lex knew what was going to happen and deliberately didn't tell her the full story. That should not be okay. It's not sexy, it's disgusting.
2. Make the women (and only the women) go crazy with the mating bond. But wait! They don't have to go cray-cray! Sex with a 2nd man (tri-bond) with fix it! That sounds *super sexy*!
3. Sacrifice the plot. It was an interesting one. Someone in the Pack has gone Rogue and is stealing and killing. Backstabbing! Treachery! But......let's not focus on the that. It's about the sexy times.
And I need to bleach my eyeballs.
I read this for Romance-opoly Fated Folly moon track.
What not to do:
1. Not tell the full truth. Nina consented to sex. That's it. Not a mating bond. Lex knew what was going to happen and deliberately didn't tell her the full story. That should not be okay. It's not sexy, it's disgusting.
2. Make the women (and only the women) go crazy with the mating bond. But wait! They don't have to go cray-cray! Sex with a 2nd man (tri-bond) with fix it! That sounds *super sexy*!
3. Sacrifice the plot. It was an interesting one. Someone in the Pack has gone Rogue and is stealing and killing. Backstabbing! Treachery! But......let's not focus on the that. It's about the sexy times.
And I need to bleach my eyeballs.
I read this for Romance-opoly Fated Folly moon track.
September 2, 2011
I love Lauren Dane and so I'm shocked with how much I disliked this. It started ok, but I got really bored with the constant over-reactions and silly name calling which was all a bit too juvenile for me. The lead characters were really too annoying. She needs a mute button and he needs some balls.
I don't 'get' the two lead males - they were less Alpha and Enforcer...more Beavis and Butthead. I think the sister, Tracy, is the only one with enough brains to lead the pack.
There were a lot of strange bust ups in this. They would insult/upset each other have a big row and then be having sex 3 seconds later. I don't object to this at all, but it was just done really badly. The arguments are over nothing and then the apologies are weirdly insincere.
I don't 'get' the two lead males - they were less Alpha and Enforcer...more Beavis and Butthead. I think the sister, Tracy, is the only one with enough brains to lead the pack.
There were a lot of strange bust ups in this. They would insult/upset each other have a big row and then be having sex 3 seconds later. I don't object to this at all, but it was just done really badly. The arguments are over nothing and then the apologies are weirdly insincere.
February 23, 2015
started strong but faded fast., February 21, 2015
I enjoyed the beginning but then it just sort of became dull. It was ok but nothing original. I found myself losing interest a couple of times but I stuck I out. It won't be a series I personally continue but I'll still check out more of Danes future work.
I enjoyed the beginning but then it just sort of became dull. It was ok but nothing original. I found myself losing interest a couple of times but I stuck I out. It won't be a series I personally continue but I'll still check out more of Danes future work.
February 23, 2017
Originally read in July of 2013.
Reread: March 16, 2016
I love this series, but during my re-read decided this was more a 4 Star book than a 5 star because the heroine got on my nerves just a bit. Working on a series review for EDGy so I'll have a full review when that gets published.
Reread: March 16, 2016
I love this series, but during my re-read decided this was more a 4 Star book than a 5 star because the heroine got on my nerves just a bit. Working on a series review for EDGy so I'll have a full review when that gets published.
June 15, 2018
Human meets wolf and it is explosive…
Nina is human. Lex is wolf. Things could have ended right there. Instead, the sparks that flew between meant neither could walk away…
“She found herself yearning to be close to someone she didn’t have to save, protect or bail out of trouble.”
I LOVED Nina! There was so much she went through and handled to come out as strong and successful as she had. She was tough and sarcastic on the outside with an inner core of strength that kept her going. Her brother was her only family and she was going to protect him, regardless of the cost…
“Truth was, spinster or not, he liked her. More than that, he admired her.”
Ahh, Lex. He was an Enforcer for his Pack so he was uber-strong, his mission to protect his family no matter what. Nina was a breath of fresh air as well as a kick to his ego. She knocked him sideways with her sarcasm and humour but also her confidence in her ability to help herself, her brother and even himself. This big guy was going down in the best way possible – by love!
“Mate or not, the woman was a pain in the ass.”
There was a ton of action and suspense and an equal amount of humour and heart as Nina and Lex investigated and loved their way through this top-notch read. The character development, the overarching story that will link this series together, the laughter, the love… It’s caught me and I can’t wait for more! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
Nina is human. Lex is wolf. Things could have ended right there. Instead, the sparks that flew between meant neither could walk away…
“She found herself yearning to be close to someone she didn’t have to save, protect or bail out of trouble.”
I LOVED Nina! There was so much she went through and handled to come out as strong and successful as she had. She was tough and sarcastic on the outside with an inner core of strength that kept her going. Her brother was her only family and she was going to protect him, regardless of the cost…
“Truth was, spinster or not, he liked her. More than that, he admired her.”
Ahh, Lex. He was an Enforcer for his Pack so he was uber-strong, his mission to protect his family no matter what. Nina was a breath of fresh air as well as a kick to his ego. She knocked him sideways with her sarcasm and humour but also her confidence in her ability to help herself, her brother and even himself. This big guy was going down in the best way possible – by love!
“Mate or not, the woman was a pain in the ass.”
There was a ton of action and suspense and an equal amount of humour and heart as Nina and Lex investigated and loved their way through this top-notch read. The character development, the overarching story that will link this series together, the laughter, the love… It’s caught me and I can’t wait for more! ~Diane, 4.5 stars
May 9, 2020
This was so much better than the prequel novella. It’s still very heavy on the sex, but there’s a much more compelling storyline here - as well as some mystery/suspense going on. Nina is a strong, intelligent, competent, successful woman. Lex is her equal in so many ways. They’re also both stubborn and single minded - but it’s never in an intentionally asshole-ish way, which makes for a lot of funny and compelling situations.
Dane does “fated mates” well here - in that yes, there’s an instant and mystical attraction, but she also lets the reader know that Lex & Nina belong & work well together beyond any paranormal voodoo.
Theres this whole tri-bond thing where the newly claimed female *has* to have sex with another guy in the pack in order to protect her from going crazy. At first it seems like a flimsy excuse to introduce ménages as a part of every storyline - but Dane establishes a pretty solid foundation for the “requirement” and I was surprised to find that it does create some interesting angst in this & future books.
Dane introduces us to a lot more members of the pack and I’m definitely looking forward to their stories.
Dane does “fated mates” well here - in that yes, there’s an instant and mystical attraction, but she also lets the reader know that Lex & Nina belong & work well together beyond any paranormal voodoo.
Theres this whole tri-bond thing where the newly claimed female *has* to have sex with another guy in the pack in order to protect her from going crazy. At first it seems like a flimsy excuse to introduce ménages as a part of every storyline - but Dane establishes a pretty solid foundation for the “requirement” and I was surprised to find that it does create some interesting angst in this & future books.
Dane introduces us to a lot more members of the pack and I’m definitely looking forward to their stories.
October 5, 2014
3-3.5 stars
This was a good story. I liked Nina and Lex but there were some elements of the story I wasn't too hot on that took the rating down a bit for me. This is the first book I've read by this author. I may try more of her work in the future.
Nina is a florist and lives a respectable life but it wasn't always that way. Her and her brother, Gabriel, lost their parents at an early age and they ended up out on the streets with Nina doing whatever she could to make money for them to live. Eventually she was able to get enough money together that they could go straight but Gabriel was always getting in trouble and she usually had to help him out of it. When Gabriel was changed in to a werewolf, Nina didn't see him as much until one day he showed up saying that the pack was out to get him and he had to hide. She gave Gabriel money and covered for him when Lex, the enforcer from the pack, showed up on her doorstep looking for him.
Lex is the enforcer of the Cascadia werewolf pack. He's the brother of the Alpha and second in command. There's trouble with a traitor in the pack and Lex believes Gabriel may have some info that will lead him in the right direction. When he tries looking for Gabriel at his sister's place, he's surprised at how different she is from her brother. He tails her for weeks hoping to find Gabriel and while he does, he finds himself strongly attracted to her.
Nina is rather defensive and sarcastic, not letting anyone close or trusting them. When she meets Lex she's attracted to him but doesn't know if he's actually there to help her brother or hurt him so she keeps him at a distance. When Gabriel does show up, she tries to help him but the rouge werewolves that are after him catch up to them, killing Gabriel and almost killing Nina. Lex and Cade (the Alpha) save her and take her back to their house to keep her safe. During this time, Lex realizes that Nina is his mate (the one person who's made for him and who's DNA will merge with his in a mating bond). While Nina tries to help them find out who in the pack in the traitor, Lex seduces her in to bed and when they have sex, the mating bond forms between them. Since he didn't warn Nina about that would happen (not really) she's understandably upset with him but the bond causes them both to form deep feelings and attachment to each other so she accepts it. There are other aspects that she doesn't take so well (and I don't blame her) but comes to terms with.
Once she's officially his mate, Nina is introduced to the pack and is also trying to see if they can find the traitor to the pack while they're at it. She goes to the pack house but since she's human, she's unprepared for the way things go. Up to this point she's been told that as Lex's mate she's part of the pack but that doesn't quite end up true. Issues arise and she's once again facing what seems to be a betrayal by Lex and Cade and makes it so she has little trust for the rest of the pack. She works past this but it doesn't help things as she tries to find her place in her new life. She continues to help them look for the werewolves behind the issues they're having while she tries to settle in. Things get better between her and Lex and they make progress finding the bad guys. In the end, they're able to resolve the situation with the bad guys (to a point, there's still one out there to cause trouble in future books) and Nina and Lex work things out and start their HEA.
Overall it was a good story but due to the issues I noted in the spoilers I had some problems feeling completely comfortable with the story and felt bad for Nina. I liked Nina. She tends to be prickly and sarcastic but when you know her background, her attitude becomes more understandable. I felt she kind of got a raw deal and I'm glad she ended up happy with Lex but would have liked it better if she's been given more choices and warnings rather than getting thrown in to the deep end when she doesn't know how to swim (metaphorically). I may try more of the series in the future.
This was a good story. I liked Nina and Lex but there were some elements of the story I wasn't too hot on that took the rating down a bit for me. This is the first book I've read by this author. I may try more of her work in the future.
Nina is a florist and lives a respectable life but it wasn't always that way. Her and her brother, Gabriel, lost their parents at an early age and they ended up out on the streets with Nina doing whatever she could to make money for them to live. Eventually she was able to get enough money together that they could go straight but Gabriel was always getting in trouble and she usually had to help him out of it. When Gabriel was changed in to a werewolf, Nina didn't see him as much until one day he showed up saying that the pack was out to get him and he had to hide. She gave Gabriel money and covered for him when Lex, the enforcer from the pack, showed up on her doorstep looking for him.
Lex is the enforcer of the Cascadia werewolf pack. He's the brother of the Alpha and second in command. There's trouble with a traitor in the pack and Lex believes Gabriel may have some info that will lead him in the right direction. When he tries looking for Gabriel at his sister's place, he's surprised at how different she is from her brother. He tails her for weeks hoping to find Gabriel and while he does, he finds himself strongly attracted to her.
Nina is rather defensive and sarcastic, not letting anyone close or trusting them. When she meets Lex she's attracted to him but doesn't know if he's actually there to help her brother or hurt him so she keeps him at a distance. When Gabriel does show up, she tries to help him but the rouge werewolves that are after him catch up to them, killing Gabriel and almost killing Nina. Lex and Cade (the Alpha) save her and take her back to their house to keep her safe. During this time, Lex realizes that Nina is his mate (the one person who's made for him and who's DNA will merge with his in a mating bond). While Nina tries to help them find out who in the pack in the traitor, Lex seduces her in to bed and when they have sex, the mating bond forms between them. Since he didn't warn Nina about that would happen (not really) she's understandably upset with him but the bond causes them both to form deep feelings and attachment to each other so she accepts it. There are other aspects that she doesn't take so well (and I don't blame her) but comes to terms with.
Once she's officially his mate, Nina is introduced to the pack and is also trying to see if they can find the traitor to the pack while they're at it. She goes to the pack house but since she's human, she's unprepared for the way things go. Up to this point she's been told that as Lex's mate she's part of the pack but that doesn't quite end up true. Issues arise and she's once again facing what seems to be a betrayal by Lex and Cade and makes it so she has little trust for the rest of the pack. She works past this but it doesn't help things as she tries to find her place in her new life. She continues to help them look for the werewolves behind the issues they're having while she tries to settle in. Things get better between her and Lex and they make progress finding the bad guys. In the end, they're able to resolve the situation with the bad guys (to a point, there's still one out there to cause trouble in future books) and Nina and Lex work things out and start their HEA.
Overall it was a good story but due to the issues I noted in the spoilers I had some problems feeling completely comfortable with the story and felt bad for Nina. I liked Nina. She tends to be prickly and sarcastic but when you know her background, her attitude becomes more understandable. I felt she kind of got a raw deal and I'm glad she ended up happy with Lex but would have liked it better if she's been given more choices and warnings rather than getting thrown in to the deep end when she doesn't know how to swim (metaphorically). I may try more of the series in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews