New Release Review ~ Captivated by the She-Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis (@KristalHollis) #2018NewRelease #COYER

Captivated by the She-Wolf by Kristal Hollis
Wahyas of Walker's Run #4
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2018NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
A shifter finds his soul mate...

Ronni Lyles and her son are just settling into their new pack when her dead husband's brother comes to claim then. Bodie Gryffon is looking for a safe place to raise his daughter - a raven-shifter, just like him. What begins as a purely practical alliance turns passionate. But Ronni senses that Bodie has a secret - one that could force him to make a painful choice.

The mythology KHollis has created surrounding her Wahyas has kept me enthralled with this series. In Captivated by the She-Wolf, she incorporates a Native American myth and the result was, well, captivating. Here are the highlights:

• Ronni and Bodie
  I previously met Ronnie but getting the chance to know her better, well I couldn't believe every single male Wahya wasn't knocking on her door. Not only is she a great mom but she's also a compassionate woman. She's always putting everyone else first - in fact, she hardly ever considers herself. So when she meets Bodie and feels that pull towards him, she does her best to ignore it. Bodie is also an amazing parent, raising his teenage daughter on his own after losing his wife. He also takes care of his mom although she does a lot to help him as well. Bodie is a man of principles, non-violent, protective - most everything he does is with a mind towards his family. Meeting Ronnie, he was immediately enchanted but then he began to feel that pull. But can a raven-shifter find a true mate in a wolf-shifter?
• Mythology
  As I said, the mythology KHollis has created around her Wahyans - wolf-shifters - makes her stories that much more compelling. Their history, their dynamics as a shifter society and as a society hiding among humans, how their shifts work, and what happens when they find the one - it all adds depth to the characters and their stories. That KHollis chose to incorporate a Native American myth intrigued me. The way she did it was brilliant and seamless.
• Humor
  The banter between Ronnie and Bodie was quite comical a lot of the time. He teased her - often - and often at times Ronnie most needed the distraction from something more serious. That brought levity to the story when needed and also conveyed layers of Bodie's personality.
• Secondary Cast
  One of the things I appreciate most in this series is the dynamics between the wolves. That requires a well-rounded supporting cast and I was thrilled to spend thime with those I'd previously met, seeing how they're doing as well as how they welcomed Bodie and his family into the pack. Getting to spend time wtih Ronnie's son, Alex, his friend, Lucas, and Bodie's daughter, Willow, was also a pleasure. KHollis portrayed these teens well.
• Suspense and Emotion
  KHollis created some intense suspense using Ronnie's past as well as mythology surrounding Bodie and his raven-shifters. There was some white knuckling, some gasping, and maybe even a few tears.

In the end, I was so enchanted with the blending of the Native American myth into that of the Wahyan that I didn't mind one bit that this story wasn't only about wolves. And I'm looking forward to seeing how Bodie and Ronnie's blended family impacts Wahyan life and beliefs.

Release Day Review ~ Charmed by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis (@KristalHollis) #2017NewRelease

Charmed by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis
Wahyas of Walker's Run #3
Release Date: September 5, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
The Wolfan's Redemption Wolf pack sentinel Tristan Durrance firmly believes happily and mated don't go together. Until Penelope Buchanan arrives at Walker's Run Resort. Nel's undeniably gorgeous and human. Tristan should steer clear of her. But she awakens an indescribable longing in him; one he can't resist. Nel's ready to explore new things, and Tristan is one of them. But despite the visceral attraction between them, Nel sense he's keeping some powerful secrets. Tristan will do anything to protect Nel. But he also knows the beast within him won't stay hidden forever.

Hollis' Wahyas of Walker's Run series just keeps getting better! This installment was engaging and suspenseful with a side of sweet and steamy. Here are some highlights:

• Tristan and Penelope "Nel"
  Tristan and Nel both are mostly existing. Their childhoods left scars and they're both afraid to really live. However, Nel took the leap taking a summer job in Walker's Run teaching art to preschoolers. When she and Tristan first meet, there's immediate chemistry. But the most compelling thing about them as a couple is that he supports her making changes in her life by helping her be more daring and she thereby teaches him to deal with his issues. How they help each other to experience life more fully for themselves - which aids in their romantic entanglement.
• Suspense
  While the villain wasn't ever in question, the what, why, and how was and Hollis made this element of the story riveting.
• Wahya way of life
  It's a commonly discussed element in the series that Wahyas, especially those at Walker's Run, are all about family and this installment definitely illustrated how family, friends, and pack rank in the Wahya life. I'm a fan of seeing these dynamics in wolf stories.
• Friendship & Romance
  Despite Tristan being a wolf and all that entails when it comes to mating, he and Nel had a meaningful friendship as well as chemistry that ignited their romance. I thoroughly enjoyed watching as their relationship developed.
• Checking in with old friends
  Since this series revolves around a pack living in a small town, I not only get to check in with the locals, I also get to hang out with the couples from the previous installments, and that's a pleasure.

I'm eager to see what comes next for the Wahyas of Walker's Run!

Release Day Review ~ Rescued by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis (@KristalHollis) #201NewRelease

Rescued by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis
Wahyas of Walker's Run #2
Release Date: March 1, 2017
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an ARC from the author. This did not affect my rating and I voluntarily provided a review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017NewRelease, Goodreads
Goodreads

Synopsis
She's not afraid to run with his wolf.

When a poacher killed his mate, Rafe Wyatt lost his future. While the Wahyas of Walker's Run have been pulling him back from the brink, he's certain he won't have another chance at love. That is, until Grace comes to town.

Grace Olsen is a woman without roots. That's exactly how she likes it, until a sojourn in a small, close-knit Appalachian community gives her a new vision of what home could be--and so does Rafe. He was supposed to be nothing more than a casual lover, just as wary of commitment as she is. When their raw attraction becomes something deeper, more complex, they could be looking at a new future together. But someone close to them both would rather see Grace dead than let her be with the man--and the wolf--she's grown to love.

I just might have enjoyed book #2 more than #1! Rescued by the Wolf employed two of my favorite tropes - that of the couple being adamantly opposed to becoming a couple AND second chance at romance. In this case, Rafe was more opposed while Grace would happily accept some no-strings sex. *wink* But the heart wants what the heart wants - and in Rafe's case, his wolf was in on the deal - so these two didn't stand a chance.

Both Grace and Rafe have suffered in past relationships. Both were married previously, both suffered traumatic loss. Therefore, neither is very keen on getting involved again. But an accident one night throws them into each others' paths. So, Rafe is Wahya and belongs to the Walker's Run pack, having been adopted by Doc when his own pack was wiped out. He was a little wild, almost feral, but has done a remarkable job of taming himself. Grace lives in the moment. I loved this about her - and Rafe did too. But she grew up a military kid, never able to put down roots. The closest she's come is her long-standing friendship with Cassie. Rafe and Grace are all wrong for one another and yet, so right.

Besides the romance, which was so compelling, there's an element of suspense created by some bitter feelings against Rafe. This only compounded my enjoyment of the story, giving the story that much more depth. I also enjoyed seeing pack dynamics, the loyalty among the members, as well as how this community of wolf shifters ensconces itself in a human community, there humans none-the-wiser. I also delighted in spending time with Brice and Cassie, the couple from Awakened by the Wolf, book #1. Brice and Rafe are best friends and Cassie and Grace are as well. This made for a sweet dynamic between the four, as Cassie and Brice look forward to the birth of their first child - something Grace and Rafe are involved in as godparents - but also revel in playing matchmakers with their respective best friends.

Maybe it was being already familiar with this world and the characters - I'm not sure - but I found Rescued by the Wolf a very fulfilling second entry in the series. And I'm excited about what's to come!

Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #60 ~ Rescued by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis

Rafe, the knight with gooey chocolate to the rescue! ;)


Damn it, Rafe! Answer the text.
Five minutes without a response and the wait was gnawing at Grace's insides.
Ordinarily, she wouldn't have messaged him at midnight, but it really was an emergency. Although the hotel had a wonderful dessert menu, not on item contained chocolate. And she really needed chocolate.
...
A pound at the door caused her to jump.
Heart racing, she peeked through the peephole.
A dangerously decadent hot fudge sundae stared back at her.
There was a god of chocolate, after all.
Grace squealed and did a little happy dance as she opened the door. Rafe handed her the ice-cream treat.
"Thank you, thank you." She locked the door behind him. "I was jonesing for this. How did you know?"
"Your message said 'Midnight snack emergency,' The night of the accident, you said an ice-cream sundae was your favorite midnight snack."

New Release Review ~ Awakened by the Wolf ~ Kristal Hollis

Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis
The Wahyas of Walker's Run #1
Release Date: June 1, 2016
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, #CleanSweep
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Who's been sleeping the the Alpha's bed?

Exiled from his pack by his father, Brice Walker has secretly come home to visit his ailing grandmother only to discover a human and very desirable female sleeping in his bed. Their attraction is instant. But his new bed buddy seems determined to resist his Southern charm and Alpha allure.

For Brice, fiercely independent Cassie not only represents a chance to build a new life in Walker's Run but is also his one true mate. Cassie's reluctance dissolves when a rogue shifter kidnaps her, and now she and Brice must work together to save his pack. But once she witnesses the savagery of wolfan justice, can Cassie accept Brice as man, beast and her true love?

Awakened by the Wolf is a fantastic debut from a promising new voice in paranormal romance. It's also an exciting introduction to a new series featuring some of my favorite supes - Wahyas. Never heard of them? Tsk-tsk. ;) They're wolf shifters - not to be confused with werewolves. And Hollis' Wayha mythos is one I'm anxious to learn more about.

Here are a few of my favorite things about Awakened by the Wolf:

• Hollis' character development. Both Cassie and Brice have been hurt emotionally (physically as well for Brice) and suffered traumatic losses. Both have their reasons for avoiding commitment. Hollis allowed me inside both their heads so I could feel their turmoil and pain, understand their logic, and sympathize with the emotions they bring out in each other. The supporting cast was also well fleshed out and I look forward to spending more time in Walker's Run.
• The Wahya mythology. Hollis put her own spin on these shifters and I liked it. There are pack dynamics, politics, etc., but my favorite was that even though a Wahya can find their 'one true mate', it doesn't equal insta-love. Cassie and Brice took the time to get to know one another and fall in love - not just give into the pull of a bond and fall into bed.
• The intrigue/mystery. Hollis did a nice job of creating tension using pack dynamics and inter-pack politics. There was some subterfuge, some well-intentioned wrongs, and some downright scary bad guys. I was honestly shocked at what all went down and was thrilled Hollis didn't shy away from the darker side of shifters.

All in all, I was delighted with Awakened by the Wolf. I think my only complaint would be the unnecessary angst caused by lack of communication. But then, with Brice's and Cassie's pasts, it was understandable and forgivable. I don't know what's up next for the Wahyas of Walker's Run but I'm more than eager to find out.

That's What HE Said #64 ~ Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #45

That's What He Said is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely ladies @Chapter Break. Here's the deal: every Thursday, post a line from your book boyfriend to his heroine. Keep in mind, these are direct quotes from dialog in the books. The quote doesn't have to be romantic - just something our hunky hero said to his lucky lady. Be sure to link up over at Chapter Break as well.

My pick this week for That's What He Said is from:

Awakened by the Wolf by Kristal Hollis

***

I like this quote because it showed how considerate Brice was of Cassie. :)

"Today was all about you. If someone had seen me, we wouldn't have had a moment's peace, and the magnitude of your accomplishment would've been lost in the chaos."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Anyone else have a favorite food that grandma makes? 

Silently he snagged a small saucer from the cabinet, a spoon from the drawer, a knife from the wood block. Then he cut a large wedge out of the pie. The first bite of sweet-tart deliciousness slide down his throat, slow and easy.
Mmm, cherry! His entire body sighed.
One piece wasn't enough. He had to have two. A chug of milk washed down the third. Abandoning all etiquette, he scarfed down the rest and licked the pie pan clean. At long last, a warm, cozy satisfaction ebbed from this belly.
God, it's good to be home.