Favorites of 2017 ~ Couples

I enjoyed doing a "look back at the year" in 2016 so I figured it'd once again be fun to bring 2017 to a close by listing some of favorites. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my favorites and I'd be happy to hear about any of yours!

*~*Couples*~*

• Eva and Gideon - watching them fall for one another and learn to be strong enough in themselves to build a relationship strong enough to last was a wonder.
• Silver and Logan - I've so enjoyed watching as Logan courts Silver. They're each growing so much even while enduring so much. It's been a challenge but it's great to see them together.
• Greer, Embry, and Ash - okay, I realize it's a trio rather than a couple but still...they were a pleasure to get to know and to watch change, mature, and fall in love.
• Nora and Soren - this couple is making the list two years in a row! Their's is an unconventional relationship if ever there was one and yet I still adore them
• Charles and Anna - their bond keeps getting stronger and stronger 
• Will and Layken - I really enjoyed reliving all their best and worst memories along with them. These two are just meant to be together!
• Tate and Logan - their love is swoon-worthy, y'all!
• Lily and Lo - these two broke my heart and put it back together again. They're each so broken and yet still perfect together. No, they don't fix each other - their love just makes them want to be better for the other. *sigh*
• Violet and Jennings - this couple made me laugh out loud all the while rooting for them to end up together!
• Jamie and Claire - I felt so much for these two! They're amazing individuals and as a couple? I'm not sure I've ever rooted for an historical couple more.
• Tabby and Shy, Lanie and Hopper, Joker and Carissa, High and Millie, Brock and Tessa, Hawk and Gwen, Tack and Tyra, and Mara and Mitch (I know it's cheating, right?)

Can you guess which books these couples starred in?

My TBR List Review ~ November ~ Fair Game ~ Patricia Briggs #MyTBRList

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. 



Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Alpha and Omega #3
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Source: Library
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #TravelingtotheTerminus
Goodreads

Synopsis
It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha, while Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

Oh good golly did I enjoy this! PBriggs always amazes me with how quickly she can draw me right back into a story and keep me riveted for the duration. Fair Game was exciting and gut-wrenching and left me chomping at the bit for more!

Highlights

• Charles and Anna
  I've adored these two from the beginning and I'm fascinated and delighted to witness them continue to evolve as individuals and as a couple. Fair Game sees Charles struggling with something significant but keeping it from Anna for fear of hurting her or worse, losing her. Anna is struggling with being unable to figure out a way to help him. Then they are sent to aid the FBI with a serial killer hunt which may bring them together across the divide or may drive the wedge between them deeper.
• Secondary Cast
  PBriggs excels at creating a cast of characters that is so well developed you feel as though they've always been around. They're also characters you can love or hate or somewhere in between but they always evoke emotion.
• Plot
  Fair Game's two main plot threads wove together seamlessly, one helping resolve the other. PBriggs adeptly paralleled tensions in today's society using her preternaturals. The ending was explosive and I'm eager to see where she takes this series - what the consequences will be.
• Action/Mystery
  The majority of the story takes place over like 3 days and much happened during that time. The action and mystery - Charles and Anna working with law enforcement as well as werewolves, witches, and fae to find and stop the serial killer - kept the pace quick and me on the edge of my seat. PBriggs doesn't shy away from gritty and gruesome either which only added to the atmosphere.
• Romance
  The romance took a back seat to the action but the bond between Charles and Anna was important nonetheless.

Fair Game was an excellent installment in the Alpha and Omega series. I seriously adore Charles and Anna!

My TBR List ~ November ~ And the Winner is... #MyTBRList

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


And the Winner is...


Fair Game
Alpha and Omega #3

Synopsis
It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha, while Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

This one won hands down, y'all! Thanks so much for voting! :)

My TBR List ~ November ~ Polling is Open!

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm continuing my quest, and working at one of my Bookish Resolutions to catch up on series (since I'm behind in 148 series) I'm once again having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on this month! :D

FYI, this will be my theme all year. And since I'm letting random.org choose from the list of series I'm behind in, you might see books show up more than once. ;)


Your Choices Are:


Fair Game
Alpha and Omega #3

Synopsis
It is said that opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant Alpha, while Anna, an Omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

When the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial-killer case, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston to join the investigation. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the preternatural. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...





Epilogue
The Dark Duet #3

Synopsis
I'm writing this because you begged. You know how I love the begging. In fact, you probably know too many things and know them far too well. Who am I? Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. I was a whore in my youth, a killer since my adolescence, and a monster as a man. I am the man who kidnapped Livvie. I am the man who held her in a dark room for weeks. But, most importantly, I am the man she loves. She loves me. It's quite sick, isn't it? Of course, there's more to our story than can be surmised in a few short sentences, but I'm at a loss for justifying my behavior back then. I assume if you're reading this, I don't need to make those justifications. You've already made your own. You're reading this because you want to know about the rest of the story. You want to know what happened that warm summer night in September of 2010, the night I met Livvie at The Paseo. It was the night my life changed all over again. It didn't happen exactly as Livvie said. She's been very kind to me in the retelling of our story. The truth is far more...complicated.




Master of the Abyss
Mountain Masters #2

Synopsis
On the mountain, the watcher seeks out evil women. And then they die.

Two years ago, when Jake Hunt uncollared his slave, she committed suicide. Guilt-ridden, he will commit to a woman for one night only, devoting his energy to a mountain lodge that caters to a BDSM crowd.

Kallie Masterson is tough. Unwanted as a child, she worked hard to become a wilderness guide. She's proud of who she is, and hurt that Jake frowns on her for acting like a man.

After rescuing the macho guide from a bar fight, Jake is stunned that the ugly men's clothing hides a warm, responsive woman. A submissive woman. When guide business brings her to the lodge on BDSM night, and she is obviously aroused by the play, Jake takes the little sub right into his world of pain and pleasure. He warns her: one-night-only. But she responds so beautifully--so joyously--under his command, that one night soon becomes two, then three...

Meanwhile, the watcher on the mountain has rendered his verdict: Kallie Masterson is evil. The sentence: Death.




Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


Create your own user feedback survey

My TBR List Review ~ Frost Burned ~ Patricia Briggs

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

I'm sorry my review is late, y'all. April was a busy month and it slowed down my reading. Actually, I ended up listening to Frost Burned because I wasn't going to have time to get it read. So note that my review is of the audio version. I finished it this morning around 1:00 a.m. as I waited for my girls to get home from prom. Mercy had no problem keeping me awake!


Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
Mercy Thompson #7
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Release Date: March 5, 2013 by Penguin Audio
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased Hardcover (B&N) and Audio (Audible)
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclasses and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

It's been too long since I read Mercy. There were a few things I'd forgotten - Samuel's mate? For the most part though, it felt comfortable and familiar, and I slipped right back into Mercy's world. And I was reminded why I've enjoyed spending time here.

• Mercy - she and her coyote are strong no matter what they're having to face. Mercy is brave and smart and cunning. She's always able to figure things out - find her way out of a situation. She's also loyal - to her pack, to her friends, to humanity - and noble - she's always going to do the right thing.
• Action/Mystery - Briggs did a fabulous job with pacing. The action is always nail-biting and perfectly timed. It didn't matter if it was a fight scene or a scene where Mercy's doing something to care for Adam and the pack, I was holding my breath in anxious anticipation of the outcome. I also liked that in Frost Burned once I thought the mystery had been solved, Briggs threw a curve ball to let me know things hadn't been resolved at all.
• Characters - I adore that in spite of this being Mercy's story, we always spend time with the many colorful characters that inhabit her world. Getting to spend time with Zee and Tad, Gabriel and the Sandoval family, Stephan, Warren and Kyle...well, you get the picture. They're a part of Mercy's life and integral to her story. I also appreciated Asil's appearance in Frost Burned. And I was so happy to have already made his acquaintance in the Alpha & Omega series.

I think the only thing I didn't like about Frost Burned was Adam's absence. Well, he wasn't absent but his presence was reduced, what with his kidnapping and dealing with the fallout from that. But I'd been warned, so I knew that was coming and it made it less painful. ;)

This was my first listen with Lorelei King. It took me a few chapters to warm up to her but then she showed me her range and her ability to keep all the voices distinct so that by the end, she was Mercy. I wouldn't hesitate to listen further into this series or listen to anything else from her.

I'm going to be caught up with Mercy and Adam by the end of 2016!

My TBR List ~ April ~ And the Winner is...

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

This month, I decided to have y'all pick the series I work at catching up on. Y'all decided on...

The Winner Is:

Frost Burned
Mercy Thompson #7

Synopsis
Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclasses and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.

Check back on April 30 for my review. And thanks for voting!

My TBR List ~ April ~ Let's Vote

My To-Be Read List is a meme hosted by Michelle @Because Reading. I think it's a fabulous idea because it gets y'all in the game and it helps me knock off some of the many, many books on my TBR list. You're more than welcome to join in the fun! I've included the basic rules below but you can click on the graphic above to hop over to Michelle's site where you can find all the details. 

Here's how it works:
On the first Saturday of each month, I will make a post with three books from my TBR List (these books can be already on your ereader or bookshelf OR books you might want to purchase) and add your link on the linky that will be provided on Michelle's post. Y'ALL will help me choose which book I will read next. The following Saturday, I will announce which book won. Then the last Saturday of the month, I'll post my review.

Fun, right?!?

***

This month, I'm having y'all decide which series I'm going to work at catching up on! :D

Your Choices Are:

Frost Burned
Mercy Thompson #7

Synopsis
Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more. After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted. Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. Outclasses and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.



Edge of Oblivion
Night Proweler #2

Synopsis
There exists a world beyond our own. It is a world of ancient magic and well-guarded secrets, a world of strict laws and harsh punishments for those who betray them, a world inhabited by the Ikati, a race of gifted people who are so much more than they first appear. Brought together by fate in this world of danger and beauty, two people with dark pasts will meet.

Morgan is beautiful, smart, sexy...and about to die. Convicted of treason against her shape-shifting kin, she is given one last chance at redemption; discover the hidden lair of the enemy intent on destroying every one of her kind, or forfeit her life.

Xander is ruthless, heartless, cold-blooded...and assigned to kill her if she fails in her task. Expecting to feel nothing but contempt for the traitor under his watch, the assassin accompanies Morgan on her search, but as the two race through the heart of Italy while the clock winds down to zero hour, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of desire as powerful as it is forbidden. Their passion will test everything they believe in, and endanger the future of the tribe itself.




The Undead Pool
The Hollows #12

Synopsis
Witch and day-walking demon Rachel Morgan has managed to save the demonic ever after from shrinking, but at a high cost. Now strange magic is attacking Cincinnati and the Hollows, causing spells to backfire or go horribly wrong, and the truce between the races, between Inderlander and human, is shattering.

Rachel must stop the occurrences before the undead vampire masters who keep the rest of the undead under control are lost and it becomes all-out supernatural war. However, the only way to do so is through the ancient elven wild magic, which carries its own perils.


Okay, now vote! And thanks! :D


Create your own user feedback survey

Review ~ Hunting Ground ~ Patricia Briggs

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
Alpha & Omega #2
Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased ebook on nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Traveling to the Terminus 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Anna Latham didn't know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son - and enforcer - of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolved, she didn't know how dangerous it could be either.

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran's controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan - and it seems like someone else might be too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all - or risk losing everything...

Hunting Ground is an outstanding follow-up to Cry Wolf. There is so much to love. I enjoyed the interactions between Charles and Anna as they each learn about their bond and an Omega's role. I delighted in delving deeper into the wolf psyche and pack dynamics. And getting more familiar with all the creatures of this world - the vampires, the fae, and the witches, was fascinating. I think the only drawback was the lack of Bran. *winks*

Hunting Ground is mostly set in Seattle, as that's where the summit is being held, and it's a setting I adore. Knowing the places talked about captivated me all the more. This summit is being held so Charles and listen to any issues the European packs may have with Bran taking werewolves public. Meeting some of these alphas made my skin crawl. They're prime examples of why humans would fear werewolves. And all these dominant wolves together in one room? Exciting to say the least. Especially with Anna's presence and her effect on them.

There is some trouble stirred up, on top of the outing issues, that Charles and Anna must try to resolve - especially once Anna is targeted. I enjoyed how Briggs wove in myth, magic, legend, and history into all the action. She didn't shy away from grit or violence which served the story well. In the end, Anna might have figured things out a little too easily but I don't want to take anything away from her intuition and skill. I am captivated watching her come into her own, stretch her mental and physical prowess, and gain confidence. And I adore that Charles is man/wolf enough to stand back as she does and validate her for it. 

Again, I feel like I'm being disloyal to Mercy and Adam but Charles and Anna have a special something that appeals to me. A lot. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey of discovery with them.

Travel by the Book ~ Portland

Welcome to Travel by the Book. I know for most of us, reading is an escape. One of the things I love about reading it getting to travel. And I'm sure I'm not the only reader who has wished to take a trip inspired by a place I read about in a book. I've been fortunate in that my Hubs is kind enough to indulge me and take me to said places. This is where I share those vacations that were inspired by a book.

***The Book***

So this Travel by the Book is a bit different because it happened kinda backwards. For my 40th birthday, Hubs and I were doing an exploration of Northern California (you'll see that in a different TbtB post) and western Oregon. We hadn't planned much for the Portland area outside of visiting breweries and Powell's :) but I started River Marked on the morning of our departure and it ended up shaping our visit to this area. Weird, right? I mean, I had no idea that River Marked was set in the Columbia River Basin when I started it but it seemed serendipitous that I'd begin reading it while on my way to the area.

I've always enjoyed the lore and mythology Briggs uses in this series. It was even better that she'd incorporate some Native American lore in River Marked, seeing as it's a big part of who Mercy is. And getting to see some of the sights and learn more about the particular lore used really enhanced my enjoyment of this installment in Mercy's story.

***The Travel***

We visited the Portland area in March - therefore it was appropriately gloomy, dreary, and rainy then entire time. We traveled a scenic byway where we saw several of the falls mentioned in River Marked, most notably Multnomah Falls.

Although Mercy and Adam were in this area during the summer, I was still awed by the amount of green and water everywhere. I think there might actually be more moss on the trees here than in Forks, Washington. ;)

There were just as many, if not more, waterfalls in this area of Oregon than in Washington.

Here is the beautiful Columbia River. We went to a Visitor's Center where we learned a lot about Tsagaglalal, the "river devil", who caused some problems for Mercy and Adam.

This ended up being a fantastic trip that just so happened to coincide with my reading about this particular location. I might suggest you visit the area in early summer though. ;)

#2015HW Review ~ Cry Wolf ~ Patricia Briggs

Cry Wolf
Alpha & Omega #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Release Date: July 29, 2008
Source: Purchased from B&N on nook
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer--and son--of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only is Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf--a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack.

It's been awhile since I spent time with Mercy and Adam and I feel like I'm betraying them a little but...I think I love Anna and Charles just as much. Maybe more. Cry Wolf was exciting, suspenseful, and fascinating. Here are a few reasons why:

1) Anna's an Omega - I had no idea what that meant but I learned and it was captivating.

2) Charles - he may be the Marrok's son and his assassin...he may also be quiet and have trouble expressing himself but I think he might be better with words than Samuel. Plus, he's a hot Native American and Anna brings out all his "good" stuff and we're able to see the softer side of Charles.

3) Asil - I adored the one-upsmanship between Asil and Charles. The dialog between these two provided some much needed comic relief.

4) BRAN! Getting to know more about the Marrok, his history, etc., was an absolute delight. I've adored him since he was introduced in Mercy's series, but he's been such an enigma. I'm so much better acquainted with him now. And I know he's actually scared of something.

I am very grateful to Braine for the heads-up about reading Alpha & Omega first. It certainly helped in my understanding of Anna - what she'd endured and why she reacted like she did.

I'm sad I waited so long to start this series. And I can't wait to get further into it!

That's What HE Said #25 & Thirty Thursday & Hungry Hearts #4

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:

Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs

I like this quote because Anna is feeling a little out of place and insecure here but Charles gives her words to let her know how he feels and it gives her a little boost of confidence.

***

"I would not have considered taking you without my father's insistence," he said slowly. "And I would have been wrong."

*~*~*~*~*~*

Though he was obviously still sore and claimed not to be much of a cook, he fixed the stew she'd been organizing when Bran called. He did send her for the potatoes, which he kept hidden downstairs in a fifty-pound gunnysack, but otherwise seemed perfectly content to do all the work himself.

Charles can make stew for me anytime. ;)

Review ~ Alpha & Omega ~ Patricia Briggs

Alpha & Omega
Alpha & Omega #0.5
Release Date: October 20, 2008
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Purchased for nook from B&N
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
In Cry Wolf, New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs started a new urban fantasy series set in the world of Mercy Thompson -- but with rules of its own. Now, read "Alpha and Omega." the novella that inspired the new series, and see how it all began...

Anna Latham never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the Chicago pack, she's learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But when she discovers wrongdoing in her pack, she has to go above her Alpha's head to ask for help.

Charles Cornick is the son -- and enforcer -- of the leader of the North American werewolves. Now his father has sent him to Chicago to clean up a problem there. Charles never expected to find Anna, a rare Omega wolf -- and he certainly never expected to recognize her as his mate...

This novella was originally published in the anthology, On the Prowl.

(I read Alpha & Omega prior to reading Cry Wolf as Braine (@TalkSupe) recommended it be read first for a better understanding of Anna, Charles, and their relationship.)

What a treat! It's been awhile since I've read Patricia Briggs but I was immediately pulled into the world she's created and adoring Anna and Charles. Briggs' writing is comfortable, familiar, and I found myself wondering why I've stayed away so long.

Alpha & Omega is a prequel novella introducing Anna and Charles. Of course, I knew of Charles already, his family and his role in it, but meeting Anna and seeing how she affected Charles - how they affected one another - was enlightening and fun. I needed the explanation of what an Omega wolf is and the examples of her 'power'.

Being already familiar with the were-world Briggs has created made falling onto the story easy. hat was amazing was the character development she could do in so few pages. I know Anna's past is going to figure heavily into her and Charles' story, and I liked getting the glimpse of it. I also enjoyed Charles' backstory because I can't remember if I knew it or not. Anna and Charles are good together. There is sexual tension (as Charles' wolf has claimed Anna) but they also balance one another well. It's going to be fun seeing their relationship grow.

On a side note, I loved, loved seeing more of Bran Cornick! ;)

Teaser Tuesday ~ #62

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Cry Wolf

Alpha and Omega Series #1

Anna never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. Then Charles Cornick, the enforcer--and son--of the leader of the North American werewolves, came into her life.

Charles insists that not only his Anna his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And it is Anna's inner strength and calming presence that will prove invaluable as she and Charles go on the hunt in search of a rogue werewolf--a creature bound in magic so dark that it could threaten all of the pack.

***Teaser***

"I was never afraid of monsters until I became one. Now I'm afraid of my own shadow."