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!