Relentless wolf shapeshifters hunt for your pleasure in these sizzling stories by New York Times bestselling authors Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden . . . LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE Shelly Laurenston Quiet little Darla Lewis couldn’t be happier when the most-feared member of the South’s rowdiest pack kidnaps her. A girl gets real tired of being overprotected by her own shifter family, and … real tired of being overprotected by her own shifter family, and there’s nothing like an oh-so-big bad wolf to start a pack feud—and unleash her wildest instincts. . .
WED OR DEAD
Cynthia Eden
Gage Ryder knew his human bride had a wild side. But spending their honeymoon night on the run from hunters out to finish him and his pack is sure not the kind of fun he was looking forward to. No problem—Gage will do whatever it takes to lay bare Kayla’s secrets and find the truth. If he can keep from being captured by his own seductive game . . .
“Cynthia’s on my must-buy list.”
—New York Times bestselling author Angie Fox
“Laurenston continues to dazzle readers.”
—RT Book Reviews
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4 stars – It was really good
This rating is only for Like a Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston.
I really loved Darla and Eggie’s story. Egbert “Eggie” Smith is known as a killer and most people avoid him, but not Darla. She sees the sweet and protective man and is determined to make others see it too. I loved how Darla was extremely kind, caring and sassy, but also would attack anyone who said anything disrespectful about Eggie. She was the perfect mate for Eggie. This was a great start to this crazy world of shifters.
While I already own a copy or two of Howl for It, I was given an advanced copy of the republished edition from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The following review consists solely of my opinions and no one else’s.
I love and worship Shelly Laurenston so when NetGalley showed a republication of Howl for It, I nearly poured a bottle of water on my laptop to click the request button. Howl for It is a duet anthology consisting of Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelly Laurenston, Book 0.5 of the Pride series, and Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden.
Like a Wolf with a Bone
I can’t not gush about Eggie Ray Smith, he’s one of my favourite characters from Shelly Laurenston. I’ve been in love with Eggie Ray Smith’s character since reading about needing to call Uncle Eggie in to deal with some issues in The Beast in Him. He’s fearsome and overly protective of anyone he deems ‘his’. And, as soon as he set eyes on Darla Mae Lewis, she was his and he’d do anything to keep her safe. Which means when Darla Mae is attacked by a squad of full-humans trying to kill her, Eggie does what Eggie Ray Smith does best. He starts the killin’.
Most shifters in the world are terrified of Eggie Ray Smith, even his fellow packmates aren’t comfortable around him and aren’t exactly bending over backwards to invite him to sit a spell with them. Which makes little Darla Mae none too happy when she finds out. Eggie’s a fearsome shifter to be sure, but he’s not a bad guy. He begs for his mother’s help to take out Darla’s stitches because he’s worried his hands are too rough to touch Darla. He tries to change himself for Darla but Darla is quick to tell him she likes him just the way he is.
Darla Mae Lewis is one of those people I’d love to have in my life, she’s loving and trusting but she’s also an assertive woman who will kick ass if she feels she has to. She’s very loyal and defends Eggie Ray several times, even against her own sisters. Darla Mae is also a well-travelled and highly educated pastry chef, working at Van Holtz Restaurants all over the place and even having her European culinary education funded by her boss. Best of all? Darla Mae Lewis is a bona fide all-inclusive feminist. Yes, she’s an apex predator shifter who shifter males know not to mess with, but she understands all women need equality and does the marching and protesting just like we are today.
In Like a Wolf with a Bone, we get to see how some older characters from Laurenston’s shifter books were as ‘new adults’, Blayne Thorpe’s daddy, Sissy Mae’s and Smitty’s parents, and, of course Dee-Ann’s parents. We also meet Sara Morrighan’s parents at a Woodstock-style party in the mountains.
With Like a Wolf with a Bone, I always enjoy reading the story. I think I actually have it memorised. Every part of the story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Nothing was left unresolved. As a standalone and not a paired book, I’d rate Like a Wolf with a Bone, as 5 out of 5 stars because it’s one of my favourite Laurenston books and it needs more gushing since it’s a short story.
Wed or Dead
I admit it. Before this ARC, I’d actually never read Cynthia Eden’s half of the book. So, this was actually my first time reading Wed or Dead. I enjoyed Kayla and Gage’s story, but it wasn’t really my kind of book. I’m not a fan of the ‘genetically compatible for breeding mate’ trope, women are not incubators and that’s always what this trope says to me.
I did, however, enjoy the beginning of the story which starts with Kayla convincing herself to walk down the aisle of a Las Vegas strip chapel to her waiting groom, Gage. And then, we have a wedding night and meh. But that morning after routine was pretty amazing with the whole “can I really bring myself to kill the person I just had sex with, my newly wedded spouse?”. The escape out the window was shocking and exhilarating from my spot in my safe bed with my cosy pupper under my head. Don’t ask me to jump out the window to certain death, but I’ll totally read or watch it.
The way the story played out, the betrayals and the enemy of my enemy is my friend thing? I liked it but some of it (the Big Bad) was too bad for me. Not on a literary level but on a moral level. There are just some things that you don’t do and The Big Bad did it. Like, can I just slip into the story and be a little homicidal on The Big Bad?
While Wed or Dead wasn’t very memorable for me, I did like reading it. I’ll even go read the other Cynthia Eden books I bought just because they were there. Don’t judge. I like to have options. But because it wasn’t very memorable and it played on a trope I have no love for among a few other things you’ll probably notice if you read it, I’m only giving it 3 stars.
Overall, I give Howl for It (both Like a Wolf with a Bone and Wed or Dead) 4 out of 5 stars and 3 out of 5 flames. I especially enjoyed reading Howl for It because the sexy times are limited because the stories are short in order to provide a full story for us readers to enjoy.
I absolutely loved it and i would definitely recommend it.
My Thoughts – 5 out of 5 Unicorns – I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I do own this in paperback too!
This book has two stories in it. Both are fabulous stories! I think I have read this book before, but it was prior to writing reviews as most of the books I’ve read by Shelly. I’ve read a ton of Shelly’s books, and she is one of my favorite authors. I own her books in paperback. I didn’t used to write reviews because I didn’t think what I thought mattered to others. I didn’t used to look at reviews then either, but I share for those on the fence. I will eventually go back and re-read all of those books to write reviews, but I haven’t found time yet. Cynthia is a newer author to me, but I definitely love what I’ve read so far and will continue to check out her work.
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston is another story in a world I love with women full of attitude that make for exciting adventure and reading. This is a prequel of how DeeAnn’s parents get together, and it gives you insight into Eggie who is DeeAnn’s daddy. I love when the Lewis sisters are together especially when you throw in those Smith boys. It is a fabulous world that I love getting lost in. I’m always up to read Shelly’s work!
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden is an interesting paranormal world where there are hunters who seek to destroy those paranormals. This was a story full of twists and turns and deception. There was tons of action and plot that I didn’t see some things coming. It was definitely a great read! I can’t wait to read more of Cynthia’s work!
I highly recommend to paranormal and shifter fans who love humorous stories that are full of action, attitude, and love, and for fans who love complex worlds and great reads!
In the first half of the book was called Like a Wolf with a Bone and it was actually humorous. When Eggie sees Darla Mae for the first time he knew he was in love but who would keep his company. Eggie was the wolf no one wanted to mess with in fact they were scared of him, everyone but Darla Mae. Darla Mae didn’t think anyone would want her but Eggie keeps proving it to her by defending her because someone is trying to kill her. This story was sweet and funny and a bit dangerous but it was really hard to put down
Wed or Dead When Kayla agreed to marry Gage in Vegas she kept saying it was just part of her job but when her backup team came to take out Gage she couldn’t let them. Kayla felt more for Gage and even though she hunted wolves like the ones who killed her parents she didn’t want to with Gage. When Gage took off with her the team they just ran from found her and shot Gage and then her with a tranquilizer. Now she and Gage are in a cage and she will have to save their lives. Kayla was one tough woman and very determined to see justice for her brother and families just like hers. Very fast paced and exciting and loved the storyline.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Howl For It by Shelly Laurenston and Cynthia Eden
Pride #0.5
WOW – Looking for a book that provides alpha male shapeshifters in wonderful stories AND women that get them? Look no further!
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
I LOVED this story! Egbert “Eggie” Ray Smith is a bad boy with a reputation that leaves most people afraid to get near him but Darla Mae Lewis “sees” him and only feels safe and secure when he is close. This is definitely new for Eggie and he laps it up. Darla may seem sweet and gentle but she is a whole lot more than a smart woman in a beautiful body…and definitely capable of taking care of herself. When her life is threatened Eggie steps in and does what he does so well…ruthlessly keeps her safe. I loved the couple, the dialogue, the setting and just everything about this story. It left me feeling good with a smile on my face and wanting to read more by this author. (5 Stars)
Wed Or Dead by Cynthia Eden
Completely different in some ways but also the story of a hot male shifter who knows what he wants – yep – Gage wants Darla and is willing to marry her in spite of the secrets she is keeping. This is a story of hunters seeking out and killing paranormal entities. The hunters’ leader is a ruthless government contractor with a secret of his own. The fact that Darla falls for her prey while trying to enact a black widow scenario is only part of this wonderful nail-biting edge-of-your-seat story. Another stellar story that goes very well with the other in the book. (5 Stars)
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Howl For It is 2 books/novellas in one.
The first Book/novella is: Like a Wolf with a Bone by Shelley Laurenston
I wasn’t sure at first … this was set in the South and all of the Characters male Smith’s had Ray as their 2nd first name or middle name (it is unclear which it is) & the Lewis sisters were all “first name” Mae’s.
That said even the character written to be the least endearing will work his way into your heart.
Eggie Ray and Darla Mae were born for each other. Eggie Ray is more Wolf than man and Darla Mae is a pacifist Werewolf. Despite the fact that Eggie Ray would just as soon kill you as talk to you they seem to work … maybe Darla Mae’s amazing pies help as well.
There was action, strife, crazy families coming together (again! ) … this book was fun to read.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden is the second of the books/novellas.
This was my first Cynthia Eden book/story and it was good! It took me a few chapters to get into to it but in the end it was worth the effort!
Give this book a try if you want a good set of paranormal romance books/stories!
I volunteered to read the book as an Advanced reader copy and now I am writing my honest review of the book.
These two books are linked only by the common theme of shifters. You don’t need to worry about remembering characters from the first story to enjoy the 2nd!
Like A Wolf With A Bone by Shelly Laurenston
OMG It’s a flashback to the 70’s! I was only a baby during the time that this book was set and it was a hoot! Darla is in your face, don’t give a damn feminist with a knack for baking (so un-PC!!!)Eggie is like a trap, coiled and ready to spring but Darla just loves to poke. All her sisters have hooked up with Eggie’s brothers but she doesn’t want a mate, no sirree!!!
Pity fate is fickle and has decided to throw these two together! I did feel sorry for Darla and Eggie cos their brothers and sisters are…an acquired taste to say the least. I really hated them for the way they treated Darla and Eggie.
Wed or Dead by Cynthia Eden
A shifter wedding with a difference. The groom is a shifter and the bride is a hunter…although neither of them wants to admit it, their is more to this wedding than similar plans to catch the other!
Very dark and dangerous feel. Lots of betrayal, mistrust, lies and lost families. I’d definately read more in this series!!!
LIKE A WOLF WITH A BONE by @Shelley Egbert Ray ( Eggie ) is a deadly wolf shifter. His brothers have married or mated to the Lewis sisters. Everyone is scared of Eggie and try to stay clear of him. He’s in a special unit in the marines with other shifters. Darla Mae is the first person not afraid of Eggie. She is attacked on her own territory and Eggie takes her back to his territory. But he never expects to fall for the pacifist wolf shifter. Someone still wants Darla dead but they’ll have to go through Eggie first. From what I understand this takes place in the ’70s. Sometimes the dialogue didn’t sound natural but there was plenty of action, fighting, and sex, with a little humor thrown in. —————————-
WED OR DEAD by @Cynthia Eden 5 stars
Kayla is a hunter who takes down wolves and other paranormal creatures who kill humans. Gage is the Alpha of the Vegas pack and is Kayla’s next mission. She must get as close as possible to him and then kill him with a silver knife. What better way than to marry him. Gage knows her plans but they can’t help but fall for each other. From the first time Gage got a whiff of Kayla, he knew she was his. They are captured and Kayla finds out some disturbing truths about the hunters leader.
Loved this story. Exciting, sexy, bloody, and a little suspenseful.
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* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
I absolutely love Dee-Ann and here we get the story about her parents Darla Mae Smith and Eggie Ray Smith.
Eggie is on “vacation” from the military when he lays eyes on Darla Mae. Darla Mae is on vacation from her job as a pastry chef in on of the Van Holz restaurants in San Francisco, when the most feared wolf in their world saves her life.
As usual the author makes you laugh out loud. I highly recommend this short story as well as Shelly Laurenston/G.A. Aikens other work.