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Alpine Woods Shifters #1
Arctic Winds
Alpine Woods Shifter, #1 Nothing will stop a wolf once he's found his mate. . .not even her own doubts. After her skulk abandoned her four years ago, Samantha knew she would never truly be wanted. When she accidentally stumbles into a wolf town and is asked by their premier to stay, she believes it's the novelty of an arctic fox motivating him. She knows she'll be on her own again once he tires of her. Jason finds himself pulled to Samantha from the moment she faints in his arms. His wolf is calling to him, telling him he's found their mate and the heat he feels for Samantha is impossible to resist. But his little fox is loaded down with emotional baggage and doesn't believe she's worthy of love. Can he overcome her fears? Or will pack jealousies and the local foxes convince her she doesn't belong with him before he has a chance?28,000 Words
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
63 people are currently reading
1922 people want to read
About the author
Sondrae Bennett
8 books220 followersI love romance. I love reading romance, living romance (who doesn't), but I especially love writing romance. There's no greater feeling than watching my characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, I love giving my characters the happily ever afters they deserve, with a little necessary drama first.
When I pick up a new book and can sink into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters, I know I've found a keeper. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.
I love to hear from readers so feel free to email me at sondraebennett@gmail.com or check out my blog to learn more about me. I dedicate *most* Mondays on my blog to books I'm in love with so come on over and join the fun.
Twitter: @SondraeBennett
Facebook: Sondrae Bennett
Website: www.sondraebennett.com
When I pick up a new book and can sink into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters, I know I've found a keeper. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.
I love to hear from readers so feel free to email me at sondraebennett@gmail.com or check out my blog to learn more about me. I dedicate *most* Mondays on my blog to books I'm in love with so come on over and join the fun.
Twitter: @SondraeBennett
Facebook: Sondrae Bennett
Website: www.sondraebennett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 4, 2018
It starts as an equivalent of a hot chocolate on a cold night. Then you get drowned in cheese.
All the familiar ingredients of short paranormal romances are here: you have your obligatory shifter community and an outsider arriving in their isolated little town, something-or-another-at-first-sight, being in love right away, bossiness (him being a caveman and she being cute), some jealousy and all that.
It's short and you're going to read it quickly.
All the familiar ingredients of short paranormal romances are here: you have your obligatory shifter community and an outsider arriving in their isolated little town, something-or-another-at-first-sight, being in love right away, bossiness (him being a caveman and she being cute), some jealousy and all that.
It's short and you're going to read it quickly.
January 27, 2021
One of two books in the series I used to prolifically re-read, it’s been a fair while since my last re-read, sometimes my kindle turns into Mary Poppins’ bag and I can’t locate all my treasures, add in a goldfish like memory and good books are sometimes forgotten and left to gather dust.
Alpha wolf and pack leader Jason, has been feeling restless and like something is missing from his life for quite some time, he wants a happy mating like his parents, but none of the women in his pack or whom he has dated/slept with in the past were the one. And then one day he walks into his local dinner and scents something that has his wolf rising, sharply alert – lone Arctic fox shifter Samantha.
Jason is possessive and protective from the get go, whilst Samantha is nervous and skittish. I did wish Samantha was a little fierier, and her reactions were a little bit different when she was scared and upset, nevertheless they’re a cute couple and this was a pretty cute read, that had me, at times, smiling.
An enjoyable little/short shifter romance – light and fun with no angst. Insta-lust/love is the key ingredient in this.
Alpha wolf and pack leader Jason, has been feeling restless and like something is missing from his life for quite some time, he wants a happy mating like his parents, but none of the women in his pack or whom he has dated/slept with in the past were the one. And then one day he walks into his local dinner and scents something that has his wolf rising, sharply alert – lone Arctic fox shifter Samantha.
Jason is possessive and protective from the get go, whilst Samantha is nervous and skittish. I did wish Samantha was a little fierier, and her reactions were a little bit different when she was scared and upset, nevertheless they’re a cute couple and this was a pretty cute read, that had me, at times, smiling.
An enjoyable little/short shifter romance – light and fun with no angst. Insta-lust/love is the key ingredient in this.
February 13, 2011
Impressive love story! I love it when I can feel the romance build between to characters. This story has some humor, a sexy arctic fox and one alpha wolf that can’t keep his paws off of a white fox. These sex scenes are very hot and I am looking forward reading more about the rest of the characters. I hope the author will expand more into this world she has building. I can really see this story keep growing as she writes more about these characters.
This is a short novella, so I not going to give a lot out. Samantha has been on the run for years she has no family or home until she walks into a wolf shifter town where she meets Jason and he basically makes her stay with an offer for a job with his sister. Now this thing will be is how is he going to keep this fox from running again. You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall I was impressed with the author and the love story and can‘t wait to read more from her; I would recommend this to any paranormal romance reader.
Tease
“Unbelievable,” Jason angrily whispered, yet again. He looked at the wolf sitting in the front seat next to him. “I told you to take care of her!”
Jason glanced in the rearview mirror at the wet arctic fox. Unconscious, she was spread out over the entire backseat of his car. She looked a bit like a big rat with her white fur plastered against her skin. “What, exactly, made you think skinny dipping in the very public park fountain was a good idea?”
The wolf looked at him with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth. As he stopped at a red light, she put front paws on his thigh and licked his face.
This is a short novella, so I not going to give a lot out. Samantha has been on the run for years she has no family or home until she walks into a wolf shifter town where she meets Jason and he basically makes her stay with an offer for a job with his sister. Now this thing will be is how is he going to keep this fox from running again. You’ll have to read to find out.
Overall I was impressed with the author and the love story and can‘t wait to read more from her; I would recommend this to any paranormal romance reader.
Tease
“Unbelievable,” Jason angrily whispered, yet again. He looked at the wolf sitting in the front seat next to him. “I told you to take care of her!”
Jason glanced in the rearview mirror at the wet arctic fox. Unconscious, she was spread out over the entire backseat of his car. She looked a bit like a big rat with her white fur plastered against her skin. “What, exactly, made you think skinny dipping in the very public park fountain was a good idea?”
The wolf looked at him with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth. As he stopped at a red light, she put front paws on his thigh and licked his face.
May 12, 2011
So... I would not recommend this book at all. I could barely finish it and only did so hoping that it wouldget better. It is not the absolute worst book that I have ever read so it gets two stars instead of one. Warning spoliers to follow. So what didn't I like? Not enough detail. There were times where I would go to the next page and wonder "did i miss something or skip an entire chapter?" I mean the main characters go out on their first date, he comes to pick her up and then it's the next day. What happened? Where is the development of their relationship? When we finally see their second date all you discover about their interaction is that she thinks he is funny. It would have been better if this was shown rather than told. I kept thinking was "I want to laugh, too." Maybe it would have made me like Jason's character more. As it was I just thought he was demanding and she was a pushover with no spine. Then during the dinner he basically says "We're celebrating the fact that we will be having sex tonight." How romantic.. a demand that she just went along with. Um..no! Have some backbone woman!
Another part that really bugged me was what I call " the fountain incident." Samantha goes to Laurie's house for a random girls night (Why you would have a girls night with a stranger you just met whom your brother forced you to give a job and housing in said place of employment, i don't know) but they end up naked in a fountain together. I'm guessing this is supposed to be attributed to some type of weird shifter female bonding. I believe there is also supposed to be some type of famous lastwords irony but it really falls flat. First and foremost the male lead, Jason, is driving around town and "happens" to stumble across them dancing naked in a fountain. We don't know how the women got to that point, all we know is it involved liquor. What are we missing again...details. If they were at Laurie's house and Jason had to drive them home it would stand to reason that they had to get there by some form of transportation. Shifting and running would be out because he noted that he picked up their clothes at that location and they only shifted when they saw him, to cover their nakedness. Suffice to say this is just another plot gap that bugged me about this book.
With all that said I would like to make sure that I state that I respect this author and the work that she put in to completing this book, I just am not a fan of it.
February 14, 2011
There were just so many things that were amazing and perfect about this book. The first 90% was sheer perfection. And on a scale of 1-5 stars I'd be looking for #6 or 7.
This is the point where I type up my own statements about novella's not being long enough to develop characters, I'd have to print those very words out and eat them.
Like crow.
Because I am woman enough to admit Bennett developed two amazing characters. So now I revise my previous statement. I believe that an author can't commit the majority of a novella's text or even a large portion of it to sex and at the same time have the space and timing to make me care about the characters.
Bennett on the other hand was killing me with unsatisfied sexual need. She took that time to build up the characters and get me invested in them enought that I was ready to have a celebration for the copulation.
Samantha is an arctic wolf whose parents are dead and at the age of 21 she was booted out of her skulk/pack. For the past four years she has traveled all over doing odd jobs and taking care of herself. When she ends up in a wolf town in Colorado she learns what it means to have love, family and friends. For the first time people care about her and she cares about them. It was especially cute that she'd never had a girl friend or a girls' night out before.
The end was a little to abrupt and pretty for me. I wanted to have more conflict, which probably would have required quite a few more chapters. I wanted the female wolves to throw up road blocks or the male foxes near by to present some level of real challenge.. then have the two of them over come that hurdle and find their HEA..
I will most definately be following this series. It reminds me of Vivian Arend's Granite Lake Wolves series and Dana Marie Bell's Halle Shifter/Halle Pumas series. Both are like my own personal crack. And now I've scored some more. Frankly, all shifter lovers are going to enjoy this one.
This is the point where I type up my own statements about novella's not being long enough to develop characters, I'd have to print those very words out and eat them.
Like crow.
Because I am woman enough to admit Bennett developed two amazing characters. So now I revise my previous statement. I believe that an author can't commit the majority of a novella's text or even a large portion of it to sex and at the same time have the space and timing to make me care about the characters.
Bennett on the other hand was killing me with unsatisfied sexual need. She took that time to build up the characters and get me invested in them enought that I was ready to have a celebration for the copulation.
Samantha is an arctic wolf whose parents are dead and at the age of 21 she was booted out of her skulk/pack. For the past four years she has traveled all over doing odd jobs and taking care of herself. When she ends up in a wolf town in Colorado she learns what it means to have love, family and friends. For the first time people care about her and she cares about them. It was especially cute that she'd never had a girl friend or a girls' night out before.
The end was a little to abrupt and pretty for me. I wanted to have more conflict, which probably would have required quite a few more chapters. I wanted the female wolves to throw up road blocks or the male foxes near by to present some level of real challenge.. then have the two of them over come that hurdle and find their HEA..
I will most definately be following this series. It reminds me of Vivian Arend's Granite Lake Wolves series and Dana Marie Bell's Halle Shifter/Halle Pumas series. Both are like my own personal crack. And now I've scored some more. Frankly, all shifter lovers are going to enjoy this one.
May 13, 2016
I loved this book although it was shorter than expected the author built a beautiful town in a very short time. Jason is the Premier wolf in Alpine Woods and smells something very enticing. That is when he sees Samantha. He knows that she is a shifter jut not sure what kind. Samantha is an artic fox shifter and was kicked out of her skulk at the age of 21 and has always felt unwanted and unloved. This all changes when she meets Jason. Throughout the book they fall in love and Jason wants to claim her as his mate bus Sam is skittish. While getting lost in the woods she lands in another shifter town but this time with foxes where she meets Cody. He is a crafty one.
I liked all the characters in the book and will continue with the series.
I liked all the characters in the book and will continue with the series.
March 4, 2011
There is something about this book that really sucked me in and made me love it. I found myself just smiling through the whole book (well, novella - it is only 86 pages on my Nook). I connected with all the characters immediately, not just the h/h. The secondary characters were just as great, and the author could not write their stories fast enough! Even the fox alpha that was only in a few pages caught my immediate interest and made me want more.
There were definite problems with this book, don't get me wrong. Due to the shortness of the book (again only 86 pages!) there were some things that were not fully explained, such as exactly why Samantha's skulk made her leave (a skulk is to foxes what a pack is to wolves - I had no idea what it was before reading this). I was also curious as to why all of the different shifter groups in Alaska where Samantha's original skulk was were so blood-thirsty and territorial, but not where the book takes place (sorry, I have no idea what state they are in!). It makes me even more curious about Samantha's old skulk, maybe the other shifters only hated the Arctic Fox skulk for some reason...
I loved Jason - he was so pulled towards Samantha right away, and was so afraid of scaring her off. He was so gentle with her emotions, but at the same time was hotness in bed. He also had no idea that he was in love with her and she was his mate. It was great watching him being so confused over his feelings for her - all he knew was that he wanted to be around Samantha all the time and was paralyzed at the thought that she might leave. This was especially nice because in so many shifter books the shifter knows immediately that the woman is his mate due to scent, and there is never any question about their feelings - they never have to struggle with realizing that they are in love like every other person in the real world. Of course, Jason was compelled by Samantha, but it wasn't "MUST. CLAIM. MATE."
I wish the book had been longer, not because I felt it was rushed in anyway - it really wasn't - but because I didn't want it to end! I really hope that Bennett makes a series out of this!
There were definite problems with this book, don't get me wrong. Due to the shortness of the book (again only 86 pages!) there were some things that were not fully explained, such as exactly why Samantha's skulk made her leave (a skulk is to foxes what a pack is to wolves - I had no idea what it was before reading this). I was also curious as to why all of the different shifter groups in Alaska where Samantha's original skulk was were so blood-thirsty and territorial, but not where the book takes place (sorry, I have no idea what state they are in!). It makes me even more curious about Samantha's old skulk, maybe the other shifters only hated the Arctic Fox skulk for some reason...
I loved Jason - he was so pulled towards Samantha right away, and was so afraid of scaring her off. He was so gentle with her emotions, but at the same time was hotness in bed. He also had no idea that he was in love with her and she was his mate. It was great watching him being so confused over his feelings for her - all he knew was that he wanted to be around Samantha all the time and was paralyzed at the thought that she might leave. This was especially nice because in so many shifter books the shifter knows immediately that the woman is his mate due to scent, and there is never any question about their feelings - they never have to struggle with realizing that they are in love like every other person in the real world. Of course, Jason was compelled by Samantha, but it wasn't "MUST. CLAIM. MATE."
I wish the book had been longer, not because I felt it was rushed in anyway - it really wasn't - but because I didn't want it to end! I really hope that Bennett makes a series out of this!
January 22, 2011
I am amazed at how much of a story Sondrae Bennett has managed to pack into such a small package! (72 pages!)
Samantha is an unsure and timid arctic fox that was orphaned at a young age then kicked out of her skulk four years ago. Since then she has been traveling the country, never staying in one place too long or forming any attachments and steering clear of shifter communities. When she falls ill and accidentally enters into a wolf packs territory she is frightened for her life; she knows how vicious shifter packs are in Alaska and doesn’t think this one could be any different.
When premier Jason enters the dinner an alluring scent catches his nose and he immediately focuses on its owner- a petite, gorgeous blond who is definitely not human and Jason’s wolf comes to full attention. But when he goes to question the new comer she faints dead away.
Samantha comes to with the sexy hulking wolf holding her hand and is shocked when he insists on her staying in the town, even giving her a job & accommodations. Why not, she thinks, but doesn’t expect to hang around for long; she never does. But Jason plans on keeping her around for good; he knows he has found his mate in the little fox. Now all he has to do is convince Samantha of it.
Arctic Winds is a beautiful romance with characters that will capture your heart and love scenes that will make your blood boil. Jason is a sexy alpha wolf that can take care of me any day of the week! And his little heart, Samantha, is sweet and loving but comes with some heavy emotional baggage; you can’t help but feel for her. As they struggle with their relationship they grow into a admirable couple, you will be rooting for a HEA for this pair. A marvelous debut and start to the Alpine Woods Shifters series and I am looking forward to more!
Samantha is an unsure and timid arctic fox that was orphaned at a young age then kicked out of her skulk four years ago. Since then she has been traveling the country, never staying in one place too long or forming any attachments and steering clear of shifter communities. When she falls ill and accidentally enters into a wolf packs territory she is frightened for her life; she knows how vicious shifter packs are in Alaska and doesn’t think this one could be any different.
When premier Jason enters the dinner an alluring scent catches his nose and he immediately focuses on its owner- a petite, gorgeous blond who is definitely not human and Jason’s wolf comes to full attention. But when he goes to question the new comer she faints dead away.
Samantha comes to with the sexy hulking wolf holding her hand and is shocked when he insists on her staying in the town, even giving her a job & accommodations. Why not, she thinks, but doesn’t expect to hang around for long; she never does. But Jason plans on keeping her around for good; he knows he has found his mate in the little fox. Now all he has to do is convince Samantha of it.
Arctic Winds is a beautiful romance with characters that will capture your heart and love scenes that will make your blood boil. Jason is a sexy alpha wolf that can take care of me any day of the week! And his little heart, Samantha, is sweet and loving but comes with some heavy emotional baggage; you can’t help but feel for her. As they struggle with their relationship they grow into a admirable couple, you will be rooting for a HEA for this pair. A marvelous debut and start to the Alpine Woods Shifters series and I am looking forward to more!
February 13, 2011
This is very short, but it's a fun read for an evening. A feel good, HEA romance for when you might be in the mood for one. Ms. Bennett manages to get a full story into about 72 pages and not leave you thinking it was rushed or that the ending was too abrupt.
The cover is just lovely.
I hope she will pen some sequels about this wolf pack and maybe the fox pack next door. She has left us with at least 5 characters for which she can do additional books.
The cover is just lovely.
I hope she will pen some sequels about this wolf pack and maybe the fox pack next door. She has left us with at least 5 characters for which she can do additional books.
July 25, 2020
It's fun to read about shifters who are not so steeped in angst you want to help them find the knife to end it all. A nice Sunday afternoon, don't have to think to hard to figure things out. A good read.
May 9, 2011
can't.even.finish.
SO brutal. lame h/h, lame story, lame everything.
won't delete it, in case i'm SUPER desperate one day and HAVE to read something. but do not recommend.
SO brutal. lame h/h, lame story, lame everything.
won't delete it, in case i'm SUPER desperate one day and HAVE to read something. but do not recommend.
May 12, 2024
I read this when I was like 13 and on Wattpad and thought it was awesome. Read it again, and I am no longer 13, and this is no longer awesome.
April 10, 2020
"As his teeth sank into her, breaking the skin and releasing the mating activator, he continued to thrust into her from behind" literally the least hot thing I have read in a book about werewolf mating. Activator?!!!! Gross.
It was free. It was 86 pages. I will not be reading on.
It was free. It was 86 pages. I will not be reading on.
April 3, 2011
(http://freshinkreviews.com/2011/04/re...)
Online blurb:
Nothing will stop a wolf once he’s found his mate…not even her own doubts.
After her skulk abandoned her four years ago, Samantha knew she would never truly be wanted. When she accidentally stumbles into a wolf town and is asked by their premier to stay, she believes it’s the novelty of an arctic fox motivating him. She knows she’ll be on her own again once he tires of her.
Jason finds himself pulled to Samantha from the moment she faints in his arms. His wolf is calling to him, telling him he’s found their mate and the heat he feels for Samantha is impossible to resist. But his little fox is loaded down with emotional baggage and doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love. Can he overcome her fears? Or will pack jealousies and the local foxes convince her she doesn’t belong with him before he has a chance? (from the Lyrical Press website)
My opinion:
Samantha is an arctic fox who was orphaned as a child and has been wandering since her skulk threw her out four years ago when she reached adulthood. She’s used to feeling alienated and uncomfortable and has learned to accept the loneliness for the most part. She’s got a strong sense of self-preservation and relying only on herself.
Jason is the premiere of his wolf pack and when he scents Samantha in the diner, his wolf stands up and takes notice. He knows she’s a shifter but not what she is other than she is not a wolf but his wolf wants her. Now. When Samantha realizes she’s stumbled into shifter territory and tries to immediately run off, he does everything in his power to keep her there without spooking her too much.
I like stories of unusual shifters and I really liked that Samantha is an arctic fox shifter and she’s riddled with doubts about herself and whether anyone should care about her. She’s got an inner strength, though, and it comes out at times. I found her a bit on the emo side every once in a while but no so much that I felt like shouting at her to get a backbone. I really liked, however, that she wasn’t a Mary-Sue kickass heroine as many shifter heroines seem to be.
I definitely liked the use of alternative (but not too odd) terminology in the story. Premiere instead of alpha, etc. It made a nice change and there wasn’t so much that I felt Ms. Bennett was trying too hard, nor was it too alien to recognize what the words meant right away.
The story of Samantha finding her place (as well as her mate) in this wolf shifter town is a warm, satisfying read that will not disappoint. I loved the tidbits of bonding and acceptance that were sprinkled throughout Arctic Winds.
Arctic Winds is debut novella from Ms. Bennett and suffers a bit from the restricted word count of a novella in that things seem to happen quickly and a bit abruptly. That said, I liked Arctic Winds quite a bit and hope to see more (and maybe longer) works from Ms. Bennett. Maybe some more fox shifters even?
Online blurb:
Nothing will stop a wolf once he’s found his mate…not even her own doubts.
After her skulk abandoned her four years ago, Samantha knew she would never truly be wanted. When she accidentally stumbles into a wolf town and is asked by their premier to stay, she believes it’s the novelty of an arctic fox motivating him. She knows she’ll be on her own again once he tires of her.
Jason finds himself pulled to Samantha from the moment she faints in his arms. His wolf is calling to him, telling him he’s found their mate and the heat he feels for Samantha is impossible to resist. But his little fox is loaded down with emotional baggage and doesn’t believe she’s worthy of love. Can he overcome her fears? Or will pack jealousies and the local foxes convince her she doesn’t belong with him before he has a chance? (from the Lyrical Press website)
My opinion:
Samantha is an arctic fox who was orphaned as a child and has been wandering since her skulk threw her out four years ago when she reached adulthood. She’s used to feeling alienated and uncomfortable and has learned to accept the loneliness for the most part. She’s got a strong sense of self-preservation and relying only on herself.
Jason is the premiere of his wolf pack and when he scents Samantha in the diner, his wolf stands up and takes notice. He knows she’s a shifter but not what she is other than she is not a wolf but his wolf wants her. Now. When Samantha realizes she’s stumbled into shifter territory and tries to immediately run off, he does everything in his power to keep her there without spooking her too much.
I like stories of unusual shifters and I really liked that Samantha is an arctic fox shifter and she’s riddled with doubts about herself and whether anyone should care about her. She’s got an inner strength, though, and it comes out at times. I found her a bit on the emo side every once in a while but no so much that I felt like shouting at her to get a backbone. I really liked, however, that she wasn’t a Mary-Sue kickass heroine as many shifter heroines seem to be.
I definitely liked the use of alternative (but not too odd) terminology in the story. Premiere instead of alpha, etc. It made a nice change and there wasn’t so much that I felt Ms. Bennett was trying too hard, nor was it too alien to recognize what the words meant right away.
The story of Samantha finding her place (as well as her mate) in this wolf shifter town is a warm, satisfying read that will not disappoint. I loved the tidbits of bonding and acceptance that were sprinkled throughout Arctic Winds.
Arctic Winds is debut novella from Ms. Bennett and suffers a bit from the restricted word count of a novella in that things seem to happen quickly and a bit abruptly. That said, I liked Arctic Winds quite a bit and hope to see more (and maybe longer) works from Ms. Bennett. Maybe some more fox shifters even?
May 23, 2011
I had a very hard time rating this book. Where I really really loved this book, it didn’t WOW me. So, I can’t give something a five star rating that didn’t toss me over the edge of amazing. However, with that being said the whole story, the characters, the simplicity of the romantic plot line really just made me happy. I read this book in a day, it was a very quick read and it made me smile, I even found myself tearing up a little bit. I did feel that the lead lacked a very small amount of depth. Samantha is a Fox shifter that was shunned by her own ‘pack’ and has been on her own with pretty much no acceptance or anyone that has ever had her back. Then she runs into the wolves, and the Premier or Alpha sees her as his ‘mate’. She has internal dialogue through the book that suggests that it’s just a passing thing. However, she does accept this very easily. The turn of events took place very quickly.
I’m used to conflict; I’m used to something that pulls the heroine from the hero in a far deeper fashion. I’m not saying that there needed to be this huge amount of violence or someone nearly dying like in most PNR, because it was in essence very refreshing to have a paranormal romance that was so easy. But, there was something missing. There is a point where she strays in her fox form to another town and it’s a Fox Skulk, and the Premier there is very interested. I wanted some more of her perhaps struggle with being accepted with her own kind and maybe have a bigger moment of doubt. It came off as a very easy ending, despite the breath of fresh air that this book provided.
With that being said, I have to say that it was very well written. The book was paced perfectly and I read it in one day. I didn’t want to put it down; I think the author wrote the characters very well. They were each likable and I can’t wait for the second book in her series. I can’t wait to see Ethan brought to his knees…
I’m used to conflict; I’m used to something that pulls the heroine from the hero in a far deeper fashion. I’m not saying that there needed to be this huge amount of violence or someone nearly dying like in most PNR, because it was in essence very refreshing to have a paranormal romance that was so easy. But, there was something missing. There is a point where she strays in her fox form to another town and it’s a Fox Skulk, and the Premier there is very interested. I wanted some more of her perhaps struggle with being accepted with her own kind and maybe have a bigger moment of doubt. It came off as a very easy ending, despite the breath of fresh air that this book provided.
With that being said, I have to say that it was very well written. The book was paced perfectly and I read it in one day. I didn’t want to put it down; I think the author wrote the characters very well. They were each likable and I can’t wait for the second book in her series. I can’t wait to see Ethan brought to his knees…
November 20, 2011
I usually try to avoid novellas, just because they never seem to have enough in there for me to grasp onto, but this book is the exception. Sondrae somehow managed to give a full plot arc and well developed characters that I fell in love with.
Samantha is a drifter, she lives in a town only long enough to save up some money and then move onto the next own. She was abandoned by her skulk years ago and as a result does not trust easily. I enjoyed watching her grow and begin to trust again. She has such a pure soul and longs to find a home of her own. Her journey was sweet and I grew to love her easily.
As for Jason, he is definitely an alpha male used to getting his way. He is his packs premier (aka leader) and not used to asking for things politely. While he does demand things from Samantha at first, he soon learns that even though she may be shy, she is not going to back down to him. I enjoyed watching him learn to love and understand what a mutual relationship was.
I also loved the secondary characters that were in the pack and out of it. Jason's siblings, Ethan and Laurie were quite comical and I hope we get to more of them in the future. I also enjoyed the brief glimpse at Cody, the fox premier! ;) I know he is going to be trouble for some woman out there, I just hope we get to see it happen.
The only reason I am giving this 4 instead of 5 is because I wanted more. There were things that blacked out such as a dinner date that I wanted to experience with the characters. I know that this is a novella and therefore it is much shorter in length, but the material is there and I am hoping that one day we might get to see a full length novel from Sondrae. In the meantime, I have downloaded the second novella in this series and will be reading that next.
Samantha is a drifter, she lives in a town only long enough to save up some money and then move onto the next own. She was abandoned by her skulk years ago and as a result does not trust easily. I enjoyed watching her grow and begin to trust again. She has such a pure soul and longs to find a home of her own. Her journey was sweet and I grew to love her easily.
As for Jason, he is definitely an alpha male used to getting his way. He is his packs premier (aka leader) and not used to asking for things politely. While he does demand things from Samantha at first, he soon learns that even though she may be shy, she is not going to back down to him. I enjoyed watching him learn to love and understand what a mutual relationship was.
I also loved the secondary characters that were in the pack and out of it. Jason's siblings, Ethan and Laurie were quite comical and I hope we get to more of them in the future. I also enjoyed the brief glimpse at Cody, the fox premier! ;) I know he is going to be trouble for some woman out there, I just hope we get to see it happen.
The only reason I am giving this 4 instead of 5 is because I wanted more. There were things that blacked out such as a dinner date that I wanted to experience with the characters. I know that this is a novella and therefore it is much shorter in length, but the material is there and I am hoping that one day we might get to see a full length novel from Sondrae. In the meantime, I have downloaded the second novella in this series and will be reading that next.
January 15, 2011
Wendy's Review
Well let me just start and say wow! Sondrae wrote a story of a timid arctic fox named Samantha who isn't like any fox that the wolf premier had ever seen. Jason knew that Samantha was his mate as soon as he saw her.
Samantha was fair with long blonde hair and gorgeously petite against Jason's bulky handsome build.
Samantha grew up in Alaska, not wanted or even loved after her family dies. She travels around trying to stay ahead of the dangers facing her. When falling ill and knowing that she won't be able to hunt, Samantha comes to a town in Colorado, a wolf town, just to grab something to eat. Samantha grows weary and waits for the wolves to attack. Instead they accept her in the pack as one of them.
Jason knew he found his mate and he wasn't willing to let her go no matter how skittish she became. He vowed to protect her and wanted to give her time to adjust which opened up another can of worms. Feeling that Jason would eventually find his mate Samantha thought what they were doing was for fun but for Jason he found his little heart and wasn't letting her go.
This story is a true love story with all the love and hero worship any woman could stand. Who wouldn't want a big alpha male to take care of her? A welcome and refreshing love story. Great Job, Sondrae!
5 Tea Cups!
Well let me just start and say wow! Sondrae wrote a story of a timid arctic fox named Samantha who isn't like any fox that the wolf premier had ever seen. Jason knew that Samantha was his mate as soon as he saw her.
Samantha was fair with long blonde hair and gorgeously petite against Jason's bulky handsome build.
Samantha grew up in Alaska, not wanted or even loved after her family dies. She travels around trying to stay ahead of the dangers facing her. When falling ill and knowing that she won't be able to hunt, Samantha comes to a town in Colorado, a wolf town, just to grab something to eat. Samantha grows weary and waits for the wolves to attack. Instead they accept her in the pack as one of them.
Jason knew he found his mate and he wasn't willing to let her go no matter how skittish she became. He vowed to protect her and wanted to give her time to adjust which opened up another can of worms. Feeling that Jason would eventually find his mate Samantha thought what they were doing was for fun but for Jason he found his little heart and wasn't letting her go.
This story is a true love story with all the love and hero worship any woman could stand. Who wouldn't want a big alpha male to take care of her? A welcome and refreshing love story. Great Job, Sondrae!
5 Tea Cups!
March 31, 2012
Now I'm all for the indie authors, and the authors who publish their books through little publishing companies. I support them. I love them. I encourage them to chase their dreams. But what ever possessed this author to write a book like this? Talk about mindless drivel!
The story has the damsel in distress (Samantha) and the alpha male (literally in this case, Jason). Who get into a relationship I believe 1 day after she arrives in town and he starts getting an attitude of "oh she's my mate I can't let her think for herself!" . I HATE THAT! Well, sometimes I don't but as a person who has experienced being in a controlling relationship I guess that aspects in romance novels is kind of touchy for me.
To me Samantha was a blonde airhead who was perfectly happy to do all Jason allowed her to do and let herself be treated as someone incapable of taking care of herself. I hate the fact that they hoped in bed and did the horizontal tango something like 3 days after meeting and then moving in with each other about 4 days after. It was so pathetic!
The whole story was rushed and felt like there wasn't much though put into the story. I didn't care for this writers writing and I doubt whether I would ever read her writing again, because in my honest opinion this read as though a middle schooler wrote it.
The story has the damsel in distress (Samantha) and the alpha male (literally in this case, Jason). Who get into a relationship I believe 1 day after she arrives in town and he starts getting an attitude of "oh she's my mate I can't let her think for herself!" . I HATE THAT! Well, sometimes I don't but as a person who has experienced being in a controlling relationship I guess that aspects in romance novels is kind of touchy for me.
To me Samantha was a blonde airhead who was perfectly happy to do all Jason allowed her to do and let herself be treated as someone incapable of taking care of herself. I hate the fact that they hoped in bed and did the horizontal tango something like 3 days after meeting and then moving in with each other about 4 days after. It was so pathetic!
The whole story was rushed and felt like there wasn't much though put into the story. I didn't care for this writers writing and I doubt whether I would ever read her writing again, because in my honest opinion this read as though a middle schooler wrote it.
July 25, 2013
What I liked:
1. Jason
2. Cody
3. Ethan
4. Jason's family
5. Pretty clean read where language is concerned.
6. Fast paced
7. Dual POV
8. Can be read in one sitting
Jason is the Premier of his wolf pack. Samantha stumbles in to town on her way to find a place to bunker down for awhile before moving on. Jason has other plans for her which include her NOT leaving his town EVER! He stakes a claim on her, now he just needs to convince her she's what he wants and she's worth it and that she will be sticking around.
We meet a few family members of Jason's and the Fox Premier of the fox skulk. The fox Premier, Cody, seems to be a hottie in his own right and will try to convince Samantha his skulk is where she belongs. However, for Sam, she knows exactly where she wants to be. But now can she make her self believe Jason only wants her and only her for forever?
This story focuses mainly on Jason and Samantha's relationship. It has little outside influences. It definitely had some steam as well.
I thought it was interesting to read about a werewolf/werefox story.
What bothered me:
I would have liked there to be a bit more to the story line, as at times I felt too much was glossed over and we didn't get to see as much of their story as I would have liked.
1. Jason
2. Cody
3. Ethan
4. Jason's family
5. Pretty clean read where language is concerned.
6. Fast paced
7. Dual POV
8. Can be read in one sitting
Jason is the Premier of his wolf pack. Samantha stumbles in to town on her way to find a place to bunker down for awhile before moving on. Jason has other plans for her which include her NOT leaving his town EVER! He stakes a claim on her, now he just needs to convince her she's what he wants and she's worth it and that she will be sticking around.
We meet a few family members of Jason's and the Fox Premier of the fox skulk. The fox Premier, Cody, seems to be a hottie in his own right and will try to convince Samantha his skulk is where she belongs. However, for Sam, she knows exactly where she wants to be. But now can she make her self believe Jason only wants her and only her for forever?
This story focuses mainly on Jason and Samantha's relationship. It has little outside influences. It definitely had some steam as well.
I thought it was interesting to read about a werewolf/werefox story.
What bothered me:
I would have liked there to be a bit more to the story line, as at times I felt too much was glossed over and we didn't get to see as much of their story as I would have liked.
May 11, 2011
This was a great quick read that satisfies a shifter lurve craving. And I learned that a fox pack is called a skulk. Sex and educational merit. Not mutually exlcusive. ;p
This was an insta-love tale between a werewolf and a werefox. No real drama, other than the, "he/she couldn't really love me" stuff. But a sweet coming together (take that in all ways) story of Sam and Jason.
I did get one eyeroll moment when our little fox was willing to play doormat and take Jason for as long as he'd have her and then hope to move on to another wolf in the pack. Gee that would make a dude feel great to be second choice. That and it violates my rule of "no self esteem issues if you are boinking the hot dude."
There was only one appearance of the dreaded "turgid" term, and the offending nipple peak quickly went back to other descriptives, so I wasn't too bothered by it.
Good cast of characters was introduced. Loved our hero's sister. I would be interested in hearing the next stories. And while I love a good drama to take place in a book, there are a lot of times that I am just looking for some steam, some sweet, and a snark or two. This book definitely fits that niche. 3.5 stars.
This was an insta-love tale between a werewolf and a werefox. No real drama, other than the, "he/she couldn't really love me" stuff. But a sweet coming together (take that in all ways) story of Sam and Jason.
I did get one eyeroll moment when our little fox was willing to play doormat and take Jason for as long as he'd have her and then hope to move on to another wolf in the pack. Gee that would make a dude feel great to be second choice. That and it violates my rule of "no self esteem issues if you are boinking the hot dude."
There was only one appearance of the dreaded "turgid" term, and the offending nipple peak quickly went back to other descriptives, so I wasn't too bothered by it.
Good cast of characters was introduced. Loved our hero's sister. I would be interested in hearing the next stories. And while I love a good drama to take place in a book, there are a lot of times that I am just looking for some steam, some sweet, and a snark or two. This book definitely fits that niche. 3.5 stars.
August 8, 2011
I've always been fond of reading about wolf shifters and I liked how Sondrae Bennett wrote this. Arctic Winds is the first in the Alpine Woods Shifters series, and I can't wait to read the next. This is my first book by the way.
This has a simple story and it's fast-paced. Samantha is a fox castaway by her skulk (equivalent of packs for the wolves) and she has been on her own for four years. She never felt wanted, appreciated, or desired until she stumbled upon the Alpine Woods, a wolf shifter town, where Jason Callahan is the Premier (alpha).
I liked how Ms Bennett added her own twist in the terms, but since this is a short story, there's no character development. It's like one stumbled upon a week in the lives of two strangers who instantly fell in love. They had that inexplicable attraction from the beginning and Jason's possessiveness worked for me. It's amusing to see him concerned for her, and Laurie was amusing as well, she's a good little sister, the wild child of the family.
When Jason and Samantha made love, it was passion-filled and intense. They were beautifully written and described and I always love how affectionate wolf shifters are. I'm looking forward to reading the next!
This has a simple story and it's fast-paced. Samantha is a fox castaway by her skulk (equivalent of packs for the wolves) and she has been on her own for four years. She never felt wanted, appreciated, or desired until she stumbled upon the Alpine Woods, a wolf shifter town, where Jason Callahan is the Premier (alpha).
I liked how Ms Bennett added her own twist in the terms, but since this is a short story, there's no character development. It's like one stumbled upon a week in the lives of two strangers who instantly fell in love. They had that inexplicable attraction from the beginning and Jason's possessiveness worked for me. It's amusing to see him concerned for her, and Laurie was amusing as well, she's a good little sister, the wild child of the family.
When Jason and Samantha made love, it was passion-filled and intense. They were beautifully written and described and I always love how affectionate wolf shifters are. I'm looking forward to reading the next!
April 25, 2013
Reviewed by Inna @Inna''s Little Bookshelves
This was an incredibly sweet love story revolving around a sexy Alpha and a shy but stubborn fox. So I have to admit the whole mate things is my dirty indulgence and I love how the concept was carried out in this novella. It was a very short read but the reader wasn't left lacking and the story paced nicely though I do wish I could have gotten more of Samantha and Jason.
Speaking of Jason, where does a girl need to get to herself one of these? Okay so in a way he was your typical werewolf. You know bossy, stubborn, possessive, pick up your jaw from the floor sexy... whaat? However, he was also incredibly understanding ans sweet and I loved how the relationship between Samantha and him developed.
I loved Samantha as a heroine, but I wanted to strangle the girl at several points in the book. She was smart but she was so stubborn and determined on something that was so off... and I'm not big on spoilers so I'm not telling but this girl. Like really open your eyes and see the truth. Anyway the mini rant aside, this was an easy, short read that leaves you with that happy light and tingly feeling.
This was an incredibly sweet love story revolving around a sexy Alpha and a shy but stubborn fox. So I have to admit the whole mate things is my dirty indulgence and I love how the concept was carried out in this novella. It was a very short read but the reader wasn't left lacking and the story paced nicely though I do wish I could have gotten more of Samantha and Jason.
Speaking of Jason, where does a girl need to get to herself one of these? Okay so in a way he was your typical werewolf. You know bossy, stubborn, possessive, pick up your jaw from the floor sexy... whaat? However, he was also incredibly understanding ans sweet and I loved how the relationship between Samantha and him developed.
I loved Samantha as a heroine, but I wanted to strangle the girl at several points in the book. She was smart but she was so stubborn and determined on something that was so off... and I'm not big on spoilers so I'm not telling but this girl. Like really open your eyes and see the truth. Anyway the mini rant aside, this was an easy, short read that leaves you with that happy light and tingly feeling.
March 19, 2011
I enjoyed this debut novella quite a bit. I like unusual shifters and the fox heroine in this story was likeable and had an inner strength but without being Mary Sue-ish. I really liked that she was an arctic fox and not a more common red fox.
It's a novella so some things seemed to happen a bit fast but it's the nature of the format. I did have a few issues with the juxtaposition of these being shifters and thus part animal and the occasional lack of being able to use the senses that are natural to animals but they weren't enough to pull me out of the story.
I hope to see more (and longer) stories from Ms. Bennett in the future. Maybe some more fox shifters?
It's a novella so some things seemed to happen a bit fast but it's the nature of the format. I did have a few issues with the juxtaposition of these being shifters and thus part animal and the occasional lack of being able to use the senses that are natural to animals but they weren't enough to pull me out of the story.
I hope to see more (and longer) stories from Ms. Bennett in the future. Maybe some more fox shifters?
May 18, 2011
This book wasn't bad. It just wasn't very good either. I would have put it down but it was so short that I read it in 30 minutes. There characters tried to be more than one dimensional but it read like an attempt and not a success. There wasn't much character/world building and any and all issues were resolved within pages. Sometimes even a paragraph. This may sound harsh- and I don't want to be- but it read like the stories you submitted for your senior yr of high school creative writing class that you thought were awesome, and then you got to college and realized were pretty shallow. Apologies for my bitter truth.
November 11, 2014
3 stars
SPOILER ALERT
It wasn't bad for a quick read but the book has potential if it wasn't a short story. I quite liked the idea of wolf-fox thing. I could imagine it and the sight was kind of pretty. Furry wolf and furry arctic fox, sounds like fluffy!
I was disappointed Jason didn't shift into a wolf form because it was the very thing I was expecting at the end of the book; both hero and heroine shifting into their respective forms and go and play. I'd love to read Samantha's reaction towards her gorgeous mate.
Oh well, we can't always get what we want, eh? Anyway, hope the series gets well as it goes. I'm so curious about other shifters as well. Read on your own peril.
SPOILER ALERT
It wasn't bad for a quick read but the book has potential if it wasn't a short story. I quite liked the idea of wolf-fox thing. I could imagine it and the sight was kind of pretty. Furry wolf and furry arctic fox, sounds like fluffy!
I was disappointed Jason didn't shift into a wolf form because it was the very thing I was expecting at the end of the book; both hero and heroine shifting into their respective forms and go and play. I'd love to read Samantha's reaction towards her gorgeous mate.
Oh well, we can't always get what we want, eh? Anyway, hope the series gets well as it goes. I'm so curious about other shifters as well. Read on your own peril.
November 30, 2014
This is book 1 of 5 in the Alpine Woods Shifter series. I'm going to admit, I was not looking forward to this book because I heard it was bad. The were so wrong! This book was really good. It was fast paced and the H/H were great together. Sam was insecure, but Jason was patient. I didn't really like Cody's attitude but it all worked out in the end. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Ethan finding a mate can be hilarious.
February 20, 2014
I don't know why, but I'm pretty much disappointed with this book, with its okay reviews to good ones I expected much more. If it was the plot, the characters or the style of writing, I can't really pinpoint it. But still I'm keeping an open mind and would try to read the second one. I hope it could redeem the first one.
January 19, 2013
This just didn't do it for me. I am used to some serious action and shapeshifting. This was far from it.
July 1, 2019
Samantha's famished and sick when she stops wandering and orders a meal at the diner. Surprised when the most handsome man she's ever seen sits across from her with no invitation, Samantha's terrified when she sniffs and finds the man is actually a wolf. Convinced they'll beat her and make her leave is Samantha's last thought before fainting.
One look at the tiny blond that even fascinates him as she sneezes, pack premier Jason, knows he's met his mate. She's not wolf and she's not from anywhere nearby but Jason is well aware he can't let her leave or be too slow to stake his claim before the single males in the pack have a chance. It didn't even take two seconds for her to tie him up in knots.
While the story was enjoyable and adequately took care of the necessities, the extremely fast pacing and glossed over scenes truly rushed the reader though what could have easily been a four star read (at least) there is room for this series to improve as I make room on my 'to read' shelf.
Rating: 3stars
One look at the tiny blond that even fascinates him as she sneezes, pack premier Jason, knows he's met his mate. She's not wolf and she's not from anywhere nearby but Jason is well aware he can't let her leave or be too slow to stake his claim before the single males in the pack have a chance. It didn't even take two seconds for her to tie him up in knots.
While the story was enjoyable and adequately took care of the necessities, the extremely fast pacing and glossed over scenes truly rushed the reader though what could have easily been a four star read (at least) there is room for this series to improve as I make room on my 'to read' shelf.
Rating: 3stars
December 23, 2017
I truly enjoyed this book. The characters are great. I can't wait to read the secondary characters books. This is the first Sondrae Bennett book I have read but it won't be the last. I read this in an afternoon. I believe it's worth your time and effort. This is what I call enjoyable reading it gets your mind off all the problems you are dealing with in your life. So yes it's a winner in my eyes. I encourage you to give this one a chance.
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