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Timber Wolves Trilogy #1
Destiny Binds
Scout Donovan is a girl who believes in rules, logic, and her lifelong love of Charlie Hagan. Alex Cole believes in destiny, magic, and Scout. When Alex introduces Scout to the world of Shifters, men who change into wolves or coyotes during the full moon and Seers, women who can see your most private thoughts and emotions with a mere touch, the knowledge changes everything and everyone Scout thought she knew.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
January 1, 2012
OMG. This self-published novel has completely taken me by surprise. Not only is it well-written, entertaining and somewhat addictive, but it's driven at the helm by a dry-voiced narrator called Scout, who you can't help but love. The characters in Destiny Binds are amazingly well-rounded, the shifter mythology incredibly believable, and the romance one of the best I've read in YA indie. OK, so admittedly there isn't as much action in this novel as other YA paranormal but the dialogue and the characters are so wonderful that I didn't even care. The quality of the actual writing just kept me turning page after page. So did Scout's quick wit.
This book made me laugh and cry, and the ending threw me for a loop. My mouth actually fell open with a silent 'nooooo!'. I cannot wait for the second book in the Timber Wolves series. Literally... cannot wait!
Five Stars!
This book made me laugh and cry, and the ending threw me for a loop. My mouth actually fell open with a silent 'nooooo!'. I cannot wait for the second book in the Timber Wolves series. Literally... cannot wait!
Five Stars!
March 16, 2012
Wonderful start.
Disappointing end.
Love triangle hell.
________________________________
I was truthfully enjoying this book right up to the last few pages. Despite all the editing mishaps, it had me giggling at a smarty-pants heroine who can talk and walk smack with the rest of them. And at one point, I thought, wow another Indie gold! I can't believe I waited so long to read this book. Then everything fell apart. The sad thing is, it happened toward the end.
This book is your typical werewolf story. Girl meets this new boy who seemed intent on rubbing her in the worst way possible, girl couldn't help but be attracted to new boy because boy is a hottie. Girl later finds out he has a secret, as are the rest of her family and friends. Girl is also attracted to another boy she grew up with, but unfortunately, is also keeping secrets from her. Later on, the girl must choose between the new love and the old love, but her choice proved to be disastrous.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a same old, same old story. In fact, I can readily admit that I enjoyed the majority of this book. The MC has a refreshing voice; she wasn't self-deprecating and she knew where she stands. She was smart, funny, and had a repertoire of witty remarks that made me chuckle on some occasions. In short, the author took pains in developing her character, as with the rest of the cast. Outside of the editing miscues I mentioned above, the author clearly had talent. I couldn't have asked for a better book to get over the reading slump I've been on lately.
But. But.
Just when I was wholly vested in the story, I was clobbered with the most irritating, unforgivable story arc that I just could no longer stomach. LOVE TRIANGLE HELL.
"Yeah. But Charlie," I said. "I mean, if I was truly in love with Alex, I wouldn't still feel this way about Charlie, would I?"
(Source: Chapter 16, page 171 Destiny Binds)
Yeah. That about summed it up.
Scout's character seemed to take a turn for the worst as the story veered toward the end. All of a sudden, she was sporadic, incredibly too accepting of the fact that everyone around her were supernatural, and she'd become one of "those" girls whom I despised reading about in a book where there is a love triangle.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. This book was still written well even if it had flaws.This is for everyone who doesn't detest love triangles. Tammi Blackwell's Timberwolves series is an honest-to-goodness fantastic read. Unfortunately, the love triangle killed it for me.
Disappointing end.
Love triangle hell.
________________________________
I was truthfully enjoying this book right up to the last few pages. Despite all the editing mishaps, it had me giggling at a smarty-pants heroine who can talk and walk smack with the rest of them. And at one point, I thought, wow another Indie gold! I can't believe I waited so long to read this book. Then everything fell apart. The sad thing is, it happened toward the end.
This book is your typical werewolf story. Girl meets this new boy who seemed intent on rubbing her in the worst way possible, girl couldn't help but be attracted to new boy because boy is a hottie. Girl later finds out he has a secret, as are the rest of her family and friends. Girl is also attracted to another boy she grew up with, but unfortunately, is also keeping secrets from her. Later on, the girl must choose between the new love and the old love, but her choice proved to be disastrous.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with writing a same old, same old story. In fact, I can readily admit that I enjoyed the majority of this book. The MC has a refreshing voice; she wasn't self-deprecating and she knew where she stands. She was smart, funny, and had a repertoire of witty remarks that made me chuckle on some occasions. In short, the author took pains in developing her character, as with the rest of the cast. Outside of the editing miscues I mentioned above, the author clearly had talent. I couldn't have asked for a better book to get over the reading slump I've been on lately.
But. But.
Just when I was wholly vested in the story, I was clobbered with the most irritating, unforgivable story arc that I just could no longer stomach. LOVE TRIANGLE HELL.
"Yeah. But Charlie," I said. "I mean, if I was truly in love with Alex, I wouldn't still feel this way about Charlie, would I?"
(Source: Chapter 16, page 171 Destiny Binds)
Yeah. That about summed it up.
Scout's character seemed to take a turn for the worst as the story veered toward the end. All of a sudden, she was sporadic, incredibly too accepting of the fact that everyone around her were supernatural, and she'd become one of "those" girls whom I despised reading about in a book where there is a love triangle.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. This book was still written well even if it had flaws.This is for everyone who doesn't detest love triangles. Tammi Blackwell's Timberwolves series is an honest-to-goodness fantastic read. Unfortunately, the love triangle killed it for me.
November 14, 2011
Woah. Seriously. Dude, where did this book come from, and please tell me there are more on the way. This was one of the best YA paranormal books I've ever read. The fact that it's self-published just blows my mind.
I've been sitting here, trying to come up with a coherent review of why I loved this book so much, but I keep getting sucked back into the story. I'll just have to post some highlights:
- I loved all the characters, especially Scout. I sympathized with her, I loved her voice, found myself laughing at her turns of phrase (and recognizing some of my own several times).
- Alex wasn't broody, dangerous, ridiculously rich, bipolar or constantly trying to warn Scout away from him. In fact, he was friendly, open, funny, sweet and caring. His financial situation was pretty rough. And he had no qualms about telling Scout he loved her but wasn't willing to take any of her choices away from her.
- The romance was sweet and heartbreaking and I was so invested in it, I nearly cried at the end.
- The love triangle totally worked in this book. Scout doesn't spend ages angsting over her childhood crush and the new boy in town. When the time comes to make a decision, she makes it, sticks with it, and is happy with it. Thank you, baby Jesus!
- Shapeshifters. I adore shapeshifters. But the paranormal stuff didn't completely overpower the story and it isn't the sole focus of the plot.
- The writing was fantastic, especially for a self-published (and presumably self-edited) book.
Scout could be accused of being a Mary Sue by some, but I didn't see it. Her common sense got away from her a time or two, but I found it easy to forgive, considering she's a teenager and in her first relationship.
I didn't appreciate that the best friend was once again the chubby girl in school, but it wasn't mentioned endlessly. Once or twice and that was it. Talley actually had a personality beyond her weight and had a vital role in the plot beyond making our heroine look good or give her someone to confide in.
I really do hope the author will write more about these characters. I can't wait to visit them again and see where that last plot twist goes. This is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2011.
EDIT: Just checked Tammy Blackwell's blog and there are two more books planned in this series. Yule just came early for Sans.
I've been sitting here, trying to come up with a coherent review of why I loved this book so much, but I keep getting sucked back into the story. I'll just have to post some highlights:
- I loved all the characters, especially Scout. I sympathized with her, I loved her voice, found myself laughing at her turns of phrase (and recognizing some of my own several times).
- Alex wasn't broody, dangerous, ridiculously rich, bipolar or constantly trying to warn Scout away from him. In fact, he was friendly, open, funny, sweet and caring. His financial situation was pretty rough. And he had no qualms about telling Scout he loved her but wasn't willing to take any of her choices away from her.
- The romance was sweet and heartbreaking and I was so invested in it, I nearly cried at the end.
- The love triangle totally worked in this book. Scout doesn't spend ages angsting over her childhood crush and the new boy in town. When the time comes to make a decision, she makes it, sticks with it, and is happy with it. Thank you, baby Jesus!
- Shapeshifters. I adore shapeshifters. But the paranormal stuff didn't completely overpower the story and it isn't the sole focus of the plot.
- The writing was fantastic, especially for a self-published (and presumably self-edited) book.
Scout could be accused of being a Mary Sue by some, but I didn't see it. Her common sense got away from her a time or two, but I found it easy to forgive, considering she's a teenager and in her first relationship.
I didn't appreciate that the best friend was once again the chubby girl in school, but it wasn't mentioned endlessly. Once or twice and that was it. Talley actually had a personality beyond her weight and had a vital role in the plot beyond making our heroine look good or give her someone to confide in.
I really do hope the author will write more about these characters. I can't wait to visit them again and see where that last plot twist goes. This is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2011.
EDIT: Just checked Tammy Blackwell's blog and there are two more books planned in this series. Yule just came early for Sans.
August 20, 2014
This is a pretty generic YA shape-shifter book, but it stood out a bit to me because of its humor and easy, engaging writing style. It was a quick read and despite a lot of things that made me roll my eyes, I still thought it was pretty decent and I’ll be reading the next one.
BTW, biggest eye-roll moment was the way in which Scout discovers the existence of shape shifters.
BTW, biggest eye-roll moment was the way in which Scout discovers the existence of shape shifters.
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March 7, 2011Hot boys! Supernatural creatures! Betty White sans clothing!*
Check out a preview here!
*Please note: Betty White does not actually appear naked in this book.
Check out a preview here!
*Please note: Betty White does not actually appear naked in this book.
November 27, 2011
I thought I was done when it came to reading books about shifters... Boy was I wrong! This book is unique, the main character's "voice" is great, and I loved the spin on the shifting world. Honestly it's better than many traditionally pubbed shifter books I've read.
February 12, 2015
Destiny Binds, the first book in the Timber Wolves Trilogy was recommended to me by Nitzan from The Book Babe's Read and a review copy was kindle gifted to me by the author so I'm so glad that I ended up really liking this book.
So shifter books are actually tough for me to read. I absolutely love werewolves and other shifters but a good book with them is a little hard to find for me. I either end up loving books with shifters or end up hating them. And the thing with this book was, it wasn't the most complicated or amazing book that I've ever read but I did really like it because of the way it was written and how much I liked the main character.
Which brings us to Scout. I absolutely loved her. I can say with total honesty that she's made the list of my top favorite main characters of all time. I loved her snark and wisecracking. She was simply awesome.
The romance in this book was really well-written, I must say. Though there is a love triangle, it isn't your typical one. At least it didn't feel like most love triangles I have read about. I wasn't annoyed by it, in any case, which is pretty unusual for me. I'm actually not sure who I liked the most of the guys.
On the one hand we have Charlie, the boy Scout has had a crush on for the longest time and on the other hand we have Alex, the new guy in town. Charlie leaves for college early in the book so there isn't much of him in the story, so Alex was more in it. And what I liked so much about the romance was that it wasn't insta-love between Alex and Scout. (I hate insta-love) The romance between them grew slowly but surely. They actually got to know each other pretty well. And I have to say that I loved both boys, I really did.
There were quite a few twists in this book that made me gasp out loud. Gotta love twists like that. The ending was like whoa! I didn't expect that to happen and even now after finishing the book I'm trying to wrap my head around it. I guess I'll have to read the second book soon so I know where things go next. But damn this book was so good. I loved all the pop culture references and laughed out loud more times than I could count.
Overall, Destiny Bounds was a fantastic book full of shifters, seers and unexpected twists! The writing was great and the story was very enjoyable to read. It was just one of those paranormal YA books that you can't help but like a lot.
So shifter books are actually tough for me to read. I absolutely love werewolves and other shifters but a good book with them is a little hard to find for me. I either end up loving books with shifters or end up hating them. And the thing with this book was, it wasn't the most complicated or amazing book that I've ever read but I did really like it because of the way it was written and how much I liked the main character.
Which brings us to Scout. I absolutely loved her. I can say with total honesty that she's made the list of my top favorite main characters of all time. I loved her snark and wisecracking. She was simply awesome.
The romance in this book was really well-written, I must say. Though there is a love triangle, it isn't your typical one. At least it didn't feel like most love triangles I have read about. I wasn't annoyed by it, in any case, which is pretty unusual for me. I'm actually not sure who I liked the most of the guys.
On the one hand we have Charlie, the boy Scout has had a crush on for the longest time and on the other hand we have Alex, the new guy in town. Charlie leaves for college early in the book so there isn't much of him in the story, so Alex was more in it. And what I liked so much about the romance was that it wasn't insta-love between Alex and Scout. (I hate insta-love) The romance between them grew slowly but surely. They actually got to know each other pretty well. And I have to say that I loved both boys, I really did.
There were quite a few twists in this book that made me gasp out loud. Gotta love twists like that. The ending was like whoa! I didn't expect that to happen and even now after finishing the book I'm trying to wrap my head around it. I guess I'll have to read the second book soon so I know where things go next. But damn this book was so good. I loved all the pop culture references and laughed out loud more times than I could count.
Overall, Destiny Bounds was a fantastic book full of shifters, seers and unexpected twists! The writing was great and the story was very enjoyable to read. It was just one of those paranormal YA books that you can't help but like a lot.
September 23, 2012
Well holy shit this sucks!!!! I loved this book...probably the best wolf series to date. However...*sniff sniff * I can't get over this. My heart is in pieces right now just as I thought it would be. Jase and Charlie...WHY???? How. Could. You.????? *SOB SOB* I'm so pissed right now! Fuck my head hurts and I'm in pain....oh God Alex...noooooooooooooo. I need time to heal. My heart is shattered and I need time to get over this ending. I love Scout. She's such a strong and noble heroine and I feel your pain as my own. Before I continentwith this series(maybe months or a year from now)...I need time to grieve. But this book was amazing!! *sigh* *sob* *hiccup*
March 16, 2012
What the F*ck! So this book was disappointing.
I went into thinking that the MC (Scout) was going to find out she had some Seer abilities but the whole book was about her love triangle. Such a let down. I am hoping that the second book will actually address why she was so important to everyone and hopefully make her a worthy strong character. I was also a little disappointed that Blackwell did not give much explanation about the whole supernatural world. I wanted more information on the Shifters and Seers and the people in Romania. It would have been nice to see Scout more interested than she was. We had a few paragraphs where she talked about all the book research she did but I felt it was all breezed over. For someone as intelligent as Scout is supposed to be you would think she would be out there gathering information like a mad woman. I was also surprised that she never once confronted her brother or Charlie. She is supposed to be so tough and scary to everyone at school, why didn't she just walk into Jase's room, tell him she knew and to keep his paws off Alex or it would end badly. I just wanted to reach through the book and bitch slap her I was so frustrated. It was a contrast to how her character came across in everything else she did in this book.
I am really shocked by the ending, I read reviews for the second book hoping to get a hint that it was a mistake or some kind of crazy cliff hanger that is somehow going to get reversed. I could care less about Charlie and did not feel his character was strong enough to make me feel like there was a true love triangle going on so I have no desire to see them together. I'm hoping since Blackwell hinted to the fact that the coffin was empty and that Scout saw a wolf in the woods means that there is hope. But if not, I am really going to be disappointed with this series as I don't see how she can drag this story out to three books
While I liked the story, it was riddled with grammatical errors. Now I am not a grammatical Natzi as I make a ton of mistakes myself, so I normally don't notice a few but this book seemed to have a lot more than I expected and I was very surprised. For me to comment on something like that really says something.
I will be reading the second book but I am not as excited about this series as I was going into the first book. If I don't see some turn around in the second book and some indication as to why this chick is so important and that I don't think I will be able to waste my time on the third. I need more supernatural scenes, action and explanations. . I read the synopsis to the second book and I'm happy to hear that it appears we will learn Scouts power so that will be good. But it also seems that the book is going to have a lot of Charlie and Talley. I will not be happy if Scout just jumps into a relationship with Charlie, or even forgives him for that matter. It will really make me not like this MC and that is a shame as she is funny and tough and I found myself chuckling at quite a few scenes. I also have no feelings for Talley. I can't figure out why, but I felt nothing for her the whole book. I knew right away what she was and how she was connected to the story and I still was not very interested in her character. So when the ending came and she did the things she did I really disliked her character. I'm a little disappointed to hear she will be a focal point in the second book but maybe my opinion of her will change.
Overall I liked the book up until the ending, which is why I am going to give the second book a shot. Scout was funny and sarcastic and I loved her voice but the ending really really sucked and if it's not fixed this series will be a bust for me.
I went into thinking that the MC (Scout) was going to find out she had some Seer abilities but the whole book was about her love triangle. Such a let down. I am hoping that the second book will actually address why she was so important to everyone and hopefully make her a worthy strong character. I was also a little disappointed that Blackwell did not give much explanation about the whole supernatural world. I wanted more information on the Shifters and Seers and the people in Romania. It would have been nice to see Scout more interested than she was. We had a few paragraphs where she talked about all the book research she did but I felt it was all breezed over. For someone as intelligent as Scout is supposed to be you would think she would be out there gathering information like a mad woman. I was also surprised that she never once confronted her brother or Charlie. She is supposed to be so tough and scary to everyone at school, why didn't she just walk into Jase's room, tell him she knew and to keep his paws off Alex or it would end badly. I just wanted to reach through the book and bitch slap her I was so frustrated. It was a contrast to how her character came across in everything else she did in this book.
I am really shocked by the ending, I read reviews for the second book hoping to get a hint that it was a mistake or some kind of crazy cliff hanger that is somehow going to get reversed. I could care less about Charlie and did not feel his character was strong enough to make me feel like there was a true love triangle going on so I have no desire to see them together. I'm hoping since Blackwell hinted to the fact that the coffin was empty and that Scout saw a wolf in the woods means that there is hope. But if not, I am really going to be disappointed with this series as I don't see how she can drag this story out to three books
While I liked the story, it was riddled with grammatical errors. Now I am not a grammatical Natzi as I make a ton of mistakes myself, so I normally don't notice a few but this book seemed to have a lot more than I expected and I was very surprised. For me to comment on something like that really says something.
I will be reading the second book but I am not as excited about this series as I was going into the first book. If I don't see some turn around in the second book and some indication as to why this chick is so important and that I don't think I will be able to waste my time on the third. I need more supernatural scenes, action and explanations. . I read the synopsis to the second book and I'm happy to hear that it appears we will learn Scouts power so that will be good. But it also seems that the book is going to have a lot of Charlie and Talley. I will not be happy if Scout just jumps into a relationship with Charlie, or even forgives him for that matter. It will really make me not like this MC and that is a shame as she is funny and tough and I found myself chuckling at quite a few scenes. I also have no feelings for Talley. I can't figure out why, but I felt nothing for her the whole book. I knew right away what she was and how she was connected to the story and I still was not very interested in her character. So when the ending came and she did the things she did I really disliked her character. I'm a little disappointed to hear she will be a focal point in the second book but maybe my opinion of her will change.
Overall I liked the book up until the ending, which is why I am going to give the second book a shot. Scout was funny and sarcastic and I loved her voice but the ending really really sucked and if it's not fixed this series will be a bust for me.
March 18, 2011
Taking a much-loved genre and reworking it--in a way that is both innovative and amusing--is both very difficult, and highly in demand (especially in young adult literature). You've seen it in fairy-tale retellings (ever since Robin McKinley kicked things off); now, get ready to see it in Supernatural Romance.
Supernatural Romance has its structure (normal teen meets mysterious teen, discovers magic, enter third party--for the purposes of a love-triangle), just as Fairytale does (prince/princess, evil magical being, and breaking an enchantment). And you may think that, by now, you've seen all the Supernatural Romance genre has to offer (because, honestly, if you see another Stephanie-Meyer-wannabe-bishie-vampire, you might just jump off a cliff. Well, think again!
In place of Heroine Generica, you have Scout, a rural girl with her feet planted firmly on the ground, and a wit to match her strongly-held beliefs in logic and reason. In place of New York, San Francisco, or one of those cliche small towns (that was obviously written by someone who'd never lived in a small town), Destiny Binds is set in rural Western Kentucky, nestled between sports-obsessed Marshall County, and the Land Between the Lakes State Park (a refreshingly original setting that Tammy Blackwell makes great use of, pulling readers into a setting so real--and amusing--they can feel it). Add seers, a likable and well-developed cast of characters (to quote the author, "It's time the teens in YA literature were actually like the teens who read YA literature."), territorial shapeshifters, and an amusingly witty voice, to the mix, and you one heck of a fun novel.
Destiny Binds, is one of those impossible-to-put-down books that leaves you with just enough questions to make you long for a sequal without leaving you so many points unanswered you want to murder the author. To sum it up: Great setting, lovable cast, and a pure fun. Check yes!
Supernatural Romance has its structure (normal teen meets mysterious teen, discovers magic, enter third party--for the purposes of a love-triangle), just as Fairytale does (prince/princess, evil magical being, and breaking an enchantment). And you may think that, by now, you've seen all the Supernatural Romance genre has to offer (because, honestly, if you see another Stephanie-Meyer-wannabe-bishie-vampire, you might just jump off a cliff. Well, think again!
In place of Heroine Generica, you have Scout, a rural girl with her feet planted firmly on the ground, and a wit to match her strongly-held beliefs in logic and reason. In place of New York, San Francisco, or one of those cliche small towns (that was obviously written by someone who'd never lived in a small town), Destiny Binds is set in rural Western Kentucky, nestled between sports-obsessed Marshall County, and the Land Between the Lakes State Park (a refreshingly original setting that Tammy Blackwell makes great use of, pulling readers into a setting so real--and amusing--they can feel it). Add seers, a likable and well-developed cast of characters (to quote the author, "It's time the teens in YA literature were actually like the teens who read YA literature."), territorial shapeshifters, and an amusingly witty voice, to the mix, and you one heck of a fun novel.
Destiny Binds, is one of those impossible-to-put-down books that leaves you with just enough questions to make you long for a sequal without leaving you so many points unanswered you want to murder the author. To sum it up: Great setting, lovable cast, and a pure fun. Check yes!
March 8, 2011
So my friend and co-worker wrote this, so my giving four stars to it reeks of sucking-up-ism, or just-being-nice-ism, or I-had-to-do-it-or-else-it's-gonna-be-super-uncomfortable-around-the-watercooler-ism. But the book is actually really good! No, seriously. The best part to me is the depiction of the setting. Perhaps I am biased since it is where I live, but you don't find all that many books that even attempt to depict a modern day rural Southern town, much less do it in a way that isn't either just plain old insulting or else way, way too cutesy and cloying. I think she nailed it. The voice of the main character is also very well done. I am not even especially into supernatural teen fiction as a genre (just ask Tammy, I prefer my books in the governess/crumbling country house vein) but I still thought it was pretty awesome, so if there is any justice in the world, then all the hords of teens and grownups who can't get enough supernatural YA will try this one. Come on, try it.
November 22, 2011
4 ½ stars. She made me laugh – a lot. I rounded down to 4 stars because I disliked the cliffhanger ending.
STORY BRIEF:
This is told in first person by Scout, a high school senior, valedictorian. She considers herself odd looking. Alex and his older brother move to town. Alex is a senior and gorgeous. He stares at Scout. Scout’s stepbrother Jase hates Alex for some unknown reason and tells Scout to avoid him. She tries to avoid him, but it’s hard because they have classes and school activities together.
Scout has loved Charlie all her life, although they never turned it into a boyfriend-girlfriend thing. Now Scout finds herself also falling for Alex. She learns that Alex is a wolf shape shifter, and she begins learning more about that world.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Refreshing dialogue! This is rare! Many, many times I was chuckling out loud. Read this for the author’s conversation style, her voice, whatever you want to call it. It’s not that she’s being an obvious comedian. The humor is more about the unexpected or subtle. Below are three examples.
“I wanted to go lie down next to him. I wanted to feel his arms wrapped around me and discover what his lips taste like. I wanted to tell him I had been secretly in love with him since I was two years old. So, I did the only thing I could do. I hit him in the head with Guido, my sock monkey.”
She was lost in the woods during a storm and thought she might die. She heard her name being called and felt her body being lifted off the ground. She is thinking it must be the Angel of Death lifting her. “Apparently, he decided if I wasn’t going to get up and follow him to Heaven, he would just carry me through the Pearly Gates. Of course, that was assuming I was going to Heaven. According to what Reverend Jessup taught from the pulpit every Sunday, I was good to go, but what if God wasn’t Southern Baptist?”
“Charlie attempted to engage James in conversation, but that went over about as well as a Joan Crawford parenting manual.”
As to plot, this is typical young adult high school teens, first loves, and shape shifters (wolves and coyotes). The parents exist but the story doesn’t show interaction with them. Plot was fine but nothing we haven’t heard before.
Characters are good. They include the different types of kids that we all remember from high school, the jocks, the weirds, the beauties, the smart ones, etc. They were well done.
This is the first in a trilogy. Sadly the author used a cliffhanger ending which bothered me. But it wasn’t horribly bad-sad. The reader knows good things are coming. She ended the book with questions about a stranger and Liam’s whereabouts was which I thought provided enough motivation to buy the sequel. What I did not like was what she did with Alex to create the cliffhanger. Still, I plan to get the sequel as soon as it’s out. According to her Facebook page, the sequel is called “Time Mends,” but I don’t know when it’s coming.
Minor problem. The author needs a grammar editor. Several times she used the word “that” instead of “who.” For example “Mrs. Sole was the only one that talked about him.” There were a few other blunders for example using “he had went” instead of “he had gone.”
DATA:
Story length: 223 pages. Swearing language: moderate, including religious swear words. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: current day Timber, Kentucky. Copyright: 2011. Genre: young adult paranormal romance.
STORY BRIEF:
This is told in first person by Scout, a high school senior, valedictorian. She considers herself odd looking. Alex and his older brother move to town. Alex is a senior and gorgeous. He stares at Scout. Scout’s stepbrother Jase hates Alex for some unknown reason and tells Scout to avoid him. She tries to avoid him, but it’s hard because they have classes and school activities together.
Scout has loved Charlie all her life, although they never turned it into a boyfriend-girlfriend thing. Now Scout finds herself also falling for Alex. She learns that Alex is a wolf shape shifter, and she begins learning more about that world.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Refreshing dialogue! This is rare! Many, many times I was chuckling out loud. Read this for the author’s conversation style, her voice, whatever you want to call it. It’s not that she’s being an obvious comedian. The humor is more about the unexpected or subtle. Below are three examples.
“I wanted to go lie down next to him. I wanted to feel his arms wrapped around me and discover what his lips taste like. I wanted to tell him I had been secretly in love with him since I was two years old. So, I did the only thing I could do. I hit him in the head with Guido, my sock monkey.”
She was lost in the woods during a storm and thought she might die. She heard her name being called and felt her body being lifted off the ground. She is thinking it must be the Angel of Death lifting her. “Apparently, he decided if I wasn’t going to get up and follow him to Heaven, he would just carry me through the Pearly Gates. Of course, that was assuming I was going to Heaven. According to what Reverend Jessup taught from the pulpit every Sunday, I was good to go, but what if God wasn’t Southern Baptist?”
“Charlie attempted to engage James in conversation, but that went over about as well as a Joan Crawford parenting manual.”
As to plot, this is typical young adult high school teens, first loves, and shape shifters (wolves and coyotes). The parents exist but the story doesn’t show interaction with them. Plot was fine but nothing we haven’t heard before.
Characters are good. They include the different types of kids that we all remember from high school, the jocks, the weirds, the beauties, the smart ones, etc. They were well done.
This is the first in a trilogy. Sadly the author used a cliffhanger ending which bothered me. But it wasn’t horribly bad-sad. The reader knows good things are coming. She ended the book with questions about a stranger and Liam’s whereabouts was which I thought provided enough motivation to buy the sequel. What I did not like was what she did with Alex to create the cliffhanger. Still, I plan to get the sequel as soon as it’s out. According to her Facebook page, the sequel is called “Time Mends,” but I don’t know when it’s coming.
Minor problem. The author needs a grammar editor. Several times she used the word “that” instead of “who.” For example “Mrs. Sole was the only one that talked about him.” There were a few other blunders for example using “he had went” instead of “he had gone.”
DATA:
Story length: 223 pages. Swearing language: moderate, including religious swear words. Sexual language: none. Number of sex scenes: none. Setting: current day Timber, Kentucky. Copyright: 2011. Genre: young adult paranormal romance.
December 30, 2013
An absolutely fantastic series. Great characters, great plot, great romance and werewolves, always a plus for me.
Scout is an awesome mc. I loved her after just a few pages, and she just got better throughout the book, her character grew so much. She looks odd. She has white, white blonde hair, extremely pale skin and eyes the colour of ice chips, which gets her a lot of negative attention. But this doesn't bother her, she takes it all in her stride and gets on with it. She's snarky and sarcastic and really fun to read. She's a black belt in karate and can fight as well as any of the guys.
Jase, Scout's stepbrother, who she's known since she was about three weeks old and is really close to, is quite the intriguing character. Charlie his cousin, who Scout has been in love with for as long as she can remember, I liked, then didn't like, then pretty much liked again. Kind of how Scout's feelings went too. And then there's Tally, Scout's best friend. They're like the four musketeers, spending practically all their time together. Charlie and Jase are really overprotective of Scout. But when Alex and his brother Liam arrive in town, events are set in motion which will completely change Scout's life.
The romance in these books is excellently done. There's no full on love triangle, but yet it's not just your average run of the mill romance either. I have to say it worked very well for me, and while there were a few tears shed, I really liked how everything worked out in the end.
So much happens in the course of these three books and I didn't want to put them down. The type of books that when you're not reading them, you're constantly thinking about them, and when you're asleep, you're dreaming of them. I'm quite sad to have finished. Thankfully, there's another series set in this world, about Charlie, that I plan on moving onto next. And these will definitely be on my re-read list. And I need to have the hard copies for my shelf.
If you like werewolf/shifter books, and maybe even if you don't, you have to pick up this series.
The trilogy is on sale until the 1st January so you can pick it up now for $2.50. It's a steal!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D...
Scout is an awesome mc. I loved her after just a few pages, and she just got better throughout the book, her character grew so much. She looks odd. She has white, white blonde hair, extremely pale skin and eyes the colour of ice chips, which gets her a lot of negative attention. But this doesn't bother her, she takes it all in her stride and gets on with it. She's snarky and sarcastic and really fun to read. She's a black belt in karate and can fight as well as any of the guys.
Jase, Scout's stepbrother, who she's known since she was about three weeks old and is really close to, is quite the intriguing character. Charlie his cousin, who Scout has been in love with for as long as she can remember, I liked, then didn't like, then pretty much liked again. Kind of how Scout's feelings went too. And then there's Tally, Scout's best friend. They're like the four musketeers, spending practically all their time together. Charlie and Jase are really overprotective of Scout. But when Alex and his brother Liam arrive in town, events are set in motion which will completely change Scout's life.
The romance in these books is excellently done. There's no full on love triangle, but yet it's not just your average run of the mill romance either. I have to say it worked very well for me, and while there were a few tears shed, I really liked how everything worked out in the end.
So much happens in the course of these three books and I didn't want to put them down. The type of books that when you're not reading them, you're constantly thinking about them, and when you're asleep, you're dreaming of them. I'm quite sad to have finished. Thankfully, there's another series set in this world, about Charlie, that I plan on moving onto next. And these will definitely be on my re-read list. And I need to have the hard copies for my shelf.
If you like werewolf/shifter books, and maybe even if you don't, you have to pick up this series.
The trilogy is on sale until the 1st January so you can pick it up now for $2.50. It's a steal!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D...
February 4, 2015
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! I started this book this morning and I made every effort possible to finish it today. I could not put it down. This book is utterly amazing and so enthralling I can not understand why I never read it earlier. I think I may just have found my favourite book on Wolves/Shifters! It's brilliant, witty, funny, exciting, enticing, imaginative, sweet, lovely, genuine and heartfelt. The story is about a girl named Scout aka Harper Donovan, her step brother Jase, his cousin Charlie (who Scout has been in love with forever), her best friend Talley and the new guy who comes in and changes her world upside down. Please enter Alex Cole. (Oh swoon oh swoon oh swoon). I have to say I quite like the love triangle that goes on in this book between Scout/Alex and Charlie (I was rooting for both guys but secretly wanting her to be with Alex lol).
Scout is not your typical kind of teenage girl who is into fashion or dead head boys just because it's cool. She is her own kind of gal and is indeed a smart mouthed, witty, very funny and no pushover type of girl...a total bad ass in my book. Her comeback lines are hilarious and she can challenge Jace from The Mortal Instruments any day with just her banter. I'm girl crushing here lol. I really liked her and felt connected to her and the story unraveling around her. The writing really catapulted me in the story and I felt everything that Scout felt and fell in love when she did, and lusted when she did, and laughed when she did, and cried when she did, and had heartache when she did....oh the heartache! (Hands in the air in desperation) I'm still wiping away the tears. I never expected that ending! And the last line of the book....what is that!!! Now I've got to go and get book 2. I need to know what the hell is going on!! LOL
I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who is willing to be totally engrossed from the first page all the way till the end. But I warn you be prepared...be very prepared as even the toughest will cry :(
Scout is not your typical kind of teenage girl who is into fashion or dead head boys just because it's cool. She is her own kind of gal and is indeed a smart mouthed, witty, very funny and no pushover type of girl...a total bad ass in my book. Her comeback lines are hilarious and she can challenge Jace from The Mortal Instruments any day with just her banter. I'm girl crushing here lol. I really liked her and felt connected to her and the story unraveling around her. The writing really catapulted me in the story and I felt everything that Scout felt and fell in love when she did, and lusted when she did, and laughed when she did, and cried when she did, and had heartache when she did....oh the heartache! (Hands in the air in desperation) I'm still wiping away the tears. I never expected that ending! And the last line of the book....what is that!!! Now I've got to go and get book 2. I need to know what the hell is going on!! LOL
I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone who is willing to be totally engrossed from the first page all the way till the end. But I warn you be prepared...be very prepared as even the toughest will cry :(
May 4, 2012
OH MY GOD I am crying right now and I can't think of what to write...this story absolutely crushed me!!! Honestly, without a doubt, ripped my heart out and shredded it to pieces. God, Tammy Blackwell why did you do this to me??!! I absolutely LOVED this story, with Scout's spunky attitude and quick tongue, the unbelievably sexy and sweet Alex, the mystery and intrigue behind all of the secrets hidden from Scout...everything was just right for the perfect fantasy! I was flying through the pages on my kindle, excitedly falling into this captivating world that Blackwell created with the shifters and Scout falling hard for the boy wolf just like I was. But now, I'm just left speechless and heartbroken, and I don't know if I can bring myself to read on in this series!!! Ugh, to think at one point I was thinking 'oh great, another love triangle', now that is the least of my worries. I need a breather, some Fifty Shades, some alcohol...something to get my mind off the shattered pieces of my heart lying on the floor right now!!! *whimpers*
Oh, and for the record, if I could reach into a book and bitch slap a character, I would pay to do so to Ashley at the scene in the end of this book...someone just needs to toss her into the forest with the wolves during a full moon...just saying!!
Oh, and for the record, if I could reach into a book and bitch slap a character, I would pay to do so to Ashley at the scene in the end of this book...someone just needs to toss her into the forest with the wolves during a full moon...just saying!!
September 12, 2017
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First off, this cover is fantastic yeah? It’s what initially convinced me to stop and read the blurb. And the title was the second thing that pulled me in, it’s mysterious, no?
However, this story was pretty average as far a YA paranormal romances go.
I mean, I liked the book. It sucked me in right away; even with the typical love triangle. The twist with regards to the love triangle was refreshing. And I thought it was done tastefully.
One thing that stood out for me was the fact that Jase isn’t a blood brother and the author made it clear to the reader many times. It seemed a bit of overkill to me with that bit of foreshadowing. But, hey, I can overlook it. I was almost hoping they had some chemistry but in the end the love interest did end up making sense. The writing was solid, clear and concise. It was a quick read.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
First off, this cover is fantastic yeah? It’s what initially convinced me to stop and read the blurb. And the title was the second thing that pulled me in, it’s mysterious, no?
However, this story was pretty average as far a YA paranormal romances go.
I mean, I liked the book. It sucked me in right away; even with the typical love triangle. The twist with regards to the love triangle was refreshing. And I thought it was done tastefully.
One thing that stood out for me was the fact that Jase isn’t a blood brother and the author made it clear to the reader many times. It seemed a bit of overkill to me with that bit of foreshadowing. But, hey, I can overlook it. I was almost hoping they had some chemistry but in the end the love interest did end up making sense. The writing was solid, clear and concise. It was a quick read.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
May 7, 2016
I don't hate it was just not a wow for me. It was to obvious.
February 17, 2017
YOU CAN ALSO FIND THIS REVIEW AND MORE ON MY BLOG
One of my all-time favorite YA shifter series, and all time most underrated series, is the Timber Wolves Trilogy. People, I implore you, stop reading this review and go read this novel instead. You will not regret it.
Destiny Binds starts the epic journey of Harper "Scout" Donovan, a kick-ass, headstrong young woman who will take none of your shit, thank you very much. But she is not just strong, inside and out, she's also funny, smart and logical, but most important - loyal and loving. So what if she happens to be stubborn, snarky and odd looking? the girl is my perfect kind of heroine.
As many of these stories go, and mark this down because it's just about the only typical thing about this whole series, Scout's journey begins with the arrival of Alex Cole and his brother Liam into town. Alex is every girl's dream - sweet, charismatic, loving and... hot, with two killer dimples and a tortured past that gives out that edge we so love. Can you blame Scout for falling for him? I sure can't.
But there are things to consider... such as Alex's threatening brother, and Scout's protective brother (and also a personal favorite of mine), the infinitely awesome Jace Donovan, who is against the Coles for some reason. And as Scout and Jace are closer than real siblings, their relationship built equally on banter and devotion, Scout can't just ignore what he thinks.
Now, the romance in this book, and series as a whole, is really unique, and I mean that in the best way possible. In this book alone we are introduced to a heroine who picks a guy when confronted with a sort of love triangle, instead of twiddling her thumbs for three books. Then, there is the beautiful slow build to Alex and Scout's romance, starting slowly from simple attraction, into wary friendship, and then into far, far more.
But it doesn't end there, because the romance of the Timber Wolves trilogy can only be truly appreciated when looked upon as a whole, and it is truly a sight to behold.
So, I've sang enough praise about our main characters, but have I mentioned the array of utterly fantastic supporting characters? First, there is Talley, best friend to Scout and the kind of girl who sees the best in everyone, while also understanding her friends to their core. So yeah, she's going to see the best in you... but she also knows your worst.
Then, there is Charlie, Jace's best friend and cousin who is Scout's crush for, like, forever. He's a peacemaker, the logical one in any situation. Together; Scout, Jace, Talley and Charlie are the Fantastic Four of their small town.
And then there was the ending. Not gonna lie, I cried, both times I read it. The one thing I feel I need to say is that Ashley is a stupid bitch, and I don't brandish the B word lightly.
Blackwell is not afraid to take chances and mess with her readers, and it simply works.
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Old Thoughts
One of my all-time favorite YA shifter series, and all time most underrated series, is the Timber Wolves Trilogy. People, I implore you, stop reading this review and go read this novel instead. You will not regret it.
Destiny Binds starts the epic journey of Harper "Scout" Donovan, a kick-ass, headstrong young woman who will take none of your shit, thank you very much. But she is not just strong, inside and out, she's also funny, smart and logical, but most important - loyal and loving. So what if she happens to be stubborn, snarky and odd looking? the girl is my perfect kind of heroine.
As many of these stories go, and mark this down because it's just about the only typical thing about this whole series, Scout's journey begins with the arrival of Alex Cole and his brother Liam into town. Alex is every girl's dream - sweet, charismatic, loving and... hot, with two killer dimples and a tortured past that gives out that edge we so love. Can you blame Scout for falling for him? I sure can't.
But there are things to consider... such as Alex's threatening brother, and Scout's protective brother (and also a personal favorite of mine), the infinitely awesome Jace Donovan, who is against the Coles for some reason. And as Scout and Jace are closer than real siblings, their relationship built equally on banter and devotion, Scout can't just ignore what he thinks.
Now, the romance in this book, and series as a whole, is really unique, and I mean that in the best way possible. In this book alone we are introduced to a heroine who picks a guy when confronted with a sort of love triangle, instead of twiddling her thumbs for three books. Then, there is the beautiful slow build to Alex and Scout's romance, starting slowly from simple attraction, into wary friendship, and then into far, far more.
But it doesn't end there, because the romance of the Timber Wolves trilogy can only be truly appreciated when looked upon as a whole, and it is truly a sight to behold.
So, I've sang enough praise about our main characters, but have I mentioned the array of utterly fantastic supporting characters? First, there is Talley, best friend to Scout and the kind of girl who sees the best in everyone, while also understanding her friends to their core. So yeah, she's going to see the best in you... but she also knows your worst.
Then, there is Charlie, Jace's best friend and cousin who is Scout's crush for, like, forever. He's a peacemaker, the logical one in any situation. Together; Scout, Jace, Talley and Charlie are the Fantastic Four of their small town.
And then there was the ending. Not gonna lie, I cried, both times I read it. The one thing I feel I need to say is that Ashley is a stupid bitch, and I don't brandish the B word lightly.
Blackwell is not afraid to take chances and mess with her readers, and it simply works.
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Old Thoughts
February 12, 2012
Oh man! I didn't go to sleep at all. I ended up staying awake and reading this book. It seriously sucked me in. I loved Scout and Alex. I liked Talley a lot as well. Jase was also a likable guy. He and Charlie seriously messed up at the end, though. Angel was funny. Sometimes, little kid characters aren't so bad.
Man, I was crying like a little bitch during those last two chapters. I wonder if the sense Scout got was the truth. And what about that recurring dream? Surely, she must have some abilities of her own. I wonder if she'll ever be able to be around Jase or Charlie without feeling pain. It's going to take her a while to heal. Not just physically, but definitely emotionally as well.
And Ashley needs to take a long walk off of a short pier. The reason she'd been such an awful friend to Scout was that she was jealous of her. She helped bring about what happened. And by virtue of trying to prevent something terrible from happening, Jase and Charlie ended up being the ones that caused the tragedy. Don't these people know that's how prophecies work? The harder you try to change them, the more you do to actually bring it about. Bet this will be tearing those two up for a while. Not only was Jase the one that nearly killed Scout, he made her lose the boy she loves.
Or did she? That, I'm not sure about. And that man at the end. Had to be one of the Romanian alphas. Good on Scout for sending him on a wile goose chase.
I really loved this book. It could have used some more editing, as there were some misspelled words and a few cases where words were missing or a homonym was used by mistake, but it was an entertaining book. Mostly, because I loved Scout's brand of snarkiness and the way she and Alex played off of each other.
Man, I was crying like a little bitch during those last two chapters. I wonder if the sense Scout got was the truth. And what about that recurring dream? Surely, she must have some abilities of her own. I wonder if she'll ever be able to be around Jase or Charlie without feeling pain. It's going to take her a while to heal. Not just physically, but definitely emotionally as well.
And Ashley needs to take a long walk off of a short pier. The reason she'd been such an awful friend to Scout was that she was jealous of her. She helped bring about what happened. And by virtue of trying to prevent something terrible from happening, Jase and Charlie ended up being the ones that caused the tragedy. Don't these people know that's how prophecies work? The harder you try to change them, the more you do to actually bring it about. Bet this will be tearing those two up for a while. Not only was Jase the one that nearly killed Scout, he made her lose the boy she loves.
Or did she? That, I'm not sure about. And that man at the end. Had to be one of the Romanian alphas. Good on Scout for sending him on a wile goose chase.
I really loved this book. It could have used some more editing, as there were some misspelled words and a few cases where words were missing or a homonym was used by mistake, but it was an entertaining book. Mostly, because I loved Scout's brand of snarkiness and the way she and Alex played off of each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2012
This book was FANTASTIC, AMAZING, just like a lala song.
Tammy Blackwell did a super job putting together a story of shapeshifters, seers, love triangle, sassy attitudes and heartbreak.
Lets begin with Scout she is a senior in High School, clever, witty, and definitely speaks her mind. She has a wonderful family and best friend, everything is chipper until her fateful meet with Alex.
Scout felt the stares from Alex especially his brother Liam and once she mentioned it to her brother there was an altercation. She realized that they had deep animosity toward each other and needed to stay away from Alex as hard as it would be.
To my delight Scout eventually got to know Alex and what he was; which revealed the truth about her family and friends. Especially her step-brother Jase and his cousin Charlie who was madly in love with Scout. Their fascination toward each other was lovely and worked so well around the plot. The ending was very sad...tear jerker for a romantic at heart that I am.
I recommend this to all. The fact that its .99 cents at Amazon is a gift. This will now be added to the many books I lie in wait for the sequel.
Tammy Blackwell did a super job putting together a story of shapeshifters, seers, love triangle, sassy attitudes and heartbreak.
Lets begin with Scout she is a senior in High School, clever, witty, and definitely speaks her mind. She has a wonderful family and best friend, everything is chipper until her fateful meet with Alex.
Scout felt the stares from Alex especially his brother Liam and once she mentioned it to her brother there was an altercation. She realized that they had deep animosity toward each other and needed to stay away from Alex as hard as it would be.
To my delight Scout eventually got to know Alex and what he was; which revealed the truth about her family and friends. Especially her step-brother Jase and his cousin Charlie who was madly in love with Scout. Their fascination toward each other was lovely and worked so well around the plot. The ending was very sad...tear jerker for a romantic at heart that I am.
I recommend this to all. The fact that its .99 cents at Amazon is a gift. This will now be added to the many books I lie in wait for the sequel.
May 23, 2015
I don't know how to write this review without giving any spoilers. Suffice it to say that I loved Scout and her sense of humor, the writing and the characters. Alex was just too awesome for words and I'm IN SHOCK at the end. The mention of West Side Story should have been my clue. The fact that his name is Alex gives me some hope because it reminds me of another book where something similar happened to a character named Alex. (I know, crazy weird.) I'm so hoping things turn out well. I'm so afraid they won't!
Can't wait to read the next book. One of the best freebies I've gotten and I'm definitely checking out more books by this author.
Can't wait to read the next book. One of the best freebies I've gotten and I'm definitely checking out more books by this author.
January 1, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Not normally the biggest fan of shifters, but this really sucked me in, I liked most of the characters and the ones I didn't I wasn't supposed to so that worked out well LOL
I actually LOL'd a few times...and in public too if you don't mind!
Will definitely be continuing on with this series :)
Can't believe I left this on my kindle for so long unread!!!! So silly.
Not normally the biggest fan of shifters, but this really sucked me in, I liked most of the characters and the ones I didn't I wasn't supposed to so that worked out well LOL
I actually LOL'd a few times...and in public too if you don't mind!
Will definitely be continuing on with this series :)
Can't believe I left this on my kindle for so long unread!!!! So silly.
November 6, 2011
WARNING! CONTAINS A SPOILER!!! :)
There were so many things I loved about Destiny Binds. It was just one of those lovable books. You know, the kind you just can't read without unconsciously adding all the matching face expressions about how the characters must feel. Which meant that through most of this book ( that I read happily in a day) I was smiling, laughing, or just plain amused). I don't even know where to begin really. Maybe the characters. First and foremost Scout is the best heroine I have read in quite awhile. Not that I haven't liked many a heroine but they all just sort of paled in contrast to Scout. She was so real, so honest, so good, and yet she had all the flaws and insecurities of your typical seventeen year old. But somehow she was so NOT annoying. Scout was the kind of girl parents would be happy at their kids "looking up to her" because she is totally relatable on our level but with morals that make her just that more awesome!
And speaking of heroes, can anyone say Alex Cole? I absolutely LOVED him and Scout together. Sure I know Charlie was the other side of this love triangle but I was just Team Alex from the beginning. Not that Scout and Charlie didn't have a fun relationship. On the contrary it was darn right cute but I just loved Alex's almost boyish honesty and the happiness that was just him. Scout said it best when she called him a "ray of freaking sunshine" (I laughed so hard at that part). Other characters I absolutely loved were Jase, Scout's half brother, who might I mention was absolutely hilarious! And Angel, her kid sister that was just so funny! What a realistic kid sister she was. Which I really liked about all the characters really. It was the dynamic between them all, the writing wasn't force or stiff, everything was natural and you find yourself beginning to understand how the characters tick. Not like you can guess everything that's going to happen but like their responses fit their personalities.
And of course we have to talk about the romance because it was awesome! It really and truly was, I was in love with Alex way before Scout finally admitted it and they were so perfect together!
Which brings up another one of this books virtues. Which is actually virtues. I absolutely ADORED how the author wrote this book. seriously kudos to you Miss Blackwell, I loved how clean the book was! There wasn't really anything, the book was honest and realistic, some minor swear words were used but nothing that isn't pretty widely accepted without any kind of horror and the romance was sweet and well let's be honest, hot, without being dirty or uncomfortable or any of those things that so often are riddled in YA books. But there was nothing to fear in this awesome book! I only have two complaints; the book ended far too soon (ie I need to learn to read slower and make these things last) and DID ALEX REALLY DIE?!?! Oh my gosh I was so shocked by that one! But there are plenty of plot twists in this book so keep your thinking caps on people, this book is pretty deep, but not in a confusing way at all.
But back to Alex's death, see when any character in any book ever "dies" I'm always quick to wave it off. Im the one whose always like, "Come on! They are not dead!" And then if they are I'm always surprised but not as sad as I would have been reading the death scene had I actually realized at the time that it was the end, so mostly I do okay with that in my optimistic way. I just like to know, and I fully expected Alex to come bouncing back but instead it ends with a cliffhanger! An extremely awesome and very well set up cliffhanger but a cliffhanger none the less. Now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. Seriously this book is AWESOME and so cheap, it's worth about ten times it's price and I absolutely loved it! Five stars all the way, if you haven't already bought this book you need to do it now! You won't regret it!
There were so many things I loved about Destiny Binds. It was just one of those lovable books. You know, the kind you just can't read without unconsciously adding all the matching face expressions about how the characters must feel. Which meant that through most of this book ( that I read happily in a day) I was smiling, laughing, or just plain amused). I don't even know where to begin really. Maybe the characters. First and foremost Scout is the best heroine I have read in quite awhile. Not that I haven't liked many a heroine but they all just sort of paled in contrast to Scout. She was so real, so honest, so good, and yet she had all the flaws and insecurities of your typical seventeen year old. But somehow she was so NOT annoying. Scout was the kind of girl parents would be happy at their kids "looking up to her" because she is totally relatable on our level but with morals that make her just that more awesome!
And speaking of heroes, can anyone say Alex Cole? I absolutely LOVED him and Scout together. Sure I know Charlie was the other side of this love triangle but I was just Team Alex from the beginning. Not that Scout and Charlie didn't have a fun relationship. On the contrary it was darn right cute but I just loved Alex's almost boyish honesty and the happiness that was just him. Scout said it best when she called him a "ray of freaking sunshine" (I laughed so hard at that part). Other characters I absolutely loved were Jase, Scout's half brother, who might I mention was absolutely hilarious! And Angel, her kid sister that was just so funny! What a realistic kid sister she was. Which I really liked about all the characters really. It was the dynamic between them all, the writing wasn't force or stiff, everything was natural and you find yourself beginning to understand how the characters tick. Not like you can guess everything that's going to happen but like their responses fit their personalities.
And of course we have to talk about the romance because it was awesome! It really and truly was, I was in love with Alex way before Scout finally admitted it and they were so perfect together!
Which brings up another one of this books virtues. Which is actually virtues. I absolutely ADORED how the author wrote this book. seriously kudos to you Miss Blackwell, I loved how clean the book was! There wasn't really anything, the book was honest and realistic, some minor swear words were used but nothing that isn't pretty widely accepted without any kind of horror and the romance was sweet and well let's be honest, hot, without being dirty or uncomfortable or any of those things that so often are riddled in YA books. But there was nothing to fear in this awesome book! I only have two complaints; the book ended far too soon (ie I need to learn to read slower and make these things last) and DID ALEX REALLY DIE?!?! Oh my gosh I was so shocked by that one! But there are plenty of plot twists in this book so keep your thinking caps on people, this book is pretty deep, but not in a confusing way at all.
But back to Alex's death, see when any character in any book ever "dies" I'm always quick to wave it off. Im the one whose always like, "Come on! They are not dead!" And then if they are I'm always surprised but not as sad as I would have been reading the death scene had I actually realized at the time that it was the end, so mostly I do okay with that in my optimistic way. I just like to know, and I fully expected Alex to come bouncing back but instead it ends with a cliffhanger! An extremely awesome and very well set up cliffhanger but a cliffhanger none the less. Now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series. Seriously this book is AWESOME and so cheap, it's worth about ten times it's price and I absolutely loved it! Five stars all the way, if you haven't already bought this book you need to do it now! You won't regret it!
December 20, 2011
If I could sum up my feelings on this book in one word, it would probably be "disappointment". Not that this book is bad, precisely, but because it had potential to be so much more than it was, only to take a turn for the Twilight about halfway through.
Mechanically, this book is excellent. The protagonist's voice is funny without being flippant, and there aren't any grammatical errors to be found. (Considering I picked this book up for $.99 off Amazon, I thought this should be mentioned.)
I actually really liked the first third of the book. Our protagonist, Scout, is quirky without coming across too cliched, and she seemed to have a really positive relationship with her step-brother, Jase, and half-sister, Angel. Even when the main love interest, Alex, is introduced, the author seemed to be carefully balancing plot with romantic development. Some YA PNR's have a tendency to make the love interest far more developed than the protagonist, and I was initially relieved that we weren't getting bombarded with Alex's backstory.
Once Scout's relationship with Alex takes off, though, the book goes downhill.
What really frustrated me with this book was the fact that there was so much interesting material to work with. Part of me wonders if this is due to using Scout as our narrator. While it's true that she learned things as the reader did, I was personally way more interested in Jase, for one.
I wasn't surprised when I got on Goodreads and saw that this is the first book of a trilogy. There isn't really a conclusion, but it's not precisely a cliff-hanger, either. In fact, the book just sort of runs out of gas and coasts to a stop.
I'd say this book was okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. Pretty much another Twilight-wannabe (minus the vampires), and we all know there are enough of those out already. I have no plans to continue the series.
Mechanically, this book is excellent. The protagonist's voice is funny without being flippant, and there aren't any grammatical errors to be found. (Considering I picked this book up for $.99 off Amazon, I thought this should be mentioned.)
I actually really liked the first third of the book. Our protagonist, Scout, is quirky without coming across too cliched, and she seemed to have a really positive relationship with her step-brother, Jase, and half-sister, Angel. Even when the main love interest, Alex, is introduced, the author seemed to be carefully balancing plot with romantic development. Some YA PNR's have a tendency to make the love interest far more developed than the protagonist, and I was initially relieved that we weren't getting bombarded with Alex's backstory.
Once Scout's relationship with Alex takes off, though, the book goes downhill.
What really frustrated me with this book was the fact that there was so much interesting material to work with. Part of me wonders if this is due to using Scout as our narrator. While it's true that she learned things as the reader did, I was personally way more interested in Jase, for one.
I wasn't surprised when I got on Goodreads and saw that this is the first book of a trilogy. There isn't really a conclusion, but it's not precisely a cliff-hanger, either. In fact, the book just sort of runs out of gas and coasts to a stop.
I'd say this book was okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. Pretty much another Twilight-wannabe (minus the vampires), and we all know there are enough of those out already. I have no plans to continue the series.
July 23, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!!! Why does this book get 5 stars??? Because I couldn’t/wouldn’t put it down. I started this book severely sleep deprived having just finished shopping the wee hours of Black Friday so overly exhausted I couldn’t go to sleep so I thought I would read until I could well I got so caught up in this book that a few hours and 4 cups of coffee later I was still severely sleep deprived but screaming for more pages because I wanted to read more. This is one of those pages that you wish you could make pages keep magically appearing so it never ends.
Characters… well love Scout. Sarcastic, strong, feisty heroines are my all-time fave and Scout fits that mold. I just love her voice. I really enjoyed her relationship with her brother Jase and even with her younger sister Angel. It felt real. Her banter with Jase and how annoyed she was with Angel and her younger sibling antics yet how much she looked out for her. The romance between Alex Cole (oh so yummy) and Scout was also refreshing because it wasn’t that overly mushy romance yet you still felt their connection. I love the dialogue between them. I really liked how even though Scout may have had thoughts that she wasn’t good enough for Alex she still called him out when he acted an ass. She didn’t let him walk all over her. As for the romantic triangle (yes there is one) it was very minor to the overall story and not overly angsty. The characters leaped off the page and took up residence in my head. They were believable and I got so attached to them I didn’t wanted to let them go.
The storyline was very engaging and got better with every turn of the page. At the end of the book I felt like I had a solid foundation of information into Ms. Blackwell’s Timber Wolves world but I still wanted more time with the characters and to see how their stories unfold. I really like that even when major plot events weren’t happening I was still pulled into the story the minor moments were just as intriguing.
This book is definitely one of my favorites from 2011 and I am not so patiently waiting for the next book and plan on buying and devouring it the day it’s released. 5 STARS!!!!!
Characters… well love Scout. Sarcastic, strong, feisty heroines are my all-time fave and Scout fits that mold. I just love her voice. I really enjoyed her relationship with her brother Jase and even with her younger sister Angel. It felt real. Her banter with Jase and how annoyed she was with Angel and her younger sibling antics yet how much she looked out for her. The romance between Alex Cole (oh so yummy) and Scout was also refreshing because it wasn’t that overly mushy romance yet you still felt their connection. I love the dialogue between them. I really liked how even though Scout may have had thoughts that she wasn’t good enough for Alex she still called him out when he acted an ass. She didn’t let him walk all over her. As for the romantic triangle (yes there is one) it was very minor to the overall story and not overly angsty. The characters leaped off the page and took up residence in my head. They were believable and I got so attached to them I didn’t wanted to let them go.
The storyline was very engaging and got better with every turn of the page. At the end of the book I felt like I had a solid foundation of information into Ms. Blackwell’s Timber Wolves world but I still wanted more time with the characters and to see how their stories unfold. I really like that even when major plot events weren’t happening I was still pulled into the story the minor moments were just as intriguing.
This book is definitely one of my favorites from 2011 and I am not so patiently waiting for the next book and plan on buying and devouring it the day it’s released. 5 STARS!!!!!
March 15, 2014
3.5 stars
I feel cheated. I’d heard some kickass things about this book – Scout’s ninja skills, a love triangle which I say I hate but really love, a roaring plot and something about Shifters? All of the above featured in the first half, in fact I was totally hooked within the first chapter and prepared to give the book 4 stars. Then the second half happened.
Scout went from cool, sarcastic, ass-kicking girl to this lovesick girl who hid really important things from her brother and best friends. It takes literally one event for the romance to cross into instalove territory, and for the love triangle to be smothered. And this is only the first book!
Rant aside, I still really liked this! I could barely put it down long enough to jump in the shower, causing a few late mornings. Despite Scout’s (temporary I hope) personality lapse and the fact that I stopped caring about the plot so could just yell at Scout about how stupid she was being, this has all the markings of a really fun series.
Scout is awesome. She may be a bookworm and prefer the library to the local hangout, but she is fierce and doesn’t take shit from anyone. She doesn’t do anything half-arsed and does have some cool karate moves (which I demand more of!)
Blackwell has a skill at creating characters that feel real. All the little childhood stories and quirks of Jase, Charlie and Scout made them jump out of the page for me.
CLIFFHANGER ALERT There is a cliffhanger, and a pretty poor one at that. I have this thing about cliffhangers – if you’re going to risk pissing off your readers by leaving them hanging, make it a good twist! A shocking one, a horrifying one, one that rips your heart out. Don’t cop out by putting ‘just kidding’ or ‘but it was just a bad dream’ or or something along those lines at the end. No take-backs.
I will continue this series, if only because I have so many questions about the Shifter world and this Russian guy and Liam and absolutely no answers. Plus I want to see Scout go nuts and kick her brother’s and Charlie’s asses.
I feel cheated. I’d heard some kickass things about this book – Scout’s ninja skills, a love triangle which I say I hate but really love, a roaring plot and something about Shifters? All of the above featured in the first half, in fact I was totally hooked within the first chapter and prepared to give the book 4 stars. Then the second half happened.
Scout went from cool, sarcastic, ass-kicking girl to this lovesick girl who hid really important things from her brother and best friends. It takes literally one event for the romance to cross into instalove territory, and for the love triangle to be smothered. And this is only the first book!
Rant aside, I still really liked this! I could barely put it down long enough to jump in the shower, causing a few late mornings. Despite Scout’s (temporary I hope) personality lapse and the fact that I stopped caring about the plot so could just yell at Scout about how stupid she was being, this has all the markings of a really fun series.
Scout is awesome. She may be a bookworm and prefer the library to the local hangout, but she is fierce and doesn’t take shit from anyone. She doesn’t do anything half-arsed and does have some cool karate moves (which I demand more of!)
Blackwell has a skill at creating characters that feel real. All the little childhood stories and quirks of Jase, Charlie and Scout made them jump out of the page for me.
CLIFFHANGER ALERT There is a cliffhanger, and a pretty poor one at that. I have this thing about cliffhangers – if you’re going to risk pissing off your readers by leaving them hanging, make it a good twist! A shocking one, a horrifying one, one that rips your heart out. Don’t cop out by putting ‘just kidding’ or ‘but it was just a bad dream’ or or something along those lines at the end. No take-backs.
I will continue this series, if only because I have so many questions about the Shifter world and this Russian guy and Liam and absolutely no answers. Plus I want to see Scout go nuts and kick her brother’s and Charlie’s asses.
August 10, 2013
"John Davis smells like Play-Doh."
I don't know what exactly it is about that particular arrangement of words, but I'm adding it to my list of favorite opening lines.
Despite the distinction of being the very first character mentioned in this book, John Davis smelling like marla-or "Play-Doh", since I'm not sure whether it's marla to anyone outside of Ireland-is his only real bearing on the story. There the poor lamb is, trying to befriend the protagonist, while she-Scout-tries her best to "ditch John and his noxious odor". And that is just the first of many a difference of opinion she and I had.
A friend who smells of marla? Yes, please.
What really perplexed me though, was Scout's decision when it came to picking her favourite side of the book's love-triangle. What it came down to was a choice between the guy she'd known, loved, and lusted after for a very long time, and the guy who's just moved to town, with all the appeal of the new, and the allure of the forbidden.
My problem was believability. I believed that Scout had feelings for the former, and vice versa. I believed that the latter loved Scout-having dreamt of her for years and come to the conclusion that she was his destiny-but the only thing new guy shared with her was saliva, and the fact that he was a shifter. That she made her decision because of what was, in her opinion, "preternaturally right" seems ridiculous to me.
Ultimately Destiny Binds was about a love-triangle and little else. Disappointing.
I don't know what exactly it is about that particular arrangement of words, but I'm adding it to my list of favorite opening lines.
Despite the distinction of being the very first character mentioned in this book, John Davis smelling like marla-or "Play-Doh", since I'm not sure whether it's marla to anyone outside of Ireland-is his only real bearing on the story. There the poor lamb is, trying to befriend the protagonist, while she-Scout-tries her best to "ditch John and his noxious odor". And that is just the first of many a difference of opinion she and I had.
A friend who smells of marla? Yes, please.
What really perplexed me though, was Scout's decision when it came to picking her favourite side of the book's love-triangle. What it came down to was a choice between the guy she'd known, loved, and lusted after for a very long time, and the guy who's just moved to town, with all the appeal of the new, and the allure of the forbidden.
My problem was believability. I believed that Scout had feelings for the former, and vice versa. I believed that the latter loved Scout-having dreamt of her for years and come to the conclusion that she was his destiny-but the only thing new guy shared with her was saliva, and the fact that he was a shifter. That she made her decision because of what was, in her opinion, "preternaturally right" seems ridiculous to me.
Ultimately Destiny Binds was about a love-triangle and little else. Disappointing.
September 9, 2012
I downloaded this ebook after reading such great reviews from readers, and I gotta say Im SO glad I did! I could not stop reading (though, of course I had to, to do my job at work). It was not slow moving like I'd read it was at first. I mean by the time I took notice of what chapter I was in, it was chapter 8! I totally loved it. From the beginning when Scout notices the mystery guy across the field staring at her, I was kinda hooked, obviously wanting to know more about the guy and his piercing grey eyes. I got really caught up in their world as if I was a character in the book. The fact that Scout & Alex were in love with each other, even though they didnt admit it to each other right away, it reminded me a bit of Romeo & Juliet, in how in love with each other they were, yet their families were feuding with one another, but with a supernatural "Shifters" twist to it.
Of course, this one doesnt end like Romeo & Juliet, but it was definitely heartbreaking towards the end. I could not believe what happened!! Im still kinda in shock of it, and maybe a bit in denial at accepting it, but I will get over it. It was surprising that Talley knew about Jase & Charlie and Alex, and yet kept it all from her BFF, Scout, but I guess with good reason. And when Charlie declared himself to Scout, it reminded me a bit of the part in Eclipse when Jacob asked Bella to stay with him, to choose him. *sighs* Well, to sum it up, yes I loved the book! & cant wait to read the next! I wonder what will happen now between Scout and Charlie, or how her relationship with her brother Jase will be now… will it ever be the same...? Tammy, great job! =)
Of course, this one doesnt end like Romeo & Juliet, but it was definitely heartbreaking towards the end. I could not believe what happened!! Im still kinda in shock of it, and maybe a bit in denial at accepting it, but I will get over it. It was surprising that Talley knew about Jase & Charlie and Alex, and yet kept it all from her BFF, Scout, but I guess with good reason. And when Charlie declared himself to Scout, it reminded me a bit of the part in Eclipse when Jacob asked Bella to stay with him, to choose him. *sighs* Well, to sum it up, yes I loved the book! & cant wait to read the next! I wonder what will happen now between Scout and Charlie, or how her relationship with her brother Jase will be now… will it ever be the same...? Tammy, great job! =)
November 2, 2012
So I started off enjoying this book, I liked it but I didn't love it. I didn't feel a really strong connection with any of the characters though. I liked the main character Scout at first but when the love triangle stuff started I just got annoyed. It also bothered me that everyone in Scouts life, all of her closest friends and family, were hiding huge secrets from her. I know they were probably just trying to protect her but I don't know how she went her whole life without realizing something was off. I won't be continuing this series because the ending really pissed me off. ***SOME OF THE SPOILER HIDDEN WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES*** I know I kind of spoiled the books by finding out what happens in the next ones but I'm glad I did cause now that I know what happens, I'm glad I didn't waste my money. This book has gotten quite a few great reviews so I know many people liked it, it just wasn't for me.
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