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Legacy #3
Legacy Found
She outran her memories. She couldn t outrun her past.
"Legacy, Book 3"
Shelley is a killer. Never mind that her crime freed her from thirty-five years of brutal captivity the bounty hunters on her trail don t care. For the first time in her life, she is on her own, free to put the past behind her and explore what it means to be a werewolf.
James Riley is dead tired. After a week untangling legal and financial affairs his brother s death left behind, he s feeling every ounce of his new responsibility as Wolf Creek pack alpha. He s not too tired, though, to notice his sexy waitress is a werewolf one that strangely doesn t recognize him as one of her own kind.
After his questions rattle her composure and get her fired, Shelley figures the least James can do is drive her to the next town, but he wants more. He wants to take her home. And despite her fear, something inside her is irresistibly drawn to his commanding yet gentle presence.
James is willing to give Shelley all the time she needs to embrace her heritage, her sexuality, and eventually his love. But her past will not be denied...and her secrets demand a price paid in blood.
This book contains a hunky werewolf, a woman with a secret past, a lost family found, nasty bounty hunters, and lots of steamy hot sex! "
"Legacy, Book 3"
Shelley is a killer. Never mind that her crime freed her from thirty-five years of brutal captivity the bounty hunters on her trail don t care. For the first time in her life, she is on her own, free to put the past behind her and explore what it means to be a werewolf.
James Riley is dead tired. After a week untangling legal and financial affairs his brother s death left behind, he s feeling every ounce of his new responsibility as Wolf Creek pack alpha. He s not too tired, though, to notice his sexy waitress is a werewolf one that strangely doesn t recognize him as one of her own kind.
After his questions rattle her composure and get her fired, Shelley figures the least James can do is drive her to the next town, but he wants more. He wants to take her home. And despite her fear, something inside her is irresistibly drawn to his commanding yet gentle presence.
James is willing to give Shelley all the time she needs to embrace her heritage, her sexuality, and eventually his love. But her past will not be denied...and her secrets demand a price paid in blood.
This book contains a hunky werewolf, a woman with a secret past, a lost family found, nasty bounty hunters, and lots of steamy hot sex! "
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2011
32 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
N.J. Walters
168 books1,277 followersOnce upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.
One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel and life would never be the same.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel and life would never be the same.
N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 1, 2022
DNF at 31%. I appreciate that this author is trying to have a hero who is about positive consent, but she failed.
The “hero” says “Nobody was touching Shelley. Not without her consent.”
But apparently, he means only he can touch her without her consent.
She has a history being sexually assaulted and abused. Right after they first meet, the male main character is giving her a ride and she falls asleep. And this is what happens.
———
He released his seatbelt and leaned closer. Her chest was rising and falling slowly, her breathing deep and relaxed. Her lips were slightly parted and he couldn't resist the temptation.
A lock of hair brushed her cheek and he pushed it aside with his thumb. Her skin was so soft. A low rumble began deep in his chest. He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, keeping the contact light and undemanding.
She mumbled in her sleep but didn't wake. James traced her lush bottom lip with his tongue, almost moaning, as he tasted her. Heat and mint were tinged with a touch of salt from her skin.
Shelley stirred, her eyelids fluttered. Her dark brown eyes were slightly glazed as she stared at him. A second later, panic filled them. James eased back immediately. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her.
——-
Author, you just described your male main character sexually assaulting her! And, with her past, it’s even worse.
——
I kept reading cause I wanted to give this book a chance. But then, this interaction happened:
As physically drawn to James as she was, as aroused as her body was, emotionally she wasn't ready for sex… She turned to face him, giving him her full honesty. "I can't. I'm not ready."
He nodded. "I didn't expect you would be. It's too soon. But, Shelley;" he said with a slow, sexy smile, "that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to make you ready…”
His hand stroked from her head down the curve of her throat. "So beautiful. So strong." He brushed the edge of her jaw… He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. He eased back, his eyes never leaving her face. "Let me pleasure you. Stroke your skin. Taste you."
——-
Author! This is predatory behavior. This is not a hero who gives a hoot what the heroine wants. She just said EXPICITLY “I’m not ready”.
And then the hero is like, “cool. So, let me just continue to touch you sexually so I can make you ready.”
Ewww. No!
The “hero” says “Nobody was touching Shelley. Not without her consent.”
But apparently, he means only he can touch her without her consent.
She has a history being sexually assaulted and abused. Right after they first meet, the male main character is giving her a ride and she falls asleep. And this is what happens.
———
He released his seatbelt and leaned closer. Her chest was rising and falling slowly, her breathing deep and relaxed. Her lips were slightly parted and he couldn't resist the temptation.
A lock of hair brushed her cheek and he pushed it aside with his thumb. Her skin was so soft. A low rumble began deep in his chest. He leaned forward and touched his lips to hers, keeping the contact light and undemanding.
She mumbled in her sleep but didn't wake. James traced her lush bottom lip with his tongue, almost moaning, as he tasted her. Heat and mint were tinged with a touch of salt from her skin.
Shelley stirred, her eyelids fluttered. Her dark brown eyes were slightly glazed as she stared at him. A second later, panic filled them. James eased back immediately. The last thing he wanted to do was frighten her.
——-
Author, you just described your male main character sexually assaulting her! And, with her past, it’s even worse.
——
I kept reading cause I wanted to give this book a chance. But then, this interaction happened:
As physically drawn to James as she was, as aroused as her body was, emotionally she wasn't ready for sex… She turned to face him, giving him her full honesty. "I can't. I'm not ready."
He nodded. "I didn't expect you would be. It's too soon. But, Shelley;" he said with a slow, sexy smile, "that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to make you ready…”
His hand stroked from her head down the curve of her throat. "So beautiful. So strong." He brushed the edge of her jaw… He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. He eased back, his eyes never leaving her face. "Let me pleasure you. Stroke your skin. Taste you."
——-
Author! This is predatory behavior. This is not a hero who gives a hoot what the heroine wants. She just said EXPICITLY “I’m not ready”.
And then the hero is like, “cool. So, let me just continue to touch you sexually so I can make you ready.”
Ewww. No!
May 22, 2019
5 💓 for James. He was the perfect shifter hero. Unfortunately, Shelley, even though she had been abused, became irritating with her internal whining. She was selfish and didn't give back to James. She was unlikable. The writing was repetitive and drawn out.
September 3, 2011
There are spoilers in this review so read it at your own risk :-).
I liked all the books so far in the Legacy series. I loved James from Alexandra's story and was a little sad that he was left to be alpha by himself. I loved how Shelley/Rachel fought to free herself. She didn't wait for someone to rescue her but she rescued herself. I absolutely love how N.J. interwove the lives of all the characters involved. As I suspected in the last book, Quinn showed up in this story with a very important role in this story. He was looking for his twin sister and was working with the hunters to see if they had information about her whereabouts. I thought that Shelley/Rachel was his sister since she couldn't remember anything about her past. But no...surprise of all surpises...she was Joshua (Alexandra's Legacy hero) and Isaiah's (Isaiah's Haven) sister who they thought was killed thirty-five years earlier. And the fact that Shelley/Rachel fell in love with James, Alexandra's father was strange but interesting twist. And lets not forget Quinn. After the battle with the hunters, we find out that he is none other that Donovan's long lost and unknown son. Sheesh...can you say all mixed together. It was a good story at about 50% in but it was a little slow taking off.
I look forward to reading Quinn's Quest, the fourth book in the Legacy series that will be released in February 2012. I'm sure we'll find out more about him and Donovan who was only a superficial character in the last two stories.
I liked all the books so far in the Legacy series. I loved James from Alexandra's story and was a little sad that he was left to be alpha by himself. I loved how Shelley/Rachel fought to free herself. She didn't wait for someone to rescue her but she rescued herself. I absolutely love how N.J. interwove the lives of all the characters involved. As I suspected in the last book, Quinn showed up in this story with a very important role in this story. He was looking for his twin sister and was working with the hunters to see if they had information about her whereabouts. I thought that Shelley/Rachel was his sister since she couldn't remember anything about her past. But no...surprise of all surpises...she was Joshua (Alexandra's Legacy hero) and Isaiah's (Isaiah's Haven) sister who they thought was killed thirty-five years earlier. And the fact that Shelley/Rachel fell in love with James, Alexandra's father was strange but interesting twist. And lets not forget Quinn. After the battle with the hunters, we find out that he is none other that Donovan's long lost and unknown son. Sheesh...can you say all mixed together. It was a good story at about 50% in but it was a little slow taking off.
I look forward to reading Quinn's Quest, the fourth book in the Legacy series that will be released in February 2012. I'm sure we'll find out more about him and Donovan who was only a superficial character in the last two stories.
April 4, 2012
I won my first-reads copy of Legacy Found through Goodreads.
.....Oh my gods I love this book. I must find and purchase the first two. Even though I had never read the first two books I didn't feel lost in the story at all, it was very well written and so enticing to read. This, by the way, is coming from someone who normally hates to read romance novels. There was a perfect blend of action, romance, and drama. The attention to detail was excellent, nothing was corny or anything else I usually expect from such novels, I was very pleasantly surprised. I love werewolves, and that's what drew me to enter (ahem, my wonderful girlfriend, Jillyn was the one to point it out, she knows me so well <3). I felt a very strong connection to the main alpha male, James, because I share so many characteristics (other than physical appearance and gender, obviously) more often than not, I felt like I WAS him. His protective and caring instinct for the main female, Shelley, is heartwarming and reminds me of how I am protective of my own mate ^_^. Oh jeeze, I'm rambling gushiness.
I give this book five stars and highly recommend it for anyone who likes, werewolves/the supernatural, equal parts violence and romance, and a solid plot line. I'm proud to give this book a place in my book pack. Happy reading everyone! :D
.....Oh my gods I love this book. I must find and purchase the first two. Even though I had never read the first two books I didn't feel lost in the story at all, it was very well written and so enticing to read. This, by the way, is coming from someone who normally hates to read romance novels. There was a perfect blend of action, romance, and drama. The attention to detail was excellent, nothing was corny or anything else I usually expect from such novels, I was very pleasantly surprised. I love werewolves, and that's what drew me to enter (ahem, my wonderful girlfriend, Jillyn was the one to point it out, she knows me so well <3). I felt a very strong connection to the main alpha male, James, because I share so many characteristics (other than physical appearance and gender, obviously) more often than not, I felt like I WAS him. His protective and caring instinct for the main female, Shelley, is heartwarming and reminds me of how I am protective of my own mate ^_^. Oh jeeze, I'm rambling gushiness.
I give this book five stars and highly recommend it for anyone who likes, werewolves/the supernatural, equal parts violence and romance, and a solid plot line. I'm proud to give this book a place in my book pack. Happy reading everyone! :D
June 6, 2016
I really liked this one. I know that James is Alexandra's father so I thought of him as old, but really story opened up my eyes as to how hot this older alpha is. I love how he is with Shelly and the sexy scenes were really hot.
December 18, 2022
I have wanted James to have a chance at happiness again since we first met him, but I did not expect who that ended up being with! I did expect our heroine to be who she was, the hints have been there since the beginning. All that said, this story was completely unexpected, engaging, and enthralling. Loved every second from the first to the last, and can’t wait to see what is going to happen next <3
April 4, 2021
Loved it
Love this story between Shelley and James. He knew there was something special about, when he finally figured it out he was surprised. Then Shelley even got more of a surprise whe she found her family.
Love this story between Shelley and James. He knew there was something special about, when he finally figured it out he was surprised. Then Shelley even got more of a surprise whe she found her family.
December 6, 2020
Great series
September 18, 2024
While visiting places the pack did business with, James Riley stopped at a dinner and got a shock. The waitress Shelley was a werewolf though she seemed to be hiding but if so, why work in a diner? Shelley got under James’ skin in more ways than one, she brought out feeliings he hadn’t felt in years and she didn’t react to him being an alpha at all!
After 35 years of captivity and rape by a hunter, Shelley got up the nerve to leave six months ago but it wasn’t that easy. She had to kill hier captor and she’s certain the man’s cruel son is looking for her. Though Shelley knew nothing of the world beyond the cage in the hunter’s cabin, she was learning quickly.
On her feet for five hours straight and the only waitress on duty, Shelley sat with James when he was the only customer but her boss didn’t like that and fired her. Feeling protective and responsible, James convinces Shelley to live on his packlands. But at a gas stop Shelley spots the hunter’s son, he doesn’t recognize her but he realizes James as a wolf and follows. When they reach James’ home both James and Shelley get a big shock!
Rating: 3.5stars
After 35 years of captivity and rape by a hunter, Shelley got up the nerve to leave six months ago but it wasn’t that easy. She had to kill hier captor and she’s certain the man’s cruel son is looking for her. Though Shelley knew nothing of the world beyond the cage in the hunter’s cabin, she was learning quickly.
On her feet for five hours straight and the only waitress on duty, Shelley sat with James when he was the only customer but her boss didn’t like that and fired her. Feeling protective and responsible, James convinces Shelley to live on his packlands. But at a gas stop Shelley spots the hunter’s son, he doesn’t recognize her but he realizes James as a wolf and follows. When they reach James’ home both James and Shelley get a big shock!
Rating: 3.5stars
May 23, 2011
Shelley is a werewolf on the run. After being captured for some thirty-plus years, she’s attempting to adjust to a free life. Working as a waitress and trying to piece things back together, she’s shocked when she meets James. He’s a werewolf who recognizes what she is – even if she doesn’t recognize the same in him. One thing leads to another, Shelley loses her job, and James takes her under his protection. As he attempts to uncover her secrets, he slowly brings her out of her shell. However, her past is a haunted and tragic one, and it will take time, patience, and understanding for James to claim Shelley as his own.
Legacy Found, the third book in the Legacy series, has a promising premise. You have a scarred woman, a strong, alpha hero, and the bad guys who want to put an end to their happily ever after. From the start, you learn the tortures Shelley endured, which are horrific to say the least. As an older alpha, James is the perfect man to protect and guide her. Although he’s mourned the loss of his mate for years, he feels he’s been given a second chance with Shelley. Their chemistry is immediate, even though Shelley fights it, and you know it won’t be long until they find comfort in each other’s arms.
The only criticisms to be found in the work are that it tells us what's happening throughout, instead of showing us, and the several instances in which the past of the hero is repeated. James recalls his former mate many times, as well as his disbelief that he could find love in the arms of another woman. It became unnecessary, as the reader is more than aware of his feelings. Fortunately, the interactions between Shelley and James overshadow the negative aspects of the book.
Shelley is a likeable heroine, and James is delicious as a hero who will defend her at all costs. Legacy Found shines as they cave to their feelings, accept them, and discover a world of pleasure and acceptance.
Fans of sizzling paranormal romance will enjoy Legacy Found. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, while the danger ups the ante and keeps things interesting. If you’ve not read this series, be sure to place them on your TBR pile.
I’m looking forward to more by N.J. Walters.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Legacy Found, the third book in the Legacy series, has a promising premise. You have a scarred woman, a strong, alpha hero, and the bad guys who want to put an end to their happily ever after. From the start, you learn the tortures Shelley endured, which are horrific to say the least. As an older alpha, James is the perfect man to protect and guide her. Although he’s mourned the loss of his mate for years, he feels he’s been given a second chance with Shelley. Their chemistry is immediate, even though Shelley fights it, and you know it won’t be long until they find comfort in each other’s arms.
The only criticisms to be found in the work are that it tells us what's happening throughout, instead of showing us, and the several instances in which the past of the hero is repeated. James recalls his former mate many times, as well as his disbelief that he could find love in the arms of another woman. It became unnecessary, as the reader is more than aware of his feelings. Fortunately, the interactions between Shelley and James overshadow the negative aspects of the book.
Shelley is a likeable heroine, and James is delicious as a hero who will defend her at all costs. Legacy Found shines as they cave to their feelings, accept them, and discover a world of pleasure and acceptance.
Fans of sizzling paranormal romance will enjoy Legacy Found. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, while the danger ups the ante and keeps things interesting. If you’ve not read this series, be sure to place them on your TBR pile.
I’m looking forward to more by N.J. Walters.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
October 13, 2011
OMG! I so loved this book, well the whole series actually! I had never even heard or this author, NJ Walters, before and picked the series up after a recommendation by a Goodreads friend. I just couldn't put them down, and was reading till the small hours, not good when you gotta go to work next day lol!
Anyway this last book in the trilogy is the Wolf Creek Alpha's story, James, ( who is Alex's dad from the first book), who has been away on business and on the journey home he stops in a cafe and is instantly attracted to the waitress Shelley! She is very wary of James and when he starts asking questions about her and reveals he knows 'what she is', she becomes very flustered. Things escalate and she gets into an argument with her boss, who is horrid and treats her like shit, and because James jumps in trying to defend her, the guy fires Shelley and tells her she has to leave the apartment he rented her. Homeless and jobless, James feels bad and offers to take her to the next town, although this quickly turns to him wanting to take her home! I can't say much more otherwise it will give away too much and spoil it for others, but needless to say there are several twists to the story that are cleverly written. It is an action packed, exciting plot with an awesome storyline that flows beautifully, not only re-introducing characters from previous books but also introducing new characters and plot strings for future books, (I hope)!
Although the characters are werewolves, I felt this author really captured the sense of family values, friendship and camaraderie that anybody could relate to. Without giving too much away, Shelley has been through significant trauma over the years, and suffered losses, abuse and distress in bucket loads, and has to re-build her life, and this story really tells of a survivor and has you gripped in the telling of that tale. I found it a well written, heartfelt, beautiful romance, with James being such an understanding, kind and thoughtful guy who is patient to the end. He is every womans dream, and a hunk of muscle to boot lol! Full of steamy, sensuous, racy sex scenes, a real pacey read that any paranormal romance fan will love!
Anyway this last book in the trilogy is the Wolf Creek Alpha's story, James, ( who is Alex's dad from the first book), who has been away on business and on the journey home he stops in a cafe and is instantly attracted to the waitress Shelley! She is very wary of James and when he starts asking questions about her and reveals he knows 'what she is', she becomes very flustered. Things escalate and she gets into an argument with her boss, who is horrid and treats her like shit, and because James jumps in trying to defend her, the guy fires Shelley and tells her she has to leave the apartment he rented her. Homeless and jobless, James feels bad and offers to take her to the next town, although this quickly turns to him wanting to take her home! I can't say much more otherwise it will give away too much and spoil it for others, but needless to say there are several twists to the story that are cleverly written. It is an action packed, exciting plot with an awesome storyline that flows beautifully, not only re-introducing characters from previous books but also introducing new characters and plot strings for future books, (I hope)!
Although the characters are werewolves, I felt this author really captured the sense of family values, friendship and camaraderie that anybody could relate to. Without giving too much away, Shelley has been through significant trauma over the years, and suffered losses, abuse and distress in bucket loads, and has to re-build her life, and this story really tells of a survivor and has you gripped in the telling of that tale. I found it a well written, heartfelt, beautiful romance, with James being such an understanding, kind and thoughtful guy who is patient to the end. He is every womans dream, and a hunk of muscle to boot lol! Full of steamy, sensuous, racy sex scenes, a real pacey read that any paranormal romance fan will love!
February 5, 2012
Another good story for the #3 book of the series.
I can not tell to much or I will give away a key point that readers should figure out for themselves but it is shocking, sad, & happy all at the same time.
James is moving across several states setting up some financial meetings to get things situated after moving from Chicago to NC in Wolf Creek. As he is headed back to NC he stops at a diner in Kentucky to grab a bite to eat. As he does so he is astruck by the waitress. She is a werewolf & an unmated one at that. The boss treats her like crap & James standing up for her gets her fired which also gets her evicted since she was renting the apartment from her boss. Shelley (waitress) ends up on the road with James but she has a terrible secret & is very fearful especially when they have to go through Tennessee. She escaped a horrible life & has been running for her life & trying to put all the bad memories behind her. Shelley has no idea who she is or where she came from all she knows is the horrible past that started around the age of 15.
James is determined to help Shelley. She is very patient & kind to her. Taking everything slow as werewolf possible. This is a struggle for James since he is very attracted to Shelley. He sinces a lot of abuse in her past & tries not to push things to fast for her. He has witnessed her fear, cry, & panic attacks and just hopes he can get her back to Wolf Creek with him ib time to help her. Shelley starts to trust him & opens up a little bit of her past to him. Now learning what it is she has endured for years he is more determined than ever to make her as comfortable as possible & to make her stay with him until she can see that she belongs with him. It has to be her choice nothing else will do. The question is can he convince her to stay with him. He has not felt like this towards a woman since his wife past away & that was over 100 years ago.
Find out what choice Shelley makes in this 3rd installment of the Legacy series.
I can not tell to much or I will give away a key point that readers should figure out for themselves but it is shocking, sad, & happy all at the same time.
James is moving across several states setting up some financial meetings to get things situated after moving from Chicago to NC in Wolf Creek. As he is headed back to NC he stops at a diner in Kentucky to grab a bite to eat. As he does so he is astruck by the waitress. She is a werewolf & an unmated one at that. The boss treats her like crap & James standing up for her gets her fired which also gets her evicted since she was renting the apartment from her boss. Shelley (waitress) ends up on the road with James but she has a terrible secret & is very fearful especially when they have to go through Tennessee. She escaped a horrible life & has been running for her life & trying to put all the bad memories behind her. Shelley has no idea who she is or where she came from all she knows is the horrible past that started around the age of 15.
James is determined to help Shelley. She is very patient & kind to her. Taking everything slow as werewolf possible. This is a struggle for James since he is very attracted to Shelley. He sinces a lot of abuse in her past & tries not to push things to fast for her. He has witnessed her fear, cry, & panic attacks and just hopes he can get her back to Wolf Creek with him ib time to help her. Shelley starts to trust him & opens up a little bit of her past to him. Now learning what it is she has endured for years he is more determined than ever to make her as comfortable as possible & to make her stay with him until she can see that she belongs with him. It has to be her choice nothing else will do. The question is can he convince her to stay with him. He has not felt like this towards a woman since his wife past away & that was over 100 years ago.
Find out what choice Shelley makes in this 3rd installment of the Legacy series.
March 3, 2012
Ever read a book where you loved the characters, the world-building, the setting, but somehow the chemistry was just... off? This is how I felt about this book.
I'm well into Walters' Legacy series, enjoying the gritty dystopian werewolf society. This story leaves Chicago behind for the wilds of Appalachia, and Walters evokes the beauty of the rural setting deftly.
James LeVeau Riley is a fantastic character: conflicted, lonely, but honorable alpha male (literally). He's a great dad to Alexandra and a good leader of his pack. I liked how his protective instincts triggered when he met little lost Shelley, appreciated his gentleness, patience, and understanding with her. But for me, the sexual aspect of this relationship just never clicked. I want lonely James to find a partner, but maybe he's initially too much of a father figure to Shelley for me to feel comfortable with the evolution into a sexual relationship between them. Maybe it was the seeming age difference: Shelley comes across as very childlike. Whatever it was, the story left me with a feeling of creepiness I just couldn't rationalize away.
Shelley was also a very interesting character study. Her many years of suffering harrowing abuse have left her understandably cowed and paranoid. It was lovely to see her slowly unfold, embracing James' offers of help, weaving the first tentative threads of trust that would lead her back to her heritage, her pack life.
This was a tough one. I have no real bone to pick with the writing or the characters - it was still a good story. Just that the chemistry between hero and heroine just wasn't there for me this time. I'll definitely keep reading future installments of the Legacy series, though.
I'm well into Walters' Legacy series, enjoying the gritty dystopian werewolf society. This story leaves Chicago behind for the wilds of Appalachia, and Walters evokes the beauty of the rural setting deftly.
James LeVeau Riley is a fantastic character: conflicted, lonely, but honorable alpha male (literally). He's a great dad to Alexandra and a good leader of his pack. I liked how his protective instincts triggered when he met little lost Shelley, appreciated his gentleness, patience, and understanding with her. But for me, the sexual aspect of this relationship just never clicked. I want lonely James to find a partner, but maybe he's initially too much of a father figure to Shelley for me to feel comfortable with the evolution into a sexual relationship between them. Maybe it was the seeming age difference: Shelley comes across as very childlike. Whatever it was, the story left me with a feeling of creepiness I just couldn't rationalize away.
Shelley was also a very interesting character study. Her many years of suffering harrowing abuse have left her understandably cowed and paranoid. It was lovely to see her slowly unfold, embracing James' offers of help, weaving the first tentative threads of trust that would lead her back to her heritage, her pack life.
This was a tough one. I have no real bone to pick with the writing or the characters - it was still a good story. Just that the chemistry between hero and heroine just wasn't there for me this time. I'll definitely keep reading future installments of the Legacy series, though.
August 4, 2016
Legacy Found is the third book of the Legacy series. The first two are really good and this one was as well. I love werewolves, that’s not a secret and I think this series is really great for werewolves fans.
James is Alexandra’s father, from book #1, he’s the pack alpha, obviously he is very powerful, very bossy, determined but also very caring toward his daughter and Shelley. Shelley went through hell, she was captured by hunters when she was really young and kept prisoner for more than 35 years of her life (werewolves can live ~500 years in this series). She was raped, beaten, yeah, she had a pretty awful life.
I truly liked Shelley, she was brave, naturally, she was broken and very fragile but I’ve found it beautiful to see her evolved throughout the book. When we first meet her, she’s a woman afraid of everything and everyone. She does not trust easily, if at all. She also feels guilty because she killed her captor to escape and then James arrives and he changes everything for her. He knows she’s a werewolf because he can smell it, Shelley knows it too but she doesn’t remember her life before her kidnapping, so it’s really confusing for her and for us. Basically after that, James wants to bring Shelley to his pack, at least just for a week to learn more about her and her past…
They had a lovely relationship, James was so protective and supportive of her, they were perfect for each other. It was a fast read, it was not a big book but it did not impact on the scenes at all. N.J. Walters did, yet again, a great job! I was also very glad to see the other characters again. The characters in this series are all so awesome.
A good thing in Legacy Found was the shocking revelations… I mean, wow, we learn a lot about Shelley or even about Quinn (main character of book #4) and it was so unexpected, I loved it!
James is Alexandra’s father, from book #1, he’s the pack alpha, obviously he is very powerful, very bossy, determined but also very caring toward his daughter and Shelley. Shelley went through hell, she was captured by hunters when she was really young and kept prisoner for more than 35 years of her life (werewolves can live ~500 years in this series). She was raped, beaten, yeah, she had a pretty awful life.
I truly liked Shelley, she was brave, naturally, she was broken and very fragile but I’ve found it beautiful to see her evolved throughout the book. When we first meet her, she’s a woman afraid of everything and everyone. She does not trust easily, if at all. She also feels guilty because she killed her captor to escape and then James arrives and he changes everything for her. He knows she’s a werewolf because he can smell it, Shelley knows it too but she doesn’t remember her life before her kidnapping, so it’s really confusing for her and for us. Basically after that, James wants to bring Shelley to his pack, at least just for a week to learn more about her and her past…
They had a lovely relationship, James was so protective and supportive of her, they were perfect for each other. It was a fast read, it was not a big book but it did not impact on the scenes at all. N.J. Walters did, yet again, a great job! I was also very glad to see the other characters again. The characters in this series are all so awesome.
A good thing in Legacy Found was the shocking revelations… I mean, wow, we learn a lot about Shelley or even about Quinn (main character of book #4) and it was so unexpected, I loved it!
March 14, 2012
While this is being toted as a werewolf book, I would contend that it's actually more of a shapeshifter theme. There are no half-man/half beasts mentioned, only people capable of turning into wolves. Don't expect to get much of a look at the 'werewolf' dynamics or culture until 2/3rds of the way through, however. The premise itself was interesting and straightforward. There was a subplot twist that was well handled, and the ending supplies a satisfying degree of closure.
On the downside, needless recapping and rambling internal monologue causes the pace lag in a number of places. I got the sense that too much was being tackled, from an emotional standpoint, in presenting a 'heroine' who happens to be a physically/mentally/sexually tortured woman who recently escaped from 30+years of captivity at the hands of a pitiless sociopath. As a result, the sort of 'sex therapy' the hero seemed to be offering was a bit off-putting to this reviewer.
Readers might need to ignore a number of plot points that may feel too convenient, along with an unappealing overuse of terms like 'sexy', 'bulbous head', and 'his wolf howled inside him.' And though the bad guys were referred to as 'bounty hunters', I'm still not clear on why. Bounties were never mentioned, and no one seemed to be paying them. The group reads more like a dim-witted, anti-supernatural version of the KKK. I suspect that previous books in the series would have better illuminated this later point for me, however.
On the downside, needless recapping and rambling internal monologue causes the pace lag in a number of places. I got the sense that too much was being tackled, from an emotional standpoint, in presenting a 'heroine' who happens to be a physically/mentally/sexually tortured woman who recently escaped from 30+years of captivity at the hands of a pitiless sociopath. As a result, the sort of 'sex therapy' the hero seemed to be offering was a bit off-putting to this reviewer.
Readers might need to ignore a number of plot points that may feel too convenient, along with an unappealing overuse of terms like 'sexy', 'bulbous head', and 'his wolf howled inside him.' And though the bad guys were referred to as 'bounty hunters', I'm still not clear on why. Bounties were never mentioned, and no one seemed to be paying them. The group reads more like a dim-witted, anti-supernatural version of the KKK. I suspect that previous books in the series would have better illuminated this later point for me, however.
September 21, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. It was full of surprises that even though I figured them out, I wasn't expecting Shelley's reaction. I felt so much for her in this book. I can't even fathom what she went through all those years and how she came out of it intact. Even though she came out a little damaged and frail, she is stronger then she realizes. James helps bring out her strength without her even knowing.
So I wasn't sure how I was going to like having James as the sexy main squeeze. I couldn't get the image of an older less attractive father out of my head. I had to keep telling myself that in this series they age slower than humans. Eventually I thought of James in a sexy hero sort of way and loved that I got to see deeper into him then in previous books. I love that he was given the chance to find another mate. After the heartache he went through with his first mate, he deserved a second chance at love. His character did not disappoint and kept me glued to my Kindle screen.
I enjoyed finding out more about a new character Quinn. It is finally revealed towards the end of the book what his real motives of joining the bounty hunters were. It gives you a sneak peek into what we should look forward to with the next book, which in my opinion will not come fast enough.
So I wasn't sure how I was going to like having James as the sexy main squeeze. I couldn't get the image of an older less attractive father out of my head. I had to keep telling myself that in this series they age slower than humans. Eventually I thought of James in a sexy hero sort of way and loved that I got to see deeper into him then in previous books. I love that he was given the chance to find another mate. After the heartache he went through with his first mate, he deserved a second chance at love. His character did not disappoint and kept me glued to my Kindle screen.
I enjoyed finding out more about a new character Quinn. It is finally revealed towards the end of the book what his real motives of joining the bounty hunters were. It gives you a sneak peek into what we should look forward to with the next book, which in my opinion will not come fast enough.
May 27, 2013
Sensuality: Scorcher
Audience: Adult only
My recap:
Shelley, a wolf-shifter, has been held prisoner by a wolf-hunter for 30 or 40 years. She's been treated badly, to say the least. She can't remember her life before she was taken. She finally gets her chance to escape, and commits murder to do so. Now she is on the run from the wolf-hunter's son and friends.
James Riley, the alpha of the Wolf Creek pack, finds Shelley waitressing in a diner. He recognizes her as a werewolf even though she denies it. He inadvertently gets her fired, and after some doing he gets her to agree to come home with him for a week as his housekeeper.
When she arrives at his home, she discovers the secret to her past. But she also brings danger to the pack. Even though she and James are drawn to each other and probably mates, she can't stay…
My thoughts:
I enjoyed Legacy Found, especially the character of James. He was sexy in spite of being an "older" man. N. J. Walters was able to make us feel deeply for him and what he went through.
Quinn's story continued in this book, with a number of surprising revelations. His book, Quinn's Quest, is up next. I look forward to it.
Audience: Adult only
My recap:
Shelley, a wolf-shifter, has been held prisoner by a wolf-hunter for 30 or 40 years. She's been treated badly, to say the least. She can't remember her life before she was taken. She finally gets her chance to escape, and commits murder to do so. Now she is on the run from the wolf-hunter's son and friends.
James Riley, the alpha of the Wolf Creek pack, finds Shelley waitressing in a diner. He recognizes her as a werewolf even though she denies it. He inadvertently gets her fired, and after some doing he gets her to agree to come home with him for a week as his housekeeper.
When she arrives at his home, she discovers the secret to her past. But she also brings danger to the pack. Even though she and James are drawn to each other and probably mates, she can't stay…
My thoughts:
I enjoyed Legacy Found, especially the character of James. He was sexy in spite of being an "older" man. N. J. Walters was able to make us feel deeply for him and what he went through.
Quinn's story continued in this book, with a number of surprising revelations. His book, Quinn's Quest, is up next. I look forward to it.
November 6, 2013
James he's a caring person naturally, "you're not homeless, Shelley. Your home is with your people. I'm taking you with me. Home to the Wolf Creek." He has naughty feelings the first day he meets her, "his co** sprang to attention. Oh yeah, Shelley wasn't just pretty. She was smoking hot." He has animal tendencies toward her, "they'd better get used to it. Shelley was important to him and he was staking his claim before representatives of the other families arrived this morning." And he's all possessive, "they'll still be able to smell me. I marked you during our joining. Humans might not be able to detect it, but other werewolves will." Satisfaction tinged his voice. "They'll all know you're mine." I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
April 4, 2012
I loved this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I really loved the ending of this book. In most books I sit and think about the ending for a few hours and realize that it sucked, in other books, I start cursing at the author for not having the characters do something or have a really weird ending. I also loved that in the end, what I wanted happens (that's usually the books I like). I loved this book and would recommend it to someone who wants a book they couldn't put down.
April 8, 2012
Won a copy through Goodreads' First Reads program.
This is the third book in the series (I haven’t read the first two). But I didn’t feel like I needed to catch up, the story can stand alone. The emotions of the characters are believable and the personalities are multi-dimensional. The chemistry between the lead characters is steamy and exciting. I’m definitely going back to read the beginning of the series.
This is the third book in the series (I haven’t read the first two). But I didn’t feel like I needed to catch up, the story can stand alone. The emotions of the characters are believable and the personalities are multi-dimensional. The chemistry between the lead characters is steamy and exciting. I’m definitely going back to read the beginning of the series.
October 7, 2011
While I was glad to read another book in the Striker family series, and to see James find love again, it seemed a little far fetched that he actually found the Striker's sister out of everyone in the world. A little unlikely, but a nice coincidence I guess as it is nice to have that element of the story concluded.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2012
I actually cried! I NEVER cry over a book - ever. This was was so well written that I got wrapped up in the characters and my heart broke... you'll have to read it to see why and what happens next! The werewolf packs are interesting in their management/government of sorts - the characters are REAL and the story is easily followed. READ THEM ALL!
July 31, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's taken me a while to get around to reading this book but I'm glad that eventually did. It's a great fun with a character, Shelley, who has to learn to come back from a horrific few decades of being imprisoned and she does. Whilst James is wonderful!
February 28, 2013
i like that the story was about a character already set in the pack...
shelley is running from her past and comes to close to losing everything she hinding from whem james finds her. through his love, trust and patients to help her move on the start something beautiful and lasting great HEA
shelley is running from her past and comes to close to losing everything she hinding from whem james finds her. through his love, trust and patients to help her move on the start something beautiful and lasting great HEA
September 12, 2016
What was lost is found
Shelley is a werewolf. Captured by hunters at fifteen, she doesn't know where she came from. After escaping the hunters she meets an Alpha and finds love and her family. Very basic story with no surprises.
Shelley is a werewolf. Captured by hunters at fifteen, she doesn't know where she came from. After escaping the hunters she meets an Alpha and finds love and her family. Very basic story with no surprises.
November 14, 2011
Really liked LF. Now wanna reread the whole series…
Update November 2011: LF reads even better the second time around!
Update November 2011: LF reads even better the second time around!
June 11, 2011
Wished for more STORY like the first book of this series which I really like .. Story was OK, more action to keep up with the sex. I did lead into a possible good 4th book
October 19, 2011
Yup - awesome book, awesome characters, awesome world-building, great writing. I need more of Walters.
October 5, 2011
I hope there is a fourth book!!!
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