What do you think?
Rate this book
Draicon Werewolves #0.5
Taken by the Alpha Wolf
From the moment he saw the pale-haired beauty, Draicon werewolf Etienne Robichaux vowed to claim Cindy Parker as his mate. Nothing will stand in his way. After learning she’s targeted by a Columbian drug mob, the former Navy SEAL will do everything in his power to protect her.His touch ignites her passion and his tender concern touches her soul. But Cindy has a deadly secret she hides from Etienne, one that not only risks losing her heart to handsome shifter, but her very life.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2011
65 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Vanak
136 books505 followersBonnie Vanak fell in love with romance novels during childhood. While cleaning a hall closet, she discovered her mother’s cache of paperbacks and started reading. Thus began a passion for romance and a lifelong dislike for housework.
After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.
She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.
After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.
She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 21, 2016
This story packed quite a punch for as short as it was (less than 60 pages)
February 10, 2012
Wow so I'm on a werewolf kick. I found a bunch of .99 short stories on Amazon and I'm plowing through them. This book was about a werewolf Alpha (Etienne )coming to claim his mate (Cindy). He met her a year earlier and had been waiting for her to be ready to commit to a life with him. When he hears she is in danger due to some bad business deals by her father he comes to take her and keep her safe. Cindy wants the life with Etienne, but she has a secret holding her back. She is afraid Etienne won't want her anymore once he learns the truth. Etienne can feel that there is something wrong, but is having trouble getting Cindy to open up about it.
I loved how much Etienne loved Cindy. You could feel it immediately, when the story began. I hated that Cindy was pushing him away. But once it was from her point of view I understood why she was trying to protect herself from getting to close to him. One thing I thought was GLARINGLY obvious, were the reasons her family suddenly disowned her. I knew as soon as her dad said it, what it was about. Not a big mystery there. But it was still a fun little story to read.
I loved how much Etienne loved Cindy. You could feel it immediately, when the story began. I hated that Cindy was pushing him away. But once it was from her point of view I understood why she was trying to protect herself from getting to close to him. One thing I thought was GLARINGLY obvious, were the reasons her family suddenly disowned her. I knew as soon as her dad said it, what it was about. Not a big mystery there. But it was still a fun little story to read.
June 29, 2015
Oh yes, instead of, oh, talking and warning Cindy, let's attempt to kidnap and make decisions for her! To quote Etienne, "I'm taking control." "...and what is mine I take and keep safe." Luckily, Etienne realizes if he continues this way, he will lose her.
Nice touch with the demons, but the other stuff falls flat. (Cindy being a virgin (of course!). The sex being magical. Whatever).
Nice touch with the demons, but the other stuff falls flat. (Cindy being a virgin (of course!). The sex being magical. Whatever).
January 21, 2014
Well after I started reading this, I realized I've read it before. This is one of my favorite lycan books. Not only is the hero a lycan alpha but he's also a Navy SEAL and will do whatever it takes to protect his mate. He's also Cajun, which I've devolved a soft spot for Cajuns. They're tender yet strong and protective. Also have a great sense of humor and love the gators! Lol.
It makes you wish that lycan shifters were real and want you as their mate. That's what I love about fiction. Takes you away from the stresses of every day life and transports you to a world that only exists in your mind while reading.
It makes you wish that lycan shifters were real and want you as their mate. That's what I love about fiction. Takes you away from the stresses of every day life and transports you to a world that only exists in your mind while reading.
June 7, 2018
Taken by the Alpha Wolf may seem like every other wolf shifter romance, it has a different vibe. First off, the H/H chemistry is rooted in danger and suspense. The plot is intricate and captured my attention from the first page. Sure, there's predictability but that's to be expected. The romance will sweep you away while holding your breath every time Cindy's in danger. This was my first book by Vanak and it won't be my last.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
My Rating: 4.5 stars
November 20, 2014
I read this as part of the Last Hero Standing collection, and since it was my first reading of anything in this series, I was a bit lost. It was way too complicated for something this short.
The writing was solid, so perhaps the rest of the series is better.
The writing was solid, so perhaps the rest of the series is better.
January 18, 2017
Plot: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
It's hard to review a book when its a short story. It would have been more enjoyable if it's longer.
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
It's hard to review a book when its a short story. It would have been more enjoyable if it's longer.
October 17, 2025
This is a quick introduction to a rather stereotypical werewolf world. We’ve got mated pairings, aggression and emotional issues aplenty. Add in some mafia-esque ties and you’ve got most typical werewolf worlds.
Things took a welcome turn when demons and magick was introduced as well as the Cajun heritage that is hinted at.
I enjoyed most of the book, the pacing was quick and light, but where it lost me was the heavy-handed way Cindy’s parents behaved. I could see the reasoning behind it, but it was handled poorly and the story suffered for it.
Overall, the story is interesting and kept my interest but I’d like to see more of the unusual aspects over the generic werewolf guff.
A few things I noticed:
4% - …felt a surge of hot desire raged (rage)…
37% - …table split in table (half),
67% - …wish I knew (why) they dismissed…
Things took a welcome turn when demons and magick was introduced as well as the Cajun heritage that is hinted at.
I enjoyed most of the book, the pacing was quick and light, but where it lost me was the heavy-handed way Cindy’s parents behaved. I could see the reasoning behind it, but it was handled poorly and the story suffered for it.
Overall, the story is interesting and kept my interest but I’d like to see more of the unusual aspects over the generic werewolf guff.
A few things I noticed:
4% - …felt a surge of hot desire raged (rage)…
37% - …table split in table (half),
67% - …wish I knew (why) they dismissed…
April 8, 2025
Esta novela es un auténtico desastre. Desde el principio te quedas pensando en cuál fue el verdadero primer encuentro de los protagonistas. La traducción está fatalmente hecha, así que hay muchas faltas de ortografía. Aparte es una novela corta y con saltos temporales que te quedan hasta alucinada.
May 6, 2025
2.75⭐
I didn't enjoy this novella as much as I wasn't able to get into the storyline or connect with any of the characters. The main characters seemed a bit dry and the way you were dropped into the story didn't flow the best. The Draicon aspect was interesting and I like how there is powers involved. However, this is the first novella of the Draicon series so I am interested how it is going to progress.
3🌶️ [Open door Romance]
I didn't enjoy this novella as much as I wasn't able to get into the storyline or connect with any of the characters. The main characters seemed a bit dry and the way you were dropped into the story didn't flow the best. The Draicon aspect was interesting and I like how there is powers involved. However, this is the first novella of the Draicon series so I am interested how it is going to progress.
3🌶️ [Open door Romance]
January 29, 2013
Why oh why was this book .5??? Makes no sense!
Description:
om the moment he saw the pale-haired beauty, Draicon werewolf Etienne Robichaux vowed to claim Cindy Parker as his mate. Nothing will stand in his way. After learning she’s targeted by a Columbian drug mob, the former Navy SEAL will do everything in his power to protect her.
His touch ignites her passion and his tender concern touches her soul. But Cindy has a deadly secret she hides from Etienne, one that not only risks losing her heart to handsome shifter, but her very life
My Thoughts:
I was fortunate enough to have read one or two of these books out of sequences several years ago and the story has haunted me so I wanted to learn more, I finally got all the books in the Draicon series and delved in to read them. This title was marked .5 in the series...WHY? It seems that this had an already established character base and there was an on going story in the background, if I hadn't read a book or two before I probably would have been lost. I genuinely liked the characters we met including the hateful parents, eventually. However, I had counted on this being an intro to the series and was sorely disappointed and couldn't get past it. For that reason I am keeping my review short as I couldn't focus properly on the fine points of the writing.
3 star read for me..would have been more probably if it was numbered correctly and put in the series where it belonged. :(
Description:
om the moment he saw the pale-haired beauty, Draicon werewolf Etienne Robichaux vowed to claim Cindy Parker as his mate. Nothing will stand in his way. After learning she’s targeted by a Columbian drug mob, the former Navy SEAL will do everything in his power to protect her.
His touch ignites her passion and his tender concern touches her soul. But Cindy has a deadly secret she hides from Etienne, one that not only risks losing her heart to handsome shifter, but her very life
My Thoughts:
I was fortunate enough to have read one or two of these books out of sequences several years ago and the story has haunted me so I wanted to learn more, I finally got all the books in the Draicon series and delved in to read them. This title was marked .5 in the series...WHY? It seems that this had an already established character base and there was an on going story in the background, if I hadn't read a book or two before I probably would have been lost. I genuinely liked the characters we met including the hateful parents, eventually. However, I had counted on this being an intro to the series and was sorely disappointed and couldn't get past it. For that reason I am keeping my review short as I couldn't focus properly on the fine points of the writing.
3 star read for me..would have been more probably if it was numbered correctly and put in the series where it belonged. :(
September 27, 2011
AUTHOR: Are all of Bonnie Vanak’s books this short? I can see potential for great adventure but it did not happen in this book. Bonnie, you turned this one in to the publisher way too soon.
SYNOPSIS –
They are Draicon werewolves. He has found his mate. She is not so sure. She has something very valuable that the Cortex demons want. He won’t rest until she is safe and becomes his.
(2 out of 5) Stars. Elements of a Romance Book TEST =
2 central characters, 1 male, 1 female.......................YES;
One or both of the main characters are in peril............. YES; One
They work together to resolve the situation..................YES; Follow the leader
Some amount of conflict and resistance in working together.....YES; Her resistance
The perilous situation brings them together................... YES; He already knew the direction.
PASSION SCALE: This book gets (2) ASTERISK because one encounter and descriptive..ummm…just enough. “Damn, you’re so tight.”
* NOT very descriptive and requires imagination
** WILL make you wiggle a little)
*** WISH it was me;
**** OH BODY, whew;
***** EROTICA and well over the top
FAVORITE PART: Shifting
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Encounter with demons did not flow to the point of being ridiculous.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Short stories; Contemporary; Werewolves; Demons
SYNOPSIS –
They are Draicon werewolves. He has found his mate. She is not so sure. She has something very valuable that the Cortex demons want. He won’t rest until she is safe and becomes his.
(2 out of 5) Stars. Elements of a Romance Book TEST =
2 central characters, 1 male, 1 female.......................YES;
One or both of the main characters are in peril............. YES; One
They work together to resolve the situation..................YES; Follow the leader
Some amount of conflict and resistance in working together.....YES; Her resistance
The perilous situation brings them together................... YES; He already knew the direction.
PASSION SCALE: This book gets (2) ASTERISK because one encounter and descriptive..ummm…just enough. “Damn, you’re so tight.”
* NOT very descriptive and requires imagination
** WILL make you wiggle a little)
*** WISH it was me;
**** OH BODY, whew;
***** EROTICA and well over the top
FAVORITE PART: Shifting
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Encounter with demons did not flow to the point of being ridiculous.
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: Short stories; Contemporary; Werewolves; Demons
March 4, 2017
Etienne and Cindy knew they were mates when they met. But they're from different worlds and Cindy claimed to need time to adjust, so Etienne gave it to her. But as soon as her life became threatened he decided to claim her, willing or not. But Cindy has a reason for wanting time and it has more to do with the fact that she no longer has any magic and can barely even shift into wolf form. Etienne is an alpha Draicon and needs a strong mate and Cindy knows she won't cut it. When he kidnaps her, she has no choice but to tell the truth.
A cute novella, but I couldn't help but think that it needed some extra explanation. First of all, what is a Draicon exactly? I may have missed it, but I don't think it was explained much. I did like the little bit about Cindy's grandmother's disease and how that worked into things...interesting twist. The characters were likeable, not extremely developed, but it's a novella so understandable. There romance/lust was very believable, especially since they'd dated before. It was a cute story overall. But there at the end, I found myself wondering .
A cute novella, but I couldn't help but think that it needed some extra explanation. First of all, what is a Draicon exactly? I may have missed it, but I don't think it was explained much. I did like the little bit about Cindy's grandmother's disease and how that worked into things...interesting twist. The characters were likeable, not extremely developed, but it's a novella so understandable. There romance/lust was very believable, especially since they'd dated before. It was a cute story overall. But there at the end, I found myself wondering .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2012
Draicon werewolf, Etienne Robichaux will stop at nothing to protect his mate, even kidnap her away from danger. Cindy Parker is carrying a secret that makes her reluctant to complete the mating, worried she will not be good enough for him once she reveals it.
A very quick story, it was action packed. I would have liked it to be longer and see the characters develop more but for a quickie quite enjoyable.
A very quick story, it was action packed. I would have liked it to be longer and see the characters develop more but for a quickie quite enjoyable.
October 27, 2016
A 3 star write, I have a personal dislike for shapeshifters who are too magicky, not that that's a word, which is what bought my rating down in the end. I like a little more realism to allow for the possibility that these creatures could exist somewhere in the world and you definitely don't get that here. Overall an okay story.
June 11, 2012
Overall it was alright but I have to admit, some of the stories are so weird and out there. I wish this would of been a longer book instead of a simple novella. It would of been good to see the future, past and present.
October 3, 2012
Really liked this, and it's a new author for me. I was surpirsed at the story, it wasn't rushed and what great characters with depth, especially considering the books length. I will definitely read the others in this series.
December 11, 2016
Fated magic
Her magic stored away and unable to retrieve it without dieing, a young girl is forced to make a choice or lose the ones she loves. A story of great heart and the strength of family and love.
Her magic stored away and unable to retrieve it without dieing, a young girl is forced to make a choice or lose the ones she loves. A story of great heart and the strength of family and love.
December 4, 2011
deffinatly a fast read. But a diamond in the rough none the less. Couldn't put it down.
March 12, 2012
This was good short story. I enjoyed it. It ended well, with some action and will a little lovin. Will read more by this author.
April 10, 2012
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the main characters, but I wish it would have been longer. I wanted more about when they met.
April 15, 2013
I didn't really feel this book.
June 11, 2013
I really wish that it was longer. It had great potential to be a really good book.
May 21, 2014
Interest to read about
November 2, 2014
Very nice
December 12, 2014
An interesting take on wolf shifters. I might give the other books in the series a try...
January 8, 2015
I liked the story and the lycan myth building, but it was just too much for a short story. I would have preferred more, but the relationship was very good.
March 22, 2015
★★★ 3 stars! ★★★
When I re-read this hot smutty read I will add my thoughts :)
When I re-read this hot smutty read I will add my thoughts :)
May 12, 2015
not my favorite genre but a good story. I wish it had been longer.
October 1, 2011
Super fast average read. Nothing new.
2.5 rating
2.5 rating
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews