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Alpine Woods Shifters #2
Chasing Paradise
He’ll do whatever it takes to earn back her trust.
A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can’t think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on vacation to avoid mating. There’s no way he’s going to give up his freedom without a fight.
Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can’t sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on…
A vacation is exactly what Ethan needs to escape the mate hungry females in his pack. Determined to have fun, he can’t think of a better way to start than sampling all the different flavors the shifter only resort has to offer, and not the food variety. But after he meets Gwen, no one else holds any interest for him. Ethan came on vacation to avoid mating. There’s no way he’s going to give up his freedom without a fight.
Gwen is devastated when she hears her mate denying everything they are to each other. She can’t sit by, watching him fool around with other girls at the resort. Or worse, crawl back, unable to resist the mating pull but not really wanting her. She needs to get away and her own vacation sounds like the perfect plan. But she should have remembered what her mother always taught her, never run from a predator unless you want them to chase you. The hunt is on…
91 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
45 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Sondrae Bennett
8 books220 followersI love romance. I love reading romance, living romance (who doesn't), but I especially love writing romance. There's no greater feeling than watching my characters come alive in each other's arms. Most of all, I love giving my characters the happily ever afters they deserve, with a little necessary drama first.
When I pick up a new book and can sink into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters, I know I've found a keeper. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.
I love to hear from readers so feel free to email me at sondraebennett@gmail.com or check out my blog to learn more about me. I dedicate *most* Mondays on my blog to books I'm in love with so come on over and join the fun.
Twitter: @SondraeBennett
Facebook: Sondrae Bennett
Website: www.sondraebennett.com
When I pick up a new book and can sink into the story, immersing myself in the emotions between the characters, I know I've found a keeper. I hope someday to inspire readers the same way my favorite authors have inspired me.
I love to hear from readers so feel free to email me at sondraebennett@gmail.com or check out my blog to learn more about me. I dedicate *most* Mondays on my blog to books I'm in love with so come on over and join the fun.
Twitter: @SondraeBennett
Facebook: Sondrae Bennett
Website: www.sondraebennett.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 14, 2011
1 star.
Why? Because it was too easy. He hurt her horribly, but she loved him and the sex was great, so all's forgiven in about 10 pages. NOT. An hurt person (especially a woman whose feelings and hopes have been crushed that badly) can carry rancor for ages. Add to that that this idiot gives no thought to taking her from her family, but simply states that she'll go live with his... He should at least have had to work a little harder. I mean, having this whole predestined mate thing going on, it's obvious that at some point she had to forgive him, or the story would be over at page 20, but that's not the point.
They're half animal? Fine. An hurt animal lashes out. She didn't.
She took all of this crying every other minute but otherwise very meekly.
And then, out of the blue, comes a friend of hers that tells her "Does it matter if he doesn't love you? Does it change how you feel about him?" WHAT KIND OF BULL***T IS THAT?? (and do forgive my french)I HATE this kind of thing. Is even love really love if it's unrequited? Honestly? I don't think so. Oh, yes, you can love someone who doesn't love you back, but only to a point, and after a while you just stop loving them, it takes time and it hurts in the meanwhile, but you can't keep loving them. It's like a plant without roots or leaves. After a while it dies, you can water and fertilize it all you like but it's still going to die.
So, why do I have to keep reading that same exact phrase? Spare me, seriosly.
I gave this novel 1 star because it could have been that much better. They could have struggled to overcome their problems (especially him, since it was his fault), giving us heartbreak and love. Instead it just gave me the strong instinct to throttle both of them.
Kisses all around
Why? Because it was too easy. He hurt her horribly, but she loved him and the sex was great, so all's forgiven in about 10 pages. NOT. An hurt person (especially a woman whose feelings and hopes have been crushed that badly) can carry rancor for ages. Add to that that this idiot gives no thought to taking her from her family, but simply states that she'll go live with his... He should at least have had to work a little harder. I mean, having this whole predestined mate thing going on, it's obvious that at some point she had to forgive him, or the story would be over at page 20, but that's not the point.
They're half animal? Fine. An hurt animal lashes out. She didn't.
She took all of this crying every other minute but otherwise very meekly.
And then, out of the blue, comes a friend of hers that tells her "Does it matter if he doesn't love you? Does it change how you feel about him?" WHAT KIND OF BULL***T IS THAT?? (and do forgive my french)I HATE this kind of thing. Is even love really love if it's unrequited? Honestly? I don't think so. Oh, yes, you can love someone who doesn't love you back, but only to a point, and after a while you just stop loving them, it takes time and it hurts in the meanwhile, but you can't keep loving them. It's like a plant without roots or leaves. After a while it dies, you can water and fertilize it all you like but it's still going to die.
So, why do I have to keep reading that same exact phrase? Spare me, seriosly.
I gave this novel 1 star because it could have been that much better. They could have struggled to overcome their problems (especially him, since it was his fault), giving us heartbreak and love. Instead it just gave me the strong instinct to throttle both of them.
Kisses all around
March 27, 2018
Chasing Paradise has all the usual tropes for this kind of story. In this case, though, they are as simplified as they can be, especially the soulmate one. Unlike some people, I find the soulmate theme comforting and I usually enjoy it a bit more than this.
I liked the idea of otter shifters a lot. They are cute.
I liked the idea of otter shifters a lot. They are cute.
July 27, 2024
A decent story for a quick read.
August 7, 2020
.
Gwen the Otter and Ethan the wolf.
Not sure about the world building. Are shifters a secret? I thinks so, but it seems like a very poorly kept one if so...
The blurb is misleading. Ethan does meet her on vacation, while trying to get away from the females in his pack. And he does flirt with the ladies there, but only until he meets Gwen. Then he's kind of in shock. So when another lady comes on to him, he leaves the room with her but he isn't interested and soon ditches her. There is nobody after that.
What the story is really about is the awful things he says about Gwen that she overhears. He didn't mean what he said but was running scared about being mated. Gwen is the opposite of the kind of shifter gal he usually goes for. You know, tall, blond, not an otter...
Gwen is short, dark, curvy and ...an otter.
So the whole rest of the story was him trying to convince Gwen that he didn't mean what he said.
It was OK but it's only 91 pages and yet my mind kept wandering so I started to speed read.
I think it had a happy ending, at least I hope so. But I actually forget and can't be bothered to go back and check...
Safety is fine.
He's a bit of a nit wit and she likes to hold a grudge but is cute.
But if you want 70 pages of grovelling, here ya go!
...and I love a good grovel, but honestly, this just got boring. I guess you can get too much of a good thing!
Gwen the Otter and Ethan the wolf.
Not sure about the world building. Are shifters a secret? I thinks so, but it seems like a very poorly kept one if so...
The blurb is misleading. Ethan does meet her on vacation, while trying to get away from the females in his pack. And he does flirt with the ladies there, but only until he meets Gwen. Then he's kind of in shock. So when another lady comes on to him, he leaves the room with her but he isn't interested and soon ditches her. There is nobody after that.
What the story is really about is the awful things he says about Gwen that she overhears. He didn't mean what he said but was running scared about being mated. Gwen is the opposite of the kind of shifter gal he usually goes for. You know, tall, blond, not an otter...
Gwen is short, dark, curvy and ...an otter.
So the whole rest of the story was him trying to convince Gwen that he didn't mean what he said.
It was OK but it's only 91 pages and yet my mind kept wandering so I started to speed read.
I think it had a happy ending, at least I hope so. But I actually forget and can't be bothered to go back and check...
Safety is fine.
He's a bit of a nit wit and she likes to hold a grudge but is cute.
But if you want 70 pages of grovelling, here ya go!
...and I love a good grovel, but honestly, this just got boring. I guess you can get too much of a good thing!
April 11, 2016
H was an azzhat and a horndog. Honestly without the fated mate thing I believe H wouldn't have given the h a second look and would have happily continued whoring around.
Liked the h though, she was awesome and deserved a guy who wooed her and made her laugh not cry so much, someone who treated her as the precious mate she was and was all in from the very first.
Recommended for readers who like a grovelling H. 3 stars.
Liked the h though, she was awesome and deserved a guy who wooed her and made her laugh not cry so much, someone who treated her as the precious mate she was and was all in from the very first.
Recommended for readers who like a grovelling H. 3 stars.
January 31, 2021
This short tale in the series focuses on Otter shifter Gwen and wolf shifter Ethan.
Ah hell this book, the hero's idiocy and the miscommunication all had me switching between frowning and rolling my eyes. Book lacked substance or any intensity between the MCs.
Not a read I'll be picking up again.
Ah hell this book, the hero's idiocy and the miscommunication all had me switching between frowning and rolling my eyes. Book lacked substance or any intensity between the MCs.
Not a read I'll be picking up again.
November 28, 2016
review to come
September 17, 2024
Tags: curvy-beauties, grovel-remorseful, hero-hurts-heroine, heroine-leaves, hurtful-words-overheard, manwhore-philanderer, mean-mean-girls, pnr-other-shifters, pnr-werewolf
December 25, 2014
The Alphine Woods Shifters series follows a world where shifters exist in many different forms. Not only do you have the predatory shifter animals but you also have a range of other shifter types. I found the concept of an otter shifter to be charming. Gwen is a beautiful, curvy woman who has been looking forward to finding her mate for a long time but never imagined she would end up with an alpha wolf. And Ethan, who had run away for a holiday in the sun in order to avoid pressure to become mated, never imaged he'd end up well... mated at all really.
The whole premise of this book is whether it's possible to move on after someone you care about has said a silly, hurtful thing not because they mean to hurt you but because of what's going on in their own lives/head at the time. And it's beautifully handled, with strong characters who are focussed on building a relationship. The equal time spent on both Ethan and Gwen's POV means that what could have ended up an angst-ridden "he hurt me" novel instead ends up as a tale about grown-up relationships. The novella length means you don't get sick of all the angst and you see enough of the secondary characters to keep interested in the series.
Even though this is the second book in a series, it could be read as a stand-alone book although Arctic Winds gives you the background of the town and how this pack is so different.
Fully/revised review posted on my blog at www.wanderinghues.wordpress.com
The whole premise of this book is whether it's possible to move on after someone you care about has said a silly, hurtful thing not because they mean to hurt you but because of what's going on in their own lives/head at the time. And it's beautifully handled, with strong characters who are focussed on building a relationship. The equal time spent on both Ethan and Gwen's POV means that what could have ended up an angst-ridden "he hurt me" novel instead ends up as a tale about grown-up relationships. The novella length means you don't get sick of all the angst and you see enough of the secondary characters to keep interested in the series.
Even though this is the second book in a series, it could be read as a stand-alone book although Arctic Winds gives you the background of the town and how this pack is so different.
Fully/revised review posted on my blog at www.wanderinghues.wordpress.com
May 16, 2020
Chasing Paradise is a short shifter romance that I stumbled upon in Scribd. It’s part of a series, but I didn’t read book 1, and didn’t feel like I missed anything. I thought this would be in the “mates rejected” trope, but it really wasn’t. Wolf shifter Ethan attends an all shifter hook-up resort looking to sow some wild oats when he catches a whiff of Otter shifter Gwen. He’s not looking for a mate; actually, his whole reason for the trip is to avoid the mate hungry she-wolf(s) back in Colorado.
The couple hooks up, Ethan freaks out and leaves while G’s asleep; vents to a bartender- which she overhears; Ethan spends the rest of the book groveling.
Bottom line- It’s an entertaining quick shifter read; there’s nothing deep or heavy. I wasn’t “feeling” Gwen’s despair, but it was free and got me through waiting in the car for my son’s ortho appt. It was a unique spin that the shifter h had hang-ups about not being a predator… ow/cheating safe
The couple hooks up, Ethan freaks out and leaves while G’s asleep; vents to a bartender- which she overhears; Ethan spends the rest of the book groveling.
Bottom line- It’s an entertaining quick shifter read; there’s nothing deep or heavy. I wasn’t “feeling” Gwen’s despair, but it was free and got me through waiting in the car for my son’s ortho appt. It was a unique spin that the shifter h had hang-ups about not being a predator… ow/cheating safe
August 7, 2011
Chasing Paradise is a good steamy romance. I liked the fact that it was hot and quick to read. This story could most definitely be standalone from the first book, but I do suggest going back to the first one if you just read this one.
I took a liking to Ethan from the start. He is alpha and all male. His male side shows up right off the bat. You know how they run their mouth and get themselves into trouble? Well, Ethan says something and Gwen hears it and well she takes him on a little chase.
Needless to say I was very glad this was a novella because she was getting on my last nerve by holding back because of it, but hey I have to admit I could relate to Gwen because she did what most women would do lead them on a good chase. Yep, let the chase begin.
All in all I did like both characters and I really enjoyed the fact that Ethan went on the chase after Gwen and never gave up. I liked how the family was brought into the picture and I would recommend this to someone that loves a short sweet romance story with some tension.
September 18, 2011
This sequel to Arctic Winds is an excellent read. Chasing Paradise is the story of Ethan and Gwen and how miscommunication leads to a lack of trust in a mated relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I found I got to know the main characters really well and although the other Callahan family members were not involved in the story much, nor the town of Alpine Woods, you still got a small insight into the pack matrix and how important family and loved ones are to them all.
Sondrae Bennett's writing is easy to read and she provides plenty of heart warm felt moments as well as sexy scenes to keep the hot steamy level at a high. Bennett writes from the point of view of both Ethan and Gwen, which I love because as the reader, you can see how they were totally misreading each other even though they wanted the same things. This at times was quite amusing.
The front cover of the book says “He'll do whatever it takes to win her trust” and does he? Well, Chasing Paradise is definitely worth a read to find out.
Sondrae Bennett's writing is easy to read and she provides plenty of heart warm felt moments as well as sexy scenes to keep the hot steamy level at a high. Bennett writes from the point of view of both Ethan and Gwen, which I love because as the reader, you can see how they were totally misreading each other even though they wanted the same things. This at times was quite amusing.
The front cover of the book says “He'll do whatever it takes to win her trust” and does he? Well, Chasing Paradise is definitely worth a read to find out.
November 20, 2011
This is the second novella in Sondrae’s Alpine Woods Shifters series and was just as steamy as the first one. They are novellas so everything does happen a little quicker than it normally would, but am still enjoying them.
I loved Ethan when we met him in the first book and was looking forward to seeing what kind of woman was going to keep his attention. He is sarcastic and another alpha male who is used to getting his way. His mouth does get him in trouble a couple of times, but he is still very lovable.
I liked Gwen, but I did not love her like I did Samantha. I wanted her to fight more for what she deserved and not always think she was not good enough. Her self-doubt was getting on my nerves a little bit, but I can understand insecurities after she heard what Ethan had to say about her in the beginning. Luckily, it does not last forever and she and Ethan have a sweet courtship.
Overall, I am still enjoying this novella series and am looking forward to the next one.
I loved Ethan when we met him in the first book and was looking forward to seeing what kind of woman was going to keep his attention. He is sarcastic and another alpha male who is used to getting his way. His mouth does get him in trouble a couple of times, but he is still very lovable.
I liked Gwen, but I did not love her like I did Samantha. I wanted her to fight more for what she deserved and not always think she was not good enough. Her self-doubt was getting on my nerves a little bit, but I can understand insecurities after she heard what Ethan had to say about her in the beginning. Luckily, it does not last forever and she and Ethan have a sweet courtship.
Overall, I am still enjoying this novella series and am looking forward to the next one.
December 1, 2014
This is book 2 in the Alpine Woods Shifter series. This is the story of Ethan and Gwen. Ethan was a bachelor who didn't want a mate. Gwen was a manager of a seaside resort for shifters. After one night of passion, Gwen knew he was her mate. Ethan on the other had was wanting to fight the truth to the end. What will that cost him in the end? He finds out when she hears him denounce their mating. Her world has changed forever.
October 19, 2011
I can't seem to resist a bit of brain candy after a classic. You think I would learn my lesson, but no. This book was just what I expect - over-trite, under developed, rushed, and sexy. With a splash of "shifter" lingo.
Just what the doctor ordered.
Just what the doctor ordered.
July 1, 2019
Second of five siblings, and second premier of the Arctic Wolf pack, Ethan, decided it was a great time to geet scarce when his elder brother mated a fox recently. Every pack female he wasn't related to decides its time Ethan mated her. What better place to escape the madness at home than a shifter's only resort where everyone was just out for fun?
Otter shifter Gwen laments her mating and biological clocks as she reprimands her staff for skipping work to frolic and preen in front of a handsome wolf guest. Ethan isn't the first handsome shifter guest but he might be the most handsome.
When Ethan spots Gwen in her modest skirt, glasses, sensible shoes and her hair in a severe bun, he's well aware she's not his type but he can't stop thinking about her or looking at her. Ethan's charm deserts him as thoughtlessly drives the practical otter to take a vacation of her own.
This reader was glad that the shortcomings of the previous read showed marked improvement. There was welcome surprise in having a variety of shifters with a valid reason. Also, I liked a real conflict for the insta-love couple but the ending felt a little abrupt. For my taste, overall, this outing had much more substance than its predecessor.
Rating: 3.25stars
Otter shifter Gwen laments her mating and biological clocks as she reprimands her staff for skipping work to frolic and preen in front of a handsome wolf guest. Ethan isn't the first handsome shifter guest but he might be the most handsome.
When Ethan spots Gwen in her modest skirt, glasses, sensible shoes and her hair in a severe bun, he's well aware she's not his type but he can't stop thinking about her or looking at her. Ethan's charm deserts him as thoughtlessly drives the practical otter to take a vacation of her own.
This reader was glad that the shortcomings of the previous read showed marked improvement. There was welcome surprise in having a variety of shifters with a valid reason. Also, I liked a real conflict for the insta-love couple but the ending felt a little abrupt. For my taste, overall, this outing had much more substance than its predecessor.
Rating: 3.25stars
January 24, 2021
My rating: 3 1/2 stars
What I liked: I liked how Ethan(H) worked for Gwen’s (h) forgiveness. I also liked how she was an otter and he was a wolf.
What I didn’t like: Yeah she made him work for her forgiveness but I wished she didn’t jump his bones as soon as he comes for her. I can’t really by the “I’m mad at you” act when she is having sex with him.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: Rejected mate. H, while on vacation, meets his mate and after a steamy night he leaves to go down to the bar. There he tells the bartender that she was just for fun and not a mate for him (h overhears him and runs away)
Final thoughts: This was a new author for me and for it being a quick fast read, I liked it. I like the whole rejected mate theme and I wished there was more books out there with it. This book would have been a higher rate if she would of held out on the sex. I wanted a little bit more suffering ;) I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.
What I liked: I liked how Ethan(H) worked for Gwen’s (h) forgiveness. I also liked how she was an otter and he was a wolf.
What I didn’t like: Yeah she made him work for her forgiveness but I wished she didn’t jump his bones as soon as he comes for her. I can’t really by the “I’m mad at you” act when she is having sex with him.
How hot was it: 3 out 5
Triggers: Rejected mate. H, while on vacation, meets his mate and after a steamy night he leaves to go down to the bar. There he tells the bartender that she was just for fun and not a mate for him (h overhears him and runs away)
Final thoughts: This was a new author for me and for it being a quick fast read, I liked it. I like the whole rejected mate theme and I wished there was more books out there with it. This book would have been a higher rate if she would of held out on the sex. I wanted a little bit more suffering ;) I definitely will be reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2020
if you can get past the first chapter or so where H is like a kid in a candy store being let loose for the first time and his total appreciation for ALL females... the story does get better. I especially enjoyed the angst. H didn't so much grovel as set out to show the h just how much he really did love her and that he was an idiot for his knee jerk reaction the next day and his inability to remember he even spoke those words throughout the next few weeks.
April 9, 2019
Cute and sexy
second in the series and as cute and sexy a paranormal story as the first. Engaging but really a light read.
second in the series and as cute and sexy a paranormal story as the first. Engaging but really a light read.
July 22, 2019
Too short but love it!
January 16, 2023
Still on my grovel grind! The grovel is okay but I liked the h a lot. Wish it were longer tho!
January 15, 2023
3.5✯
°Non virgin heroine (29)
°Very experienced hero
°Mainly dual POV
°No OM drama
°OW - a few minutes after meeting the h OW kissed him but he couldn't stop thinking about the h so he pushed the OW away
°The hero didn't think he was ready to settle down so he said some not-so-nice things about the h (after sleeping with her) that she overheard, he didn't mean any of those things but the h didn't believe him and it took a while for her to forgive him, he redeemed himself in my opinion
°No cheating
°HFN
*~*~*~*
**“It was just a one night stand. It didn’t mean anything for either of us.” “You sure? If I know Gwen, she wouldn’t have behaved that way for anyone but her mate.” “Don’t be ridiculous. She’s not my mate.” His wolf cried inside him as the words left his mouth, fighting hard for control. But for good measure, he went one step further to hammer the point home. “Besides, she isn’t the kind of woman I’d choose for my mate. A jaguar or a coyote is a good mate for a wolf.” Ethan didn’t believe a word he was saying. The woman he’d just left would be a perfect mate for him. “Mating is a long way off for me,” he muttered.**
**Never before had he cared about his lovers’ previous experience. Those thoughts hadn’t crossed his mind until now. But with Gwen, he felt…possessive. Just the thought of her with another man made his skin crawl.**
**Please God, let him not have been this big of an idiot. How had he been stupid enough to say those things? He hadn’t meant a word of it. Even at the time, it had been aimed to convince himself, not to deny what Gwen was to him. Gwen was everything he wanted in a mate and more. Intelligent, beautiful, and sweet. He’d been excited by the prospect of getting to know her better, of affection sliding into love during the next few weeks. Now it appeared he’d have to work just to get out of the hole he’d dug for himself first.**
**Thinking about all the hurt he’d caused with his careless rejection killed him. Despite her prideful bravado, it was obvious Gwen carried wounds inside. As she stared up at him, he saw the uncertainty she tried to hide. How could he have done this to his mate? More importantly, what could he do or say to fix it?**
**His hasty denial of her had struck too deep for him to overcome it by mere words. He needed to prove his devotion. At least now he understood what had complicated his mating so badly. He had no one to blame but himself. One way or another, he’d fix this. He’d spend the rest of his life showing her exactly how special he thought she was. Eventually, she’d have to believe him. He just had to wear down her resistance.**
**“What don’t you understand, pet?” She looked at him warily, almost as if she waited for him to jump her. She honestly hadn’t expected anything from him, he realized with a start. Except sex. She thought sex was going to be the extent of their relationship. That he would use her to slake his lust and not take any interest in who she was or what she did. Would he ever stop feeling like a complete ass?**
**“Things are not going to be like you expected, Gwen. You are the woman of my heart, and it’s my pleasure to take care of you.” She didn’t believe him. The skepticism shone from her eyes. But at least she was smiling. Smiles were better than tears. “Thank you, Ethan.” She leaned up and kissed him gently on the cheek. “You’re a good man.” Instead of feeling considerate, her gratitude made him feel lower than scum. He had hurt her immeasurably, and she was calling him a good man.**
**His heart ached at how deeply a few careless words could wound another. She didn’t trust him. Not that he could blame her. But her amazement at such simple courtesies bothered him. The determination to make it up to her burned through him. No matter what it took, he’d fix this.**
**“I’m so sorry for the things I said before. They were stupid and selfish and I didn’t mean a word of them. Even as I uttered them, I knew they were wrong.” “It doesn’t matter anymore. None of it matters.” Holding Gwen at arm’s length, Ethan stared into her eyes. “It does matter, Gwen.” He reached up and cupped her cheek. “I hurt you. That matters to me. I swear to you, you’ll never have a reason to doubt me again.” “You’ve already made it up to me and more.” “I’ll never stop.”**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2012
3.75 Stars!
Another yummy piece of this series. I wish it were longer and more detailed...I seem to be always saying this. It was good but over too quickly.
I have never been much for shifters and I am trying to test the waters. To be honest, the thought of humans having this other "animal" side to them kinda freaks me out. This reluctance has really kept me away from some really terrific PNR reads. So I am doing my best to overcome my ridicules opinions...there was a day when I thought vampire PNR was absurd but now I live, eat and breath the stuff! There is hope for me. So, please take this into consideration when reading my reviews on this series.
Having said that...this was a great story. I like the author's writing style...I am drawn in on page one and my attention is captures and held throughout the entire story.I feel the hero and heroine's emotions. This heroine (Gwen) is so much like me and how I feel about myself, my body, about being loved. I could so totally relate to how she was taking in the hero's (Ethan) advances and behavior.
Gwen overhears Ethan say that she is not for him and when he finally mates, it will be to a cougar or Jaguar (he being a wolf) not an otter. When she runs to get away from him he can barely contain his anxiety and worry until he finds her. He said those things and yet knew inside that they were not true. Maybe he was just trying to convince himself. She can't resist him and resigned herself to a loveless mating to someone who will always think he is better than she is.
Gwen then flashes her strength when she tells Ethan...you may not want to be mated to an otter but you have me now...so deal with it and let's at least be friends. Ethan is stymied. No matter how much he tries to explain his "stupidity" to Gwen, she just doesn't let the wall down between them. Ethan set's out to prove to her his devotion and caring for her. Ethan's family fall in love with her and invite her into their pack. Gwen is shocked at how accepting they are and starts to think maybe what I heard him say was not entirely the truth.
Over the next few weeks Ethan shows Gwen how much he truly cares by supporting her, loving her and showing in little ways how much he cherishes her. She accepts him by biting him (he already mated with her through the bite and marked her.) Their bond grew and deepened because it is now two sided.
This is a sweet story about two people who fall in love....and once again...how stupid men can be at times. But we have to forgive them....what else can we do? This story is best read with the others as they intertwine in the telling of the different character's stories. I enjoyed it wished there was more shifting to resolve the relationship difficulties but was not disappointed. I look forward to new installments in the Alpine Woods Shifters Series.
Another yummy piece of this series. I wish it were longer and more detailed...I seem to be always saying this. It was good but over too quickly.
I have never been much for shifters and I am trying to test the waters. To be honest, the thought of humans having this other "animal" side to them kinda freaks me out. This reluctance has really kept me away from some really terrific PNR reads. So I am doing my best to overcome my ridicules opinions...there was a day when I thought vampire PNR was absurd but now I live, eat and breath the stuff! There is hope for me. So, please take this into consideration when reading my reviews on this series.
Having said that...this was a great story. I like the author's writing style...I am drawn in on page one and my attention is captures and held throughout the entire story.I feel the hero and heroine's emotions. This heroine (Gwen) is so much like me and how I feel about myself, my body, about being loved. I could so totally relate to how she was taking in the hero's (Ethan) advances and behavior.
Gwen overhears Ethan say that she is not for him and when he finally mates, it will be to a cougar or Jaguar (he being a wolf) not an otter. When she runs to get away from him he can barely contain his anxiety and worry until he finds her. He said those things and yet knew inside that they were not true. Maybe he was just trying to convince himself. She can't resist him and resigned herself to a loveless mating to someone who will always think he is better than she is.
Gwen then flashes her strength when she tells Ethan...you may not want to be mated to an otter but you have me now...so deal with it and let's at least be friends. Ethan is stymied. No matter how much he tries to explain his "stupidity" to Gwen, she just doesn't let the wall down between them. Ethan set's out to prove to her his devotion and caring for her. Ethan's family fall in love with her and invite her into their pack. Gwen is shocked at how accepting they are and starts to think maybe what I heard him say was not entirely the truth.
Over the next few weeks Ethan shows Gwen how much he truly cares by supporting her, loving her and showing in little ways how much he cherishes her. She accepts him by biting him (he already mated with her through the bite and marked her.) Their bond grew and deepened because it is now two sided.
This is a sweet story about two people who fall in love....and once again...how stupid men can be at times. But we have to forgive them....what else can we do? This story is best read with the others as they intertwine in the telling of the different character's stories. I enjoyed it wished there was more shifting to resolve the relationship difficulties but was not disappointed. I look forward to new installments in the Alpine Woods Shifters Series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2011
If you’re looking for a quick but satisfying read that easily submerges you into a magical world of the paranormal, than Sondrae Bennett’s Alpine Woods Shifters series is for you!
Sondrae continues the series following the Callahan family, werewolves from Alpine Woods who are leaders of their pack, with Chasing Paradise. After his older brother, and premiere of the pack, finds his mate all of the unmated she-wolves are now after second in command, Ethan, hoping to be his one and only. But Ethan wants nothing to do with committing to one woman for the rest of his life and that is just what a mating is, there is no divorce for shifters. Taking a much needed vacation to get away from it all, Ethan relaxes on the beaches of an exclusive shifter resort admiring the fine scenery and the laid back attitude of his fellow shifters there. When he spies a conservative little otter so out of place in her business attire when most guest are half naked, Ethan can’t seem to get her out of his head. After one reckless night, Ethan can’t deny that she is his one true mate but after his careless words will Ethan be able to convince her that she is all he’s ever wanted?
Despite following the same family and being part of a series, Chasing Paradise makes a wonderful stand-alone. Though this is such a great series and with each book being short novellas I definitely recommend you reading each book.
Although Ethan is second in command he is still an alpha and there is no denying that! Sexual and aggressive, he sees what he wants and sets out to take it. Even after he makes a mess of things with Gwen he never gives up, chasing her across several states to get her back in his arms and do everything he can to keep her there. I really loved how he worked so hard to earn back Gwen’s trust and supported her throughout the novel. Gwen was an easily relatable character and both she and Ethan were well fleshed out. The story was sexy, emotional and fast paced with a cast of supporting characters that easily intrigue.
This is definitely a series that I will continue to read and be on the lookout for more! Great for paranormal romance fans looking for a quick bite!
Sondrae continues the series following the Callahan family, werewolves from Alpine Woods who are leaders of their pack, with Chasing Paradise. After his older brother, and premiere of the pack, finds his mate all of the unmated she-wolves are now after second in command, Ethan, hoping to be his one and only. But Ethan wants nothing to do with committing to one woman for the rest of his life and that is just what a mating is, there is no divorce for shifters. Taking a much needed vacation to get away from it all, Ethan relaxes on the beaches of an exclusive shifter resort admiring the fine scenery and the laid back attitude of his fellow shifters there. When he spies a conservative little otter so out of place in her business attire when most guest are half naked, Ethan can’t seem to get her out of his head. After one reckless night, Ethan can’t deny that she is his one true mate but after his careless words will Ethan be able to convince her that she is all he’s ever wanted?
Despite following the same family and being part of a series, Chasing Paradise makes a wonderful stand-alone. Though this is such a great series and with each book being short novellas I definitely recommend you reading each book.
Although Ethan is second in command he is still an alpha and there is no denying that! Sexual and aggressive, he sees what he wants and sets out to take it. Even after he makes a mess of things with Gwen he never gives up, chasing her across several states to get her back in his arms and do everything he can to keep her there. I really loved how he worked so hard to earn back Gwen’s trust and supported her throughout the novel. Gwen was an easily relatable character and both she and Ethan were well fleshed out. The story was sexy, emotional and fast paced with a cast of supporting characters that easily intrigue.
This is definitely a series that I will continue to read and be on the lookout for more! Great for paranormal romance fans looking for a quick bite!
July 25, 2013
2.5 star rating
What I liked about this book:
1. Fast Paced
2. Can be read in one sitting
3. Dual POV
4. Pretty clean read where language is concerned.
5. Ethan
Ethan wants to get away from the claw clutching hungry females in his pack. The women want one thing, and that's to find a mate. Ethan is all for NOT wanting a mate. He takes off to a resort in California run by were-otters. (<----That makes me laugh just typing it.) Anyway, while he's there Gwen literally runs in to him, although he originally sees her out on the beach. Her family runs the resort and she's the manager. Instantly these two fall for each other although she's trying to not fall for the playboy wolf all the female staff are fawning over.
She was afraid she wouldn't find her mate and he's afraid of being mated. Turns out these two are fated to be mates which is even more clear after they share a night together. She's ecstatic and he's scared and runs. She over hears him saying something that hurts her deeply and she runs from him to a completely different state. Now Ethan must man up, find her and spend the rest of his life convincing her she's the one and only for him and that he was an idiot for what he said. He needs to earn back her trust if they will ever be able to live happily together.
This book focuses solely on their relationship with very little to no outside influences. It also has plenty of steam.
What bothered me
A lot of time this book glosses over their interactions and their time together jumps in weeks. I wish we had had more of a story line, seen more of what Ethan did to prove himself to Gwen to win over her affections and more interaction with his family. Also, the whole werewolf/were otter was odd for me.
What I liked about this book:
1. Fast Paced
2. Can be read in one sitting
3. Dual POV
4. Pretty clean read where language is concerned.
5. Ethan
Ethan wants to get away from the claw clutching hungry females in his pack. The women want one thing, and that's to find a mate. Ethan is all for NOT wanting a mate. He takes off to a resort in California run by were-otters. (<----That makes me laugh just typing it.) Anyway, while he's there Gwen literally runs in to him, although he originally sees her out on the beach. Her family runs the resort and she's the manager. Instantly these two fall for each other although she's trying to not fall for the playboy wolf all the female staff are fawning over.
She was afraid she wouldn't find her mate and he's afraid of being mated. Turns out these two are fated to be mates which is even more clear after they share a night together. She's ecstatic and he's scared and runs. She over hears him saying something that hurts her deeply and she runs from him to a completely different state. Now Ethan must man up, find her and spend the rest of his life convincing her she's the one and only for him and that he was an idiot for what he said. He needs to earn back her trust if they will ever be able to live happily together.
This book focuses solely on their relationship with very little to no outside influences. It also has plenty of steam.
What bothered me
A lot of time this book glosses over their interactions and their time together jumps in weeks. I wish we had had more of a story line, seen more of what Ethan did to prove himself to Gwen to win over her affections and more interaction with his family. Also, the whole werewolf/were otter was odd for me.
December 17, 2011
Review coming soon.....
quick summary.... Ethan YUM!!!!!!
Can't wait for the next book. Really love the world that Sondrae created.
You know what they say “The bigger they are the harder they fall” or “You can’t run from fate”. Well someone should have shared these quotes with Ethan.
Okay, I fell in love in with Sondrae’s Alpine Wood Shifter series with book 1 Arctic Winds (see my review here). But Chasing Paradise was even better. Loved Ethan. Loved Gwen. Loved Ethan’s family’s reaction not only to his mate, but to his stupidity.
Ethan & Gwen have so many obstacles to overcome before they can be happy and the biggest one just might be themselves.
I am looking forward to more Alpine Wood Shifter stories.
quick summary.... Ethan YUM!!!!!!
Can't wait for the next book. Really love the world that Sondrae created.
You know what they say “The bigger they are the harder they fall” or “You can’t run from fate”. Well someone should have shared these quotes with Ethan.
Okay, I fell in love in with Sondrae’s Alpine Wood Shifter series with book 1 Arctic Winds (see my review here). But Chasing Paradise was even better. Loved Ethan. Loved Gwen. Loved Ethan’s family’s reaction not only to his mate, but to his stupidity.
Ethan & Gwen have so many obstacles to overcome before they can be happy and the biggest one just might be themselves.
I am looking forward to more Alpine Wood Shifter stories.
February 16, 2012
Chasing Paradise is the second in the Alpine Woods series but can be read as a standalone. I personally enjoyed it more than the first entry. This is a novella so everything happens fairly quickly, but it's a perfect example of how powerful mere words can be to a person, and the devastation they can cause to a relationship.
I hurt for Gwen, basically hearing her Mate publicly proclaim she "wasn't good enough for him", even though Ethan didn't mean the words at the time and was only speaking out in anger (not about her but about himself). Ethan wasn't cruel but he was a bit selfish at first and it was easy to see why Gwen ran away. I have to give him props though, for going above and beyond in trying to make things right between them. 4 stars.
I hurt for Gwen, basically hearing her Mate publicly proclaim she "wasn't good enough for him", even though Ethan didn't mean the words at the time and was only speaking out in anger (not about her but about himself). Ethan wasn't cruel but he was a bit selfish at first and it was easy to see why Gwen ran away. I have to give him props though, for going above and beyond in trying to make things right between them. 4 stars.
August 31, 2016
3.5 stars. This is a new author for me.
I bought this book because I liked the blurb and it was a great price. What a good surprise.
A well written, solid, very enjoyable story that actually did not have me saying out loud "oh for goodness sake".
I enjoyed the fact that Gwen did not forgive him in five minutes like in some other books, she made him work hard at his apology and boy did he.
Enjoyed meeting both Gwen, an Otter shifter, how cool is that and Ethan, a wolf shifter as they both came across as believable, even his stupidity.
I will be getting the rest of the series as the other characters in this book appealed to me.
I bought this book because I liked the blurb and it was a great price. What a good surprise.
A well written, solid, very enjoyable story that actually did not have me saying out loud "oh for goodness sake".
I enjoyed the fact that Gwen did not forgive him in five minutes like in some other books, she made him work hard at his apology and boy did he.
Enjoyed meeting both Gwen, an Otter shifter, how cool is that and Ethan, a wolf shifter as they both came across as believable, even his stupidity.
I will be getting the rest of the series as the other characters in this book appealed to me.
May 27, 2012
I really liked this second book in the Alpine series. I have to say, I was a little thrown at first with the Gwen being an otter, but I do like how the author has a variety of animal shifters, rather than the typical wolf. Ethan had his moments where I wanted to smack him, but in the end redeemed himself quite nicely! On to the third in the series!
September 28, 2013
This is a book.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
For a full review, please go to:
http://mlleelizabeth.booklikes.com/
GoodReads's policies no longer comply with my review policy. Therefore my reviews will be posted at BookLikes going forward. Thank you for following my reviews here. I hope to continue discussing books with you on BookLikes.
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