The Shadow Wolf

Draicon Werewolves #9

by Bonnie Vanak

On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Werewolves, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2011

About the author

Bonnie 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.

Reviews

[Ren Puspita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars
I want to round it to 4 stars, but a few last chapters have too fast pace and feel a little bit forced.

Megan Moraine always running for entire her life. She born as "Shadows", one of unique kind of Draicon. Draicon is another term for werewolf. Shadows unique ability is to be "shadow", make themselves invisible, and that make it their valuable assets. But people always fear for something they don't understand. No exception for "Shadows" too, they feared among Draicon and soon they become outcast and caged at Shadow Island.

Megan had escaped from the island, together with the twin, Jillian and Jennifer. The reason she escape is she want to deliver the twin to their father at New Orleans, and Megan is tired with her life, to run and run. In her escapades, she meet Gabriel Robichaux, the Enforcer.

This is my pic of Gabriel



Very dangerous, indeed ;)

Enforcer known as their duty to punish Shadows who'd escape and escort them back to island. Megan of course fear Gabriel will beat her and her chance to deliver the twins safely is lost. Little she know, Gabriel not just an ordinary Enforcer and not like what he seemed. He help Megan and the twins, to go to safe house, special for Shadows, sent them to his brother Alexandre, to give them a new identity and life as a new person.

But thing go not too smoothly. Gabriel himself was targeted, by his enemy at the past, make he endangered Megan and the twins more. Then he realized, Megan is his draicara, his soul mate. They want to bonding ,but both have dark secrets. Gabriel's secret is lethal and he afraid Megan will fear him, if she know his true identity. Gabriel and Megan, both are outcast. Both are so different from their family and their kind (Draicon). Can Megan accept Gabriel's dark secret, to make him open to her fully, so they can bonding not just from body, but heart too?

Read The Shadow Wolf, make my heart almost break, since I know the feeling, how we always feel "different" from our environment and people around us. Megan and Gabriel is the same. Both always feel different and always misunderstood by another people. Megan as Shadow, must face her fate as a low Draicon kind, always bullied, abused, used and another Draicon avoid her, just because her unique ability. Even Gabriel is no ordinary Draicon, since he's the most lethal kind, and that make him always feel lonely, from his family who nice to him, but reject him too, because he is so dangerous. Both Megan and Gabriel live at "Shadow", always hide from their real form, always search their place at Draicon world, because they "different".

Why I give this no fully 4 stars is, near the end, the pace of the story become so fast! I know Ms Vanak try to tell the entire Gabriel story, to develop his relationship with Megan. But it just too fast, and make me a little bit uncomfortable. I always think, if this one not Nocturne, while we know just a short full novel (less than 300 pages), I can see Ms Vanak will write it better, and not rushed like this. Still I love The Shadow Wolf, the story is good, the characterization is develop well, its have moral too. One of my favorite characters is the twins, Jennifer and Jillian. I always have things for child character, and their role make The Shadow Wolf more interesting. Another character who I wish Ms Vanak will make its story is Tristan, the Phoenix, or Immortal Justice. He appeared at "Darkness of Wolf" novella too, and I want to know more about him.

The Shadow Wolf is number 4 at Draicon Werewolves series (for a full novel) It can be read stand alone too, if you not read the others yet. Its story is about betrayal, misunderstanding, family, forgiveness and love. You will not disappointed to read this new installment of Draicon Werewolf series.

Note : I really love the cover. Its the best at this series.

There's a novella "Darkness of The Wolf" as a bonus. :

Rating : 3 stars

Guy Laurent is a lone, rogue werewolf.He spent 30 years in zoo as a prisoner because he murder his alpha pack and betrayed, make he can't trust and love anyone. His chance of freedom is coming when a Draicon woman name Kayla need his help to deliver a Draicon girl to her pack.
Even though Kayla is Draicon, she can't shift to wolf. She already dispatch her magick and gift, because in the past, she make her father killed, her mother left her, and her pack abandoned her.

Together they working to search and deliver the children to Kayla's pack, but actually Kayla is disagree with this mission, because she know her pack is not to kind to child. Soon, they realized that they are a soulmate, but can Guy choose? To deliver the child to make his free from his punishment or leave her with Kayla to ensure that make Kayla happy, cause she is his mate?

Its a quick read. Even the hero and the heroine is Draicon, I'm a little bit dissapointed. Its because the previous character in Bonnie Vanak's book (The Empath & Enemy Lover) isn't here. But after all, Darkness of The Wolf still a good story, cause, yeah I adore werewolf than another magical and shifter creature *lol*. If you had read the previous book by Miss Vanak and like the world that she created (Draicon, Morph, magick), you must read this :)

e-ARC provided by NetGalley

[Books & Vodka Sodas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from netgalley

I have officially been WOWED!

There is nothing about this book that I didn’t like! The flow of the story was effortless; the characters were all likable and exciting. I mean give me this, I love all things werewolves. But THESE werewolves were downright awesome! Ok, let me break this down as best I can, I tend to have trouble writing reviews of books that I like as much as this one.

First off Megan is a heroine that any woman would love to read. She was gutsy, she had gumption, and she didn’t reject the idea of having Gabriel as a mate. And let me just say that Bonnie’s intro of Gabriel into the book. The woman wrote a head to toe description of this man, and I found myself building him in my mind, I blinked at the book, and then went…. “OH DAMN!” The total brilliance that was surrounding what each character looked like, I could see the swagger. I felt his eyes look at me from under that black Stetson, and holy wow, he rivaled some of my favorite Alpha males in books that I’ve read. Megan handled herself in the presence of this man with such ease. She didn’t take any guff and she called him out on the carpet when it needed to happen. It was a real romance, it was a real soul deep mating, and I lapped up every inch of both of these characters.

Then you enter the whole storyline. The concept alone is enough to praise Bonnie Vanak for. What a masterful idea to give racism and civil rights a face in this group of werewolves. The book didn’t stop, even in the short conversational scenes, I was glued to the book and I didn’t want to put it down. I could see the percent dwindling on my Kindle I starting shouting at it going, “NO! I don’t want it to be over yet!”

I found myself crying so many times in this book because I got so deeply involved with the characters that my family around me was going “Um, why are you crying at the book.” And here I am blubbering trying to explain the power of the writing in this book to make me cry like I was.

I have not only fell in love with the characters in this book, but have bought the first two books in the Draicon Wolves Series and gotten book one from another of her series. Thank you Bonnie for creating this world that I can gush over and get others to read and enjoy!

[Jennifer (Books&Barks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is book 10 in her Nocturne Draicon werewolf books, but I don’t feel it is necessary to have read the others to read this one. I had not heard of this series before and The Shadow Wolf was the first book I read in this series. I did not feel overly lost, and most things were explained well enough to understand the overall story behind the series. Actually, after reading and enjoying The Shadow Wolf, I now want to go back and check out the rest of the books that came before it! This was a quick and easy read and it really kept my attention.

In Vanak’s Nocturne Draicon series, not all werewolves are the same. Some are called Shadow Wolves, special werewolves who have the power to turn invincible and some also have other magics. The Normal Draicon wolves are scared of these powers, so they keep all Shadow Wolves outcast and imprisoned with little to no rights on Shadow Island. Megan Moraine has escaped Shadow Island, along with her two cousins, twins Jenny and Jillian. They are trying to reach a safehouse for Shadow Wolves so that they can get new identities and new lives. Megan is also trying to reach New Orleans in order to locate the twins’ father. Upon reaching a supposed safe location, Megan is spotted by Gabriel Robichaux, an Enforcer for the Normals. She’s sure she’s going to be captured, tortured and turned in to authorities. Gabriel has a few secrets of his own though, and is much more than Megan expected.

I really loved reading The Shadow Wolf. I was worried after seeing it wasn’t book one in the series, but I was willing to give it a try anyways and I was not disappointed. I loved the character of Gabriel. Gabriel has a nasty reputation as an Enforcer, but he is not all that he appears to be. His secret is one that could drive him and Megan apart for good. It takes Megan a while to trust him though, as its not only her life at stake but the lives of the twins as well. I loved watching the relationship between Gabriel and Megan grow. The twins were also a cute addition to the story. They are only seven years old, and they bring an air of innocence that helps cut the tension between the couple.

If you are a fan of werewolf stories, I think you will like The Shadow Wolf. It isn’t a long, complicated read. At only 288 pages, its fairly short compared to other novels in this genre, but it was nice to be able to sit down and read a quick and enjoyable story. It was good enough that I plan on checking out the first books in the series. These characters were brought into The Shadow Wolf and I want to read even more about them as well!

[Crystal _ Reading Between the Wines Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan Moraine is a shadow wolf, a breed of werewolf (or Draicon) despised and feared by their own kind for their unique abilities. Exiled to a secluded island with the rest of the Shadow’s they are often beaten, tortured and worse…when Megan finally fears for her life and the lives of her two young cousins she manages to escape with them and is on the run in Florida when she runs into the most feared of Draicon Enforcers, Gabriel Robichaux. Gabriel is not the ruthless, heartless man she thought though and Megan immediately feels an undeniable attraction to the darkly handsome and mysterious Enforcer. But Gabriel hides more than his true purpose with the Enforcers; he keeps a darker secret that if found out will make him even more hunted than the beautiful Shadow he can’t get out of his head.

This is my first read from author Bonnie Vanak and her Draicon Werewolves series. The world she has built in The Shadow Wolf is fascinating but jumping right into the fourth novel in the series was a bit confusing at first. There was little introduction into this complex world Vanak has created or the series in general, however, after a few chapters in I started to get the hang of it. The author gives a unique take on werewolves with fresh and creative abilities for the paranormal genre. Providing plenty of romantic tension, dangerous suspense and steamy passion to keep you absorbed and the story line moved at a good pace, flowing smoothly.


I enjoyed the characters Gabriel and Megan, both were strong and well written with several layers to peel back as you moved along in the story. Their passion and attraction was undeniable and I liked how despite that Gabriel and Megan are destined mates the author didn’t use that as an excuse to throw them together and right into bed; they actually got to know and respect each other first. The secondary characters were interesting as well, especially Gabriel’s brothers, and I found myself curious as to their stories that preludes this one. I also found myself immensely intrigued with the Phoenix Tristyn, just what is his story?


I would definitely be interested in reading more of this series and other works from this author, The Shadow Wolf was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed! The bonus story at the end, Darkness of the Wolf, was also fabulous and another four wine glass read in itself!

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow Wolf (Draicon Werewolves #4)
by Bonnie Vanak

Synopsis from Goodreads:

"Gabriel is perhaps the most dangerous of all Draicon werewolves and hides a dark secret. He meets his match in Megan, a Draicon werewolf who turns invisible.

includes Darkness of the Wolf Novella"

I received this book from Netgalley and prior to reading it was not familiar with the author or the world of the Draicon werewolves. Fortunately this book was written in a way that, even though this is book four in an ongoing series, it was not a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story. The world of the Draicon is a taste of something different and does not fall into the classic world of werewolves, although there were some historical parallels and moral lessons learned.

Megan is a shadow wolf her abilities are different and because of these differences those of her "kind" are sent to an island that is turned into a prison of sorts from which she escapes with two young cousins. She is on a mission to save them from the cruelties that are perpetrated on her kind. In her attempt to escape she is on the run with the two little girls when the unthinkable happens, the most feared of all enforcers captures her and the girls.

This story really has it all. It has the significant supernatural element that we crave, very steamy hotness and romance that we enjoy, as well as action with surprises around every corner. This is definitely an adult read with sexual tension and follow through. It is a yummy read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys these elements in a book and would say that I do not think you will be disappointed. There is also a short novella, "Darkness of the Wolf" that takes place in the same world, following The Shadow Wolf that was a lovely aperitif - you gotta love some dessert after a good meal :). I would definitely read more by this author and look forward to doing so.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Note: This book includes the previously released novella, Darkness of the Wolf, published by Harlequin Nocturne Bites (2009).

Shadowed by Unrealized Potential
Her kind is feared and loathed by the Draicon werewolves, rounded up and enslaved on an island of rigid controls and inhumane treatment. Shadow wolf Megan Moraine will risk her very life to get her twin seven-year-old cousins off their island prison and to New Orleans, grimly determined to get them to the one Draicon who may be able to give the two little shadow wolf girls what they need most, a father. To do so, she has to make contact with the underground group that helps her kind and get the girls to one of their safe houses while avoiding discovery and staying away from the Enforcers, Draicons who hunt and sometimes kill shadow wolves.

No sooner have the bedraggled and scared trio made it to a safe house than the most feared and violent Enforcer of them all strides into the hotel restaurant where Megan and the girls are shakily eating the first real meal they've had in days. Terror grips Megan and, desperate to get the girls to safety, she tries to get them out...only to end up captured by her worst nightmare, Gabriel Robichaux.

Gabriel knows that Megan has every reason to fear him, but not for the reasons she thinks. He is both her ticket to freedom and a deadly threat. One scent and he realizes she is his destined mate, but Gabriel's secrets are deep, deadly, and a danger to everyone he cares about, especially a feisty shadow wolf who has put her life on the line for her two innocent cousins. When a dark force of unmitigated evil blows Gabriel's plans to hell and ups the ante on an old vendetta, Gabriel has to rely on the monster inside him to keep his mate and wards safe...but revealing himself and displaying that darkness in his soul may very well damn them all.

One of the most frustrating things for me as a reader is coming across a book with all the right plot points, full of fascinating and thrilling story elements, set in a unique world with plentiful danger, genuine threat, and likable characters that have lots of chemistry, only to have all those great pieces, for whatever reason, fail to come together in a cohesive whole that provides an entertaining read. Sadly, such is the case with Vanak's The Shadow Wolf.

I thought part of the problem may have been that this was my first foray into a well-established Draicon Wolves series, and given that this is the tenth story (including a mix of novels and novellas) that has been released in the series, it wouldn't have been a stretch to lay the blame there. Then I visited Vanak's site and read that each of her stories can be read separately and in any sequence, which indicated to me that they were, essentially, intended as stand-alone books in the same world. So the problem isn't my late arrival into a previously explained and well-established world.

Bummer.

Keeping that in mind, I ordered my thoughts. The Shadow Wolf failed for me on three different levels. The first is perhaps the easiest. There just wasn't enough exposition to explain in a comprehensive fashion not only the world of the Draicon wolves, but their history, abilities, and their mythos as a species and as a part of the human world around them. The world-building was severely lacking on all fronts. Of course, it's a shorter-length novel, so part of that, I guess, has to be accepted, if not liked. Still, I was so impressed with the elements I could glean from the storyline that I yearned for more and would have happily sacrificed a sex scene or two to get more detail about the world.

That, though, led me to the second major issue I had with the book. The storyline was crammed with plot points and raced through them all at high speed. Sure, the points were fascinating and juicy with conflict, but they raced by so fast, there was never time to thoroughly develop and flesh out any of them. I spent most of the book wondering not only what was going on, but why, and when did it all start, and how it got to that point, and so on, and so on. In short, none of my most pertinent questions got answered in the mad dash to fill the pages with multiple conflicts. One major conflict is enough for a book, especially of this length, when it's developed completely and layered with character definition (lacking here) and a romance plot thread (not lacking, but could have been better developed). I would have happily embraced a pared down novel with plentiful detail.

Thinking about plot development led me to the third and final major area of my disappointment in this book and presents the most dangerous and encompassing issue of all. Using both stories featured in this book as a yardstick, it's obvious that Vanak tends to rely far too heavily on telling the reader about story elements as opposed to showing them to the reader as they occur. That's a very prevalent bad habit in fiction, and it's such a shame, because it really keeps the reader at emotional arms length from the characters. For example, telling readers about Megan's traumatic trip off the island via dialogue between the main characters drains the scene of its emotional impact and tosses away a golden opportunity to build a rapport and sympathy between character and reader. Too many opportunities got tossed here. In both titles featured in the book.

Speaking of Darkness of the Wolf, and I suppose I should, I'll say this: while the issues I've mentioned are also in evidence in this story, the shorter length and narrower focus of the novella lessened their severity. Were I rating it on its own, I'd probably rate it as three stars. Given the story line, though, I question its inclusion in this book. There were too many similarities in theme and plot to The Shadow Wolf, and because it was only the second story I've read in the series, and it followed the featured story here, it ended up seeming more like a shorter rehash of what I'd just finished reading. That did no favors for the book as a whole.

Vanak has a gift. She's created this fabulously dark world full of complex politics and a precarious social structure and peopled it with emotionally complicated magickal characters with imaginative powers. She writes lusty characters with the sort of emotional wounds that make a paranormal romance book shine. And I can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to recognize it and realize that far too much of it didn't make it into this book in as richly developed and thoroughly explained a format as it could have. Unrealized potential. The bane of every avid reader.

Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me for free by Harlequin via NetGalley. The rating, review, and all thoughts and comments therein are my own.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can also read this review at Reflections on Reading Romance

Rating: 2.5 out of 5


Originally, I thought that this book would be the first 2 out of 5 stars review for me, but after careful consideration, I think it’s more like 2.5 stars, because despite the many “Oh, puh-LEASE” and “You’ve gotta be KIDDING me!” moments, at least the writing flows smoothly and the pacing is well done. The premise of the book was intriguing enough for me to request the ARC from NetGalley, but I later realized that this is the tenth book/novella in the Draicon series. This makes me wonder if I would have had a different reaction to the book had I begun the series from the beginning. For these reasons, I’m bumping the rating up to a 2.5 from a 2. I can’t recommend that you spend money on it, but while I don’t consider it a good book, it wasn’t necessarily a bad one either.


The novel begins with Megan Moraine, shadow wolf, on the run with her two young cousins, Jillian and Jennifer. In this paranormal romance, Shadow Wolves are werewolves who can turn invisible. Years ago, they migrated to an island to escape persecution from other Draicon wolves, but when a few shadow wolves tried to out all werewolves to humans, the Draicons decided to imprison Shadow Wolves on the island. Megan has escaped from the island with her 7 year old cousins to return the girls to their father. When enforcer Gabriel Robichaux shows up at the restaurant they’re eating at, Megan fears that he’ll live up to his reputation as a brutal killer and murder the three shadow wolves. What she doesn’t realize is that Gabriel has been using his Enforcer role as a cover to secret Shadow Wolves to safety. Earning Megan’s trust becomes all the more difficult when the two realize that they’re destined mates. Can the two find safety while battling an overwhelming attraction?

This novel just didn’t work for me. As I mentioned earlier, the writing flows smoothly and the pacing is well done in the novel, so Ms. Vanak is clearly an experienced writer. Unfortunately, several of the tropes that appear throughout the book are my least favorite in paranormal romance. I’ve always been skeptical when the heroine is in extreme danger and yet notices how amazingly hot or sexy or overly muscled the hero is. Really? I just find that hard to believe, but even though Megan is exhausted and starving from being on the run with her 7 year old cousins, she feels an immediate attraction to Gabriel and sparks fly. I realize that my distaste for this trope is probably a personal preference, because I’ve complained about this to the DH when reading romantic suspense, and he finds it completely believable that under stressful conditions you would be attracted to someone. When I’m tired, I’m really cranky, not horny, (as the DH well knows) so I’ve never been a fan of the “the world’s about to end, let’s knock boots” trope. Also, I’m not a fan of the one true mate concept, and Gabriel and Megan are “destined mates.” To me the “destined mates” concept in paranormal romance feels like a shortcut that allows the author to skim over the romance and skip to the smexy times. So this just felt like one more coincidence among many that pop up throughout the book.

Speaking of coincidences, they occur so frequently throughout the novel that it strained my credulity more than once. There were several “deus ex machina” moments that felt heavy handed. The further I read the more incredulous I got, because special powers and creatures with different abilities seem to appear at random as needed. The three female shadow wolves were gifted with psychic powers that conveniently aren’t mentioned until just when the group needs them, and they would be attacked at random moments by creatures called morphs that can turn into anyone or any animal at will. I kept thinking, “Whaaaaat???? Where did this come from?”
The appearance of Tristan, the Immortal Justice Guardian, really pushed my buttons. He appears at pivotal moments in the text when the plot seems to have stalled a bit and finagles events to achieve the happy ending for everyone. I was hoping that this was limited to this novel, but the same thing occurred in the novella “Darkness of the Wolf” that’s included in the book, so I’m guessing he’s a recurring character in the series. I found him to be incredibly frustrating, because just when the author seems to have written herself into a corner, he magically appears and straightens everyone out.

The biggest “Oh no, she DIDN’T” moment came when we learn that Megan’s a 26 year old virgin. Yes, they do occur, so it’s not outside the realm of possibility, but we learn that female Shadow Wolves are being sold to brothels and that Megan has had to fight off Draicon wolves repeatedly, so this just seemed a bit too old-school romance for me. Her being a virgin adds nothing to the plot or characterization whatsoever and strains belief. But the absolute limit for me was when Gabriel and Megan made love for the first time, and he tells her that he gets “bigger” after coming, and they’ll have to wait awhile before he can withdraw. After that I just had to put the book down and walk away, because it was just too ridiculous for words.

Clearly I was not a fan of this book. I first read the ARC at the end of July, believing that the book was releasing August 2, but when I realized it wasn’t coming out until August 23, I put off writing the review. Last week I decided to reread the book in order to refresh my memory for the review, but I just couldn’t finish it a second time. It felt too contrived and over the top. The novella included with the novel is completely in keeping with the style of the novel, so I just can’t recommend this book.

I received this book for review from the Publisher through NetGalley.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...

I bit my nails, ground my teeth and flipped through the pages at a furious clip because I never knew what was going to happen next and the suspense kept me glued to my chair. The Shadow Wolf has the emotional punch to make what happens to the hero and heroine matter to a reader.

Right off the bat, Ms. Vanak introduced characters that would appeal to a reader. She painted a scene of despair, hopelessness and fear while showcasing the heroine’s determination, strength and loyalty. The first chapter presented the main players who have the most to lose and gain during the course of this story and sets up the initial conflict between the hero and heroine. And wouldn’t you know, just as I’m writing this I realized something about one of the characters that I read about early on. I’m in shock. Oh, my gosh! I didn’t catch it on the first read through. That really twists the knife. And now I understand all the ramifications. I’m officially blown away. Oh poor, Gabriel.

Yes, Ms. Vanak created characters I cared about. Once the hero, Gabriel bared his heart, there was only one option open to me and that was to fall in love with him too. I wanted to hug him, care for him and wanted him to be happy. He eventually gets all those things from Megan, the heroine but not without some seriously suspenseful and heartbreaking moments along the way.

Megan has had to fight tooth and nail to get where she is and to get where she’s going. She has been hurt so much and so badly, trusting someone else is a huge stumbling block for her. And yet, for all her doubts and fears, she tentatively reaches out to Gabriel and the action begins.

The twins are adorable and important. They are little kids who’ve seen too much and yet still retain some of their innocence and charm. They are the glue that holds the little group together initially until the bigger picture gets painted for a reader and the scope with which they’re up against is revealed.

The suspense of not knowing who to trust, why what is happening is happening and will they get away and survive intact is a constant. Not knowing if both Gabriel and Megan can get beyond their own fears and reach out to the other is another effective hook in this story. What is really going on and why everything is so perverted is another question to be answered. So many threads weave through this book and Ms. Vanak didn’t let one dangle. Eventually everything comes to light in a spectacular confrontation.

There are different levels of secondary characters and some are more important than others. The most fascinating for me was Tristan. He can be a cool dude one second and the other, he’s popping footballs. Amazing man with a hint of omniscience, I’d love to know more about him. The others have supporting roles or shed light on the hero. The heroine doesn’t really have any friends so that’s an emotion tugger.

The conflicts are many but the solution comes down to a decision that only Megan and Gabriel can make. Once they do, it was thrilling to see the intense and volatile scenes that followed. And it was a WOW! moment when it was revealed just what Gabriel really was. Never saw that coming and it made me wonder why they were hunted in the first place. Something tells me it was the other nasties that arranged it all those many years ago. Interesting thought and it makes sense.

The happily ever after is tender, sweet and well earned. In fact it was the icing on the cake. Right before the charming part, their coming together was its own happy ever after and it was sensual, poignant and well written. If a reader is looking for well written physical expressions of love, they’ll find it here.

The Shadow Wolf is one heck of a ride that will leave a reader breathless. I think my TMJ got a workout from all the teeth clenching I did during the suspenseful parts – of which there were many. At one point I thought the heroine was spiraling down into a cliché but no, she dodged that one with style and true grit. This story has dark depths and a meaty plot sure to appeal to paranormal romantic suspense readers who look for a quality written story. The editing is perfect, the characters extremely well formed and the dynamics between the hero and heroine are wonderful. I was thoroughly entertained and can say with all confidence that readers are in for a treat and a great read when they pick up their own copy of The Shadow Wolf.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.


Expected Release Date: August 2, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Nocturne
Author’s Website: http://www.bonnievanak.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 4, Draconian Wolves
Series Best Read In Order: Probably, but worked well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy

Official Blurb:

On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she’s still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

DON’T MISS THE BONUS SHORT STORY INCLUDED IN THIS BOOK!

In a world where werewolves thrive in secret side-by-side to their human counterparts, some wolves are treated as third-class citizens. The Shadow wolves, who have the ability not only to perform magic at a young age but can literally make themselves invisible, are both feared and reviled. After an uprising-gone-wrong, they are rounded up concentration-camp style onto an island where they are treated as the lowliest of the low. Having no rights, forced to wear identifying uniforms, and absolutely forbidden to shift, they are forbidden to leave the island on which they've been imprisoned. To ensure their compliance, a hefty bounty has been placed on the head of any escaped Shadow, and Enforcers are free to rape, abuse, and even murder the escaped Shadows as they see fit.

Megan Moraine is determined to give her young twin cousins a better life than the one they can come to expect on the island. On the run, they are captured by the ruthless Gabriel Robichaux -- an Enforcer with a reputation for torturing his prisoners before brutally murdering them. Megan knows that their only chance to avoid a horrible fate is to escape from Gabriel's clutches, but she cannot deny the sizzling attraction between them.

Gabriel's gruesome reputation makes him one feared and respected Enforcers. However, Gabriel has a secret that could destroy everything he's worked for. Unable to deny an instinctive need to protect Megan and the little girls tagging along with her, he knows that turning traitor and helping them would not only make him as hunted as they are, but would actually result in torture and castration if he is captured. Will he be willing to risk everything for a woman who may never be able to trust him?

Overall, I enjoyed it, but the ending pretty much ruined it for me.
Utilizing some of my favorite romance tropes, such as fated-to-be-mated, being on the run, and enemies to lovers, I really loved the first part of the novel. However, once Tristan got involved, things felt very rushed and just overly convenient, which rather ruined things for me.

In the end, I would recommend this one to fans of fated mates, of enemies to lovers, and fans of having to cope with societal prejudices and bring about change.

3.5/5 Stars

There is also a short story from the same "world" at the end of this book, which I also enjoyed. Unfortunately, Tristan plays a big part of that story as well, with the same results, leaving my final rating for both stories at 3.5/5

[Scooper Speaks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Lines: “Why do you hate us so much? We’re not so different. Not different, but feared, taunted and shunned by ordinary Draicon. Tired of being treated as inferior, Shadow Wolves had retreated to a small Caribbean island to raise their young.” (p. 9 e-ARC)

There’s a bonus short story at the end of the book, Darkness of the Wolf, which was released in e-book format in 2009.

The Shadow Wolf is a book about what happens when fear and prejudice rears its ugly heads. The Shadow Wolves are shifters capable of accessing their magic earlier in life than other shifters known as the Draicon. They can also make themselves invisible. Shadow Wolves have always been feared, but the fear aimed toward them has translated into hatred. The Shadow Wolves' island home is now a prison. Atrocity after atrocity is forced upon the Shadow Wolves. The heroine, Megan, has escaped the island prison with her seven-year-old twin cousins only to find her mate is the enemy. While he doesn’t live on the island, he is a man trapped in a body which is also his prison.

Gabriel has faced fear and hatred and barely survived. He knows far more than Megan thinks about the effects of prejudice, but hides the very personal memories of those moments. Despite being the alpha of all alphas, he is a vulnerable man in need of love. He is a worthy hero who deserves a shot at happy ever after.

The Shadow Wolf is one of those books that features a virgin heroine who is saving her body for the man she loves. That man just so happens to be her destined mate. I’m okay with that, but this…well you decide:

“Breath caught in her lungs as he unbuckled and unzipped his jeans. He pushed them past his thighs. His penis sprang out, reddened and stiff, thick as her wrist.” (p. 112)

“Ah, I’m not like other males, also, so when I come…I get bigger. It will take a few moments. If I pull out now, I could hurt you.” Rolling over, he let her sprawl over his body. Wanton and savage need swirled in her. Megan sighed happily, knowing they were bonded in the flesh.” (p. 115)

Pretty cool if you’re not a virgin and are looking for a big dong. Scary when this is your first time. However the heroine takes it like a pro and orgasms off of sex with the well-hung stud. Yes, this is a paranormal romance. But as big as her wrist? O_O Take this wherever you need to go with it.

Unfortunately, as the story progressed I found myself beginning to dislike the heroine. Megan wanted Gabriel to be open and honest with her, but wasn’t willing to give him the same benefit of the doubt. It began to grate on my nerves and when a promise was broken, I became disgusted with the heroine.

Skip it or Read it?: Hmmm….The Shadow Wolf provided me a short escape from reality. I wanted Gabriel to find love and was not angry that I read the story. I was pleased with the short story surprise I found in the book. The story wasn’t mind blowingly wonderful. I probably won’t even read the book again, but it did its job. It entertained me.

To sum it all up: With the exception of the vivid sex scenes, the story is a traditional alpha male meets virginal destined mate and find a happily ever after. Sometimes that is exactly what I’m looking for. However, I can see people becoming irritated with the transparent suspense and simple way the story closed. I’m not a forgive and forget girl, so I had issues with the way it ended.
Scooper Speaks

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan is part Shadow-Wolf, a breed reviled by the regular werewolves known as Draicons. Her kind are forced to live in exile, on an island, with their powers forbidden. But Megan has escaped and taken her two young cousins with her. She's trying to find the girls' father, in hopes of giving them a better life. But she doesn't get far before Gabriel crosses her path. He is an Enforcer with a reputation to make any Shadow Wolf tremble. But after a short time in his custody, it becomes clear that his reputation is merely a ruse designed to hide the fact that he really a champion to Megan's race. He's been working for years to free her people with an underground railroad he has helped create.

It's hard for Megan to trust him, though. And things get even more complicated when the two of them discover they are really fated mates. That would be enough to deal with all on its own, but Gabriel's organization has been compromised and someone is tracking them, targeting Megan, Gabriel or both of them.

I found I really enjoyed this story... especially first two-thirds of it. Gabriel has a dark secret and some pretty serious self-loathing. (Have I ever mentioned how much I love a tortured hero?) And Megan has such potential to be the one person who can take away his pain and allow him to see the good in himself. She does make a pretty significant blunder that was hard to forgive her for... but these things rarely go smoothly.

There's a big cast of supporting characters, drawing on the obviously rich history of this series. I haven't read any of the previous books, but I didn't feel lost. In fact, I think I'd like to go check out some of the backlist if I ever get my TBR pile under control. A little over 4 stars.

P.S. This book also included a previously published novella, "Darkness of the Wolf." This story features two Draicons named Kayla and Guy. The two are tasked to track down a missing wolf whose pack has been destroyed, then deliver her to a new Alpha. Guy has been imprisoned for 30 years. If he succeeds, he'll be freed. Kayla will get a hefty sum of money. Of course, when they are thrown together, they have no idea they are destined mates. But they find out quickly. Guy has to convince Kayla to embrace the wolf in her that she turned her back on years ago; while she must break down the walls he has built around himself to survive prison all these years. As in most short stories, the relationship develops quickly, but it was both hot and sweet. A welcome bonus!

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

[KJ Shadows · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars!Okay, let me just say that I picked this book up at Walmart for $4.50 because I used a gift card and that was in my price range on what I had left. I'm not going to lie, it had all your love, sex, and gushy mushy stuff that's in your typical romance novel. However it had a bit MORE.

Draicon are werewolves. There are also shadow wolves that turn invisible. Feral which are wild werewolves and Trans-ferals which I believe are both mixed with demon. The book is #10 but as far as I've researched its not an actual series but a series of mini stories built around the world that Draicons live in. In the first story, a woman is trapped on a island where they have imprisoned shadow wolves because they feel inferior to their powers so they feel they have to keep them contained. Gabriel is an enforcer, a man who hunts down these shadow wolves however there is more than meets the eye.

Now I know what your going to say? Sex fest or love story? A mixture of both. While there are plenty (I could maybe three) really steamy sex scenes and lots of sexual tensions even when the pair meet up. Atleast there is an explanation. Draicon have bonded mates so they are automatically attracted to the other pair much like Imprinting in Twilight. But a very adult sexy animalistic way I suppose, this is no bella swan story.

Even though I use to scoff and laugh at romance novels, I was shocked that I actually didn't think it was that bad. Sure, the ending was really fast and some of the story but for the most part, there were some things I really liked. Morphs. Werewolves who kill a relative and sell their soul to a demon? For powers become twisted versions of themselves. The secret Gabriel has. Demon Prisons and endless torture. There is more to the steamy love scenes then the fireman came over and gave Betty the time of her life. It is somewhere between 2-3 stars however I could not put my finger on it. It definately wasn't the best novel ever but better then I expected it to be.


Rating:

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new novel from this author and one that is filled with tension and suspense, watching a woman and her two twin child cousins try to escape the prejudice and oppression that had become the norm for "shadow wolves" -- those shifters who had the ability to become invisible. Deemed abnormal, these shifters had been consigned to an island camp where they were effectively quarantined from "normal" werewolves. Megan has planned this escape attempt but nothing has really gone as it should. Now Gabriel, an undercover advocate for "shadow wolves" has come to their aide, yet there are still humans and shifters who are after their lives and who are also seeking Gabriel to wreck revenge for deaths they cannot accept--sons and daughters who had become feral and whose existence Gabriel had been ordered to end. This is a story that is never easy, one that has at its core both the budding romance between Gabriel and Megan, but also the never absent issue of how can these three live in a world that has declared them abnormal, broken, unwanted and feared. This is not easy reading and is not for those who want a light, fluffy, quick read. It is a novel that pulls at the emotions, is one that the ultimate resolution grows more and more improbably, and which is indeed ended only with some surprising developments. This is the first novel by this author I have read but I was impressed by her expertise and by the overall excellence of the composition of the work. It is somewhat a different kind of paranormal but most of all it deals with the issue of prejudice and how being comfortable with someone who is "different" is so difficult for some, especially when they gain power and are able to enforce their prejudice upon a significant segment of society. It is no different in human society, but the author, I think, has used the paranormal setting to make her point.

[Mary Gramlich · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE SHADOW WOLF by Bonnie Vanak
08/11 – Harlequin - Mass Market Paperback, 288 pages

After you reveal your inner demon is love going to stay with you?

Being on the run absolutely sucks and when you have to hide not only yourself but two small children it is beyond awful. Megan Moraine is part of hidden culture of Shadow Wolves who have the power to make themselves invisible. Megan is trying to save herself and her twin cousins from a marked death by avoiding those determined to kill them. The problem is the head executioner, Gabriel Robichaux just walked in the door. While capture may not be inevitable, escape is always an option.

Gabe takes them to his island getaway and explains he is not one of the bad guys but someone trying to protect her. Megan is not buying this story but the more time she spends with him the more she comes to believe that he may be her only salvation. But one surprise that both of them discovered is not easily brushed aside and cannot be dismissed and when the entire network of safety is compromised no one can be trusted.

When the bad guys do come after them the target they want to destroy is not the one they expected so the tactics must be changed because this is all worse than previously thought. How that is possible Megan will never know but once she and Gabe become a united force nothing is going to separate them and unexpected problems can be resolved

Bonnie Vanak has taken to this genre with such great characters and storylines you get lost in. She writes with great clarity and her supernatural world while detailed is quickly absorbed and wonderful to read. Thanks Bonnie!

[Pamela Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Wolf is a taut, sexy, emotional rollercoaster of a ride.

The novel follows escapee Shadow Wolf Megan as she flees her island prison to take her two nieces to New Orleans and hopefully to someone who can help them achieve a better life. Alex Robichaux is known to all shadow wolves as the go-to person who will aide them. Hungry, tired and untrusting, the three stumble into the path of Gabriel Robichaux, famous Enforcer with a savage reputation against shadow wolves. But the man they meet assures them he will not lay a finger to harm them, and takes them to his home where they find out his reputation is just to protect him – as he is the one who really helps the shadow wolves.

Slowly, Megan’s fear of Gabriel dissipates. Wanting and attraction taking its place. As they give in to their mutual desire, it becomes clear they are destined mates. But will Megan want it to stay that way when she learns of Gabriel’s true nature?

When a common enemy infiltrates Gabriel’s home, they flee to New Orleans where they seek help from his family.

The Shadow Wolf has plenty of twists and turns to keep the story interesting, and a mystery that keeps the readers glued to the page. Told in alternating POV’s of Gabriel and Megan, we get a unique insight into the inner workings of both these intriguing characters.

Megan is a sympathetic character – traumatised with valid fears. It was a pleasure to watch Gabriel help her overcome the fears. The romance between the two was scorching hot but also sweet and gentle.

The Shadow Wolf was an absolute delight to read and fall in love with. A fab new novel.

[Cana Elene (http://placeofreeds.blogspot.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan is a special breed of werewolf, a shadow wolf. This means she can become invisible as well as shapeshift into a wolf. She is on the run with her cousins in effort to give them a new life, away from the persecution for them being a shadow wolf. Gabriel is an enforcer, special werewolf police, who has a deep secret that only his family knows. Trying to atone for a past mistake, he takes Megan and her cousins into custody to protect them and get them new lives.

Now, this is the 4th book in the Draicon Werewolves series, but I will tell you this will not effect how it is read. This is a great stand-alone book.

I loved this book. I read it in 18 hours (I was more than willing to give up on sleep to read this book!), and it was completely worth it. The writing was fast pace and had a great story line. The thought of racism within an already unique population was a great story line to go with. And there are more than just werewolves. There are vampires, fae, demons, and so much more.

I loved the chemistry between Megan and Gabriel. Both are hurting, both are looking for healing through one form or another, but when they discover that they are lifemates, they are too scared to reveal themselves to each other. At times you want to just reach through the book and shake them a few good times to shake some sense into them!

Overall, I highly recommend this book, and I plan on reading the rest of this series!

**There are some adult scenes to this novel, so this novel is not appropriate for all ages.**

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan is on the run with her two young charges. If they are caught, they can be shipped back to the island where Draicon shadow wolves are held as prisoners and considered secondary citizens with no rights. Determined to fight for them and avoid a horrible fate, Megan must get them to unknown safety.

I'll admit that I normally don't give romance novels the greatest of reviews. It's not due to a bias against them. They just aren't typically well developed, a faect which fits the needs of many people reading them. However the characters in Bonnie Vanak's The Shadow Wolf are more developed than is typical of the genre, and the story line surprisingly holds undercurrents of racial discrimination and civil rights throughout the fantasy romance. The fast paced writing is well detailed and the romance side is well blended into the main storyline. It is an enjoyable light read.

Disclaimer: A copy of the book was provided by the publisher.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this story. It was very original and I loved the world Bonnie created. I felt for Megan and her race of Shadow wolves. I felt for Gabriel and his struggled and I loved their interactions together. The romance between Gabriel and Megan is touching and exciting. I really enjoyed the ending and I hope there are more books set in this world. Maybe around Gabriel's Brothers and the Phoenix. There was a novella after the book and it was just a great, set in the same world. Highly recommend to wolf lovers, romance lovers, and anyone looking for a original paranormal world.

[Mem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different take on werewolves, these have the ability to become invisible. Fear has resulted in their capture and detention. Megan Moraine has taken her twin nieces and escaped the detention island, her goal is to get the girls to their father and away from the discrimination and neglect. She is almost out of luck when she is discovered by Gabriel Robichaux. Darkness of the Wolf is the 2nd story in the book, continuation of the series and new abilities are found in the werewolves.

[Le carnet de Calli · Rating 4 out of 5]

En ce jour férié, je me suis dit un peu de bit-lit serai sympa.

J’avais ce livre dans ma liseuse et il m’a bien plu.

Je ne m’y connais pas trop en bit-lit donc je ne suis pas spécialiste, mais j’ai passé un bon moment, le loup-garou fort qui protège ceux qu’il aime malgré son air de gros dur qui ne s’en laisse pas compté.

J’ai aimé les 2 petites filles qui malgré leur jeune âge son courageuse et aide comme elles peuvent.

Megan est une jeune femme qui s’est enfui d’une île ou sa race est emprisonnée et elle a emmené avec elle ses cousines pour les sauver.

Elles croisent sur leur chemin Gabriel qui est un chasseur d’ombre et elle a peur qu’ils les remettent aux mains des autorités et qu’elle retourne sur son île.

Mais il n’en est rien Gabriel est un sauveur d’ombre et il finira pas gagné la confiance de Megan.

J’ai passé un bon moment, ça m’a changé les idées et changé un peu de style de lecture, faudrait que j’en lise d’autres de ce genre, j’aime bien.

[Amelia Jones]

5 stars really,really loved both stories.

[Marcela (BookaholicCat) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is also published at http://thebookaholiccat.com

The Shadow Wolf is book four in the Draicon Werewolves series by Bonnie Vanak.

Megan Moraine has lived almost all her live as a prisoner in Shadow Island, she has suffer as many of her race the injustice of been ostracized by society for being different. She is a shadow werewolf. The shadow werewolves are a kind of werewolves with magical powers, one of them is the power of invisibility. Because of this power they are feared by the other Draicos (werewolves) and have been kept captive in Shadow Island far away from others races.
Shadow Island is a place of injustices and abuses, abuses Megan has suffered for years, abuses Megan doesn’t want her little twin cousins Jenny and Jillian to experience. For that reason she escapes from the Island with the little ones. After some difficulties she has arrived to mainland and is heading to New Orleans where a contact will help them with new identities. But in one stop on their way to freedom they cross paths with the famous merciless enforcer Gabriel Robichaux.
Gabriel takes them under his custody. Megan is almost sure he would return them to Shadow Island but what she doesn’t know is that Gabriel is not what he seems, he is not the bad wolf everybody think he is. Gabriel uses the façade of the ruthless enforcer to protect and help Shadow Wolves and others in need. He does it to atone his guilt for events that happened in his past.
After everything Megan has heard about the cruelties committed by Gabriel is very difficult to trust him and the mutual attraction they are feeling make things even more complicated not just for her but for both of them.
Both have secrets, both have suffered in the hands of others, the questions is would they be able to leave the past in the past and open themselves to a new future together?

Even though The Shadow Wolf is book four in a series I didn’t feel lost but it was clear there was some back history especially with secondary characters.

Megan is a strong heroine, she is fighting for her life and the life and future of her little cousins, she has suffered a lot for many years and has seen the injustices committed towards her race, injustices she would do anything to end. Despite what she has experienced in life there is still a spark of hope and happiness in her. I like Megan during almost all the book, but towards the end she did something she had swear never to do and then I lost my appreciation for her. At the end she did what she was supposed to do but for me she has already lost her points.

Gabriel is a torture hero and how I love those. He has his secrets, secrets that are eating him alive. He also blames himself for something very serious that happened in the past even though it was not his fault. And to complete with the perfect torture hero image he is strong and yummylicious.

Gabriel and Megan relationship was well-developed and a believable one. Although their attraction is You-Are-My-Destined-Mate kind of attraction they don’t fall immediately in each other arms and I like that. The fight against what they are feeling, but at the end our lovebirds succumbed to their passion.

The secondary characters are interesting and as I said before there is a back-story in regards to many of them, especially with Gabriel’s brothers. A character a like a lot and would like to learn more about is Tristan the Phoenix also known as The Immortal Justice. I think he was very interesting and I really would love to read his story.

The plot of the book was interesting, the world building was different, I like that there are different kind of werewolves but I really would have liked to learn more about them. We learn some but it was too superficial to really have a stronger connection with the environment. The pace was good and smooth until the last third of the book when Mrs. Vanak may have been high in caffeine and sadly rushed to end the book.

This is my first book by Bonnie Vanak and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last. I might even pick up previous books of this series and for sure I will get my greedy hands on Tristan when (I hope) he gets his book. If you like werewolves I’m pretty sure you will like The Shadow Wolf.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! The Shadow Wolf was something different. It had everything you want in a paranormal romance.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriel is perhaps the most dangerous of all Draicon werewolves and hides a dark secret. He meets his match in Megan, a Draicon werewolf who turns invisible.
On the run from authorities, gutsy Megan Moraine knows shadow wolves like herself have no place in this world. But she's still prepared to do anything to protect her young charges. That resolve is tested when the trio is captured by Gabriel Robichaux. Everyone knows that Gabriel is a ruthless bounty hunter, a member of an elite group called the Enforcers. Why then is Megan so attracted to her enemy—a wolf who hunts his own people? A wolf whose languid, sexy drawl makes her dream the impossible?

The Shadow Wolf is the first book I’ve read in the Draicon Werewolves and although I enjoyed it I feel I would have benefited more if I had read the previous books in this series. Although I could follow the storyline very easily there were a few small parts where I wondered about things and expect they would have made more sense if I had read the previous books, as they related to previous characters and couples that obviously I knew nothing about.
The Shadow Wolf is a really interesting and different read from the standard paranormal werewolf’s romance and I liked that about. I found it more interesting and more gripping because I was learning different and new things along the way through the story and was enjoying the characters. Megan is a really sweet and different character that you can’t help but feel for and like, after everything she’s been through she’d do all of it again just to keep her charges safe and give them the life they deserve and the freedom they need. Just Megan’s plans are thwarted (or so she thinks) when she ends up in the hands of Gabriel. Gabriel is such a great messed-up alpha character that I couldn’t help but love him. He feels guilt for something from his past and can’t help but carry that guilt around with him and it makes him a great tortured hero but Gabriel also has two secrets, one is that he actually helps people like Megan and he’s not the cruel, merciless killer he’s been claimed to be, the second, well you’ll have to read the book for that one!
The Shadow Wolf was something new, fresh and different for me to try, although there were occasional moments in the book where you could tell what would happen next or what had happened and was about to be explained etc, etc, which sometimes happens and I don’t think it really had a negative effect on the book because of this.

Overall, The Shadow Wolf was an enjoyable read with an interesting twist on a werewolf tale.

[Ashley Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains two stories in the Draicon Werewolves series: "The Shadow Wolf" and "Darkness of the Wolf".

The Shadow Wolf (5 stars)
I loved this story! I loved Megan, Gabriel, and the twins (Jenna & Jillian). The girls will steal your heart! Megan Moraine (a shadow wolf) is on the run with her twin cousins, shadow wolves are treated horribly by the Draicon, trying to find a safe place for the girls and herself. She is determined to protect her young cousins. They are captured by Gabriel Robichaux (she believes is an enforcer who kills all shadow wolves he captures). She is fighting an intense attraction to him and is preparing to run with the girls. She is planning to take the girls to Alexandre (Gabriel's older brother), who protects shadow wolves. She is hoping he will be able to find the girls father. Gabriel is her destined mate but is hiding behind the facade that he shows to the world. Gabriel and Megan are both treated terribly by people who don't understand their differences and who are scared of the power they possess. What is Gabriel hiding? Will Gabriel and Megan be able to get past their fears and have a bright future together as destined mates? Who is Jenna and Jillian's father? Who is chasing Megan, the girls, and Gabriel? Why are they bent on their destruction? Read to find out more!

Darkness of the Wolf (5 stars)
I loved this story! I loved Guy and Kayla and thought they were perfect for each other! This is a great read and I totally recommend it! Guy Laurent is a Draicon who has spent the last thirty years in a prison guarded by demons. He is there for killing his Alpha who had planned to kill several pack members. He told a girl in the pack about his Alpha's plans and was betrayed when she went to the Alpha. Guy was confronted by the Alpha who tried to kill him. It was kill or be killed and Guy prevailed but lost his freedom in the process. Megan Moraine is a Draicon who was thrown out of her pack and disowned by her pregnant mother when she was sixteen. Tristan (the Phoenix, an immortal guardian) takes him out of prison for a few days to take a young girl to the Alpha of Megan's former pack. Megan does not want to hand over the young wolf. Megan is Guy's destined mate. What will happen between Megan and Guy? Will they find a way to be together? Will they get past their issues? Who is after Brianna (the little girl) and why? Will they be able to save her? You will have to read to find out!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, this book was all about the main characters: investing in them, believing in them, and watching them fall for each other. Megan is tough as nails on the outside, willing to fight for her remaining family no matter what the danger and personal cost, but inside she is warm and caring. I love both sides to her personality because even when it would behoove her to watch her mouth she just continues to speak her mind, and express how she sees things. That is a very relatable quality and something I can identify with. What? Me, outspoken? Well, yes, I am. It's that fierce courage that makes her a worthy mate for Gabriel. She has a few secrets but you can count on always knowing where you stand with Megan.


Gabriel is entirely different. It's like he spent so many years cultivating his persona and hiding his real emotions that he can't always find who he really is anymore. For a man that formed an underground railroad for shadow wolves, a job that takes great skill and endless courage, he seems all too ready to hide from his own life. Even from his own family. Not that I blame him because I spent some time myself trying to figure out how they functioned with such a big disconnect between them. How can his parents act with such fear and cowardice when what he is doing is so noble? It makes his parents seem weak when I know that they are just trying to keep the family safe by not crossing any of the powerful Enforcers. Gabriel feels he must keep his true nature on a leash for fear of hurting those around him (a very real possibility) and it would have played better for me if his parents demonstrated more unconditional love (always helps to know who has your back). So I just had a minor issue with the family theme there because the dynamics made me sad for Gabriel.


I cannot say it enough, I love the Nocturne line of books from Harlequin! The price is always right and it is a fabulous way to discover new authors, something I was once again able to do with Bonnie Vanak. I'm not sure how I've missed her name before, but I'm glad that I gave her Draicon werewolves a try.

[Laurielu Bona Fide Reflections · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is the fourth book in the Draicon Werewolves series. Megan Moraine and her younger, twin cousins - Jillian and Jenny - have fallen on hard times since they escaped imprisonment from an island where they were confined for being a different, “inferior” type of Draicon (werewolf). They are rare Shadow Wolves which are wolves that can turn invisible. Because of their unconventional talent, they are ostracized by the Draicon community. Megan is prepared to protect her cousins and has done everything she can to ensure their safety.

While on the run to Louisiana to seek refuge and connect with a relative of Jillian and Jenny’s, the trio desperately endeavor to avoid the Enforcers who will apprehend them and return them to the island they left. Tired, dispirited and in desperate need of assistance to get to their destination, they are taken into custody by Gabriel Robichaux who has a reputation for being brutal and unforgiving against the Shadow Wolves.

Interest flares between Megan and Gabriel immediately upon their meeting; but, neither one knows what to do with the attraction. Despite her feelings toward Gabriel, Megan is bound and determined to see that her young cousins get to Louisiana at any cost. Regardless of his reputation, Gabriel is not what he seems. He has a few secrets of his own he agonizingly attempts to keep hidden from the world and Megan.

As the Gabriel and Megan spend more time together, their attachment deepens. The biggest obstacle to their relationship emerges in the need to have complete trust in each other. They will need to obtain this high level of mutual certainty in order to accomplish their mission to keep Jillian and Jenny safe. Megan's safety depends on this, as well.

This story has many good elements that make a paranormal romance worth reading. The plot and love story mesh well with each other and offer a cohesive, believable adventure. I would recommend The Shadow Wolf as a good summer read to enjoy at the beach or the pool.

Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!!

[Maura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story introduces a new race of Draicon - Shadows. From what I was able to understand they are unable to shift into wolves, but can turn invisible and gain their magick very early in life. They are also treated like lepers in the Draicon universe. After the treatment of Shadows on her island gets beyond worse, Megan takes her twin cousins and tries to escape, so she can find their real father and give leave them with him, giving them a better life. But they are captured by Gabriel Robichaux, an Enforcer who is more than he seems. Although rumors say he kills Shadows, he actually runs an underground railroad for them. And it turns out he is Megan's destined mate. But Megan is wary of Gabriel and he has secrets so dark they would have Megan run screaming from him.

This was pretty interesting. I definitely loved the interaction between the characters. Gabriel is another tortured soul - this family churns out a lot of them...parents must not be that great - and while he's possessive, he just wants to be loved for who he is. Another fluffy teddy bear soul. Megan has lived her life in fear and isn't sure how to go about stopping it. She continually becomes frustrated with Gabriel's inability to open up. It created some very nice angst for them. Sadly this book was a bit predictable. As soon as Megan promises Gabriel that she would never call him a monster, since that would break his heart more than anything else (since he's a Trans-Feral and can turn into a monster), you know that she's going to do it. And she does. But it did create some nice tension and angst and kept me reading. So yeah. I liked it. But I still think that the Robichaux parents should have been sterilized - how many kids did they screw up?

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I picked up THE SHADOW WOLF, I had an idea that it was part of a series, but I wasn't sure. Then I read some, and realized it certainly was, and I constantly felt like I was missing something. Given that this is rather a short novel (the ebook version includes a novella by the same author), I can forgive some of the confusion because there's not a lot of space to develop the world or explain the magic system. But I kept questioning things like 'why would the ability to become invisible be considered a bad thing?' and 'who are these highhanded crazy people who think imprisoning those who are different is even possible?' It certainly seemed easy enough to break out of said prison, after all.

That said, the story is well told. Sometimes the romance bits veer into the purple, but there's plenty of steamy sex. Occasionally I wanted to just knock the main characters over the head and make them talk, because keeping secrets from your mate never ends well. But then there would be no romantic tension, of course.

In both the main novel and the novella, there was a bit of a deus ex machina character, who does things for his own reasons and we never quite understand his motives. But his actions make for happy endings, and those are what romance novels are all about.

I received this as a digital ARC from Netgalley.

[Cleffairy Cleffairy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at: Over A Cuppa Tea
Review date" 22 July 2011
Review link: http://cleffairy.com/?p=5757

The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak is darkly irresistible and romantic. I love the author’s amazing imagination and how each character’s emotions were portrayed so vividly.

At some point, I feel as if I could understand the heroine’s predicament where she constantly have to hide and have to always be on the run. I admire the heroine’s strength and charisma, and if you’re looking for something different to read than your regular, submissive weakling of a heroine, you might want to pick up this book for a change.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I received an ARC of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review for this book.