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Woods Family #1

Surrounded by Woods

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When Mikaela Patterson takes on a client with specific requirements that no single women be allowed on his property, she keeps her broken engagement a secret. She doesn't realize her client and his sons are mountain lion shifters whose instinct to mate with any available woman can turn deadly.

Josh Woods knows his father would never allow an available woman on the property, so he doesn't understand why he is immediately drawn to Mikaela. Their passion ignites, but when the truth comes out about Mikaela's true availability and Josh's animal instincts, their desire has consequences neither wants to face.

Warning: This book contains a shifter who will make you sweat and a feisty heroine who can take him on. Get a cool drink when you read this one!

Order of books in this series:
Surrounded by Death (Prequel to Woods Family Series, a FREE short story)
Surrounded by Woods (Book 1)
Surrounded by Pleasure (Book 2)
Surrounded by Temptation (Book 3)
Surrounded by Secrets (Book 4)

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2011

79 people are currently reading
1039 people want to read

About the author

Mandy Harbin

53 books296 followers
Mandy Harbin is a USA Today Best‐selling author who loves creating stories that explore the complexities of everyday relationships...with some kissing thrown in. She also writes young adult romance as M.W. Muse because teens like kissing, too.

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The Bang Shift Series
Brody (The Bang Shift, #1) by Mandy Harbin Hunter (The Bang Shift, #2) by Mandy Harbin Blade (The Bang Shift, #3) by Mandy Harbin Shelby (Bang Shift, 4) by Mandy Harbin Axle A Military Bad Boy Mercenary Romance (The Bang Shift Book 5) by Mandy Harbin Roc by Mandy Harbin

Tender Tarts
Super Hot Supervisor (Tender Tarts #1) by Mandy Harbin California Crush (Tender Tarts #2) by Mandy Harbin Hardheaded Hubby (Tender Tarts #3) by Mandy Harbin Long Distance Lover by Mandy Harbin Momma's Boy by Mandy Harbin

Woods Family Series
Surrounded By Woods (Woods Family, #1) by Mandy Harbin Surrounded By Pleasure (Woods Family Series Book 2) by Mandy Harbin Surrounded By Temptation (Woods Family Series Book 3) by Mandy Harbin Surrounded By Secrets (Woods Family Series Book 4) by Mandy Harbin

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5 stars
360 (26%)
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441 (32%)
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391 (28%)
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127 (9%)
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42 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Tink Magoo is bad at reviews.
1,291 reviews251 followers
December 23, 2018
I really liked this one. Could feel the chemistry between them right from the start and I loved Josh's dirty mouth.

My only criticism would be that the ending was really rushed. I would have liked more and the writing was a little repetitive in places.

Safety gang - neither are virgins. There is no other woman or man drama, though the H does believe the h is engaged for most of the book.
Profile Image for Mandy Sickle.
1,475 reviews152 followers
May 26, 2016
Mikaela hasn’t told her boss yet she’s no longer engaged so when she is sent away to work for a client on some legal documents she doesn’t think it’s the time to mention it either. Maybe a trip into the wilderness will just be what she needs to get over the betrayal. Arriving at the Woods home she finds the perfect distraction and can’t deny her attraction to Josh even though they all think she’s engaged. Josh knows she’s off limits his kind won’t go after a taken woman even if the cougar in his is determined that at just a glace she’s more than just a one-night stand. While they try to keep it to a professional level deep down they know they need each other. What will happen when Mikaela learns about Josh’s secret and he her secret?

I like Mikaela she’s adorable and Josh while he is ruled by his cat he seems to need her as much as she needs him. They have a lot of chemistry between the two of them that is on fire and heating up the bedroom. While I’m not a huge fan of insta love it just really works for these two of them. A sweet steamy happy ever after with just enough story and bedroom romance in the mix.

I happened across this one that was on my kindle the allure of the cougar shifter is what captured my attention. The concept for the cougar shifters is unique what happens when the find their mate was really interesting. I can see why their father kept them isolated because if things didn’t work out it could end badly for both. I enjoyed the authors story telling it’s a fast paced whirlwind romance that just really works out. I enjoyed every page it was hard to put down I finished it in about twenty minutes. I’m curious to see how the rest of the series will play out for Josh’s brothers.
Profile Image for Laurie Garrison .
727 reviews173 followers
July 29, 2011
*After reading this ebook my mouth still hung open on my desk* this is one hot dominant novella read here. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop and there better be more books coming…. This was very fast pace read with all of the goodies that comes with an erotic paranormal romance.

What I look for in a novella is fun, excitement and most of all connection between a couple in romance. Most of the time with the novella’s I find it’s hard to find the right connection between couples because it’s just hard to get everything in a shorter book. This one fit’s my excellent novella quality and the connection between these two are high. I find very few authors that can accomplish the this, so congrats. I know there are always people who want’s a longer story, but hey if it made you happy after your done why fuss?… Anyhow, this book is top on my recommend list. If your one for a small story, fun, romance and some hot dominating mountain lion shifters, you have try this one.

Now, on to the story which I am not telling you much of because you need to read it LOL. So, Mikaela finds her dead beat fiancé doing something with someone else, but she doesn’t want to tell anyone just yet. So, she lives a lie and is sent to this client that only wants mated females to come. Why? Let’s just say it’s not fun when all the sudden you’re setting with a bunch of changed horny mountain lions growling at you. LOL Now, don’t worry Mikaela only has the hotts for one of these mountain lions J

There are 5 total brothers and one single father. I really hope that the all get a story that’s just right for them.

So, that’s all I have time for because I have to go back and re-read some parts *wicked grin*


Teaser
She stepped back, instantly realizing his intent. “I have no need to know where your room is.”
He continued his advance. “You might like mine better.”
“How so?”
“I’d be in it.”
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
February 20, 2015
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!

The cover is beautiful!! I’d take Josh and his cat anyday ;)

This is an adult book due to the sexual content and scenes which were very steamy.

I’ve had this book for more than a year, and I’m not sure why I didn’t read it sooner. This is my first time reading Mandy’s work, and it is definitely not my last. This book surprised me because normally I want action not just dating or sexual drama, but Mandy did a phenomenal job of pulling me into the story and not letting go. I know it says this book is around 75 pages, but it felt much fuller a story than 75 pages and I have no idea how she managed it but awesome!!! :)

Mikaela is an awesome female lead because she strong and quick witted and is excellent with her banter. I was definitely laughing out loud several times when her and Josh were having words. Josh is strong, sexy, and very devious which I love :)

Mandy’s shifter world is more like cats in the wild which is really cool and makes it a unique twist for what I’ve read thus far. Of course I didn’t want it to end, so now I want more!!! It is a good thing I have book 2 as part of a bundle shifter set I bought!!! YAY!!!

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves shifter reads and being free it is a great way to get to know this author’s work!!!
Profile Image for I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com).
1,028 reviews2,904 followers
September 21, 2011
I know what you are thinking, single male mountain lion shifters on the prowl for a mate, been there, done that, right? Well, not so fast. Author Mandy Harbin puts a little spin on this story that is unique and is sure to suck you in as the details unfold.

The Woods brothers are constantly looking for a mate for their lion side, but it's a little difficult to find one when your father won't allow any single females on the property. That all changes when the formerly engaged attorney, Mikaela Patterson, is assigned to handle some legal matters for the Woods Estate in Texas. From the second Mikaela steps foot on the property, the brothers are sniffing around her, especially Josh who is the oldest, but they respect the fact that she is (supposedly) engaged to another man and tamp down their instincts to claim her.

At every turn, Mikaela finds her personal space invaded by a thick, well-muscled body belonging to none other than Josh Woods. If his hot body and good looks aren't enough, his silver tongue is bound to send her over the edge, especially when he murmurs those naughty words in her ear. Her brain is telling her to remain professional but her body is urging her to act on the desire that ignites every time she is around this man. When the truth about her availability comes to light, it actually becomes a life or death situation for Mikaela. The Woods brothers must fight the instinct of their lion side to mate with any available female, because if the female is unwilling, the results can be deadly for one or both of them.

SURROUNDED BY WOODS is sexy and exciting. I love it when a strong willed woman is paired with a dominant man...it makes for some really hot bedroom scenes! Since there are a total of 5 brothers, I am hoping for at least 4 more stories from Ms. Harbin. I can't wait to read about the rest of the brothers and the adventures they are sure to experience in their quest to find a mate to claim.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.

The Romance Review

✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
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Profile Image for T00zday.
578 reviews128 followers
January 2, 2015
I don't know if it was my having a cold and being on cold meds while reading this, but it was just so-so to me.

2.5 stars.

I enjoyed the romance & chemistry but I really didn't get much sense of the characters. (shrug) Still an enjoyable story.

Mikaela is an attorney who has recently broken off her engagement with her cheating ex. She caught him in the act with his secretary.

Mikaela's boss is unaware she is no longer engaged because Mikaela doesn't want to tarnish her image within the company by admitting her fiance' cheated on her.
Her boss asks her to go to Texas for two weeks to deal with one of their high priority clients that own a foresting/lumber ranch.

When she arrives, she is greeted by Thomas and his four hunky sons. The eldest son Josh immediately begins flirting with her. He immediately begins a full scale seduction from the moment they're alone.

This family of men, the Woods - are Mountain Lion shifters.

The POV switches between Mikaela & Josh a couple of times throughout the story, which I enjoyed.

They don't hook up until past the 50% mark. When Mikaela admits she is no longer engaged, all of the men go into "Pounce" mode and shift. In this world, the shifters are incredibly eager/desperate for a mate.

There's a little stretch of trouble with a snow storm (in Texas?!?! Try again...) snowing them all in and all of them having to lock themselves in their rooms so that no one force-mates Mikaela.

Buuut all is worked out in the end...which was a little abrupt to me. I would have liked to read about the family's reaction to the mating, what Mikaela would do about her job, etc... But the reader doesn't get that. (shrug)

Not erotica, but very detailed sex scenes.
Recommended as filler.
HFN
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,957 reviews128 followers
February 5, 2013
Enjoyed immensely right up till the end when Josh finally claimed his mate, the next part is the one that took my suspension of disbelief and threw it out the window so what would have been a higher rating almost became the lowest and then split the difference.

This had great potential even as short a story as it is every character was interesting and main characters very well developed and their relationship was fun to watch develop. However what it all boiled down to was my inability to "buy into" what happened when these two mated, it defied even the loosest rules of being a shifter and it just did not work for me.

No specifics as not ruining what is a pretty good read otherwise and hope that others enjoy the novella.
Profile Image for Jon Abbott.
180 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2017
Juvenile

The male MC using words and phrases like "babe," "her eyeballing me" or "I'd bet my left nut" is so teen boys' locker room talk. Or, I guess, presidential. Not for me.

Oh, those were all on one page.
Profile Image for Crystal K.
598 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2023
3 stars

I loved their chemistry, but it's a solid 3 stars from me. We got a teaser for the next book in the series, though. It seems good.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,146 reviews323 followers
March 12, 2013
Mikaela Patterson is a heartbroken lawyer determined to keep her pain private and use work to help her cope. She embarks on a previously agreed upon assignment to help draw up contracts for a family while living and working on their property. What Mikaela doesn't know is that four sexy, hot mountain lion shifters with an inability to contain themselves around unmated women make up the family around which she will be working and staying.

The action begins when Mikaela arrives and doesn't stop until the very end. Josh and Mikaela have an instant connection and the sex play begins the first day she arrives. I liked that--no waiting, game playing, or baiting. When Mikaela announced she was no longer engaged at the dinner table the author did a masterful job of describing her reaction when four brothers turned to four mountain lions. It felt just like you were in the room, and the reaction was so realistic I was immediately captivated and laughed out loud at myself. I had to remind myself that this is a paranormal novel, and I had to continue to remind myself as I read on through this novel. That's one of the things I absolutely loved is that I could really invite myself into this story. The characters were so familiar and easy to identify with that I really felt genuine emotions as I read the story.

Mikaela was absolutely fearless and provoked Josh to mate with her. I was almost cheering--way to go Mikaela. Josh was so considerate of Mikaela and so hot. He really knew his way around a woman's body..Whew!!!! They have their happily ever after and but for the fact that there was another book I would have been saddened beyond comprension.

This was an awesome book. I loved the competitive, loyal, loving nature of Josh and his family. The brothers helped to defuse situations that could possibly lead to the death of another brother in the name of love. I also loved how much they adored their father and obeyed him. Get the entire series. You won't be sorry.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
Profile Image for Kat Morrisey.
Author 7 books45 followers
March 3, 2013
3.75 out of 5 stars.

I liked the book. It was certainly an interesting concept and a take on the shifter world I hadn't heard before. (Though it should be noted I am just getting into shifter books so this is new to me, but might not be in the wider world of shifter novels). My only real complaint is that the book was too short and even this is not really a complaint so much as a whine cause I would have loved to spend more time with the MCs. (For serious, I loved those two!) Spending more time with them as would have been a bonus but maybe we see more of them in the later books (please please pretty PLEASE?) And lastly, the steam factor was like 5 thousand...at least. So keep a glass of water nearby!

The story itself was well written and I didn't catch major editing errors. One thing I did appreciate was that, given the high steam, the author still took care to have a story to go along with them. It wasn't sex scenes just for sex scenes sake. So if you like hot PNR, this book just might be for you. :D I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future and cannot wait to get Toby's story!

*This book was a self-purchase and I was not in any way compensated for, or even asked, to review this book. All opinions are my own*
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
November 7, 2014
He had to fight his instint to stalk and mount her. He wanted nothing more in this moment than to claim her right now. Right fucking now! Feeling his control slipping, relief washed through him remembering she was taken. If she wasn't taken, he knew there'd be no way to stop himself from claiming her.

I normally don't read a lot of paranormal but I'm a bit of a sucker for a man that can't resist his lady (or a shifter cat that can't resist his mate). Surrounded by Woods provided me a short way to get a little shifter action and proved to be a sexy, quick read. Because this is outside my normal genre, I wouldn't have paid to read this, but for a freebie, was enjoyable. Definitely more erotica than romance.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,696 reviews228 followers
October 19, 2012
Holy hot shifters, Batman! This was one sexy little read. From the build-up between Josh and Mikaela to the time they actually did the deed, it was smokin'. I can definitely say that the sex was nice on this one. In fact, nice might be too tame a word. It steamed. I liked it.

This book was a free Kindle download I picked up 10/17/12 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Emily.
5,875 reviews548 followers
October 19, 2012
"Fascinating story, there is a twist to the Woods family and their shifter capabilities that will captivate readers."

Full read on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=7369

Reread, this is pretty fun read. Josh is drawn to Mikaela and although she is taken and untouchable he can't stop himself. Maybe it's because she really is available and his more primal side senses that.
Profile Image for Carolyn F..
3,491 reviews51 followers
January 1, 2015
Some brothers who are isolated for their own good are introduced to a woman that may or may not be taken. The story was sweet. A little back and forth with their feelings and a nice happy ever after.
Profile Image for Hbeebti.
2,039 reviews50 followers
January 28, 2013
This was so very good. I am dying to read about the other brothers now. Just was such a sexy shifter book.
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,219 reviews
March 28, 2018
>Book Review – Surrounded by Woods
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Woods Family series and ends in an HEA. Unmated cougars around unmated females can be deadly. If a female is forced to mate, both parties die. To save his sons, Thomas only allows females that are spoken for on his property. Mikaela is the Woods family lawyer and needs to go on to the property to deal with some work. She is taken, but breaks off her engagement, not telling anyone.
>Josh Woods is attracted to Mikeala and is actually very forward in his talk and actions towards her. Later in the story he acts a little more realistic, but at first he is actually so aggressive that Mikaela should be frightened, but isn’t. Her actions, along with Josh’s during this initial meeting really ruin the story. As the story continues and the brothers realize she is unmated, there is a certain level of excitement as Mikaela is in danger.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this story 3 stars. There was so much more that could have been done with this plot.
Profile Image for valorie grogan.
22 reviews
September 18, 2021
Amazing, Fun, Sexy Tasty read

Thank you, Thank you! I absolutely loved this book!!! Super detailed, good plot, sexy, toe curling joy to read. Josh makes your mouth water, and My hero is Makeala. She ain't no wimpy weepy damsel in distress.
Wish I could give this read 10 stars.
Bravo!!!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews101 followers
March 23, 2020
Good Story

Mikaela had to go in place of a fellow attorney. Everyone thought she was still engaged but she wasn't. Josh, and his family are mountain lion shifters, but they are looking for a mate.
Profile Image for Laura Rose.
455 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2021
Great start

Really, really enjoyed this book. It’s a firm favourite reread of mine. The whole can’t be with an unattached female or suffer the consequences is such a unique concept. Very sexy and hot books. Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
759 reviews
July 8, 2023
Better than I thought it would be. Frustrating to not understand the "curse" basically until the end but all in all was very hot.
I think I'll re read Eric's story now that I understand the curse thingy
Profile Image for Sara Speck.
229 reviews
July 9, 2024
Mountain Lion Shifters!

Had me intrigued in the first chapter and completely hooked by the third! Lawyer meets Lumberjack, in this steamy romance and both fight instinct and desire.
66 reviews
November 11, 2020
I enjoyed the interaction between Josh and Mikaela, 2 strong characters who know what they want and go for it. It was a pleasure to read this book.
Profile Image for JoLee (Cozy.Sunday.Reads).
877 reviews72 followers
January 9, 2014
Rating 4 stars loved it.


Wow! Mandy Harbin nailed it with this lovely short novella. For a short story it had a perfect amount of detail and back story. Not many short novellas have this. Once I started I could not put it down. Awesome characters that feel real they jump off the pages, you feel their pain and happiness. I love the world she built with sexy brothers who are Lion Mountain Shifters but keep to them selves. Their inner cat’s are itching to find an available mate that is unattached. This is why the father will only allow woman who are in a relationship in his home.

Mikaela just caught her fiancé in bed with another woman but has not told no one yet. Loved how Mandy Harbin does not dwell on Mikaela situation but gives just enough information to know what happened and how she feels about it. Her boss still thinks she is engage and sends her to the Woods house to fix some legal stuff for the father. She has no clue that they are Lion Mountain Shifters. I loved how she found out they were shifters as it was an intense moment but was not big on her reaction. She took it pretty easy. I found Mikaelas character sexy with her strong will attitude. She can not understand why she is starting to show feelings for a man she just met who at times just irritates her.

Loved Josh character right from the beginning with his arrogant attitude. He comes off strong right from the start with his cockiness. Even though he knows she has a fiancé, his inner cat is still dying to mate with Mikaela. He does not understand why this is happening but seems he can not stay away from her or keep his hands off her. Once he has a taste of her he starts getting possessive, jealous with an alpha male attitude. Loved how Mikaela has his stomach tied in knots and he looses a little bit of control of his inner cat. Loved how she had him pacing the floor while she went out to the bar. His sweet side was adorable. Loved he would stare at her almost every night at the dinner table and would not start eating till she started.

Their chemistry was hot right from the beginning. The sexual tension was steamy and the sex scenes made me want to take a cold shower after. Loved how Mikaela goes head to head with Josh. Never a dull moment with these two. They are sexy, fun and sweet together.


Loved all the brothers. All of them have their own personality. They were in the story just enough to where I want to know more about them. Never take away from Josh and Mikaela story just added so much more fun to it. The brotherly love his sweet and funny. I love how they have breakfast and dinner together every day. Loved how we got just enough back story on Eric from the father. Got my copy of his story Surrounded by Death: Woods Family Prequel for free with Amazon.


Got my copy Free from Amazon and so happy I read it as soon as I got it. Already bought my copy of Toby’s story Surrounded by Pleasure (Woods Family #2). Look forward to get back to the Woods brothers and see how Toby’s inner cat does with an unattached female. Do not know if the first in the Woods Family series is always free or just a limited time, but grab your copy now as it is a must read and great series not to be miss. Keeper for me as I will re-read in the future. Mandy Harbin is now a favorite author for me that I look forward to reading everything she has written and future novels.

Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Profile Image for Heather Book Savvy Babe.
495 reviews134 followers
November 14, 2011
Surrounded by Woods is a quick, fun, hot read. Newly single Mikaela is sent on business to the remote estate of a wealthy client. The client specified that only “taken” women were allowed on his property, and thinking she was still engaged, Mikaela’s boss sent her on the trip. From the minute Mikaela arrived on the property, Josh was enamored and his inner mountain lion longed to take Mikaela as his mate. After numerous heated encounters, both Mikaela and Josh have to reveal their secrets, but it might be too late.

I really did enjoy this book, it is a very quick read, full of heat and shifters. I understood why Mikaela was not upfront about her single status. After breaking off her engagement, she felt embarrassed and did not want everyone making a fuss. When she was sent to the Wood’s estate, she had no idea what the consequences would be. Mr. Woods is the patriarch of the family and his sons live on the estate with him. His sons are all very handsome, and very polite, but Josh stands out. Mikaela and Josh have definite chemistry, and Mikaela does not act like a “taken” woman. As the story continues, their attraction builds.

I had only minor issues with this book. I think it is a bit odd how fast Josh and Mikaela fall “in love.” They hardly see or talk to each other, and all of a sudden, they are in love. I realize that the book is short, but that aspect seemed a bit off to me. Aside from that, I still enjoyed the romance of the story. Josh and his brothers are all dominant males. Their animal instincts tend to rule them and they overpower their human natures around available females. I understood that, and it worked for the story. Mikaela takes to the supernatural shifters pretty well, and I have to say that I was very pleased with the outcome of the book.

With instinct driven shifters and an unsuspecting heroine, the result is a steamy, sweet short story. Paranormal readers, if you are looking for a fun, quick, sexy read I recommend giving Surrounded by Woods a try. I enjoyed Surrounded by Woods, and I will read more from Mandy Harbin in the future.
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