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The Wolf Pack #1
Taming the Wolf
The award-winning author of "Inferno" and "Recipe for Temptation" brings readers an updated version of the first book in The Wolf Pack series, "Taming the Wolf", an erotic romance novel that was originally published in 2007.
*** *** ***
Can a Wolf...Be Tamed?
With Samara Layton’s community outreach organization facing bankruptcy, she turns to wealthy attorney Marcus Wolf for a bailout. The only problem is that Marcus is the same sexy, gorgeous man she turned down at a fashion show in New York. Little did she know that she would soon need his help to rescue her business. As she sets out to seduce him, she quickly discovers just how pleasurable it can be to tame a wolf…
From the moment Samara steps onto the runway in a breathtakingly sheer gown, Marcus is captivated. When their eyes meet, the electricity between them is enough to light up all of Manhattan. But while Marcus would like nothing more than to bed the exotic beauty, he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with her. But when Samara comes to him for help, she makes him an offer he can’t possibly refuse...
*** *** ***
Can a Wolf...Be Tamed?
With Samara Layton’s community outreach organization facing bankruptcy, she turns to wealthy attorney Marcus Wolf for a bailout. The only problem is that Marcus is the same sexy, gorgeous man she turned down at a fashion show in New York. Little did she know that she would soon need his help to rescue her business. As she sets out to seduce him, she quickly discovers just how pleasurable it can be to tame a wolf…
From the moment Samara steps onto the runway in a breathtakingly sheer gown, Marcus is captivated. When their eyes meet, the electricity between them is enough to light up all of Manhattan. But while Marcus would like nothing more than to bed the exotic beauty, he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with her. But when Samara comes to him for help, she makes him an offer he can’t possibly refuse...
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2007
118 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Smith
69 books803 followerspseudonym Naomi Chase
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
Maureen Smith is a USA Today bestselling author who has garnered critical acclaim for her sensual romances and heart-pounding romantic suspense. She has won a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (nominated for seven total) and numerous Emma Awards. She also writes sexy women’s fiction under the award-winning pen name Naomi Chase.
Before becoming an author, Maureen interned with a former U.S. presidential candidate, worked at the famous Watergate complex, and enjoyed a stint as a reporter and freelance writer. She is married to her college sweetheart and they have two children.
Visit Maureen’s website and join her mailing list to receive updates about new books, current projects, and upcoming appearances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 17, 2016
Spoiler Free Review
TBR Rank: This was book #229 pulled to read from my TBR pile
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance (Erotica)
Series: Book #1 in The Wolf Pack series
NOTE: Taming the Wolf is for readers who have a sweet tooth, looking for a sweet love story where the characters experience a case of insta-love. If that’s you go 1-click!
The book starts with multimillion dollar, powerful attorney Marcus Wolf front row at world renowned Asha Dubois’s fashion show. Um, excuse me; he’s at this show against his will I should add. Regardless of his reluctance, his whole demeanor begins to change the second the show opens and Samara walks the runway. Not one to slouch, he sits up in his seat with interest providing her his full attention.
After another broken promise from her mother, Samara can’t get out of the building fast enough. She only opened the show hoping that in return her mother(Asha) would help her out of a bind. You see, the non-profit organization Samara runs is barely keeping a float. And after her mother’s rejection she must find another donor.
Right before she makes her great escape she bumps in to none other than Marcus Wolf. Happy of course to be directly in her way, Marcus is then introduced to her by a mutual friend. However his attempts at asking her out flops and just as quickly as he meets her, Samara is on her way out the door.
Holding absolutely no clue that Marcus can be her saving grace; not just financially but physically and emotionally, Samara returns from New York to Washington D.C. bearing bad news.
That is until her co-worker Melissa brings in the Washington Post...
Later that afternoon, Melissa burst excitedly into Samara’s office.
“Have you seen today’s Washington Post? Specifically the Metro section?” Samara chuckled, looking pointedly at the pile of paperwork in front of her.
“Does it look like I’ve had time to read the newspaper?”
“I think I may have found the solution to our financial crisis,” Melissa rushed on as if Samara hadn’t spoken. She tossed the Metro section onto Samara’s desk, the edges crumpled from her overzealous grip.
“Take a look at that.”
Samara glanced down and froze. Slowly, almost against her will, she picked up the newspaper and stared at the front page. PROMINENT ATTORNEY BRINGS PRACTICE TO THE BELTWAY, the headline proclaimed. And there, to her utter astonishment, was a photograph of Marcus Wolf.
Things may work out after all. Only how can she regain Marcus Wolf’s attention after she straight shut him DOWN in New York? Using her feminine wilds, Samara pops up on Marcus while he is speaking to local college students.
Her main focus? To obtain his focus and leave him wanting more; which she does ;)
Thoughts
Sometimes sweet insta-love story lines can back fire if the reader is not in the mood for it. I wasn’t really looking for that in this read. I was more so searching for a sensual love story with suspense. Now, I’ve read another book by this author and enjoyed her style so I gave this one a shot. Annnnnd I thought it was ok, just not what I was expecting. Not sure yet if I’ll continue the Wolf Pack series. Yes, the Wolf men both young and old are delicious. Hmm, however I might need to wait for the mood to strike.
Cliffhanger???
HEA???
My Ratings
Writing Style- Sweet with a bit of predictability.
POV Dual male and female pov
Plot/Storyline- A woman seeks out a hot rich attorney in need of a donation for her non-profit.
Steam Factor- ( Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium. On a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Entertainment Level-(On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium
Overall- I thought it was okay.
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
TBR Rank: This was book #229 pulled to read from my TBR pile
3 STARS out of 5
Genre: Adult Romance (Erotica)
Series: Book #1 in The Wolf Pack series
NOTE: Taming the Wolf is for readers who have a sweet tooth, looking for a sweet love story where the characters experience a case of insta-love. If that’s you go 1-click!
The book starts with multimillion dollar, powerful attorney Marcus Wolf front row at world renowned Asha Dubois’s fashion show. Um, excuse me; he’s at this show against his will I should add. Regardless of his reluctance, his whole demeanor begins to change the second the show opens and Samara walks the runway. Not one to slouch, he sits up in his seat with interest providing her his full attention.
After another broken promise from her mother, Samara can’t get out of the building fast enough. She only opened the show hoping that in return her mother(Asha) would help her out of a bind. You see, the non-profit organization Samara runs is barely keeping a float. And after her mother’s rejection she must find another donor.
Right before she makes her great escape she bumps in to none other than Marcus Wolf. Happy of course to be directly in her way, Marcus is then introduced to her by a mutual friend. However his attempts at asking her out flops and just as quickly as he meets her, Samara is on her way out the door.
Holding absolutely no clue that Marcus can be her saving grace; not just financially but physically and emotionally, Samara returns from New York to Washington D.C. bearing bad news.
That is until her co-worker Melissa brings in the Washington Post...
Later that afternoon, Melissa burst excitedly into Samara’s office.
“Have you seen today’s Washington Post? Specifically the Metro section?” Samara chuckled, looking pointedly at the pile of paperwork in front of her.
“Does it look like I’ve had time to read the newspaper?”
“I think I may have found the solution to our financial crisis,” Melissa rushed on as if Samara hadn’t spoken. She tossed the Metro section onto Samara’s desk, the edges crumpled from her overzealous grip.
“Take a look at that.”
Samara glanced down and froze. Slowly, almost against her will, she picked up the newspaper and stared at the front page. PROMINENT ATTORNEY BRINGS PRACTICE TO THE BELTWAY, the headline proclaimed. And there, to her utter astonishment, was a photograph of Marcus Wolf.
Things may work out after all. Only how can she regain Marcus Wolf’s attention after she straight shut him DOWN in New York? Using her feminine wilds, Samara pops up on Marcus while he is speaking to local college students.
Her main focus? To obtain his focus and leave him wanting more; which she does ;)
Thoughts
Sometimes sweet insta-love story lines can back fire if the reader is not in the mood for it. I wasn’t really looking for that in this read. I was more so searching for a sensual love story with suspense. Now, I’ve read another book by this author and enjoyed her style so I gave this one a shot. Annnnnd I thought it was ok, just not what I was expecting. Not sure yet if I’ll continue the Wolf Pack series. Yes, the Wolf men both young and old are delicious. Hmm, however I might need to wait for the mood to strike.
Cliffhanger???
HEA???
My Ratings
Writing Style- Sweet with a bit of predictability.
POV Dual male and female pov
Plot/Storyline- A woman seeks out a hot rich attorney in need of a donation for her non-profit.
Steam Factor- ( Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium. On a scale of 1-10 I say 7
Entertainment Level-(On a scale of Lo-Med-Hi) I say Medium
Overall- I thought it was okay.
Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
August 18, 2011
2.5 stars.
I won't give you a synopsis of the story, I'll rather cut to the chase right now. And honestly, I can't say that I was riveted by this story. Therefore, I won't invest a lot of time writing this review. Besides there's no need to waste a nice quote on this story, either.
This one was really too sugary, too predictable for my liking. And there's too much sex. As I already mentioned a few times I prefer quality rather than quantity! I caught myself skipping pages because I got bored. I felt that the sex was overshadowing the whole storyline. And a friendly message to Marcus and Samara: Gosh, I know it's fun to have sex in the kitchen, in the bathroom, outdoors, etc., etc., etc. or wherever you want to do it then do it, but PLEASE try to find a bed once in a while.
Samara and Marcus have the hots for each other and then some. I get it, but did he have to propose so soon?? Frankly it isn't all that reasonable. The marriage proposal set a chain of events that unfolded based on the issues these characters had with their mothers. This particular scene when Samara walked in on Marcus and then acted like a furious, jealous, childish brat...So stupid! Woman, open your eyes AND your mind! Think first, then speak and do it wisely, and DON'T judge hastily. And if she really trusted him, she would have given him the benefit of the doubt (emphasis on IF).
She's jumping to assumptions, and there's way too much miscommunication, and eventually the reader is rushed into a predictable conflict. I'll admit that the heroine was not the only one being stubborn here, even the hero annoyed me.
I won't give you a synopsis of the story, I'll rather cut to the chase right now. And honestly, I can't say that I was riveted by this story. Therefore, I won't invest a lot of time writing this review. Besides there's no need to waste a nice quote on this story, either.
This one was really too sugary, too predictable for my liking. And there's too much sex. As I already mentioned a few times I prefer quality rather than quantity! I caught myself skipping pages because I got bored. I felt that the sex was overshadowing the whole storyline. And a friendly message to Marcus and Samara: Gosh, I know it's fun to have sex in the kitchen, in the bathroom, outdoors, etc., etc., etc. or wherever you want to do it then do it, but PLEASE try to find a bed once in a while.
Samara and Marcus have the hots for each other and then some. I get it, but did he have to propose so soon?? Frankly it isn't all that reasonable. The marriage proposal set a chain of events that unfolded based on the issues these characters had with their mothers. This particular scene when Samara walked in on Marcus and then acted like a furious, jealous, childish brat...So stupid! Woman, open your eyes AND your mind! Think first, then speak and do it wisely, and DON'T judge hastily. And if she really trusted him, she would have given him the benefit of the doubt (emphasis on IF).
She's jumping to assumptions, and there's way too much miscommunication, and eventually the reader is rushed into a predictable conflict. I'll admit that the heroine was not the only one being stubborn here, even the hero annoyed me.
July 31, 2024
Still amazing
I read this story many years ago. I saw that Micheal's story had an update, so I decided to check out the series again. Marcus's story gave me all the great feelings from way back when. It's still a good read.
I read this story many years ago. I saw that Micheal's story had an update, so I decided to check out the series again. Marcus's story gave me all the great feelings from way back when. It's still a good read.
July 26, 2011
This is a rereleased book that has been touched up a bit by the author. I have read two books in the series so far and look forward to the cousins' stories. With names like Manning, Montana, Magnum, Maddox lol and Mason that sounds like all kind of trouble and juiciness.
Marcus saw Samara for the first time on the runway at her mother's fashion show and felt an immediate attraction. He asked her out and she declined. But she still thought he was FINE! After returning to Washington D.C, Samara is worried about getting founding for her nonprofit organization called FYI. Hearing that Marcus is opening another practice in D.C, Samara saw it as an opportunity to ask for funding, knowing she turned down a date with Marcus. Once these two came together it was nothing but fire until a trifling woman named Antoinette comes between the happy couple. They both also had family issues that they needed to resolved.
Marcus was so charming, smooth and sweet from the beginning. He was sexy and successful as well. Samara was great to read about, she was sexy and nice as well. When these two got together it was very steamy. The classroom scene was sexy but the office scenes were sexier. I don't think they used a bed half way through out the book, which I'm not complaining. Family and friends definitely added to the read and made it great as well. I look forward to the cousins.
Storyline:GOOD
Intimacy: AMAZINGLY GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
**********************
"LIKE" us here --> www.Facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies , this is our fan page dedicated to book reviews. Also join us on our FB group (Romance Novel Junkies) 600+ members. This group includes authors and avid readers who would love to hear about new books and opinions. We are also on goodreads.
Marcus saw Samara for the first time on the runway at her mother's fashion show and felt an immediate attraction. He asked her out and she declined. But she still thought he was FINE! After returning to Washington D.C, Samara is worried about getting founding for her nonprofit organization called FYI. Hearing that Marcus is opening another practice in D.C, Samara saw it as an opportunity to ask for funding, knowing she turned down a date with Marcus. Once these two came together it was nothing but fire until a trifling woman named Antoinette comes between the happy couple. They both also had family issues that they needed to resolved.
Marcus was so charming, smooth and sweet from the beginning. He was sexy and successful as well. Samara was great to read about, she was sexy and nice as well. When these two got together it was very steamy. The classroom scene was sexy but the office scenes were sexier. I don't think they used a bed half way through out the book, which I'm not complaining. Family and friends definitely added to the read and made it great as well. I look forward to the cousins.
Storyline:GOOD
Intimacy: AMAZINGLY GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
**********************
"LIKE" us here --> www.Facebook.com/romance.novel.junkies , this is our fan page dedicated to book reviews. Also join us on our FB group (Romance Novel Junkies) 600+ members. This group includes authors and avid readers who would love to hear about new books and opinions. We are also on goodreads.
January 16, 2016
The Wolf Was Definitely Tamed!
I enjoy Maureen Smiths writing style! Talk about HOT & SPICY! The chemistry between these characters carried the right amount of tension, attraction and raw animalistic lust. Mrs. Smith establishes a great passion in this story. I enjoyed the role of the supporting characters and the drama and/or conflicts they brought to the story. Mrs. Smith has a gift for making you wish you were the main character experiencing these sexual escapades without crudeness. I believe the hopeless romantic readers will enjoy this novel, as well as those who can appreciate a lil' spice in their lives. Keep 'em coming, Mrs. Smith.
I enjoy Maureen Smiths writing style! Talk about HOT & SPICY! The chemistry between these characters carried the right amount of tension, attraction and raw animalistic lust. Mrs. Smith establishes a great passion in this story. I enjoyed the role of the supporting characters and the drama and/or conflicts they brought to the story. Mrs. Smith has a gift for making you wish you were the main character experiencing these sexual escapades without crudeness. I believe the hopeless romantic readers will enjoy this novel, as well as those who can appreciate a lil' spice in their lives. Keep 'em coming, Mrs. Smith.
July 6, 2016
DNF chapter 4.
I don't think there is anything seriously wrong with this book. I stopped reading because I found the Heroine annoying, and the hero pretentious.
The hero and heroines are too perfect for my liking, the repeated mentioned of their physical perfection and the wealth is making my eye roll.
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
I don't think there is anything seriously wrong with this book. I stopped reading because I found the Heroine annoying, and the hero pretentious.
The hero and heroines are too perfect for my liking, the repeated mentioned of their physical perfection and the wealth is making my eye roll.
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
December 7, 2023
Once again Maureen did a beautiful job of telling a story that incorporated all your emotions, while keeping you engrossed at the same time. This joins its other series members as a book that will be read again and again.
LONG LIVE THE WOLF PACK!!!!!
LONG LIVE THE WOLF PACK!!!!!
November 24, 2010
This one is hot! Wear an oven mitt. Looking forward to reading Recipe for Temptation, about the second Wolf brother.
January 22, 2012
I've read Maureen Smith before but I think this has to be my favorite from her. I defiantly see myself reading the entire Wolf series!!
June 29, 2015
I couldn't even finish this book I found it so annoying.
Name dropping all the time: Rolex watch, Bentley whatever car, upscale restaurant, MAC lipstick etc.
A disappointing experience...
Name dropping all the time: Rolex watch, Bentley whatever car, upscale restaurant, MAC lipstick etc.
A disappointing experience...
August 8, 2015
Loved it
I couldn't put it down! I think this would make a great movie. I would recommend this book to a friend.
I couldn't put it down! I think this would make a great movie. I would recommend this book to a friend.
September 20, 2018
Samara was tired of her mother's antics. She was going to do one last favor for her and that was it. She wanted to get back to her own life and job. She was not wanting to put up with none of the b.s.. Marcus Wolf was in town and as a favor to a friends he went to the fashion show. Getting bored with the things he knew nothing about he was wanting to leave. That was until she walked out on the stage. Samara was a thing of beauty and intrigue. When later introduced she wanted nothing to do with him or the rest of the after party. That would prove an obstacle for her later.
Back home and ready to make the next moves to take her organization further, she finds that she will indeed be in the company of the man that she escaped in New York. Neither looking for the depths in which they find themselves in. The relationship takes on new heights.
I enjoyed the read and found that there were secondary characters that were almost as intriguing. I wanted to get to know more about them and what there HEA would be. I would most certain read this one again when more of the series come available.
Back home and ready to make the next moves to take her organization further, she finds that she will indeed be in the company of the man that she escaped in New York. Neither looking for the depths in which they find themselves in. The relationship takes on new heights.
I enjoyed the read and found that there were secondary characters that were almost as intriguing. I wanted to get to know more about them and what there HEA would be. I would most certain read this one again when more of the series come available.
July 28, 2024
Double back
My first read from this author was way back when Wicked Games was released. I didn't know this series existed! I'm glad I'm going through her catalog and now get to experience the beginning of characters I already knew. This was an immaculate story. I thought I was gonna. have to write Asha Dubois off but she redeemed herself. Samara and Marcus was love at first sight but parental hang ups almost had them losing each other. I'm really excited to finish this series
My first read from this author was way back when Wicked Games was released. I didn't know this series existed! I'm glad I'm going through her catalog and now get to experience the beginning of characters I already knew. This was an immaculate story. I thought I was gonna. have to write Asha Dubois off but she redeemed herself. Samara and Marcus was love at first sight but parental hang ups almost had them losing each other. I'm really excited to finish this series
January 28, 2020
Such A Cute Story
Marcus and Samara are a wonderful couple. I look forward to the follow on stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had just the right amount of suspense, hot sex and romance.
I am curious about the potential of Quentin and Lexi, as well as Marcus' Dad, Sterling and Samara's Mom, Asha. This was a lovely read.
Marcus and Samara are a wonderful couple. I look forward to the follow on stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It had just the right amount of suspense, hot sex and romance.
I am curious about the potential of Quentin and Lexi, as well as Marcus' Dad, Sterling and Samara's Mom, Asha. This was a lovely read.
November 12, 2019
Wolf pack, WOW
You are one of my favorite authors, I have had this book in my library as soon as it was published. This is my fourth time reading it again and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time.
You are one of my favorite authors, I have had this book in my library as soon as it was published. This is my fourth time reading it again and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time.
October 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this storyline . The characters Marcus and Samara were extra steamy and all around cute . I’m so glad I came across Maureen smith . I have a feeling she’s going to become a favorite author of mine ! Can’t wait to dig in more of her books !
March 4, 2024
Marcus and Samara
I loved Marcus' and Samara's relationship as well as the supporting characters. The chemistry was off the charts. The friendships and family dynamics jumped off the pages and landed in my heart. I will be continuing this serioes for sure!
I loved Marcus' and Samara's relationship as well as the supporting characters. The chemistry was off the charts. The friendships and family dynamics jumped off the pages and landed in my heart. I will be continuing this serioes for sure!
August 30, 2024
Tamed💓💞
Howling good!!! Loved this story, the series of the Wolf Pack is fire and soo hot!! Maureen is master in love stories! These brothers are omg! Samaria and Marcus beautiful journey💓💞
Howling good!!! Loved this story, the series of the Wolf Pack is fire and soo hot!! Maureen is master in love stories! These brothers are omg! Samaria and Marcus beautiful journey💓💞
October 11, 2020
My first book by this author. Loved this book and the characters.
December 31, 2020
3.75 stars
A great reread
A great reread
August 6, 2024
LOVED, LOVED IT ❤❤❤❤
I absolutely loved Marcus and Samara's story,and I loved all the characters in this story. This was a sweet and tender story with fun characters. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. Great job Ms. Smith as usual please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you.
I absolutely loved Marcus and Samara's story,and I loved all the characters in this story. This was a sweet and tender story with fun characters. I would absolutely recommend reading this book I don't think you will regret it. Great job Ms. Smith as usual please keep these wonderful stories coming and thank you.
August 11, 2024
The story was cute I didn't like how the characters reacted to certain situations it was very vague and not enough drama I like realistic love drama stories but overall it was a good read ill check out the next one
September 19, 2011
I do so enjoy writing short reviews – ones where I don’t have to enumerate the many faux pas contained within the story.
Now, with that said, let me begin. The opinions expressed in this review are my view, put forth as an African American woman. I typically do not read stories written by African American authors because many are often very trite and very raunchy. There are few African American authors who take the time to develop a cohesive story with well-developed characters. I will now have to add Ms. Maureen Smith to that list.
This story was very, very well done. The characters were complex and diverse. They were not cookie cutter characters hijacked from another author’s book. Samara and Marcus were complimentary protagonists containing similar qualities, interests, and issues. Both characters had tenuous relationships with their mothers that lead to extreme mistrust in relationships. Marcus mistrusted love/relationships because he caught his mother in an adulterous relationship when he was ten years old. He near hated his mother and held her in scorn for nearly twenty-five years. Samara mistrusted love/relationships because her mother imparted her soiled view on the subject when Samara was growing up. Her mother had men in and out of their lives and constantly reiterated that men were to be used but not trusted. Samara’s trust issues also stemmed from the fact that she was violently abused by a man’s advances she spurned.
Both characters originally began their relationship as a “tryst” but ending up falling in love with each other. It was a nice twist to see the roles reverse a bit with to see Marcus, the confirmed bachelor, profess his love to Samara first. In a similar role reversal, was how Samara turned out to be the jealous one in the relationship when she witness Marcus with Antoinette. She was hasty and judgmental and had the facts all wrong! She and Marcus were at an impasse because neither of them was willing to make the first move towards reconciliation. It took the help of secondary characters, Michael, Marcus’ brother, and Samara’s mother, Asha (surprise…surprise), to move them in that direction. The secondary characters of family and friends were also well developed and multidimensional. The reader was clearly able to feel the camaraderie between the characters through Ms. Smith’s words.
The story ending was a culmination of resolving issues and restoring relationships. Marcus reconciled with Samara and his mother and Samara reconciled with her mother. The conflicts were real and Ms. Smith was very methodical in her approach to resolving them. She didn’t throw in mistimed resolutions for the sake of the story but developed them so that they complimented and flowed with the pace of the story.
My review – Read it! Love it!
I guess this was a pretty long review afterall :)
Now, with that said, let me begin. The opinions expressed in this review are my view, put forth as an African American woman. I typically do not read stories written by African American authors because many are often very trite and very raunchy. There are few African American authors who take the time to develop a cohesive story with well-developed characters. I will now have to add Ms. Maureen Smith to that list.
This story was very, very well done. The characters were complex and diverse. They were not cookie cutter characters hijacked from another author’s book. Samara and Marcus were complimentary protagonists containing similar qualities, interests, and issues. Both characters had tenuous relationships with their mothers that lead to extreme mistrust in relationships. Marcus mistrusted love/relationships because he caught his mother in an adulterous relationship when he was ten years old. He near hated his mother and held her in scorn for nearly twenty-five years. Samara mistrusted love/relationships because her mother imparted her soiled view on the subject when Samara was growing up. Her mother had men in and out of their lives and constantly reiterated that men were to be used but not trusted. Samara’s trust issues also stemmed from the fact that she was violently abused by a man’s advances she spurned.
Both characters originally began their relationship as a “tryst” but ending up falling in love with each other. It was a nice twist to see the roles reverse a bit with to see Marcus, the confirmed bachelor, profess his love to Samara first. In a similar role reversal, was how Samara turned out to be the jealous one in the relationship when she witness Marcus with Antoinette. She was hasty and judgmental and had the facts all wrong! She and Marcus were at an impasse because neither of them was willing to make the first move towards reconciliation. It took the help of secondary characters, Michael, Marcus’ brother, and Samara’s mother, Asha (surprise…surprise), to move them in that direction. The secondary characters of family and friends were also well developed and multidimensional. The reader was clearly able to feel the camaraderie between the characters through Ms. Smith’s words.
The story ending was a culmination of resolving issues and restoring relationships. Marcus reconciled with Samara and his mother and Samara reconciled with her mother. The conflicts were real and Ms. Smith was very methodical in her approach to resolving them. She didn’t throw in mistimed resolutions for the sake of the story but developed them so that they complimented and flowed with the pace of the story.
My review – Read it! Love it!
I guess this was a pretty long review afterall :)
July 26, 2011
I have been not so patiently awaiting the re-release of this book for so long that the minute it was announced it was on my Kindle. After reading all the other Wolf Pack books I was always wondering why the heck Marcus had an issue with his mother, and this book really made it all make a lot more sense; Treacherous The Wolf Pack Series helped as well, but this book was really the missing link for me in the saga. The story of Marcus and Samara was just so unbelievable amazing it is really difficult to put it into words. I have never read a bad Maureen Smith book, and this one certainly doesn't disappoint, and I have to say may be my favorite of all time from her. Maureen's books are always juicy, but this one was so much more than the others! The love scenes were XXX, be prepared to overly squirm in your seat, and there are so many of them that it is just too good to be true. I also like that this is a truly complete story. We read about the entire courtship of Marcus and Samara including their wedding in full detail. The story just doesn't end with they get married and live happily ever after. There is incredible detail in almost every scene. I can't wait to read about the Morehouse Nine, and Stanton & Prissy's story. Keep em coming Maureen!
I would recommend reading the Wold Pack Books in order:
2nd Recipe for Temptation Kimani Romance (Michael & Reese)
3rd Tempt Me at Midnight Kimani Romance (Quentin & Lexi)
4th Treacherous The Wolf Pack Series (Sterling & Celeste) - these are Michael & Marcus' parents. A novella and prequel to the previous books. You can read this first, but makes the other books all the more better if you read it last.
I would recommend reading the Wold Pack Books in order:
2nd Recipe for Temptation Kimani Romance (Michael & Reese)
3rd Tempt Me at Midnight Kimani Romance (Quentin & Lexi)
4th Treacherous The Wolf Pack Series (Sterling & Celeste) - these are Michael & Marcus' parents. A novella and prequel to the previous books. You can read this first, but makes the other books all the more better if you read it last.
Want to read
June 14, 2012Samara Layton needs a pot of gold. Her community outreach organization in Washington, D.C. is in dire financial straits. As executive director, it's up to Samara to rescue the non-profit organization from bankruptcy, and time is running out. As a last-ditch resort, she seeks help from her estranged mother, world-renowned fashion designer Asha Dubois. In exchange for her mother's financial assistance, Samara agrees to model in Asha's spring fashion show in New York City. She gets more than she bargained for when she steps onto the runway and into the smoldering gaze of the sexiest man she's ever seen. Life has taught Samara to be skeptical of all men, so she's convinced Marcus Wolf is up to no good when he asks her out after the fashion show. When she rudely turns down his dinner invitation, she has no idea that she will soon need his help to rescue her business. And little does she know that Marcus is the man who will take her body to heights of ecstasy, and ultimately claim her heart and soul... Prominent civil rights attorney Marcus Wolf is in New York City on an important business trip. Attending a fashion show is not on his itinerary, until a friend talks him into it. From the moment Samara Layton steps onto the runway in a breathtakingly sheer gown, Marcus is captivated. When their eyes meet, the electricity between them is enough to light up all of Manhattan. But while Marcus would like nothing more than to seduce the exotic beauty, he has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with her. All his life, women have brought him nothing but heartache-starting with his very own mother, who betrayed him in the worst imaginable way. This confirmed bachelor definitely isn't looking for love. But when Samara comes to him for help, she makes him an offer he can't possibly refuse....
April 25, 2024
I enjoyed reading about Marcus, Samara and their whirlwind courtship. After the past that they had, they both deserved it. This book triggered me like a mofo.If you read any book my Maureen, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s like she sits down, thinks about all the possible triggers in the entire world and stuffs it’s into one book. Marcus and Samara are both suffering being abandonment by their mother. This causes samara to have trust issues and Marcus not to forgive. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. How many things she went though. I felt for her.The book also includes themes of rape, domestic violence and alcoholism. While the story isn’t a bad story, it’s very hard to not become emotionally stressed when reading a story with multiple triggers and no warning. There was a whole lot of sex in this book. I mean they literally did it everywhere. Mind you, the sex scenes where not bad but I felt they spent way too much time sexing and not talking. The resolutions with their mothers felt rushed to me, I need a more thorough explanation as to why certain things happened. Overall, it wasn’t a bad story. I enjoyed the storyline and the bond between the wolf boys. I just wish Maureen would pick a trigger and run with it or better yet, don’t have one at all. It would be refreshing to see a love flourish in her books without. Some major issues or struggles.
September 2, 2014
I love the story of Samara and Marcus.Samara needs help to save her community outreach program and she turn to her estranged mother a fashion designer and agrees to be in her fashion show in New York, when she hits the runway her eyes meet with the that of Marcus Wolf, a very wealthy lawyer in town on business and they both feel the heat. due her issues with men,Samara turns down his dinner offer, but little does she know that this will not be last time she encounters this sexy Civil Rights Attorney. Now realizing she needs his help, Samara decides to make this sexy man an offer he cannot refuse. Marcus is a man use to getting his way and he wants Samara in his bed,even though he has his own issue with the fairer sex, will he assist her or will he turn her "offer" down? This is where the story of the Wonderful, sexy and entertaining Wolf Pack begins.I read Taming the Wolf a few years ago and decided to re-read it since it was re-release. Boy am I glad I did. this book had it all, and I mean ALL!, great story that was written and flowed beautifully ,complex characters, smoking hot sex scenes, amazing secondary characters WOW1 it was just wonderful! I recommend reading all the books in the series, you will not regret it.
November 7, 2011
When Samara and Marcus meet...sparks fly immediately!!! I loved this book. Their love story was so sweet and watching them grow together was wonderful. Samara works for a struggling non-profit and Marcus is a lawyer who just happens to donate a lot of his money to organizations like Samara's and when she realizes that Marcus is just what she needs to help her non-profit, she's willing to do whatver it takes to get his help. After that part of the story is settled, their love story begins. Both Samara and Marcus have issues with trust, but despite it all, love prevails. I can't wait to read about the rest of Marcus' Wolf Pack family and friends.
September 11, 2016
Giving up at 12%. There's an edge of hysteria beneath the surface of all the featured female characters that does not bode well for the rest of this book. The language is also unappealing to me: describing an attractive man as "fine" automatically brings to mind every American TV show or movie dripping with that sort of lingo I've ever seen and, coupled with fashion & wealth & ridiculously good-looking people, makes me think that I'm going to dislike this book as much as I disliked those shows.
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