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After the Crash #3
Wolf Tracker
With too many relationships ending in heartache under her belt, the new and improved Symone Adams is loud, proud and on the prowl. She has removed the heart she’s normally worn on her sleeve and tucked it safely behind lock and key. What she wants now is to explore the appeal of meaningless, mind-blowing sex. After six months of self-imposed celibacy hell, she heads to Menjo's and directly into the path of two very determined players.
Zandros and Marco are pros when it comes to seduction, yet each has grown bored with the conquests. When these two strangers set their sights on the same stunning beauty, the competition is on. Both embark on a full balls-to-the-wall effort to win, not only Symone's body, but her heart as well.
Zandros and Marco are pros when it comes to seduction, yet each has grown bored with the conquests. When these two strangers set their sights on the same stunning beauty, the competition is on. Both embark on a full balls-to-the-wall effort to win, not only Symone's body, but her heart as well.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
50 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
Maddy Barone
25 books227 followersI love to write romance stories. I also have a day job with Medicare. I just wish I could quit my day job and write full time! I have so many stories rattling around in my head trying to take over my life that half the time I sound like a moron when I'm chatting with friends.
When I'm not writing I am spinning, knitting or reading. Fiber arts are a form of therapy for me, and while I'm spinning or knitting my characters talk to me. So if you look at a piece of my knitting and find an odd hole here and there, I was probably having an intense, private discussion with a werewolf while I was knitting that particular spot.
When I'm not writing I am spinning, knitting or reading. Fiber arts are a form of therapy for me, and while I'm spinning or knitting my characters talk to me. So if you look at a piece of my knitting and find an odd hole here and there, I was probably having an intense, private discussion with a werewolf while I was knitting that particular spot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
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April 16, 2019"But the four times he’d had sex with a woman he’d paid her for the privilege."
Something i did NOT need to know. I cannot look past a hero engaging with sex workers. No matter how willing they may have appear to be.
Something i did NOT need to know. I cannot look past a hero engaging with sex workers. No matter how willing they may have appear to be.
August 30, 2012
Brief Book Description:
The story begins in a post-apocalyptic United States in the year 2064. Tami Casper is thrust 50 years into the future after the passenger plane she is on crash lands in rural Nebraska. Unaware that they are no longer in the year 2014, she and another surviving passenger volunteer to get help for the remaining survivors. Along the way, Tami is captured, held captive and forced to “marry” her captors. Suffering horrific abuse at the hands of her “husbands”, she finally manages to escape. Dan “Tracker” Stensrud is hired by one of Tami’s “husbands” to find and return her. Not knowing the truth about Tami’s marriage, and assuming he is dealing with a grieving husband, he accepts the job.
My Thoughts:
Despite some of its slightly darker themes, this is a very sweet love story and I truly enjoyed it. I loved the slow burn romance and I really liked Tami, the Heroine, and Tracker, the Hero. I am also a fan of the paranormal alpha male types who bond to their chosen mates so the story doubly appealed to me.
Although the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, I would say this is still predominantly a paranormal romance, so keep that in mind if you are new to the series. There is some minor action but for the most part the book is character/romance driven. The story is primarily about Tami and Tracker’s journey - her recovery from the horrific rapes she endured at the hands of her captors, and for Tracker, his realization that he longs for more than his loner existence and his feelings for Tami.
The author deals with the rape trauma and recovery in a very sensitive and realistic way, and I definitely give her extra kudos for that; it was very well done. The rapes happen off the page but Tami does have flashbacks that contain some details and there is discussion of the trauma so I would keep that in mind in case there are some worried about triggers.
I really liked the shifter and wolf clan aspect of the world-building as well as the Wild West world the US reverts to. Historical Western Romance and Historical Native American Western Romance are two of my favorite romance sub-genres so this aspect of the story definitely worked for me. I did, however, have some trouble with other aspects of the post-apocalyptic world-building, and there were some questions I felt went unanswered in this book, but to be fair, I have not read Book 1 and Book 2 of the series so the answers can probably be found there.
So, who would enjoy this story? I would say if you are a fan of paranormal romances which involve alpha male shifters and alpha mate bonds, and also enjoy historical western romances and historical Native American westerns, then you will enjoy this story.
Final Rating: 3 stars
March 12, 2012
This was a much darker but more heartfelt story than the previous two entries. I loved and adored the heroine Tami. She was a strong and SMART woman and I think her story was told with compassion but also with passion. She endured in a very short time what might have broken another woman yet had the strength and presence of mind to do what had to be done. Tracker was so perfect for her and with her. His quiet strength was touching. One particular scene, in the woods when he was tracking her, really showed his admiration for the woman Tami was. A man of few words, he shows his love and devotion through his actions and this really endeared me to him. 4 stars only because I felt one scene at the end with a bad guy was unnecessary. I hope Ms Barone continues this series. I admit the first book seemed a little cheesy, dialog wise, but each book has improved and this one in particular shows that.
This is the third in a series but can easily be read as a standalone as there is enough background to inform the new reader.
This is the third in a series but can easily be read as a standalone as there is enough background to inform the new reader.
May 2, 2024
What have I started? 🫣🫤
I love the world, I love the story idea, and the idea of her characters.
I almost felt like I knew her two mains by the end…
There was just so many characters, that you never got to know or feel them enough.
The world details were very limited, with a lot of tell, very little show.
We got told what happened, what the world was now, how scarce things were, etc.
We never got to ‘see’ what any of that was like. ‘Feel’ how hard that life would be.
All the tiny details that bring stories like this to life.
Rough handles biting into hands, causing blisters, back aches, tired feet..
Where exactly did these buckets come from? Trading…where did they get them from?
When is this trading done? What is being traded, and where did those items come from?
It all just magically seems to be sorted, with no effort, stress, or deprivation.
Toilet paper people..? 😂
I loved so much about this, and I don’t need for it to be heavy, realistic, or over complicated.
But it did need more depth.
(We got told numerous times the colour, texture, length, of the MMC’s hair, but I honestly can’t remember what the FMC’s was?).
Eye colour, clothes, shoes…?
Also the amount of couples and characters didn’t fit the number of books that come before (too many couples), so it’s not just about waving hello for regular readers (I haven’t read the previous).
So where the hell did these people come from? Their stories are in the middle, with the feeling we’re missing a heap? (Head scratch).
We spent so much time reading about this woman kissing that guy, this other fretting over another, this kid leaving cause this girl didn’t want him, some woman thinking this other is an animal, so he’s not fit for her, and so on, and so on…
It seriously interrupted the actual plot and narrative, to the point it felt incomplete, closer to a very short story.
I really enjoyed the good points, was slightly disappointed by the rambling parts, and very frustrated by the lack of detail in both.
Worst of all…I want to keep reading. I have that sad hope that eventually it will all piece together. That we will get to genuinely know the rest as individuals, that the world will fill out, and that we will spend more time on one plot at a time, rather than 10 in one book 🤣🫣
I really hope this isn’t one of those times you read 10-15 books, going, just one more, it WILL get better! 😂🤣🥱
I love the world, I love the story idea, and the idea of her characters.
I almost felt like I knew her two mains by the end…
There was just so many characters, that you never got to know or feel them enough.
The world details were very limited, with a lot of tell, very little show.
We got told what happened, what the world was now, how scarce things were, etc.
We never got to ‘see’ what any of that was like. ‘Feel’ how hard that life would be.
All the tiny details that bring stories like this to life.
Rough handles biting into hands, causing blisters, back aches, tired feet..
Where exactly did these buckets come from? Trading…where did they get them from?
When is this trading done? What is being traded, and where did those items come from?
It all just magically seems to be sorted, with no effort, stress, or deprivation.
Toilet paper people..? 😂
I loved so much about this, and I don’t need for it to be heavy, realistic, or over complicated.
But it did need more depth.
(We got told numerous times the colour, texture, length, of the MMC’s hair, but I honestly can’t remember what the FMC’s was?).
Eye colour, clothes, shoes…?
Also the amount of couples and characters didn’t fit the number of books that come before (too many couples), so it’s not just about waving hello for regular readers (I haven’t read the previous).
So where the hell did these people come from? Their stories are in the middle, with the feeling we’re missing a heap? (Head scratch).
We spent so much time reading about this woman kissing that guy, this other fretting over another, this kid leaving cause this girl didn’t want him, some woman thinking this other is an animal, so he’s not fit for her, and so on, and so on…
It seriously interrupted the actual plot and narrative, to the point it felt incomplete, closer to a very short story.
I really enjoyed the good points, was slightly disappointed by the rambling parts, and very frustrated by the lack of detail in both.
Worst of all…I want to keep reading. I have that sad hope that eventually it will all piece together. That we will get to genuinely know the rest as individuals, that the world will fill out, and that we will spend more time on one plot at a time, rather than 10 in one book 🤣🫣
I really hope this isn’t one of those times you read 10-15 books, going, just one more, it WILL get better! 😂🤣🥱
February 24, 2015
50 years from now the world has changed into worse; it`s like a wild wild west without any luxuries. Women are rare (at least that is what the book is telling me all the time even though half of the characters are women) and men are desperate for finding a wife.
And there are werewolves.
Ok then.
This was.. disappointment.
I guess this story was mostly okay. Quite nice. Something like that.
But it was not anything more for me. I forgave many things because I made a mistake and started to read this third book without reading the two earlier books before. Uups. So I had no idea why the world was like it was (how come there were no traces of the world we know now? Can the world change THAT much in 50 years? Well, I guess it`s possible to go back to simple life..) and who the characters were and what had happened to them. Some things were of course explained so I got the idea.
This book is about Tami and Tracker.
Tami is one of the survivors of the plane crash (which sent present-day-people to the future; I met many women but where were the survived men? No clue.. Maybe that was explained in the earlier books..). In the earlier books she suffered in the hands of a few men who treated her as their wife, and in the beginning of this book she is escaping them. Tracker is the one that is sent to track her down and bring her back. But after he sees how scared and mistreated she is, he decides to save her.
And that`s about it.
I can not highlight enough how disappointed I was in the beginning. I thought that this book was a thrilling cat-mouse-play between Tracker and Tami but the whole thing was over in a minute. One moment Tami was escaping him.. Tracker was thinking how skilled Tami was etc. (this was all just inside Tracker`s head, I did not see any of her skills as I wished I would) and then Tami gets tired and.. That`s all. She gives up. Leaves with Tracker. There is nothing going on between them, no chemistry at all.
And the rest of the book is about how Tami is going through the therapy so she can trust men again and enjoy the love life. And Tracker is the perfect guy who gives her enough space and is kind and patient and..
Oh, how boring.
Everything made sense but it was almost too logical and easy. I detest books which make no sense (the main character is stupid or makes odd decisions etc) but this book was a little too rational so it lacked of excitement. Even the werewolves were like puppies; the safest place for women was inside of their den.
I just could not understand the whole werewolf-thing because the future-thing itself was already confusing. The women were sent to future by accident and they met werewolves and.. They are just living happily some sort of community life.
Okay then.
This book left me empty. I noticed I just wanted to skip parts. Especially those were Tami and Tracker were sweet-talking and making love. Ugh. Whatever.
Maybe someone gets more out of this. Maybe this would have been a different experience if I had read the two earlier books. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
But I don`t think I`m going to read the earlier books. This was enough.
And there are werewolves.
Ok then.
This was.. disappointment.
I guess this story was mostly okay. Quite nice. Something like that.
But it was not anything more for me. I forgave many things because I made a mistake and started to read this third book without reading the two earlier books before. Uups. So I had no idea why the world was like it was (how come there were no traces of the world we know now? Can the world change THAT much in 50 years? Well, I guess it`s possible to go back to simple life..) and who the characters were and what had happened to them. Some things were of course explained so I got the idea.
This book is about Tami and Tracker.
Tami is one of the survivors of the plane crash (which sent present-day-people to the future; I met many women but where were the survived men? No clue.. Maybe that was explained in the earlier books..). In the earlier books she suffered in the hands of a few men who treated her as their wife, and in the beginning of this book she is escaping them. Tracker is the one that is sent to track her down and bring her back. But after he sees how scared and mistreated she is, he decides to save her.
And that`s about it.
I can not highlight enough how disappointed I was in the beginning. I thought that this book was a thrilling cat-mouse-play between Tracker and Tami but the whole thing was over in a minute. One moment Tami was escaping him.. Tracker was thinking how skilled Tami was etc. (this was all just inside Tracker`s head, I did not see any of her skills as I wished I would) and then Tami gets tired and.. That`s all. She gives up. Leaves with Tracker. There is nothing going on between them, no chemistry at all.
And the rest of the book is about how Tami is going through the therapy so she can trust men again and enjoy the love life. And Tracker is the perfect guy who gives her enough space and is kind and patient and..
Oh, how boring.
Everything made sense but it was almost too logical and easy. I detest books which make no sense (the main character is stupid or makes odd decisions etc) but this book was a little too rational so it lacked of excitement. Even the werewolves were like puppies; the safest place for women was inside of their den.
I just could not understand the whole werewolf-thing because the future-thing itself was already confusing. The women were sent to future by accident and they met werewolves and.. They are just living happily some sort of community life.
Okay then.
This book left me empty. I noticed I just wanted to skip parts. Especially those were Tami and Tracker were sweet-talking and making love. Ugh. Whatever.
Maybe someone gets more out of this. Maybe this would have been a different experience if I had read the two earlier books. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
But I don`t think I`m going to read the earlier books. This was enough.
October 8, 2011
A review for The Romance Reviews.
Sherri Desbois has penned another fantastic read in ESSENCE OF COMPETITION. With a unique take on menage romance, she's given us characters we care about but at the same time gives the sensuality and romance that curls my toes and melts my kindle!
As the saying goes, "May the best man win", but in ESSENCE OF COMPETITION, I think it was definitely the woman who ended up winning. I mean two sexy men fighting over the chance to take one woman to bed, yeah, that's my idea of triumph.
Symone is ready to end her six-month sexual drought after trying to get over the disastrous end to her last relationship. So, when she's out at the club and is approached by two different but no less sexy men, she's all about having her cake and eat it too.
Zandros and Marco both want Symone. Neither one of them wants to share, nor do they want to back out of their pursuit of her. So, they begin to compete with each other to win her affection. However, what starts out as competition may be the beginning of something none of them ever saw coming.
I really loved this. I thought that ESSENCE OF COMPETITION was a perfect depiction of a beginning menage and the problems that can present with three distinct personalities coming together in a relationship. There were bumps in the road, but they were smoothed out in the end, and I loved watching the relationship between Symone, Marco and Zandros develop.
Zandros, the darkly handsome and more analytical lover, and Marco, the well-muscled but tender artist, were the perfect complement to each other. And although they were in competition with each other at first, when they both worked together, I knew that Symone would have no hope but to fall for them.
The sexual tension between the trio was off the charts. From the first moment they met, it was sizzling. But, even more, I absolutely drooled over the sexual tension between Zandros and Marco. It wasn't fully realized, but I am hopeful that it will be in future books. *fingers crossed*
The intense chemistry was nicely balanced with great dialogue. I laughed out loud more than once during this unusual courtship. And yes, I said courtship, because there actually was one. They didn't just all fall into bed on page two, which was refreshing for an erotic romance.
Overall, I can't think of anything I didn't love with this book. Fantastic writing, realistic depictions of relationships, intense sexual chemistry and a sweet ending made this book a definite reread for me. ESSENCE OF COMPETITION is the first book in Love & Rivalry series, and I look forward to what's next up for the trio, especially if it includes some man-lovin' too.
Sherri Desbois has penned another fantastic read in ESSENCE OF COMPETITION. With a unique take on menage romance, she's given us characters we care about but at the same time gives the sensuality and romance that curls my toes and melts my kindle!
As the saying goes, "May the best man win", but in ESSENCE OF COMPETITION, I think it was definitely the woman who ended up winning. I mean two sexy men fighting over the chance to take one woman to bed, yeah, that's my idea of triumph.
Symone is ready to end her six-month sexual drought after trying to get over the disastrous end to her last relationship. So, when she's out at the club and is approached by two different but no less sexy men, she's all about having her cake and eat it too.
Zandros and Marco both want Symone. Neither one of them wants to share, nor do they want to back out of their pursuit of her. So, they begin to compete with each other to win her affection. However, what starts out as competition may be the beginning of something none of them ever saw coming.
I really loved this. I thought that ESSENCE OF COMPETITION was a perfect depiction of a beginning menage and the problems that can present with three distinct personalities coming together in a relationship. There were bumps in the road, but they were smoothed out in the end, and I loved watching the relationship between Symone, Marco and Zandros develop.
Zandros, the darkly handsome and more analytical lover, and Marco, the well-muscled but tender artist, were the perfect complement to each other. And although they were in competition with each other at first, when they both worked together, I knew that Symone would have no hope but to fall for them.
The sexual tension between the trio was off the charts. From the first moment they met, it was sizzling. But, even more, I absolutely drooled over the sexual tension between Zandros and Marco. It wasn't fully realized, but I am hopeful that it will be in future books. *fingers crossed*
The intense chemistry was nicely balanced with great dialogue. I laughed out loud more than once during this unusual courtship. And yes, I said courtship, because there actually was one. They didn't just all fall into bed on page two, which was refreshing for an erotic romance.
Overall, I can't think of anything I didn't love with this book. Fantastic writing, realistic depictions of relationships, intense sexual chemistry and a sweet ending made this book a definite reread for me. ESSENCE OF COMPETITION is the first book in Love & Rivalry series, and I look forward to what's next up for the trio, especially if it includes some man-lovin' too.
February 15, 2012
Incredibly sweet and sensitive story involving the traumatised Tami escaping a horrific situation, pursued by Tracker who was hired by her rapists to find and return her to them but upon discovering the truth protects and defends her instead of delivering her back to them.
Proper review to come.
ETA: I've just read a deleted scene part of which is hilariously referred to in the book.
Proper review to come.
ETA: I've just read a deleted scene part of which is hilariously referred to in the book.
December 6, 2020
Despite my rating it’s actually not badly written. I just could not stand the one track mindidness of the story. Yes, I’m here for the romance but is there anything else going on in anyone’s lives other than finding a mate, husband and having children? There was literally nothing else. Other than also rejecting and escaping from overly aggressive men who want you for sex, a wife and children?
It got so monotonous because that’s the ONLY thing ANYONE was talking about. Ridiculous. By 90%, after they got together, I lost complete interest in continuing.
It got so monotonous because that’s the ONLY thing ANYONE was talking about. Ridiculous. By 90%, after they got together, I lost complete interest in continuing.
September 1, 2015
I enjoyed Wolf Tracker much better than Wolf's Glory! In this world, women are either worshiped or abused. Unfortunately, for Tami, she's been a victim of the latter. After going to find help for the survivors of the plane crash, she and her partner were captured by a group of men, then sold off to multiple husbands. Thankfully, Tami was able to escape, but now Dan has been hired to bring her back. She manages to avoid him for days, but once he catches up to her and realizes she's been mistreated, he takes it upon himself to get her somewhere safe then remove the men who hurt her from this world, permanently.
Wolf Tracker was a lot different than the previous books. Dan aka Tracker doesn't immediately claim Tami as his mate. In fact, he doesn't spend a lot of time with her at first at all. He takes her to Taye's den so she'll be safe while he goes off to kill her husbands. While there, Tami moves into town in order to talk to the counselors who were also on the plane. I thought this was really great! There is no healing by the power of love! Tami moves to a safe space and gets professional help. I also appreciated that she was told that healing is different for every woman, and she needs to do what feels right for her. She doesn't just jump into bed with Dan and have mind blowing sex that "fixes" her. They take things slow after getting to know each other better, and Dan is very understanding and patient with her. None of this overbearing, Alpha maleness from him!
I liked Wolf Tracker. It is a bit slow and drawn out in places, but I think that works in a way, since a lot of the story is about Tami healing from the trauma. I did really like how we were reminded of how Taye learned to please Carla: reading Romance novels! He shares this knowledge with the other men, including Dan, who get married in this one. It's just a nice detail, because the young men of this time really have no experience with women, and there's no internet to help them out!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Wolf Tracker was a lot different than the previous books. Dan aka Tracker doesn't immediately claim Tami as his mate. In fact, he doesn't spend a lot of time with her at first at all. He takes her to Taye's den so she'll be safe while he goes off to kill her husbands. While there, Tami moves into town in order to talk to the counselors who were also on the plane. I thought this was really great! There is no healing by the power of love! Tami moves to a safe space and gets professional help. I also appreciated that she was told that healing is different for every woman, and she needs to do what feels right for her. She doesn't just jump into bed with Dan and have mind blowing sex that "fixes" her. They take things slow after getting to know each other better, and Dan is very understanding and patient with her. None of this overbearing, Alpha maleness from him!
I liked Wolf Tracker. It is a bit slow and drawn out in places, but I think that works in a way, since a lot of the story is about Tami healing from the trauma. I did really like how we were reminded of how Taye learned to please Carla: reading Romance novels! He shares this knowledge with the other men, including Dan, who get married in this one. It's just a nice detail, because the young men of this time really have no experience with women, and there's no internet to help them out!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
April 21, 2022
I LOVE the cover. It catches the essence of this story. This book is smexy and hot. I enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Ms. Desbois's sense of humour comes through in this story via her main character, Symone. She isn't my favourite character, but I felt for her. She tried hard to play a role which just really wasn't her. Still, she moved forward after a painful heartbreak. I have to give her kudos for this, while not being a bitter woman.
Now Marco and Zandros. Delicious! These two guys are so different and I liked them both. I'd be very hard pressed to pick which one. I'd rather be sandwiched between the two men. HAH! Both are a great boost for Symone's ego which has been bruised badly. What I liked was that even those these two guys were competing for the boyfriend status, they didn't pull dirty tricks against each other. Each showed Symone a good time *wink wink*differ from the other. It was really comparing apples to oranges ~ their different strategies. If I were Symone, I'm be enjoying the wining and dining and praying it doesn't come to an end. However, all good things must come to an end.
Symone kind of freaks out and doesn't know what to do when she's developed feelings for both of them. She's not the screw and leave them kind of girl, which is what she wanted to try and become. Fortunately, Marco and Zandros tag team her and keep her under control. I especially enjoyed this part. I also enjoyed the menage.
I recommend this fun story filled with grand romance to those who enjoy HOT menages and a happily ever after.
Now Marco and Zandros. Delicious! These two guys are so different and I liked them both. I'd be very hard pressed to pick which one. I'd rather be sandwiched between the two men. HAH! Both are a great boost for Symone's ego which has been bruised badly. What I liked was that even those these two guys were competing for the boyfriend status, they didn't pull dirty tricks against each other. Each showed Symone a good time *wink wink*differ from the other. It was really comparing apples to oranges ~ their different strategies. If I were Symone, I'm be enjoying the wining and dining and praying it doesn't come to an end. However, all good things must come to an end.
Symone kind of freaks out and doesn't know what to do when she's developed feelings for both of them. She's not the screw and leave them kind of girl, which is what she wanted to try and become. Fortunately, Marco and Zandros tag team her and keep her under control. I especially enjoyed this part. I also enjoyed the menage.
I recommend this fun story filled with grand romance to those who enjoy HOT menages and a happily ever after.
November 13, 2011
So I was intrigued by the premise of this book when I heard about it several months ago. Total strangers participating in a menage? OK. And in a strange way, it worked. I loved how Zandros and Marco competed against each other for Symone's attention, and I also loved that they sort of "went with the flow" when given an opportunity to share her. It wasn't a choreographed thing like many menage books are, where the men have known each other for eons and possibly shared a woman before. They were all complete strangers to one another. I also liked that it's not like they immediately hopped into bed. Not that there wasn't that attraction, but Symone was trying to figure out which one she wanted to pursue and just couldn't make a choice.
Marco's teasing of Zandros cracked me up, but I felt like it was just a tease since they never made it that far. Since this is book 1, I'm wondering if maybe we'll see Zandros loosen up a bit in the next one? One other thing that I didn't like was that it seemed like there was a lot of fade-to-black. They'd have sex, then wake up the next morning and one of them might flashback briefly to what else happened the night before. Dammit, I want details!! :-)
There were editing issues in this one. Just pointing it out in case that's a peeve of someone's. They didn't completely drag me from the story, but there were enough of them to warrant mention, in my opinion.
Marco's teasing of Zandros cracked me up, but I felt like it was just a tease since they never made it that far. Since this is book 1, I'm wondering if maybe we'll see Zandros loosen up a bit in the next one? One other thing that I didn't like was that it seemed like there was a lot of fade-to-black. They'd have sex, then wake up the next morning and one of them might flashback briefly to what else happened the night before. Dammit, I want details!! :-)
There were editing issues in this one. Just pointing it out in case that's a peeve of someone's. They didn't completely drag me from the story, but there were enough of them to warrant mention, in my opinion.
February 25, 2012
Essence of Competition is a wickedly hot tale full of dynamic sex, intriguing characters, and a plot full of hedonistic pleasure that sets the pages on fire. I loved the interaction between Zandros, Symone, and Marco. Not only was the competitiveness of the two male characters apparent, but the sexual attraction between the two of them teases the reader endlessly. The way the book hinted at the very end had me hoping to read what happened in the bedroom afterwards. Ms. Desbois knows how to write a tale that will grab you, hold on tight, and leave you wanting more.
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
https://www.coffeetimeromance.com/Boo...
October 3, 2020
omg I have got my reading mojo back .... I loved this story! Miss Maddy what a concept! Set in the future but not with flying cars and other techno gizmos, but back into a basic western past.... well with a werewolf theme, well more like olde Indian folklore of Wolf Clan .. wow! A 2014 aircraft has crashed and landed in this realm of 2064 and the survivors have ventured forth to find help unbeknown that they are all stepping into a new destiny. Now surprisingly the main character survivors are women of varying ages and sadly I have come across Book 3 in this series .... Tami a divorcee finds herself in a communal marriage of a number of human men; manages to flee to survive but her main husband hires a 'Tracker' to find her. Tami's survivalist's and mountain guide instincts manage to lead him a merry chase and 'Tracker' a good-looking loner uses his introverted wolf instincts to track finally into a new life of wolf-clan like, respect, love and romance with his forever mate - dot, dot, dot !!
January 10, 2018
A different story and subject.
For some survivors things didn't go that well. The heroine was found, sold and shared by 4 "husbands", well to be more accurate, 3.
With a much darker approach to the story, Maddy Barone dived head on to the world of rape and she handled it well.
There were no descriptions or details. Only few memories that helped understand Tami better. I really liked her strong character and will to escape and survive.
Tracker had to work hard to find her and get her to accept him around.
A very quiet wolf-man, Tracker was perfect for Tami and her struggles: quiet, mindful, considerate.
The way they eventually came together was just perfect. Tami had enough time to overcome her issues and the right people around.
I enjoyed this book much more that the previous 2.
For some survivors things didn't go that well. The heroine was found, sold and shared by 4 "husbands", well to be more accurate, 3.
With a much darker approach to the story, Maddy Barone dived head on to the world of rape and she handled it well.
There were no descriptions or details. Only few memories that helped understand Tami better. I really liked her strong character and will to escape and survive.
Tracker had to work hard to find her and get her to accept him around.
A very quiet wolf-man, Tracker was perfect for Tami and her struggles: quiet, mindful, considerate.
The way they eventually came together was just perfect. Tami had enough time to overcome her issues and the right people around.
I enjoyed this book much more that the previous 2.
November 8, 2018
1.4 ⭐️ That I generously rounded up to 2 ⭐️ because I finished it. This book was disappointingly boring...I love books that deal with survival, especially in a post apocalyptic world. I also like to read paranormal including shifters....maybe my expectations were too high but....this is page after page of boring conversation among too many characters. The main characters are just blah. This world is 50 years in the future but I couldn’t really tell how it was different...it reads like the Wild West but that doesn’t make sense....where did all the remains of former world? It reads more like ghost town in the west, not an apocalypse. Life is not too survival like.... weirdly no one remembers anything...They have feasts but the book don’t explain where they get their food and spices. The heroine and hero have no chemistry. They are ok with no love....they are lukewarm. Ugh. 😑
February 1, 2022
Great Quick Read
This was a great quick read. This series is something you can read when you want to be swept away reading a romantic story without having to really think about it.
Tami is presented as being super strong and very independent but I loved how she was immediately ok with going to see the counselors when she realized she needed help. Many stories I read make it seem like counseling is for the weak or something that you only do when you are forced to go. In Wolf Tracker, it's just something that is accepted and I love that. I also love how Tracker (aka Dan) is so accepting of Tami and works hard to make sure that she is ok. Any time she starts to feel scared he is willing to back off and let her make her own decisions. He doesn't complain or make her feel bad either.
All in all, a great story!
This was a great quick read. This series is something you can read when you want to be swept away reading a romantic story without having to really think about it.
Tami is presented as being super strong and very independent but I loved how she was immediately ok with going to see the counselors when she realized she needed help. Many stories I read make it seem like counseling is for the weak or something that you only do when you are forced to go. In Wolf Tracker, it's just something that is accepted and I love that. I also love how Tracker (aka Dan) is so accepting of Tami and works hard to make sure that she is ok. Any time she starts to feel scared he is willing to back off and let her make her own decisions. He doesn't complain or make her feel bad either.
All in all, a great story!
September 9, 2019
This third book in this series was so much better cause it had more of a true romance storyline. I appreciated the fact that Tami a strong female from 2014 had to deal with a trauma as well as trying to getting over being brutally used by three men. Then there was Tracker, her mate, dealing with the fact he had a wolf but that wolf wasn’t ready until Tami has come along. Tracker and Tami’s story was one of dealing with traumatic loss and finding a way back to yourself and figuring out who you can trust and love.
February 6, 2022
I read this book first since everyone seemed to like it the most. I liked the premise and was ready for a slow burn and contest of wills between the survivalist expert and the one trying to hunt her down. This book could have benefited from showing the reader that she was skilled instead of just saying she or even he was. I think her skills were only showcased once as she had back tracked to throw him off.
June 19, 2022
Wolf Tracker
This has been the story that I was looking forward to reading because Tracker/Daniel has been in the background hinting of the interesting story to tell.
The quiet selfless loner with the heart of gold. Man of few words but What he has to David important and meaning
What will be his story will be be finding a wife, will she want to be with him and be able keep her
This has been my favourite story so far, once you read one your hooked!
This has been the story that I was looking forward to reading because Tracker/Daniel has been in the background hinting of the interesting story to tell.
The quiet selfless loner with the heart of gold. Man of few words but What he has to David important and meaning
What will be his story will be be finding a wife, will she want to be with him and be able keep her
This has been my favourite story so far, once you read one your hooked!
December 5, 2017
This is Tracker and Tami's story . Tami is a strong woman whom can take care of herself in the wild . She is able to make poor Tracker hunt for her and yes she does lose him for a while ! But the strong wolf is not about to give up once he caught her scent . For me Wolf Tracker was a good story ! Instead of the usual this one started out gripping your emotions and kept you turning the pages !
January 16, 2022
This was my favorite of the series. I loved Tracker's quiet strength. I loved Tami's grit and how well her strength matched Tracker's. After I read it first time, I had to immediately read it again; it was that good. I'd give it 10 stars, if I could.
March 8, 2022
I love hot cowboy love!
This book kept me reading until I finally finished the story! Could not put it down. Loved the man who reminded me of someone in my youth. Dang if I didn’t picture him!
This book kept me reading until I finally finished the story! Could not put it down. Loved the man who reminded me of someone in my youth. Dang if I didn’t picture him!
November 14, 2019
Series gets better with each book.
March 18, 2024
2.5
Cool concept but a bit mid
Cool concept but a bit mid
October 21, 2025
This is such a good book. Love it
February 7, 2014
4 stars
This was a very good story. I really liked Tami and Tracker and enjoyed how their story came together.
Tami was a wilderness survival guide before she takes a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash lands in 2064. The survivors don't realize that they've been transported in to the future and a post-apocalyptic version of their world. Not realizing the danger, Tami and another woman head out looking for help and are captured by men that sell them to other men. 4 of these men take Tami and tell he that she's now their wife. They keep her tied to the bed and rape her until (with a little bit of help) she's able to escape.
Tracker is a good man and very honorable. He's part of the wolf clan and has many relatives in the clan but he has never shifted to wolf. Tracker does have just about all the shifter's abilities though...except for changing shape. Because of his restless nature he tends to travel a lot. He's also very good at finding/tracking things (hence his name) and is called on frequently to use his skills. Given his lifestyle he's never thought to take a wife but that all changes when he first catches Tami's scent.
Tracker hears he's wanted for a job and the man hiring tells Tracker that his wife was captured by "woman stealers" so he hires Tracker to find Tami and bring her back. Tracker isn't sure he's being told the truth but takes the job. He has more trouble than expected while trying to find her and along the way, he finds out more info that indicates the story Tami's "husband" told may not be true. Deep down I think Tracker hoped it wasn't true because as soon as he smelled Tami's scent, the wolf that he never had starts making itself known and it seems apparent that his wolf has chosen Tami for his mate. Tracker is determined not to steal her and stick to his word to take her back....unless he finds out the "husband's" story isn't true. Tami does really well at staying unseen, using all of her wilderness survival skills to stay that way. Regardless of her skills, Tracker does find her, although she manages to escape him multiple times. She ends up out of options when some women stealers find her and Tracker saves her. Tami is terrified of Tracker taking her back and when she shares what the men did to her, Tracker promises her he wont take her back. He offers her a home with his clan and promises her safety. Tami is freaked by any men being too close to her and isn't sure if she should trust Tracker but by this time she's worn out, hasn't eaten much and doesn't have the strength left to run so she goes with him. Tami's constantly afraid he'll rape her as well but Tracker does his best to assure her he wont touch her and that she's safe with him. He takes her to Taye's pack to stay but has to leave soon after to take care of some responsibilities.
Tami is happy to be someplace safe and around other women from the plane crash but has trouble being around so many men. Some of the women from the plane crash have a building in town that they're staying in and Taye allows her to go there to stay since 2 of the women there (also plane crash survivors) are rape counselors and it's thought that this will help Tami. It does help her and she spends a month or 2 getting counseling and getting back on her feet. For the most part this is a good thing but it does put her in the path of a local rancher that decides he wants Tami as his wife and doesn't really care if she wants him in return. In the mean time, Tracker has taken care of the men that raped Tami and manages to swing by for a visit with her (as he finds it hard to stay away). Tami finds that Tracker doesn't freak her out and when they sit together she finds a bit of peace with him that she finds wit no one else and that she likes. I liked the way the story evolved...there's time for Tami to get her head on straight and time for her and Tracker to bond. There's some drama that ends up pushing Tami and Tracker together but it's where they both wanted to be so it worked for me. Tami does have some difficulties getting past her trauma to be with Tracker but I thought it worked out in a believable fashion. The ending was very good and I was quite satisfied with the way things worked out for Tami and Tracker getting their HEA.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are all likable, especially Tami and Tracker (I even liked Glory better in this book). The story was good and engaging, keeping me interested until the end. I'll probably try more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :)
note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a good job.
This was a very good story. I really liked Tami and Tracker and enjoyed how their story came together.
Tami was a wilderness survival guide before she takes a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash lands in 2064. The survivors don't realize that they've been transported in to the future and a post-apocalyptic version of their world. Not realizing the danger, Tami and another woman head out looking for help and are captured by men that sell them to other men. 4 of these men take Tami and tell he that she's now their wife. They keep her tied to the bed and rape her until (with a little bit of help) she's able to escape.
Tracker is a good man and very honorable. He's part of the wolf clan and has many relatives in the clan but he has never shifted to wolf. Tracker does have just about all the shifter's abilities though...except for changing shape. Because of his restless nature he tends to travel a lot. He's also very good at finding/tracking things (hence his name) and is called on frequently to use his skills. Given his lifestyle he's never thought to take a wife but that all changes when he first catches Tami's scent.
Tracker hears he's wanted for a job and the man hiring tells Tracker that his wife was captured by "woman stealers" so he hires Tracker to find Tami and bring her back. Tracker isn't sure he's being told the truth but takes the job. He has more trouble than expected while trying to find her and along the way, he finds out more info that indicates the story Tami's "husband" told may not be true. Deep down I think Tracker hoped it wasn't true because as soon as he smelled Tami's scent, the wolf that he never had starts making itself known and it seems apparent that his wolf has chosen Tami for his mate. Tracker is determined not to steal her and stick to his word to take her back....unless he finds out the "husband's" story isn't true. Tami does really well at staying unseen, using all of her wilderness survival skills to stay that way. Regardless of her skills, Tracker does find her, although she manages to escape him multiple times. She ends up out of options when some women stealers find her and Tracker saves her. Tami is terrified of Tracker taking her back and when she shares what the men did to her, Tracker promises her he wont take her back. He offers her a home with his clan and promises her safety. Tami is freaked by any men being too close to her and isn't sure if she should trust Tracker but by this time she's worn out, hasn't eaten much and doesn't have the strength left to run so she goes with him. Tami's constantly afraid he'll rape her as well but Tracker does his best to assure her he wont touch her and that she's safe with him. He takes her to Taye's pack to stay but has to leave soon after to take care of some responsibilities.
Tami is happy to be someplace safe and around other women from the plane crash but has trouble being around so many men. Some of the women from the plane crash have a building in town that they're staying in and Taye allows her to go there to stay since 2 of the women there (also plane crash survivors) are rape counselors and it's thought that this will help Tami. It does help her and she spends a month or 2 getting counseling and getting back on her feet. For the most part this is a good thing but it does put her in the path of a local rancher that decides he wants Tami as his wife and doesn't really care if she wants him in return. In the mean time, Tracker has taken care of the men that raped Tami and manages to swing by for a visit with her (as he finds it hard to stay away). Tami finds that Tracker doesn't freak her out and when they sit together she finds a bit of peace with him that she finds wit no one else and that she likes. I liked the way the story evolved...there's time for Tami to get her head on straight and time for her and Tracker to bond. There's some drama that ends up pushing Tami and Tracker together but it's where they both wanted to be so it worked for me. Tami does have some difficulties getting past her trauma to be with Tracker but I thought it worked out in a believable fashion. The ending was very good and I was quite satisfied with the way things worked out for Tami and Tracker getting their HEA.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are all likable, especially Tami and Tracker (I even liked Glory better in this book). The story was good and engaging, keeping me interested until the end. I'll probably try more of this series in the future. I'd recommend this book. Thumbs up. :)
note - I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a good job.
October 3, 2014
Book three in the series takes a darker turn, this heroine did not have a good experience leaving the plane to seek help. This is not a book for somebody with triggers to read, it isn't detailed but there is enough to cause concern. It is all key to the events of the book and true to the story.
Tami is a strong woman who has a serious will to survive. You can not help but admire her while she struggles to stay free in the beginning of the book. I really liked that Ms Barone did not skip over the healing stages for the character. She did not have her jumping straight in bed with the hero after the horrors she experienced. There is a real progression from the victim fighting to survive to the woman coming to terms and finally finding her self again.
I loved the hero Tracker, he was patient with his mate when she needed space. He was supremely understanding of her feelings and lent support quietly. It was really interesting seeing him walk the line from wanting to be with his mate and not wanting to scare her.
I really enjoyed the story this time, it had real meat on it and took on many hard topics. Don't get me wrong there is some smexy action later in the story, but this is more about relationship building. I loved seeing more of the supporting characters and their growth.
The narrative is mostly from the two leads POVs, alternating smoothly from section to section. It is great for giving a fuller picture of events and helps you understand their feelings. There are a couple spots where you get other character's POV, it wasn't integral to the story but nice to see.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Clementine Cage, who does a great job. She has been with the series from the start and had time to develop character voices. I did think Tami's voice was a bit too deep and butch sounding, but then there were times when it sounded fine. She has a wonderful way of creating movement and adding energy to scenes.
Overall, I am thrilled with this series and eager to see what happens with all the other couples. I wish the other novellas were in audio. This series is a unique look at the post Apocalypse genre. I do wish there were a touch more detail about what happened in the Apocalypse and the extent of the damage. At this point I am left wondering was it just in the USA or all over. A little more exposition would be great.
Tami is a strong woman who has a serious will to survive. You can not help but admire her while she struggles to stay free in the beginning of the book. I really liked that Ms Barone did not skip over the healing stages for the character. She did not have her jumping straight in bed with the hero after the horrors she experienced. There is a real progression from the victim fighting to survive to the woman coming to terms and finally finding her self again.
I loved the hero Tracker, he was patient with his mate when she needed space. He was supremely understanding of her feelings and lent support quietly. It was really interesting seeing him walk the line from wanting to be with his mate and not wanting to scare her.
I really enjoyed the story this time, it had real meat on it and took on many hard topics. Don't get me wrong there is some smexy action later in the story, but this is more about relationship building. I loved seeing more of the supporting characters and their growth.
The narrative is mostly from the two leads POVs, alternating smoothly from section to section. It is great for giving a fuller picture of events and helps you understand their feelings. There are a couple spots where you get other character's POV, it wasn't integral to the story but nice to see.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Clementine Cage, who does a great job. She has been with the series from the start and had time to develop character voices. I did think Tami's voice was a bit too deep and butch sounding, but then there were times when it sounded fine. She has a wonderful way of creating movement and adding energy to scenes.
Overall, I am thrilled with this series and eager to see what happens with all the other couples. I wish the other novellas were in audio. This series is a unique look at the post Apocalypse genre. I do wish there were a touch more detail about what happened in the Apocalypse and the extent of the damage. At this point I am left wondering was it just in the USA or all over. A little more exposition would be great.
February 16, 2012
*4.5 stars*
This is the third book in the After the Crash series. I loved them all, all for different reasons. The reason here is Tracker. He's a quiet sort of guy, maybe a little shy. His dialogue tends to be brief because he's not a talker. He's a doer. Unlike the other heroes in this series he's not a virgin but he might as well be. He loves Tami. He doesn't make wild declarations, but he shows it in how he acts. There's one scene where Tracker almost catches Tami. She's hiding in the bushes and even tho he doesn't know exactly where she is, he talks to her all night. Just that one sided conversation told me a lot about who Tracker is.
Tami was abused by the men who "married" her and she reacts realistically to that. The reader doesn't get a description of the rapes (thank God) because they happen before the story starts. But the trauma for Tami is made clear by how she acts. I thought it was handled beautifully and with compassion.
Another thing I loved in the book were the love scenes. There weren't very many of them and they don't happen until later in the book, but they were so sweet. Hot, but sweet. I mean Tracker treated Tami with such understanding and tenderness that I wanted to cheer. If you are looking for a book with lots of sex, this might disappoint you. It worked fine for me because it fit with the story. Tami wasn't about to jump into bed with anyone after being raped. The way she gradualy learned to trust Tracker was great. The night they finally do make love almost made me cry.
This book has a more somber tone than the first two. But Jelly, the young teen werewolf, provides some comic relief. I think Ms Barone is a gifted writer who manages to tell each story in the series differently. In some series the heroes are almost interchangable. But I would never mistake Shadow for Tracker. Tami is nothing like Glory. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Sky turns out.
Write faster, Ms Barone! I want more!
This is the third book in the After the Crash series. I loved them all, all for different reasons. The reason here is Tracker. He's a quiet sort of guy, maybe a little shy. His dialogue tends to be brief because he's not a talker. He's a doer. Unlike the other heroes in this series he's not a virgin but he might as well be. He loves Tami. He doesn't make wild declarations, but he shows it in how he acts. There's one scene where Tracker almost catches Tami. She's hiding in the bushes and even tho he doesn't know exactly where she is, he talks to her all night. Just that one sided conversation told me a lot about who Tracker is.
Tami was abused by the men who "married" her and she reacts realistically to that. The reader doesn't get a description of the rapes (thank God) because they happen before the story starts. But the trauma for Tami is made clear by how she acts. I thought it was handled beautifully and with compassion.
Another thing I loved in the book were the love scenes. There weren't very many of them and they don't happen until later in the book, but they were so sweet. Hot, but sweet. I mean Tracker treated Tami with such understanding and tenderness that I wanted to cheer. If you are looking for a book with lots of sex, this might disappoint you. It worked fine for me because it fit with the story. Tami wasn't about to jump into bed with anyone after being raped. The way she gradualy learned to trust Tracker was great. The night they finally do make love almost made me cry.
This book has a more somber tone than the first two. But Jelly, the young teen werewolf, provides some comic relief. I think Ms Barone is a gifted writer who manages to tell each story in the series differently. In some series the heroes are almost interchangable. But I would never mistake Shadow for Tracker. Tami is nothing like Glory. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Sky turns out.
Write faster, Ms Barone! I want more!
July 2, 2012
Battered, exhausted, and frightened, Tami has just escaped from four delusional men all claiming to be her husband. She survived a plane crash only to discover that her world, as she knew it, is gone.
Quiet and deadly, Tracker just accepted a commission to find Tami. The distraught husband explains that his new, beloved wife has been kidnapped – spirited away by marauders. Tracker takes the generous payment and sets out on a rescue mission.
Tami is well-trained. Before the plane crash, she taught survivalist training, but she is little prepared for the desolation and emptiness of the austere land. Also, she is being followed, tracked by a man with skills that rival her own. Hungry and bone-weary, Tami’s stamina is almost totally depleted by the time Tracker discovers her hidden camp.
This story drew me in from the first page. Both Tami and Tracker are likable, honorable and charismatic. Told with an easy familiarity, there is droll humor to lighten what could otherwise have been a dark, depressing tale of our world fifty years hence, after a great and terribly destructive war. Although this book is 3rd in a series, I read it and got full-enjoyment out of it without having read the previous two books. I must admit, though, that I have become enchanted with this author’s ability to snare me with her words; I will be adding all of her books to my wish list.
Quiet and deadly, Tracker just accepted a commission to find Tami. The distraught husband explains that his new, beloved wife has been kidnapped – spirited away by marauders. Tracker takes the generous payment and sets out on a rescue mission.
Tami is well-trained. Before the plane crash, she taught survivalist training, but she is little prepared for the desolation and emptiness of the austere land. Also, she is being followed, tracked by a man with skills that rival her own. Hungry and bone-weary, Tami’s stamina is almost totally depleted by the time Tracker discovers her hidden camp.
This story drew me in from the first page. Both Tami and Tracker are likable, honorable and charismatic. Told with an easy familiarity, there is droll humor to lighten what could otherwise have been a dark, depressing tale of our world fifty years hence, after a great and terribly destructive war. Although this book is 3rd in a series, I read it and got full-enjoyment out of it without having read the previous two books. I must admit, though, that I have become enchanted with this author’s ability to snare me with her words; I will be adding all of her books to my wish list.
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