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Bloodrunners #4
Dark Wolf Rising
Eric Drake, a powerful Dark Wolf, has never trusted himself around human females—preferring to mate only within his pack. That is, until he encounters Chelsea Smart snooping around Silvercrest pack land in search of her missing sister.
Secretly, Chelsea thinks Eric is the sexiest man she's ever seen, though she is wary of his potent Alpha energy. Then it's discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a pack of vicious Lycans, and Eric heroically leaps into action. Now, Chelsea will risk everything—her body and soul—to surrender to the passion that will mark her as Eric's woman for all eternity…if they survive.
Secretly, Chelsea thinks Eric is the sexiest man she's ever seen, though she is wary of his potent Alpha energy. Then it's discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a pack of vicious Lycans, and Eric heroically leaps into action. Now, Chelsea will risk everything—her body and soul—to surrender to the passion that will mark her as Eric's woman for all eternity…if they survive.
302 pages, Unknown Binding
First published December 18, 2012
216 people are currently reading
2418 people want to read
About the author
Rhyannon Byrd
82 books1,309 followersRhyannon Byrd is the national bestselling author of more than forty contemporary and paranormal romance titles, including the romantic thrillers LONDON AFFAIR and NEW YORK SCANDAL, and her books have been translated into ten languages. After years of enjoying the California sunshine, Rhyannon now lives in the beautiful Malvern Hills in England with her family and their ever-growing collection of concert T-shirts and coffee mugs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
May 16, 2013
I feel a bit ashamed of the three stars I'm giving this book. The more intelligent and reserved part of my brain screams "It's a two, at best!". But the dirty-birdy horndog inside me is still yelling "Take it off! Take it all off!"
The plot of this book was really just filler to keep the reader occupied between borderline Hustler-esque descriptions of genitalia. The author kept trying to convince us that Chelsea was a woman on a mission, but apparently duty and family mean nothing when a hefty piece of man-meat lands on your lap. Must...save...sister...
Must...resist...dong!
If there is a reader that got through the drug scene without laughing, please message me. I must learn from you. You have a strength that could move mountains. I am not so strong, and thus spent the better part of that section busting a gut while imagining a Skinemax version of Speed. "If this vagina drops below 55 miles per hour, we're all going to die!"
For every reason I find to mock this book, it wasn't bad. It was entertaining, albeit ridiculous at the same time.
The plot of this book was really just filler to keep the reader occupied between borderline Hustler-esque descriptions of genitalia. The author kept trying to convince us that Chelsea was a woman on a mission, but apparently duty and family mean nothing when a hefty piece of man-meat lands on your lap. Must...save...sister...
Must...resist...dong!
If there is a reader that got through the drug scene without laughing, please message me. I must learn from you. You have a strength that could move mountains. I am not so strong, and thus spent the better part of that section busting a gut while imagining a Skinemax version of Speed. "If this vagina drops below 55 miles per hour, we're all going to die!"
For every reason I find to mock this book, it wasn't bad. It was entertaining, albeit ridiculous at the same time.
July 5, 2013
I cannot STAND Chelsea. Seriously how can you say you're "not stupid" and that you "won't go snooping where I don't belong" when you're already trespassing?! Okay fine, you didn't see the private property signs when you turned off the highway, but when two men asked you to leave you refused and then have the audacity to point a gun in someone's face and threaten them when you're on THEIR property??
Cannot read this :(.
Cannot read this :(.
December 3, 2012
Rhyannon I love you! I was SO excited to hear about this book a while back and after reading it I can say for sure that it was worth the wait! Dark Wolf Rising is by far the best one in the series!!! I thought for sure that Brody would still be my favorite but I was wrong! I LOVE Eric!!!
This book picks up a little while after everything that went down at the end of Last Wolf Watching, after Eric's dad is defeated by the Bloodrunners and his Rogue Wolf army has been disbanded. Eric is trying to find his place in the pack after the evil things his father did and seems to have found it with the Bloodrunners. When he meets Chelsea he is drawn to her but her scent doesn't call him so he's resistant to start anything with her because he knows she will just end up hurt. But after fighting for their lives and winning something changes and finally his wolf recognizes her scent. Will she accept him or wont she and will he be able to not hurt her? Those are the questions.
I really really loved Eric's character, as I said above, but Chelsea really got on my nerves. Her feelings were all over the place and sometimes the way she acted towards Eric really ticked me off. She was very wishy washy. You either want him or you don't. Don't play with their feelings!!! LOL But she came to her senses and got smart and made everything much better! ;)
It was really great seeing the other characters from the previous books, especially Cian! Can I please, please get a book for him one day? I want to see the sexy Irishman fall head over heels, that should be one very entertaining story because the guy seems to untouchable right now. He needs a mate to show him some happiness!
This is one dark and sexy story with tons of action and a hero and heroine who are about as frustrating as they come! There were times I was laughing one second and almost in tears the next and ready to throw my kindle across the room one second after that. The characters are well written, even if a few of them are totally hard headed, and the story is well built and can be read as part of the series or all alone too. So all in all, this was a really great read! If you are looking for a series to pull you in and keep you there until the very last word, this series is the one for you! Even though this is my new favorite of the series, I still will always love every one of the books!!! Go pre-order your copy today!!!
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not receiving any compensation for reading this book.*
This book picks up a little while after everything that went down at the end of Last Wolf Watching, after Eric's dad is defeated by the Bloodrunners and his Rogue Wolf army has been disbanded. Eric is trying to find his place in the pack after the evil things his father did and seems to have found it with the Bloodrunners. When he meets Chelsea he is drawn to her but her scent doesn't call him so he's resistant to start anything with her because he knows she will just end up hurt. But after fighting for their lives and winning something changes and finally his wolf recognizes her scent. Will she accept him or wont she and will he be able to not hurt her? Those are the questions.
I really really loved Eric's character, as I said above, but Chelsea really got on my nerves. Her feelings were all over the place and sometimes the way she acted towards Eric really ticked me off. She was very wishy washy. You either want him or you don't. Don't play with their feelings!!! LOL But she came to her senses and got smart and made everything much better! ;)
It was really great seeing the other characters from the previous books, especially Cian! Can I please, please get a book for him one day? I want to see the sexy Irishman fall head over heels, that should be one very entertaining story because the guy seems to untouchable right now. He needs a mate to show him some happiness!
This is one dark and sexy story with tons of action and a hero and heroine who are about as frustrating as they come! There were times I was laughing one second and almost in tears the next and ready to throw my kindle across the room one second after that. The characters are well written, even if a few of them are totally hard headed, and the story is well built and can be read as part of the series or all alone too. So all in all, this was a really great read! If you are looking for a series to pull you in and keep you there until the very last word, this series is the one for you! Even though this is my new favorite of the series, I still will always love every one of the books!!! Go pre-order your copy today!!!
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not receiving any compensation for reading this book.*
June 2, 2013
3- I nice quick PNR wolfie read. Big alpha males, pack politics and some really stupid human women. I liked the pack and the actions of the Dark Wolf. He took responsibility for his power and used it wisely. Then their was the female main character. She was so over the top stupid, stubborn, judgmental, just rubber me wrong all the way through the book. Here was this GREAT guy willing to make things ok and she was hateful and mean. No, she was not my favorite character. It could have been better of she had a real reason for being a total witch. I thought her reasoning was so flimsy.
This woman travels up to this remote mountain looking for her wild missing sister. (Who may not want to be found.) She is determined to take her back home no matter what. (what ?/ she's an adult) She is trespassing on Wolfie land they ask her to leave she say's no. She acts like a toddler, throws a hissy fit the wolf tries to help her and get her to safety. Finally she agrees to leave, her car breaks down and wolfie boy helps her ungrateful self back into town, where he pays for a hotel and pays to fix her car. This helping of her goes on and on while her jerkness to him goes on and on. Till there is a huge awakening in her little pee head.....
HEA
This woman travels up to this remote mountain looking for her wild missing sister. (Who may not want to be found.) She is determined to take her back home no matter what. (what ?/ she's an adult) She is trespassing on Wolfie land they ask her to leave she say's no. She acts like a toddler, throws a hissy fit the wolf tries to help her and get her to safety. Finally she agrees to leave, her car breaks down and wolfie boy helps her ungrateful self back into town, where he pays for a hotel and pays to fix her car. This helping of her goes on and on while her jerkness to him goes on and on. Till there is a huge awakening in her little pee head.....
HEA
October 2, 2013
Half way through this book I put it down because I couldn't stand Chelsea. Months have passed by and I decide to try and finish the book, I couldn't do it. I fucking hate Chelsea! I won't be reading this book again. And I definately don't recommend it to anyone. Chelsea was such a selfish, insecure bitch! Eric deserved better! I hate her so much. This book is just horrible!!!
February 20, 2015
Chelsea' search for her missing sister leads her to Silvercrest territory and into the path of full blooded werewolf Eric. There is something about the troublesome female that draws Eric, and the dark inner wolf that he keeps tightly leashed, and makes him want to protect the woman who rushes headlong into trouble...
It's been quite awhile since Byrd last took readers to her Bloodrunners world and since I read the original trilogy when it came out in 2008, I only vaguely remembered the cast from the early books. But when I looked back at my old reviews, I saw that I'd been hoping the Byrd would give some of my favorite supporting characters a HEA, and at long last it looks like she's picking up the series and granting my wish - and Eric was one of two of those in-need-of-a-HEA guys at the top of my list.
That said, I really loved the leading man Eric. He was a great leading man, alpha, dominant and protective but nicely walking the line that kept him from being an 'alphahole' because of a self deprecating sense of humor. I had a little more trouble with his leading lady Chelsea, she's strong and determined but with some heavy baggage against men (since her father was controlling and emotionally abusive), and her determination initially takes her into TSTL territory and later her issues make her cut and run in a way that felt way too over the top and wrong for what had gone before - and for how easily she got past what made her flee irritated me as well. Even so, I still really wanted a HEA for Eric, even though he forgives her way too easily - but I guess if you are a Were and only get one mate ever, you have to move on - I still felt like he deserved better heroine.
The story is pretty sexy, Chelsea gets herself in trouble that requires a very intimate 'cure' from Eric, and he is pretty addicted to 'tasting' her, but the actual full on deal gets stalled off for quite a while by a myriad of 'interruptions' - not real fond of those as tension builders. And there is some real ugliness in the back ground plot, but fortunately that is off screen, so just disclosed.
While Byrd does do a pretty good job of bringing new readers up to speed on the Bloodrunners world and what has gone before in the earlier books, I think I'd have liked this book just a bit better if I'd read the previous stories closer to this one and was still hooked into the world - because I only vaguely remembered the past characters, Eric's father's betrayal and the way that the Bloodrunners were ostracized by the pack. (I probably should have gone through my old reviews of the original books before I read this.)
So, bottom line - because from my ramblings it's probably pretty hard to tell - I was in a place when I read this that I did enjoy the story for the most part, I loved the leading man and catching up on the world, but the leading lady dropped the story down a notch for me. That said, if the next book is Cian's or Eric's sister's, I'll be 'in' for a return to the Bloodrunner's world.
It's been quite awhile since Byrd last took readers to her Bloodrunners world and since I read the original trilogy when it came out in 2008, I only vaguely remembered the cast from the early books. But when I looked back at my old reviews, I saw that I'd been hoping the Byrd would give some of my favorite supporting characters a HEA, and at long last it looks like she's picking up the series and granting my wish - and Eric was one of two of those in-need-of-a-HEA guys at the top of my list.
That said, I really loved the leading man Eric. He was a great leading man, alpha, dominant and protective but nicely walking the line that kept him from being an 'alphahole' because of a self deprecating sense of humor. I had a little more trouble with his leading lady Chelsea, she's strong and determined but with some heavy baggage against men (since her father was controlling and emotionally abusive), and her determination initially takes her into TSTL territory and later her issues make her cut and run in a way that felt way too over the top and wrong for what had gone before - and for how easily she got past what made her flee irritated me as well. Even so, I still really wanted a HEA for Eric, even though he forgives her way too easily - but I guess if you are a Were and only get one mate ever, you have to move on - I still felt like he deserved better heroine.
The story is pretty sexy, Chelsea gets herself in trouble that requires a very intimate 'cure' from Eric, and he is pretty addicted to 'tasting' her, but the actual full on deal gets stalled off for quite a while by a myriad of 'interruptions' - not real fond of those as tension builders. And there is some real ugliness in the back ground plot, but fortunately that is off screen, so just disclosed.
While Byrd does do a pretty good job of bringing new readers up to speed on the Bloodrunners world and what has gone before in the earlier books, I think I'd have liked this book just a bit better if I'd read the previous stories closer to this one and was still hooked into the world - because I only vaguely remembered the past characters, Eric's father's betrayal and the way that the Bloodrunners were ostracized by the pack. (I probably should have gone through my old reviews of the original books before I read this.)
So, bottom line - because from my ramblings it's probably pretty hard to tell - I was in a place when I read this that I did enjoy the story for the most part, I loved the leading man and catching up on the world, but the leading lady dropped the story down a notch for me. That said, if the next book is Cian's or Eric's sister's, I'll be 'in' for a return to the Bloodrunner's world.
January 18, 2013
Ok, So I admit it. I am officially kicking myself. As someone as addicted to shifter crack as I am I should have known about this series. I can not believe that it was not until book four that I discovered the fascinating world of the Bloodrunners. Seriously, this series has all of the things I look for in my shifter crack. The shifters are not simply people who turn into animals. They have that animal nature to them and the inner conflict that makes them both man and animal. Rhyannon also seems to get that there needs to be more than just: wolf sees girl, wolf claims girl, silly conflict noone buys into, wolf gets girl, HEA. Are those stories fun? Absolutely, but I am so glad this book (and I assume series) has more.
Dark Wolf Rising, is more than the story of true love, although that is definitely there and worth the price of admission. It is also the story of power, good vs. evil, broken people finding each other, prejudice, and the value of women. I will say that there was one part that I was just shaking my head and thinking, "Really?" , but this is fiction and I am ok with that. If I wanted true to life things to read, I would not be so addicted to shifter books. The part made more sense later on in the book, so I have a feeling it may have been a topic broached in another of the books in this series.
From my experience coming into this series in book four, I will say that you can easily jump on board with this book and not feel like you are missing key information. Will I be reading the beginning of the series now that I have read this one? Absolutely. There are a few loose ends left at the end of this book making me very excited for the release of book five. They did not, however, leave me feeling like the book just ended. No evil cliffhangers here :). If you like your shifters a bit dark, very opinionated, stubborn, and with a bit of new lore, this series is definitely worth checking out. This is an 18 plus read.
Dark Wolf Rising, is more than the story of true love, although that is definitely there and worth the price of admission. It is also the story of power, good vs. evil, broken people finding each other, prejudice, and the value of women. I will say that there was one part that I was just shaking my head and thinking, "Really?" , but this is fiction and I am ok with that. If I wanted true to life things to read, I would not be so addicted to shifter books. The part made more sense later on in the book, so I have a feeling it may have been a topic broached in another of the books in this series.
From my experience coming into this series in book four, I will say that you can easily jump on board with this book and not feel like you are missing key information. Will I be reading the beginning of the series now that I have read this one? Absolutely. There are a few loose ends left at the end of this book making me very excited for the release of book five. They did not, however, leave me feeling like the book just ended. No evil cliffhangers here :). If you like your shifters a bit dark, very opinionated, stubborn, and with a bit of new lore, this series is definitely worth checking out. This is an 18 plus read.
December 7, 2012
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Michelle L. Olson:
*eARC provided by NetGalley
I am a huge Rhyannon Byrd fan. I adore her worlds, I love her writing style, I lust for her heroes... Yeah, I'm a fangirl.
I had forgotten how much I loved the BLOODRUNNERS series though, until I got back into it with Dark Wolf Rising.
This book was darkly sensual, action packed & at times, utterly frustrating & heartbreaking. I absolutely loved it!
Amongst turmoil galore, Eric is desperately trying to find his place among his pack and people. He has a tainted legacy left by his corrupt father, and doesn't quite fit in with the pack or with the BloodRunner hybrids; though he has always felt more at home with his friends in the Alley.
When stubborn yet adorable Chelsea shows up out of the blue in a hippie bus looking for her sister, his world is turned even more on its ear. Because while she doesn't belong in his world, he can't seem to get rid of her and feels that the only way to make sure she stays out of trouble is to keep her close.
Eric is an amazing hero. He's dominant yet caring, sexy yet vulnerable, damaged, and yet with an infinite potential for growth. He's loyal to his friends and loved ones, and Alpha to the core.
Chelsea was an interesting heroine... I like my females strong and independent and Chelsea had that in spades, but she was quick tempered, a bit flighty, and almost too stubborn. It made for some VERY intense reading moments where I literally wanted to scream at her or smack her upside the head for one stupid thing or another though, and inducing that kind of emotion in a reader is never a bad thing. :) Ultimately she finally figured things out and all was well, but it was NOT an easy road getting there and boy oh boy do you ever feel for Eric and everyone around him.
Revisiting the Alley and its inhabitants was absolutely wonderful. I missed the guys and their incredible mates and I can't wait to read more about each and every one of them. I really want to go back and re-read the first 3 books of the series now though, because I remember things but I wish they were clearer in my mind. It certainly wouldn't be a hardship, this series is utterly fantastic!
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Dark Wolf Rising 5 Skulls and would recommend it to everyone! If you're looking for a dark and sexy action-packed read with lots of emotion, this book is for you. And if you want a series with captivating characters that will stick with you and a world and story arc that keep you wanting more page after page, then I highly suggest you grab books 1-3 as well. Dark Wolf Rising stands fine alone, but this series is amazing and shouldn't be missed.
*eARC provided by NetGalley
I am a huge Rhyannon Byrd fan. I adore her worlds, I love her writing style, I lust for her heroes... Yeah, I'm a fangirl.
I had forgotten how much I loved the BLOODRUNNERS series though, until I got back into it with Dark Wolf Rising.
This book was darkly sensual, action packed & at times, utterly frustrating & heartbreaking. I absolutely loved it!
Amongst turmoil galore, Eric is desperately trying to find his place among his pack and people. He has a tainted legacy left by his corrupt father, and doesn't quite fit in with the pack or with the BloodRunner hybrids; though he has always felt more at home with his friends in the Alley.
When stubborn yet adorable Chelsea shows up out of the blue in a hippie bus looking for her sister, his world is turned even more on its ear. Because while she doesn't belong in his world, he can't seem to get rid of her and feels that the only way to make sure she stays out of trouble is to keep her close.
Eric is an amazing hero. He's dominant yet caring, sexy yet vulnerable, damaged, and yet with an infinite potential for growth. He's loyal to his friends and loved ones, and Alpha to the core.
Chelsea was an interesting heroine... I like my females strong and independent and Chelsea had that in spades, but she was quick tempered, a bit flighty, and almost too stubborn. It made for some VERY intense reading moments where I literally wanted to scream at her or smack her upside the head for one stupid thing or another though, and inducing that kind of emotion in a reader is never a bad thing. :) Ultimately she finally figured things out and all was well, but it was NOT an easy road getting there and boy oh boy do you ever feel for Eric and everyone around him.
Revisiting the Alley and its inhabitants was absolutely wonderful. I missed the guys and their incredible mates and I can't wait to read more about each and every one of them. I really want to go back and re-read the first 3 books of the series now though, because I remember things but I wish they were clearer in my mind. It certainly wouldn't be a hardship, this series is utterly fantastic!
LITERAL ADDICTION gives Dark Wolf Rising 5 Skulls and would recommend it to everyone! If you're looking for a dark and sexy action-packed read with lots of emotion, this book is for you. And if you want a series with captivating characters that will stick with you and a world and story arc that keep you wanting more page after page, then I highly suggest you grab books 1-3 as well. Dark Wolf Rising stands fine alone, but this series is amazing and shouldn't be missed.
February 15, 2013
Rhyannon Byrd usually proves to be a winner in my book and I’m happy to say Dark Wolf Riding was an enjoyable read. I didn’t know this was the 4th book in a series when I picked it up and I didn’t really have any problems reading it so I will say it’s okay to read as a stand alone.
Eric has been trying to keep his people together after the brutal dissension in the ranks that had his own father turning against their people in an attempt to take over. With his death Eric inherited his problems and with everyone now leery of him he spends most of his time patrolling their land and watching out for trouble.
Looking for her sister and running low on funds Chelsea decides to spend the night in her car in the woods. When the dangerously sexy Eric approaches her demanding she get off their land for “her protection” she figures he must know something about her sisters whereabouts. Though he doesn’t she’s incredibly persistent and he agrees to help her look.
It took me quite awhile to warm up to Chelsea because she starts the book out being an incredible pain in the ass. I figured her as a bitch and thought Eric was being incredibly nice helping this woman out because she was just so bull headed and unwilling to listen to reason. It’s difficult to get on board with a character like that. She doesn’t start to let down her walls until she gets dosed with sexually arousing drugs that make her need to rely on Eric for….ummmmm….help. Heh. And help he did. That semi sex scene goes on FOREVER. Never let it be said that Byrd doesn’t know how to front the sexy. Chelsea has such a hard time trusting Eric and goes as far as leaving him at the worst possible time. I wanted to throttle her because he lays everyone out for her and she just walks away. Her fears rule her and learning to let them go is incredibly hard for her.
Byrd’s Lycan books focus a lot on the animalistic side without having characters shifting all the time. Sight and smell as well as protectiveness are what the characters rely on making shifting unnecessary until a fight scene which generally don’t happen until towards the end. She relies on her characters connections and interactions which works sometimes and other time I’m left wanting Eric to just shift and eat some bad guys.
Overall I enjoyed this one even with my issues with the heroine. When I crack open a Byrd book I know she’ll transport me to her world with her colorful writing and hot heros who know no boundaries when it comes to their women.
I give Dark Wolf Rising by Rhyannon Byrd 3.25 stars!
Eric has been trying to keep his people together after the brutal dissension in the ranks that had his own father turning against their people in an attempt to take over. With his death Eric inherited his problems and with everyone now leery of him he spends most of his time patrolling their land and watching out for trouble.
Looking for her sister and running low on funds Chelsea decides to spend the night in her car in the woods. When the dangerously sexy Eric approaches her demanding she get off their land for “her protection” she figures he must know something about her sisters whereabouts. Though he doesn’t she’s incredibly persistent and he agrees to help her look.
It took me quite awhile to warm up to Chelsea because she starts the book out being an incredible pain in the ass. I figured her as a bitch and thought Eric was being incredibly nice helping this woman out because she was just so bull headed and unwilling to listen to reason. It’s difficult to get on board with a character like that. She doesn’t start to let down her walls until she gets dosed with sexually arousing drugs that make her need to rely on Eric for….ummmmm….help. Heh. And help he did. That semi sex scene goes on FOREVER. Never let it be said that Byrd doesn’t know how to front the sexy. Chelsea has such a hard time trusting Eric and goes as far as leaving him at the worst possible time. I wanted to throttle her because he lays everyone out for her and she just walks away. Her fears rule her and learning to let them go is incredibly hard for her.
Byrd’s Lycan books focus a lot on the animalistic side without having characters shifting all the time. Sight and smell as well as protectiveness are what the characters rely on making shifting unnecessary until a fight scene which generally don’t happen until towards the end. She relies on her characters connections and interactions which works sometimes and other time I’m left wanting Eric to just shift and eat some bad guys.
Overall I enjoyed this one even with my issues with the heroine. When I crack open a Byrd book I know she’ll transport me to her world with her colorful writing and hot heros who know no boundaries when it comes to their women.
I give Dark Wolf Rising by Rhyannon Byrd 3.25 stars!
December 11, 2012
Eric’s father has been defeated by the Bloodrunners and his rogue wolf army has been dismantled but Eric is still searching for his place in the pack. As a dark wolf and his father son, he is mistrusted and power seekers in the pack are willing to use this against him.
Chelsea Smart is searching for her missing sister when the trail leads her to Eric’s pack’s mountain. When she is confronted to leave she not only takes on the patrolling guards but literally gives Eric the finger when he tells her to leave. There is something about Chelsea that intrigues Eric and his wolf but he will do everything in his power to keep his distance from this human. The interaction between Chelsea and Eric is explosive, the chemistry electrifying and the sexual tension is off the charts.
Dark Wolf Rising is action packed, somewhat dark, and extremely steamy! Perfect wolf story, awesome character interaction and the ideal blend of past characters make Dark Wolf Rising a magnificent addition to the Bloodrunners Series. Rhyannon Byrd created a spectacular shifter world, wrapped me right into the emotions of the characters and kept me captivated till the end. 5 stars!
This ARC copy of Dark Wolf Rising was given to me by Netgalley and Harlequin Nocturne in exchange for an honest review.
Chelsea Smart is searching for her missing sister when the trail leads her to Eric’s pack’s mountain. When she is confronted to leave she not only takes on the patrolling guards but literally gives Eric the finger when he tells her to leave. There is something about Chelsea that intrigues Eric and his wolf but he will do everything in his power to keep his distance from this human. The interaction between Chelsea and Eric is explosive, the chemistry electrifying and the sexual tension is off the charts.
Dark Wolf Rising is action packed, somewhat dark, and extremely steamy! Perfect wolf story, awesome character interaction and the ideal blend of past characters make Dark Wolf Rising a magnificent addition to the Bloodrunners Series. Rhyannon Byrd created a spectacular shifter world, wrapped me right into the emotions of the characters and kept me captivated till the end. 5 stars!
This ARC copy of Dark Wolf Rising was given to me by Netgalley and Harlequin Nocturne in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2017
I'm rethinking the 4 stars but since there's no 3.5, 4 stars will do mainly cause i actually enjoyed the book, But did not like the writing style, i think the author could have done better.
I love the plot and the story, I also love the dual POVs which made it easier to know what the main characters are thinking. Their love story not so great. But that was compensated by the amazing characters even the side and supporting charcters are also okay.
I love the plot and the story, I also love the dual POVs which made it easier to know what the main characters are thinking. Their love story not so great. But that was compensated by the amazing characters even the side and supporting charcters are also okay.
August 12, 2016
Eric Drake is a pure blood dark wolf that has thrown his lot in with the half breeds - the Runners - who act as pack policemen.
Chelsea Smart is looking for her missing sister. When last heard of she followed a guy into this mountain area. Intent on finding her sister she doesn’t see the private property signs and doesn’t know she’s now on pack land.
***
I subscribed to a Harlequin romance website and got a pile of free books. This was one of them.
It is book #4 in a series but it wasn’t hard to pick up what had happened earlier. The recaps proved useful.
Eric is dealing with a lot of fallout from his father’s behaviour and tensions between the various packs.
Chelsea gives me whiplash. Everyone says she’s beautiful, but she doesn’t think she is. She freaks about not being in control or being held down, but there’s no explanation for this. She did say her mother was a doormat… but that’s not the same thing. She thinks her sister is in trouble with NO evidence that she is. The sister hasn’t called her to ask for her help. They aren’t close, so it’s not like she phones her every second day or whatever.
She says she’s been called frigid in the past, but then is confident in bed and says she gives amazing blow jobs. (there wasn’t a demonstration to confirm this)
She has the most appalling double standards. She literally goes from apologising for her awful behaviour to doing it again in the next paragraph. And she works in women’s shelters and then resorts to violence against her lover. AND she has sex under the influence of a drug but says it’s okay because she wanted him to. *frowns* NO.
I have no clue why Eric bothered with her.
I mean it’s not out of character for Chelsea to cut and run though eh?
There were a few odd things in the format, repeated whole paragraphs and repeated words. Her ‘drugged speech’ was excruciatingly bad. I can’t tell if spelling her name ‘Chelse’ was a mistake or an attempt at shortening it, but personally I hate people using a short version of mine.
2 stars
Chelsea Smart is looking for her missing sister. When last heard of she followed a guy into this mountain area. Intent on finding her sister she doesn’t see the private property signs and doesn’t know she’s now on pack land.
***
I subscribed to a Harlequin romance website and got a pile of free books. This was one of them.
It is book #4 in a series but it wasn’t hard to pick up what had happened earlier. The recaps proved useful.
Eric is dealing with a lot of fallout from his father’s behaviour and tensions between the various packs.
Chelsea gives me whiplash. Everyone says she’s beautiful, but she doesn’t think she is. She freaks about not being in control or being held down, but there’s no explanation for this. She did say her mother was a doormat… but that’s not the same thing. She thinks her sister is in trouble with NO evidence that she is. The sister hasn’t called her to ask for her help. They aren’t close, so it’s not like she phones her every second day or whatever.
She says she’s been called frigid in the past, but then is confident in bed and says she gives amazing blow jobs. (there wasn’t a demonstration to confirm this)
She has the most appalling double standards. She literally goes from apologising for her awful behaviour to doing it again in the next paragraph. And she works in women’s shelters and then resorts to violence against her lover. AND she has sex under the influence of a drug but says it’s okay because she wanted him to. *frowns* NO.
I have no clue why Eric bothered with her.
I mean it’s not out of character for Chelsea to cut and run though eh?
There were a few odd things in the format, repeated whole paragraphs and repeated words. Her ‘drugged speech’ was excruciatingly bad. I can’t tell if spelling her name ‘Chelse’ was a mistake or an attempt at shortening it, but personally I hate people using a short version of mine.
2 stars
June 23, 2013
I stumbled upon this book on Amazon, not caring that it was number 4 in the series and decided to buy it because it sounded interesting..at least the summary did.
I was kind of skeptical at first, having read so many werewolf romance that were badly written, lacking in sophistication and overall so damn predictable that it was infuriating.
I was however, pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
For starters its got a really great beginning, and I don't mean the setting itself, I mean the heroine herself. I actually liked her for the first time. Chelsea displayed bravery, courage and pure determination despite her fear. She was unwilling to back down from her goal even though three big men had warned her off and told her that things aren't what they seem.
Yeah, she was a bit dumb and reckless as the story went on, but I loved her personality. She was damaged from her past experiences which lead her to act the way she did with Eric. I don't blame her. I really don't. She was mentally abused by her father and lived with a permissive mother who never went against her husband's word. It would seem almost fairy-tale like if she'd agreed to everything.
And Eric, oh Eric. He was one, hot, self-loathing wolf who you just want to hold and cuddle and have hot hot sex with at the same time. I loved him. I thought he was sexy, manly, masculine and all wolf. He also knew what respect was and how to treat a woman. It was beautiful when it all came crashing to him of what Chelsea was to him. I just wanted to hug him and never let go.
I also liked the fresh plot, having not read something so intense in quite a long time. I loved Byrd's descriptions, the intensity of the chemistry between, the sizzling electricity that even I could feel, and her characters. They were all unique and damaged in their own way.
I gave it a 4 because it was a great read. It didn't bore me, it kept me at my toes and it made me blush a few time. I thought that the main characters were very well developed and described. It was also well written and had a sense of sophistication. I didn't give it a 5 because it didn't wow me. But overall, I love this book and I am definitely going to read more books by the author.
I was kind of skeptical at first, having read so many werewolf romance that were badly written, lacking in sophistication and overall so damn predictable that it was infuriating.
I was however, pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.
For starters its got a really great beginning, and I don't mean the setting itself, I mean the heroine herself. I actually liked her for the first time. Chelsea displayed bravery, courage and pure determination despite her fear. She was unwilling to back down from her goal even though three big men had warned her off and told her that things aren't what they seem.
Yeah, she was a bit dumb and reckless as the story went on, but I loved her personality. She was damaged from her past experiences which lead her to act the way she did with Eric. I don't blame her. I really don't. She was mentally abused by her father and lived with a permissive mother who never went against her husband's word. It would seem almost fairy-tale like if she'd agreed to everything.
And Eric, oh Eric. He was one, hot, self-loathing wolf who you just want to hold and cuddle and have hot hot sex with at the same time. I loved him. I thought he was sexy, manly, masculine and all wolf. He also knew what respect was and how to treat a woman. It was beautiful when it all came crashing to him of what Chelsea was to him. I just wanted to hug him and never let go.
I also liked the fresh plot, having not read something so intense in quite a long time. I loved Byrd's descriptions, the intensity of the chemistry between, the sizzling electricity that even I could feel, and her characters. They were all unique and damaged in their own way.
I gave it a 4 because it was a great read. It didn't bore me, it kept me at my toes and it made me blush a few time. I thought that the main characters were very well developed and described. It was also well written and had a sense of sophistication. I didn't give it a 5 because it didn't wow me. But overall, I love this book and I am definitely going to read more books by the author.
January 26, 2013
Dark has never been so sexy! An original paranormal romance read that I’m definitely adding to my pile of rereads! Dark Wolf Rising was a great reading experience for me especially since it’s my first time escaping with anything by Rhyannon Byrd (great job Rhyannon!) A MUST read (in my eyes) for all fans of paranormal romance :)
Chelsea is on a mission to find her missing sister, Perry. Weeks in to her search, she finds herself getting closer to finding Perry. But she’s running out of funds and has also run into a slight wall. A very hot wall of muscle and man named Eric. He demands she removes herself from the land she is currently resting on. Chelsea, being the strong, determined and very stubborn woman she is, refuses. From that point on there on many things… change.
I adore a hot alpha male and let me tell you… Eric is 100% alpha hotness! He is a pure lycan, practically royalty in the eyes of his fellow lycans. But (sadly) he’s also considered unsafe, a loose cannon and a dark danger to all. He is most definitely undeserving of those negative labels but cannot bring himself to argue. That is until he meets the full of spunk human, Chelsea and begins to see everything in a whole new light. Darkness be damned!
This is the 4th book in the Bloodrunners series and can definitely be read as a stand-alone without the reader feeling lost. I love the concept of this story and the way it brings those that are ‘not supposed to be’ together, together in the very best of ways. We all know once fate has its hands in the pot, all you can do is ride it out and let nature take its course. I plan to go back to the start of the series and read them all up, and then look into what other goodies this author has out there :)
Chelsea is on a mission to find her missing sister, Perry. Weeks in to her search, she finds herself getting closer to finding Perry. But she’s running out of funds and has also run into a slight wall. A very hot wall of muscle and man named Eric. He demands she removes herself from the land she is currently resting on. Chelsea, being the strong, determined and very stubborn woman she is, refuses. From that point on there on many things… change.
I adore a hot alpha male and let me tell you… Eric is 100% alpha hotness! He is a pure lycan, practically royalty in the eyes of his fellow lycans. But (sadly) he’s also considered unsafe, a loose cannon and a dark danger to all. He is most definitely undeserving of those negative labels but cannot bring himself to argue. That is until he meets the full of spunk human, Chelsea and begins to see everything in a whole new light. Darkness be damned!
This is the 4th book in the Bloodrunners series and can definitely be read as a stand-alone without the reader feeling lost. I love the concept of this story and the way it brings those that are ‘not supposed to be’ together, together in the very best of ways. We all know once fate has its hands in the pot, all you can do is ride it out and let nature take its course. I plan to go back to the start of the series and read them all up, and then look into what other goodies this author has out there :)
January 11, 2016
I liked the premise of this book and the plot was action packed and great for the most part. Chelsea is looking for her wild child sister and accidentally falls into Lycan territory. Eric sexy thing he is gets stuck dealing with her and what a trial that turns out to be. He has to escort her off pack property and strongly suggests she go home and leave it to him to find her little sister. She of course is headstrong and stubborn and tries to infiltrate the club her sister was last seen at. She winds up drugged so eric has to save her then has to administer a...rather unusual cure while keeping himself and his wolf in check. Reluctantly he brings her into the fold and reveals his secret. Surprisingly she accepts it rather well and then we have some steamy almost sex scenes that keep getting interrupted (the first couple times it was kinda funny but it got annoying pretty fast). Eric tries to fight the attraction because he doesnt believe that she is his true mate and is worried about hurting her. Eventually everything comes to a crescendo and we find out that they are true mates and the bratty ungrateful little sister comes home safe.
Eric is a dream man or wolf rather. hes hot and strong but sweet with a really adorable protective side. Chelsea was less thrilling. Ill be the first to say i love a strong independent woman but her hangups went too far and ended up making her a little unattractive. i understand her background and why she would feel the way she did but when you really care for someone you work through it instead of running. I agree with other reviewers that he deserved a better mate. then the ending wrapped up a little quicker than seems realistic. You can read the series out of order i didnt realize this was the fourth in the series!
Eric is a dream man or wolf rather. hes hot and strong but sweet with a really adorable protective side. Chelsea was less thrilling. Ill be the first to say i love a strong independent woman but her hangups went too far and ended up making her a little unattractive. i understand her background and why she would feel the way she did but when you really care for someone you work through it instead of running. I agree with other reviewers that he deserved a better mate. then the ending wrapped up a little quicker than seems realistic. You can read the series out of order i didnt realize this was the fourth in the series!
April 18, 2013
This one is FREE today, 4/18/2013, at Amazon.
This is book four in the Bloodrunners series by Rhyannon Byrd. I haven't read the first three, but I quickly was brought up to speed as to what was going on. By reading this book first, you will be spoiled for what went on in the previous books. That doesn't bother me, but it might for some.
I was quickly pulled into this shifter world. Eric Drake is a very hot alpha Lycan, with a few control issues. Chelsea is a determined human, determined to find her missing sister.
I really enjoyed the first part of the book. Fast paced and kept me guessing. Once we knew what was going on (the bad guys really are pretty hideous) and Eric and Chelsea were getting closer, that led to some very steamy scenes. I didn't quite understand the whole "dark wolf" thing, though.
I wasn't as fond of Chelsea's sister, Perry. She seemed very flat and unlikeable. And some scenes where some emotion could have been shown, were just skimmed over. Chelsea was all about finding her, and then a band-aid was slapped on and I was left feeling: What the heck?
The Pack confrontation (not a spoiler, as you know there is going to be one) was very well done.
I felt the ending was tied up rather neatly, but with loose peripheral ends so that there can be more books in the series.
It was a pretty steamy way to spend a few hours.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Nocturne, for the opportunity to read DARK WOLF RISING.
This is book four in the Bloodrunners series by Rhyannon Byrd. I haven't read the first three, but I quickly was brought up to speed as to what was going on. By reading this book first, you will be spoiled for what went on in the previous books. That doesn't bother me, but it might for some.
I was quickly pulled into this shifter world. Eric Drake is a very hot alpha Lycan, with a few control issues. Chelsea is a determined human, determined to find her missing sister.
I really enjoyed the first part of the book. Fast paced and kept me guessing. Once we knew what was going on (the bad guys really are pretty hideous) and Eric and Chelsea were getting closer, that led to some very steamy scenes. I didn't quite understand the whole "dark wolf" thing, though.
I wasn't as fond of Chelsea's sister, Perry. She seemed very flat and unlikeable. And some scenes where some emotion could have been shown, were just skimmed over. Chelsea was all about finding her, and then a band-aid was slapped on and I was left feeling: What the heck?
The Pack confrontation (not a spoiler, as you know there is going to be one) was very well done.
I felt the ending was tied up rather neatly, but with loose peripheral ends so that there can be more books in the series.
It was a pretty steamy way to spend a few hours.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Nocturne, for the opportunity to read DARK WOLF RISING.
March 9, 2016
THE DARK WOLF
A Dark Wolf bloodline is the purest of the Lycan Race. They are the most primal and powerful of their kind. Visceral. Predatory. Creatures of Instinct and hunger.
They are the potential for all things good and evil.
And when it comes to humans…they are a deadly nightmare just waiting to happen.
Thanks to the publisher, Harlequin, and NetGalley for the chance to read Dark Wolf Rising early - it feels like I have been waiting forever - oh wait...I have! Totally worth the wait!
I discovered the Blood Runners series after reading Rhyannon Byrd’s Primal Instinct series; it was the first Nocturne imprint I read – I was instantly hooked. It is always a struggle for me to put a Ryhannon Byrd novel down, and this one was no exception…it held my attention from the very first page.
Even though, this is the fourth in the series it can be read as a standalone without missing a beat. This unique supernatural world isn’t a complex one; the reader is quickly made to feel right at home...as if you have lived in the Alley forever.
I highly recommended this installment for all paranormal romance lover (especially those with a penchant for sexy shape shifter stories!
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
December 10, 2012
Eric Drake is a powerful Dark Wolf from two of the purest bloodlines.
Chelsea Smart is an audacious woman with an overprotective streak and no time for being told what to do.
Eric is called to Silvercrest because someone is refusing to leave their land. However Eric gets more than he bargains for when he comes face to face with the fiery Chelsea. Even though secretly she thinks Eric is the largest and sexiest man she has ever seen Chelsea is determined to find her missing sister. When Eric tell her she must leave as it is not safe for her to stay Chelsea is more than happy to tell him what she really thinks by flipping him the bird and pulling a gun on him.
Later it is discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a sadistic pack but can Chelsea put her trust in Eric to help her.
Rhyannon Byrd has returned to the Bloodrunners with one of the best books of any genre I have read this year.
The Bloodrunners was the series that hooked me into reading paranormal and I waited for this book and let me just say it out did all of my expectations and was so much better than I could have imagined.
Chelsea Smart is an audacious woman with an overprotective streak and no time for being told what to do.
Eric is called to Silvercrest because someone is refusing to leave their land. However Eric gets more than he bargains for when he comes face to face with the fiery Chelsea. Even though secretly she thinks Eric is the largest and sexiest man she has ever seen Chelsea is determined to find her missing sister. When Eric tell her she must leave as it is not safe for her to stay Chelsea is more than happy to tell him what she really thinks by flipping him the bird and pulling a gun on him.
Later it is discovered that Chelsea's sister is being held by a sadistic pack but can Chelsea put her trust in Eric to help her.
Rhyannon Byrd has returned to the Bloodrunners with one of the best books of any genre I have read this year.
The Bloodrunners was the series that hooked me into reading paranormal and I waited for this book and let me just say it out did all of my expectations and was so much better than I could have imagined.
December 1, 2012
Finally, we get to continue the Bloodrunners storyline. It has been several years since we have had another installment in this series. And truthfully, I thought I probably wouldn't have remembered where we left off. But even though I can't remember the finer details of the previous 3 books, it was easy to slide back into the series. Chelsea is a stubborn, hard headed woman, who doesn't relax enough to actually "live" life. And when her sister disappears, she is hell bent on finding her and bringing her home, whether she likes it or not. Eric has been dealt a hard blow by his father and the remaining "elite" members of the pack, so he now resides with the Bloodrunners. But once he gets one whiff of Chelsea, she becomes his sole focus. Nothing worth anything comes easy right? They don't have a "fairytale" courtship, but it is a passionate ride all the same. Eric has to rescue Chelsea in more ways than one, and in turn she rescues him. Great addition to the series, can't wait to read the next one.
***ARC provided by netgalley
***ARC provided by netgalley
December 29, 2013
I'm not really a fan of the Bloodrunners. I remember "liking" only the first book out of three, even if the world building was interesting.
Dark Wolf Rising adds confusion to whatever problem I thought I found in the first 3 novels. Yes, we are recapped some of the past events, but without any real explanation. After 4 years, I fear it wasn't enough.
The romance was actually the best part, no quick "we're mate" stuff, no immediate sex, no HEA just because. The only irritating nit was that she kept saying "no bites, no keep me down" without any explanations. There was a moment when I thought she might have been assaulted, but we were given no explanation for her request. Yes, we are told she wants/needs to be in control, but how these two things were related to loss of control was never clear to me (above all the biting). Yes she's not one who trusted easily. Still...
To be honest, I'm not sure why this book (and series) is nothing more than ok to me.
For fans of PNR
Dark Wolf Rising adds confusion to whatever problem I thought I found in the first 3 novels. Yes, we are recapped some of the past events, but without any real explanation. After 4 years, I fear it wasn't enough.
The romance was actually the best part, no quick "we're mate" stuff, no immediate sex, no HEA just because. The only irritating nit was that she kept saying "no bites, no keep me down" without any explanations. There was a moment when I thought she might have been assaulted, but we were given no explanation for her request. Yes, we are told she wants/needs to be in control, but how these two things were related to loss of control was never clear to me (above all the biting). Yes she's not one who trusted easily. Still...
To be honest, I'm not sure why this book (and series) is nothing more than ok to me.
For fans of PNR
December 7, 2012
Chelsea Smart arrives in Silvercrest with no plan to leave until she finds her missing sister. When she encounters Eric Drake who is determined to get her to leave, she is confused by the attraction she feels for the bossy man and his suggestion that he looks into her sisters disappearance and wait for the information. Chelsea is not one to hand over the reigns, but she has no idea Eric is a Dark Wolf and quite powerful. Each one is determined to the push the other away as the chemistry between them builds and Eric has no plans of taking a human mate, nor does Chelsea want a man controlling her life.
Full review on CataRomance
http://cataromance.com/2012/12/review...
Full review on CataRomance
http://cataromance.com/2012/12/review...
December 11, 2012
I have the worst habit of reading a book only to then realise that it's a part of a series which is exactly what I did with this one. This is the fourth book in the Bloodrunner series and while there are some plot points from earlier books I in no way felt like I was lost. I really liked this book, enough in fact that I went back and downloaded the first three books and am looking forward to learning a little more of this world and what happened to make Eric feel the way he does toward his father and way the town feels divided about him and his sister. Thankfully Chelsea came along and brought a little happiness into his life, because he really needed the love of a strong woman. Looking forward to reading more of this series and author.
December 18, 2012
Even though this is book four in the bloodrunner series it can easily be read as a stand alone. There is enough background information dotted within the story to put you up-to-date with the over all story-arc without boring those readers who have read the previous books. I really enjoyed the story and the interaction between Eric and Chelsea was interesting enough for me to keep reading even when I wanted to bash their heads together for being so stupid.
October 23, 2013
I knew going into this that it was out of order but I thought I would give it a shot anyway. I had no issues at all. I thought that this was fast paced and well written. I loved Eric. But Chelsea got on my nerves. Not right away but towards the end she made one to many mistakes. How many times will she act foolish? Too many to count. But I would love to read about the other Blood Runners and see how the previous couples got together.
December 14, 2012
Really great to get back to the world of the bloodrunners! The heroine was a bit hard to take she is not exactly likable.... Though she finally gets her act together in the end! The hero was total alpha male yumminess.
January 12, 2013
Eric Drake was such a great character that I felt like he didn't deserve Chelsea Smart (smart, really?? almost ironic). Besides that, the story with them was pretty passionate. I love seeing all the couples (and Cian) all together. Jillian standing up for Eric was very honorable and great to see .
March 3, 2014
You know that you are hooked when you cannot find a good enough reason to put the book down.
June 29, 2022
3.5 stars
I'd been given Byrd's name as an author I'd probably enjoy, so I was excited to see this offered on netgalley and jumped at the chance to read.
Granted, this is a series, and yes, I did start with book 4. If I was a patient sort of person, I probably would've started with book 1 and worked my way to this, but alas, I am not. For the most part, I understood what was going on, but there were issues that came up in here that I know were spoilers for earlier books. So, that's your warning on that.
From the beginning, I was hooked in this book. The first 50% I was totally on board, interested and intrigued, completely enjoying.
And then the second half of the book came.
Several things just started bothering me. For one thing, the repeated denial of anything being able to happen with Eric & Chelsea. I mean...I get it. He's a DARK WOLF and she's just a lowly human and blah, blah, blah, but honestly. The readers aren't stupid. You don't need to tell them the same thing 15 times for them to understand it.
Second, in the last quarter of the book, Chelsea got on my last nerve. I love that she's strong and independent, but--just as with making your alpha males hot without being possessive, controlling assholes--there is a fine line an author has to walk with self-assured, strong women so as to not make them into man-hating bitches. Unfortunately, Chelsea came across as the latter to me. And...why? I mean, why was she like this? We never really got into the depth of what caused her to be this way except for a very brief glimpse into what her father did.
And the climax of the book--the conflict(s) that came up--were handled poorly, in my opinion. I didn't care for Chelsea's reaction. At. All.
Finally, I could not buy her complete 180 in such a short period of time. Too much, too much, too much. Sometimes less is more, authors. S'all I'm sayin'.
However, even with all those negative points, I did enjoy the world, and Byrd's writing (with the exception of the passages of telling she is very fond of. Don't tell us someone said something...just have them say it). And the sex scenes were UNFy hot. It's so hard to find good PNR that I enjoy that I'll definitely be checking out more of her work and hoping I click a little better with the characters.
I'd been given Byrd's name as an author I'd probably enjoy, so I was excited to see this offered on netgalley and jumped at the chance to read.
Granted, this is a series, and yes, I did start with book 4. If I was a patient sort of person, I probably would've started with book 1 and worked my way to this, but alas, I am not. For the most part, I understood what was going on, but there were issues that came up in here that I know were spoilers for earlier books. So, that's your warning on that.
From the beginning, I was hooked in this book. The first 50% I was totally on board, interested and intrigued, completely enjoying.
And then the second half of the book came.
Several things just started bothering me. For one thing, the repeated denial of anything being able to happen with Eric & Chelsea. I mean...I get it. He's a DARK WOLF and she's just a lowly human and blah, blah, blah, but honestly. The readers aren't stupid. You don't need to tell them the same thing 15 times for them to understand it.
Second, in the last quarter of the book, Chelsea got on my last nerve. I love that she's strong and independent, but--just as with making your alpha males hot without being possessive, controlling assholes--there is a fine line an author has to walk with self-assured, strong women so as to not make them into man-hating bitches. Unfortunately, Chelsea came across as the latter to me. And...why? I mean, why was she like this? We never really got into the depth of what caused her to be this way except for a very brief glimpse into what her father did.
And the climax of the book--the conflict(s) that came up--were handled poorly, in my opinion. I didn't care for Chelsea's reaction. At. All.
Finally, I could not buy her complete 180 in such a short period of time. Too much, too much, too much. Sometimes less is more, authors. S'all I'm sayin'.
However, even with all those negative points, I did enjoy the world, and Byrd's writing (with the exception of the passages of telling she is very fond of. Don't tell us someone said something...just have them say it). And the sex scenes were UNFy hot. It's so hard to find good PNR that I enjoy that I'll definitely be checking out more of her work and hoping I click a little better with the characters.
August 26, 2019
I read one of this series AGES ago so when I finally got around to reading this book, I was excited. I don't know the series storyline, I only have this book to go by. But here goes.
Eric was awesome. A little dense about trusting himself and his wolf, which is weird as if his bloodline is so pure, wouldn't he be closer to his wolf than normal Lucas? But still awesome hero.
The plot was interesting and engaging, with plenty of outside action to keep our couple busy.
Editing was fine. I didn't notice anything th here.
But Chelsea sucked with her sexist bigotry. I mean, I understand having trust issues but trust issues does not a bigot make. She so passed trust issues into straight up bigotry and to be so nasty in one scene towards Eric, even IF she was in denial, was really hateful. She wasn't an evil person, but honestly, the 'misunderstanding' the main couple was having to create conflict ticked me off. I don't even see why he fell in love as she really became a man-hater and would throw out comments about men. Bad experience or not, most normal adjusted people understand not all men (or women or ethnic groups) are the same and there are bad individuals, but not ALL of them are. It's complete bigotry. Big turn off as it occupied much of the book. At least Eric's dislike of humans at first wasn't bigotry, exactly. He didn't automatically say or do or think anything negative about ALL humans that led him to be irrational like Chelsea clearly was.
That kind of ruined things for me in this book. I will read more in this series because the story itself and the romantic scenes were awesome enough I'm curious about how much better the others must be!
Eric was awesome. A little dense about trusting himself and his wolf, which is weird as if his bloodline is so pure, wouldn't he be closer to his wolf than normal Lucas? But still awesome hero.
The plot was interesting and engaging, with plenty of outside action to keep our couple busy.
Editing was fine. I didn't notice anything th here.
But Chelsea sucked with her sexist bigotry. I mean, I understand having trust issues but trust issues does not a bigot make. She so passed trust issues into straight up bigotry and to be so nasty in one scene towards Eric, even IF she was in denial, was really hateful. She wasn't an evil person, but honestly, the 'misunderstanding' the main couple was having to create conflict ticked me off. I don't even see why he fell in love as she really became a man-hater and would throw out comments about men. Bad experience or not, most normal adjusted people understand not all men (or women or ethnic groups) are the same and there are bad individuals, but not ALL of them are. It's complete bigotry. Big turn off as it occupied much of the book. At least Eric's dislike of humans at first wasn't bigotry, exactly. He didn't automatically say or do or think anything negative about ALL humans that led him to be irrational like Chelsea clearly was.
That kind of ruined things for me in this book. I will read more in this series because the story itself and the romantic scenes were awesome enough I'm curious about how much better the others must be!
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